I was born and raised here in central Wisconsin, and always loved art. My high School art Teacher thought I should pursue it as a career, I decided not to, and have regretted that decision ever since. I stumbled across this site a few years back and became enthralled with all of the amazing artwork on display, I was in Nirvana, able to shed the days stress by viewing what everyone was doing. It didn’t take long before I started saving artists to my favorites, and in doing so, started to add stress back into my life. The list had grown so large, that it soon became impossible to always comment even with just a few words, for the work they all had posted.  So,…if you’re reading this and wonder as to why I don’t always remark on something you’ve done, it’s not because your talent or post wasn’t worthy, but simply because I don’t have the time. For that, I apologize most sincerely.
I am divorced, with three incredible children, my youngest is now seventeen, going on 28. I don’t think I’m going to allow her to date until probably her forties. I’m currently in a relationship, and have been for more than just a few years ( too long to not have a ring yet,….at least in her eyes. ), with the most amazing woman. It’s nice to feel loved and cared for, but I don’t feel as if I deserve her sometimes.
Cheri is a new member here, posting under elfin14doaks. It took me well over a year to get her to check this site and you all out, but now that she has, I think she's found her niche. Thank you all so much for welcoming and accepting her, I don't recall ever seeing her happier. I may have helped to create a monster though, used to be she rarely turned her computer on, now it's the first thing she does when she gets home. Her first endeavor, is to scan through all of her folders of photos, to try and find something worthy of you to post, then she'll spend hours going through the galleries, commenting on everything that catches her eye. You all have helped to create and instill a sense of purpose in her life,......for that I thank you!!
I’m hoping to finally be able to purchase that which I feel I need, in order to someday be able to start creating and posting art of my own. Until then, I really don’t feel as though I could ever be critical of anything someone posts here, it wouldn’t be fair, to not have exposed myself to the same. I love this community and the people in it, I don’t think it possible to find such a large and diverse group of caring and nurturing individuals anywhere else.
I came because of the art,……..but stayed because of you!!  Â
Comments (20)
elfin14doaks
I may not act the part all the time, but I am a big brave dog! I can do this watch me. I'll beat this angel I won't let you down.
Challenger09
Without a doubt the Community of Renderosity as well as the community at large sends its love and support to you both!
clbsmiley
Dave you write with your heart. And Cheri is a big part of your heart! Hopefully your "friends" will feel better soon. All will be well, have faith. Get some sleep, worrying can not help. Play some nice music. I will talk to you tomorrow. Nice picture of Cheri too. Your friend Cheryl
mickeyrony
Nothing in our lives has sence of the times my friend. Atrocities fall to us their distresses without embarrassments like my friend. I am with you. All everywhere have hears this word C And which inversions, sadnesses and désarois. You know my mother died of a cancer of the pancreas and she said to me. You know Michel I would thus have spend the good moments of the every day that those of my other life which destroys me with small fire. Keep in your heart the joys of a smile Because it is Divin for the attacked people of this plague. ((5++)) Rien dans nos vies a du sence des fois mon ami . Les atrocitées nous incombes de leurs détresses sans gênes comme mon ami . Je suis avec toi . Tout partout ont entend ce mot C Et quels renversements, tristesses et désarois . Tu sais ma mère est morte d'un cacer du pancréas et elle me disait . Tu sais Michel j'aurais donc du vivre les bons moments de tout les jours que ceux de mon autre vie qui me détruit à petit feu . Gardez dans votre coeur les joies d'un sourire Car il est Divin pour les personnes attaquées de ce fléau . ((5++))
HADCANCER
I will say a prayer for her. As one who was told I had cancer and had less that a year to live 5 plus years ago. It can be beaten back. I read that Breast cancer has one of the best survial rates, so keep the faith Rick
beachzz
Know you both will be in my prayers--and tell Cheri I'll add lots more to help her thru this.
auntietk
You know I'm here for you both, my dear. You can scam my contact info off Cheri's computer, and give me a yell if you need me!
Butchpfd
Elfin, my wife and I send you our special wishes and prayers. My Cindy is an 11 year Breast Cancer survivor. It can be beaten. You must stand together on fighting this. She will need to be aggressive both in treatment and in spirit it will be a tough struggle. It took my Cindy 2 1/2 years to beat it. You will have to be strong for her and put what her needs are first. It can be done. In this world of stress you have been dropped into, remember love and prayer will always be needed. If you ever need any advice just contact us through this site. God Bless and Protect Butch and Cindy
wysiwig
It just never f**king ends does it! Men aren't supposed to cry, are they? Just hold her very close and give her all the support you can and know that everyone who reads this is pulling for Cheri.
Autumn_Rains
What an excellent way to tell such sad news, I'm glad that you have both kept your wits and humour, it will stead you well.......... But Cheri, your not just going to beat this... Your going to wipe the floor with it!!!!!!!!!!! You are BOTH in my prayers. xx Hayley
micajo49203
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm an eleven year cancer survivor. Dave...the worst part is the waiting. Once the treatment plan is in place...the kicking a$$ will ensue. I am here for you both.
jendellas
I have only known you both for such a short time BUT I feel we are all part of this lovely community. I will certainly send my positive thought & prayers to Cheri & you Dave to help her through the weeks ahead. We are all here, whatever you want to share. Love to you both, Barbara. xxxxxxxx
Rainastorm
The one and only thing that will get you through this is sticking together. It brings tears to my eyes to read this...saying sorry to you both is not what you want/need to hear...you want to hear everything will be OK. I can't tell you, no one can, that. We can tell you were all here to support you along the way...be it a long journey or short. And Dave, as for your question how you patiently wait...you just do...when my son first went into the hospital that first night they told me not to expect him to be alive by morning....waiting was never longer in my life....but I stood there by his side holding his hand talking to him...waiting. We almost lost him four times that first week, it was hell. Allot of waiting...Its not easy, its not fun...but the best thing I can suggest is to talk...talk with family, talk with friends, especially talk to each other. It will make things easier to bare. You folks are in my thoughts and prayers...
2121
Dave, my thoughts are with you, thanks for being so brave and sharing. that is part of the battle.
ShadowsNTime
Please know that I am here also for support should you need me. Wonderfully written Dave, hugs to you both! (from Tanner too)
chasfh
My thoughts are with you both. As you say, some of us just never seem to have enough to face at any one time, but face it we do, and we go on. I return the advice you gave me. You can't win if you give up. I know you won't give up, I know you're both strong enough, individually as well as together, and you have all the love and support of your friends and family too. I will be thinking of you both, I wish I could do more than that, I really do. If all I can do is offer support as a friend, then you have it by the ton! I'm right there for you, every step of the way...
myrrhluz
The C word has laid its foul, hated hand on someone very dear to me as well. You are both in my thoughts. I wish you strength and good fortune in your struggle.
Chipka
Even during my long periods of silence, I'm here for you both! My aunt survived breast cancer for years only to succumb to one of its vigorous cousins, and so I am familiar with the horrors that even thinking the dreaded "C" word can inspire, but on the flipside of that, nothing is invincible and I have yet another friend to thank for showing me that...she's gone into remission and has decided to do all of the things that she never got around to doing...thankfully she hasn't decided to take up skydiving yet...but knowing her, she'll probably get around to it. The point is, though, everyone touches everyone else's lives and it's good to know that there is a community of people here who do more than post pretty pictures and such, and I'm proud to be a part of that, even when I don't have internet access. You have a friend here--and a few others, I'm sure...and heck, you even have a few crazy friends in Russia and the Czech Republic! And hopefully, if there's anything we can say or do, let us know!
bmac62
Bum situation but a great and very thoughtful description Dave. I'm one of those folks who believes in the power of prayer. Cheri goes to the top of the list! Bill:)
Buffalo1
I'll throw some prayers and good vibes Cheri's way, Dave. Breast cancer is very beatable. I know she will make it! The ex works with cancer patients as one of those mammo techs. They have to "squeeze 'em tight, to get it right" and they really dislike hurting patients. I am aware that is cold comfort when Cheri is in the machine. Lots of new technology coming up that should remedy the discomfort, though. I love the Chicago pics and stories!