No Newsletter Articles for a Few Days

I'm taking a few days off at doctors' recommendations. There will not be any new articles in this newsletter for the next few days. Next Sunday's weekly Plus Edition newsletter will be combined into the following week's edition.

Sadly, this is not a vacation. On Thursday morning I got an unexpected trip to a local hospital's emergency room when I lost my vision and developed a bunch of other unhealthy symptoms. I was diagnosed and then admitted as a patient. I'll be out of circulation for a while.

The diagnosis is that I have had some sort of a major diabetic reaction that caused all sorts of problems. The interesting thing is that, until Thursday, I didn't know that I was a diabetic!

I expect to be back on my feet in a few days.

Comments

[Marian Thompson]

Dick,
There is not much more I can add to what has already been said by so many. Diet and exercise worked wonders for my son so I know they work. Like everyone else I look forward to you returning to my mail box when you are healthier and ready to visit us again. My prayers are with you.
Marian

[Susan]

Hello Dick,
So sorry to hear about your diabetes emergency, please don't come back though until you are really ready, although, as you can tell, we will much miss you here.

Best wishes,
Susan S.

[Patty McCormack]

Wow, what a frightening way to find out you're a diabetic! I'm so sorry this happened this way but glad you know now and can treat it.

Family and health come first always...take your time in getting back with us, we can wait. No news that may come down is more important than your well being.

Prayers coming your way...
Patty McCormack

[Happy Dae]

Get well soon, Dick.
You will be missed, but don't make a habit of this, OK?

All the best to you.

Happy Dae.
http://www.ShoeStringGenealogy.com
(with new "winter" look)

[Jayne]

Our prayers are with you Dick. We'll miss you.

All the best to you. (listen to what the drs tell ya.

Jayne
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com

[Anne]

I'll miss the newsletter, but taking care of yourself is more important. Get well soon.

[Bette Butcher Topp]

I know that you will do what you are advised and thus get your health problem back under control. We depend on you for all the various information that you give us so I send my prayers and wishes for your quick bounce back. Good to know now that you are diabetic instead of going into a como and then really have the fight of your life.
Best wishes, Dick - am sure that it will take you forever to read all the well wishes. See how much we all depend on you and your newsletter.
Bette

[Bob Berkley]

Dick: I am sorry about how you found out that you are a diabetic. It was a shock to me when I found out that I was diabetic one morning without any symptoms at all. Follow what the Dr. tells you to do and you can have a normal life. This is not the end for sure!!!

[Nancy]

Dick,
Looking forward to your speedy recovery! Take care of that diabetis, pesky illness but treatable, do what the Dr. says!
Love the info you put out!
Nancy

[Elaine]

Dick,
So sorry to hear of your health emergency. Will keep you in my prayers. Take good care of yourself. Been a difficult several days for us. Thursday afternoon my husband received word from his doctor that he has cancer. Hopefully the New Year will be better healthwise for all. God Bless.

Elaine

[John M Dunlap]

I am so sorry to hear of your problems. I have it too and it is a mess keeping ahead of it. I will say a prayer for you, keep your chin up.

[Natalie]

Dick,

Take enough time out, Dick, to focus on your health. We'll be sending healing thoughts your way.

Natalie

[Margaret]

Dick,

Echoing all of the posters before me -- get well soon. Don't resume work too soon as stress is a factor in blood glucose problems also. I found out a year ago that I have pre-diabetes and have dropped weight, avoided sugars and added more exercise to my life. As a chocoholic, I hate the restrictions, but love good health too much to risk breaking the rules!

New habits replace old habits and you can find sugarless candies to enjoy -- also, Breyer's low carb sugar-free chocolate ice cream. It's so good that you think it must be bad for you!

Keep us posted on your progress and know that we are praying for a swift return to good health.

[Rose Mary]

Hi Dick,

Get well and forget about the newsletter for a while! Awfully sorry to hear about your health situation. Must have been terribly scary. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping you'll follow the doctor's directions. :)
Rose Mary

[Missie]

all that's left for me to say is "Dick, God Bless!!"

[Jennifer]

Get well soon Dick - change of life-style and habits, good health is priceless.
Best wishes,
Jennifer

[Frances. Hart]

Take it easy and in no time you will be writing like crazy. I will miss the almost daily Newsletters. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and no more hospital visits.
From Wisconsin. "Peg"Hart

[Walter J. Kehoe]

Dick
All the very best to you. I hope you and your family enjoy all the best of health in the many years that you have ahead. Get well soon.
Walter Kehoe

[Mary Holland]

Thank goodness you were able to get medical help quickly and a prompt diagnosis. Life as a diabetic isn't easy, especially at first, but you are intelligent so can quickly learn the rules and how to stick with them. Lots of technology out there for diabetics too! Glucose monitors by the score to try out and write about!! And cruises are not out of the question - I've been a diabetic for almost 20 years and managed to enjoy the food on the TMG cruise! [and I'm sure you can eat lobster without butter, can't you?]
Just take care of yourself - we can all wait for your recovery to see the next newsletter. It will be really special for us as we will know you are feeling so much better.
Diabetic diets are good for heart health too - don't know if that makes you feel better or not!
Anyway, listen to the Doctors, learn as much as possible about diabetes and practice what you learn. We need you around for a long time to come.
Mary

[Bobbi]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems and how you found out about them. Here is hoping you learn to cope with the diabetes and stick with it. My prayers are with you.

[Darlene Douglass]

I hope every newsletter subscriber adds their prayers and good wishes. You deserve it! Cheers, Darlene

[Liz]

I think you & your newsletter are just great! Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I'm sure there are many of us who rarely post but find your info SO helpful-- we're all pulling for you & look forward to your speedy & healthy return to the genealogy community. Sending good thoughts your way. Take care, Liz in L.A.

[Marcelle in NJ]

Feel better and take as much time as you need.

[Sharon]

Find joy in the journey toward good health. You are loved and needed.

[Sandra Tye]

So sorry to hear this news, but so glad you're still with us... Never mind the calories, look at the carbs [lower is better] and proteins [higher is better]... it's working for me... ..Double risk for genealogists, we have trouble getting up from in front of the computer to get some exercise.... somebody please invent a device to let us do both at the same time ! Good thoughts, and of course, prayers...

[Dave in NJ]

Take the opportunity for some well deserved rest, follow doctor's orders, and get well soon! We will be praying for your speedy recovery.

[Louise In WI]

Wishing you a speedy recovery..and listen to your doctor..

[Mary C Kanta]

Dick,
Make a quick recovery. On the bright side, how fortunate this happened after you got home. You could have been on the
cruise. With the prompt attention you received, we hope you will be on the mend in no time. Just take care of yourself.
God's blessings to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Mary Kanta

[Madolyn]

I got the same diagnosis 3 weeks ago, but it was just after a routine blood test. You certainly made a dramatic entrance to this new way of life. I'm sure you will make also a dramatic recovery, and will be taking very good care of yourself now that you had this scare. It feels like it will be a complicated process, but with good medical support and common sense, you will be fine. It is a state of mind thing, and I know with your sense of humor and great attitude things will progress just as you wish.

[Warren]

Rest and follow the doctor's orders. Wish you a speedy recovery.

[Alice from Charleston]

Wishing you a speedy recovery back to good health. That will happen when you follow the doctor's instructions. In fact, if you do, in many ways you'll be even healthier in the future.
Alice

[Susan]

All of us will be waiting for your return with aniticipation. I hope when you see all the messages from your well wishers you will realize you truly are appreciated and that it lifts your spirits.

[Jim Allen]

Since my wife was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 months ago, I can partially relate to what you are, & will be experencing. There is a little learning curve in determining how to adjust your diet and control your carbohydrate intake, deal with pills or, more likely, insulin shots, testing, etc. I think all your readers will agree that, having mastered both the fields of genealogy and technology as well as you have, learning to deal with diabetes should not be that big a problem. Here's hoping all the diabetes-related conditions are much better soon - - and we will all look forward to your postings in the future.

[Renee Waugaman]

Am very sorry to hear about your health problems. Will keep you in my prayers. May you regain your health quickly. God Bless.

[Don M]

Although we will miss our frequent dose of Dick Eastman for a while, take the time you need to get this situation under control! We will all look forward to your return to good health and your wise advice.
Don

[Bette Larsen]

Dick, I will pray for you. Thank you for all you have done for us. Hope you get the diabetes under control soon and get well.

[Kathy Wilson]

Broken bones and now diabetes. With insulin and proper diet this too will mend. Take care and let us know how you are doing. I have learned a lot from reading your newsletter.

[Bernadine]

I was quite sorry to hear about your medical challenge. I pray you and your medical care team will resolve the challenge and you'll be back and writing your wonderful newsletter. Thank you so much for keeping us informed about the news in genealogy.

[Becky]

Dick - Sounds like you have a lot of support out there. You should consider a side-blog for diabetic genealogists to share the challenges. I'll miss your newsletter and look forward to its return. Prayers and good luck to you!

[Cathi]

Do take it easy. You will be missed, but we will be patient as your health is more important than anything.
Peace.

[David Eaton]

Sorry about your bad news. Good news is that doctors know what
you need to do plus a lot of your Eastman ancestors lived long
lives. You have those genes, too. Those, plus paying attention
to your doctors, should have you doing genealogy for a few more
generations. Just have the patience to not rush back too soon.
A lot of your friends think you have spent too many years doing
70 and 80 hour weeks trying to keep us abreast of all that is
new in genealogy. Put that on hold and work on your recovery.
That is more important to your family and your many friends from
all over the world.

[Peter]

All the best for a speedy recovery. Main thing is not to rush things - Nature doesn't like being pushed around.

[Gerry Savard]

Get well soon. We'll probably get withdrawal symptoms from not getting your great articles! One's health is tremendously important. Take care.

[Dale Williamson (Williamson Brothers)]

Dick, our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. My you see many more Christmases and genealogy cruises.

[Dick Hillenbrand]

We all wish you the very best and a speedy recovery.

[Michelle Stone]

Sorry to hear the news--please take your time to relax and get well. We will wait! Your health is more important than genealogy. We wish you all the best.

[Joyce]

Dick,

I echo everyone's best wishes .... take good care of yourself, and listen to your Dr. I, too, am borderline diabetic, and am trying to control it before it becomes a major problem. I've learned that there are HUGE numbers of us who have this problem ... far more than anyone knows. Luckily, you were diagnosed quickly and, hopefully, before any major damage was done. Our prayers are with you.

Joyce

[Denise Wells]

Dick:

Get well soon!

All my best.
Denise

[Juliana]

Dick,

Sending you good thoughts and prayers from the Szucs/Smith clan! Take care of yourself and get well soon!

Hugs,
Juliana, Lou, Bob, and the rest of the family

[Kathleen Tracy]

Dear Dick,

Keep your positive attitude. My best to you.

Kathleen

[Pat McIntyre]

Just wanted to express my wishes for your complete recovery of the symptoms that put you in the hospital. Being diabetic, I, too, know that you do not recover from it, but live with it. Diabetes runs in my paternal great grandmother's family, knowledge that is available from obtaining death certificates for our relatives. You are truly an inspiration to us all, and I agree with other well wishers that your health comes first. We can reread your newsletter articles in your archives while you take care of YOU.

Pat McIntyre

[Amelia]

wow. I'm so happy to see all these posts. You really are a treasure for all of us genealogy nuts and we want you to take care of yourself. Please let us know if there is anything we readers can do : ) The newsletter will be missed but you would be missed much more, so please do whatever the doctors tell you! : )
I know that I, for one, am signing up for the Plus Edition. Doctor's bills can be horrible, especially if you are self employed : ) Please take all the time you need and feel better.
affectionately,
Amelia

[Tar]

ALLOXAN a poison used to bleach white flour, when injected into rats causes DIABETES

http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/alloxan061605.cfm

[Lori]

Dear Dick,
Please take care and remember, we will be waiting right here when you get back ;) Maybe you can check to see if any of your ancestors were diabetic.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas,
Lori

[Laura]

Your name has been placed in our prayer book at church, so your well wishers is really growing by leaps and bounds. God bless for all the good work you do for fellow genealogists.

[Doris Wheeler]

Dear Dick,
So sorry you're ill! The good news is that now you can get the treatment you need. Diagnosis is 90% of the way to a cure, they say. We need you around for a long time. Rest, get well, mind the doctors and dream about next year's cruising season.

Merry Christmas!

Warm wishes,
Doris

[Dan Terry]

Dick,

You're news was deja vu - two years ago, been there, done that, got the T-shirt - couldn't see the computer monitor clearly then I couldn't see the price per gallon on the 10 foot high sign at the corner gas station. No amount of water would quench my thirst with the inevitable result of my spending more time in the bathroom than anyone ever wants to!

Diagnosis was a jolt - followed by medication and life saving education. You will adapt in your own way.

You must know you have so many behind you, rooting for you, by the many expressions of care and affection.

So take the time to heal and reverse the current symptoms. Come back to us when you are truly ready.

Until then, how can we help you? No matter the task, you just have to ask.

Every best wish,

Dan Terry
DeKalb County, Indiana GenWeb Coordinator

[Jack Carlson]

Get well soon. We miss you already. Diabetes is a controllable thing. Just be cautious and test yourself regularly.

[Cathie]

Dick,
Please take good care of yourself, you only get one body,and one time around. Take a break from addictive time at the computer. Perhaps they should have a 12 step program for us genealogists at the computer checking, investigating, etc. Diabetes is a serious illness, and we are so lucky to have life style changes, medication, and good old fashioned care and advise form our Dr.s and all of us who care for you.
My prayers are with you...
Cathie

[Renee Zamora]

Sorry to hear the news about your illness. Thank goodness you got medical attention quickly. While recovering make sure you take time to watch some funny movies, laughter is a great medicine and stress reliever. A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

[Bruce Hamilton]

I wish you a speedy recovery. For the best route to good health, I recommend Dr. Joel Fuhrman. See http://drfuhrman.com/disease/Diabetes.aspx

Regards,

--Bruce

[Ruth]

Hi Dick,
Don't try to rush getting back to work - we'd sooner wait for your daily newsletters a few weeks, than have you permanently disabled by hurrying back to work.
Ruth

[Sue Copeland]

Take care Dick, I really enjoy your newsletter and will miss it, but you take care of yourself first and when you're feeling better, maybe you can continue with it!! God Bless You!!

Sincerely,
Sue Copeland in Warner Robins GA

[Blaine]

Dick,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Louise]

Dick,
Sorry to hear about this. Take care of yourself so we'll have you around for many years to come!

[Pat Evans]

Dick:
You were very lucky. When this happened to my husband 7 years ago he had a heart attack and THAT'S how we found out he was diabetic. Your life will be a little different now but will be just as full - you just need to be a little more careful about eating and resting, and you'll probably have meds now. My husband needs insulin and several meds for his heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of discovery on how to live your life now. It's not hard if you just do what you're supposed to. We still take road trips and go camping - everything we did before!
Godspeed my friend. We're all anxious for you to get back up and doing your normal schedule!
Pat Evans

[LDrewitz]

Just rest, get well and stay well... We'll miss you - but your health is more important.

[Tar]

Dick: As a type II Diabetic for over 14 years, let me say something about Nutrition which is VITAL
Your 3 Genealogical cruses in such a brief time
with delicious, rich, tempting food put you in a Nutritional Disaster.
{
Dr.Roger J. Williams book "Nutrition against Disease" p.205-207 "White flour and bread ...is the fact that it will NOT support the life of weevills.{ants, rats}...the milling and baking industry ... is NOT interested in improving our daily bread {and cakes , pies, cookies, donuts, biscuits, crackers, waffles, etc.}
Actually "enriched flour"... should be be called "DEFICIENT flour"
Useful against diabetes are, onions, peanut butter {not the common hydrogenated kind, AND cinnamon
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.valdezlink.com/pages/rogerjwilliams.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060535679

[Jeff Hodge]

Dick,

Best wishes for a speedy diagnosis and recovery.

Jeff

[Joyce]

Sorry to hear of your illness. Take care and get well soon

[dianne dunaway]

Dick,
My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. While you will be sorely missed as you convalesce, take your time to heal properly and mind your doctor. We will be waiting.. mice in hand.. to hear from you again. \
Dianne

[Bob Pentecost]

Dick,

What a shock to read the news. You are now on our church prayer list. Please do what the doc's say to do. You will be missed for awhile as a great coach, informer and teacher. We'll wait for your recovery and return to the internet.

Bob

[Katharine]

Dick, take the time your body needs -- we can wait. I'm sending healing vibes your way.

[PJ Erdmann]

Best wishes Dick, our prayers are being sent for you to get better, and get back with us.
Pat

[J.D. Wilson]

Dick:

Please take care. Take plenty of time to recover fully.

J.D.

[Frenette Brown]

Just another note from a fan who will miss your newsletters- for a short time, I hope. Do take care of yourself and mind your doctors! And be well enough to enjoy Christmas!

[Joan Parker]

Hello Dick,
Let me add my voice to the many who are concerned for you. Please take care of yourself, learn to adjust your lifestyle and diabetes will be a "nuisance" but a livable situation. My sister learned she had diabetes many, many years ago, learned how to cope with it and treat it as instructed by her doctor and continued on with a normal life other than checking her blood sugar and taking the daily insulin she needed.

You are important to us and to the genealogy community in general. You have taught us so much and led us in the right direction so many times. Hurry back to us but only when you are 100 percent ready to do so.

You are in my prayers for a quick recovery from the symptoms and a healthy lifestyle from now on.
Joanie

[Cherill Vencil]

I just learned of your illness, Dick, and hope by now you are feeling much better. Take the time you need to recuperate. We will be glad of your return, whenever that is as your insights are much appreciated.
Cherill

[James Ogg]

I just returned to my email after an absence dealing with a family death and read your "I'm Back" email before I got to your email about taking some time off. Please do take some time!! There is NOTHING more important than your health and your family! We are all praying for you and look forward to your future emails!
JIM

[Dorothy]

I hope that you have a speedy recovery.

From your (probably 17th) cousin.

[Catherine]

Dick,

Hope the diabetes is quickly brought under control. Take time off to recover and to adapt to any changes you have to make. I enjoy the newsletter so much but it is more important that you take time to be healthy.

Take care,
Catherine

[Peggy]

Dear Dick,
Glad to hear that you're back, but please take it easy. Your health is much more important than the newsletter! (although you know how much all of us enjoy hearing from you.)
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Peggy

[Phil Figario]

Dick,
I just learned of your illness. In my experience your body sends out signals listen to them and take as much time as you need whenever you need to. You will be missed, but your health is more important. Take care, feel better and have a great holiday.
Phil

[Phillip Dunn]

Dick,

Please take good care! I have too many friends and close family members who suffered or who currently suffer with this malady! One of the contributing culprits to the pandemic of diabetes across this country not (yet!) acknowledged by most physicians, could be the white flour-ladened ingredient called Alloxan: it's a pancreas beta cell toxin to the susceptible, in similar manner as those susceptible to heart disease due to high cholesterol, etc. So, a word of caution to the 'wiseman' of the genealogical world: continue to eat properly (i.e. lotsa 'live' food!)! We and your family--including your ancestors--need you around, and for a very long time to come!

[Doreen]

Dick,
Please take time for yourself. We will all be here later.
I have type 2 diabetes, only being diagnosed this past year.

I know you will have the determination neeed to handle this.
Just half of the effort you put out for your great newsletter.

Take time to heal, thoughts and prayers are with you.

[N. Martin]

Dear Richard, Just logged on and discovered the news of your distressing health event. For heaven's sake and ours, please do take care. We really look forward to your news.

[Suzanne]

Hi Dick,

Just learned of your unexpected illness. Take good care of yourself and we will enjoy your enthusiasm and insight for many years to come! (And you'll probably start feeling much better, too.)

[Suzanne]

Hi Dick,

Just learned of your unexpected illness. Take good care of yourself and we will enjoy your enthusiasm and insight for many years to come! (And you'll probably start feeling much better, too.)

[Pat]

Hope all is going well.
Have a very Merry Christmas and wonderful 2008.