Very Sad News

I just visited Shaw’s place and found this post:

LIFE INTERRUPTS BLOGGING

A message to my blogging friends:  Thank you, everyone, for your fine contributions to this comment forum.

Unfortunately, a catastrophic event has just engulfed my family, and I'll probably not be blogging for a while.

(O)CT(O)PUS take the reins!

My older sister suffered a stroke that will probably end her life. In the early summer of 2009, I lost another sister. I understand that life brings these awful events to us all, and that we have to find the strength to get through the pain and suffering as our loved ones slip away from us. That's what I'll be dealing with over the next few days.

(O)CT(O), you have the keys to the blog. Use them as you wish.

Please keep me and my family in your thoughts. I'm not a religious person, but I do need the comfort and the support of my blogging friends just now.

Thank you.
Peace.
Shaw/Joanne

I feel especially heartbroken for Shaw. Two years ago, she lost another sister at a time when she herself was suffering major health problems. This represents another devastating loss for Shaw. Please visit her blog and leave a kind message. Meanwhile, I will do my best to keep her blog active while she is away, although the place is never the same without her magic touch. With this post, I am asking all creatures above and below the waves to help with contributions of posts and messages.