Posted by Elaine (209.105.134.112) on July 26, 1999 at 15:10:42:
Hi all Its been over a week now and I miss all of you that did not come to our mini convention.
I am having the best time, my dream is to met as many people who have CH and supporters as possible. The first clusterhead I met on this trip was Steve B. We had a wonderful lunch with him and his family. We talked about our CH and we laughed together, I felt a sadness as I left.
Next stop was Drummers. Drummer has been my punching bag since I came to the web site. I was very nervous when we drove up in his drive way. Drummer came out of the house and we huged each other. I was no longer nervous. Laurie, Drummer's wife, made me feel right at home. The fear of having a CH was in my mind. Drummer was the first to have a CH I watched and cried. I found out real quick that I suck as a supporter. It hurt me to see my friend in pain. I felt helpless, mad, and very sad. I was happy when the demon released my friend. Then the demon came after me. At first I was afraid, then it was obvious that Drummer and Laurie understood. I did not mind them seeing me with the oxygen mask on. I did feel like I had spoiled things for everyone.
Drummers children, Megan and Sara, have become very special to me.
Then time came that Kip and his wife Judy arrived. We were able to pick each other out at the airport. Again a hug made us relax. Laurie told me she had one rule for me when I have a CH and that was do not say "I am sorry". That night I had a level 10 CH I layed in the back yard with oxygen on and cried. But everyone left me alone and checked on me once in a while. I fell asleep in the grass and Drummer thought I was dead. It was the first time in 19 years that I felt comfortable having a CH outside my own home.
Then came Todd oh what a wonderful person. The same with Todd it was like we have known each other for years. Drummer was hit with a CH and Todd and I took a walk. We talked about our feelings knowing the demon had hold of our friend.
Then Barbara D arrived. What a caring woman she is. We spent the afternoon have a wonderful time all of us talking and laughing. Then Kip was hit by The demon. Drummer took .We all felt helpless. We all headed back to the motel. I was hit by the demon once more. Drummer and Barbara stayed with me outside on a picnic table. We talked and laughed during this CH. I was not embarassed.
The next day, Cathy and her husband Peter came to Drummer's. They were very nice people. I had been up all night and was not able to visit with them as I would have liked to.
I have had a great time here and have made life long friends. It has been a learning experince. I know the supporters have the worst job of all. It sucks. I know that we all handle the beast in a different way. Some walk. Some rock back and forth. Some cry, some must be on the floor. I have learned not to be ashamed of CH and not to fear a attack when away from home.
My journey is not over. I have one more Clusterhead to visit and I will post about that when I get home. I now know what the convention will be like and I think it will be wonderful for all.
Sunday as we were all gathered in Drummer's carport, Kip's wonderful wife had a seizure of some kind and had to be taken to the hospital. She was released this morning and she is doing well. It scared the hell out of all of us. Today everyone is fine.
I miss everyone and I will see you all soon. I wish all clusterheads and supporters could be here. The feeling is wonderful and hard to explain. Everyone who has clusters should plan to meet someone else who has clusters also. It is an eye-opening experience. I will see all of you August 1st. I hope all of you are having as good of a time as I am.