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Susie
09-13-2006, 12:45 AM
Hi

I have just had a long conversation with Lorraine who has asked if I can post these details

Unfortunately her grandfather passed away three weeks ago. Today she has just been informed that her 38 year old sister is dying in hospital in the UK and Lorraine is in a terrible state not knowing what to do.

Her L visa has expired and renewal has not come through. Her case is at the Vermont Service Centre and currently processing applications received in Aug 2006


Her case had a receipt date of May 2006 so should have been reviewed and either approved or denied by now.

Due to the urgency and sitiuation today her attorney spent over an hour on the phone to Vermont to no avail so called me for some help

Apparently her immigration attorney did not get her to file I 131 Advanced Parole/Travel document

This is what I suggested

1. Book info pass, which I did for her and earliest date is 18th Sept 06

2. Download I 131 forms, complete and take to appointment

3. Download second set of form I 131 (Without appointment) go to the Orlando Trade Port Drive office and explain the urgent need to speak with Immigration officer in the hope one will see her and approve emergency advanced parole.

4. Contact Kelly Griffiths of The Sentinel and Bill Ruffty of the Ledger. I will do this tomorrow

5. Call Congressman Dave Weldons office, I will do this tomorrow


Has anyone got any other ideas, if so please share


We must petition for an emergency compassionate visa!!
.

Susie
09-13-2006, 12:52 AM
Lorraines letter, posted by me at Lorraines request




IMMIGRATION PROBLEM

CASE NUMBER EAC 06 179 XXXXx Lorraine Butler Sofas4less

My family and I arrived here June last year 2005 on an L1 visa (new business start up). Our visa was issued for one year. We sent out renewal forms etc in on May 2005 to Vermont offices..They officially received the papers on the 31st May 2005 and said they would mail us a decision. I check the web site daily and the dates change every month or so . At present it says for I94 renewal L1 it is dealing with paperwork that arrived August 8th..

On the 27th of July my Grandfather whom I was extremely close to (lives in the UK) had a stroke.. I tried everything I could to get home to be with him, phoning USCIS , also my attorney calling but was unsuccessful and he passed away on the 3rd August with all his grandchildren round his bed except me.. I was also unable to go to his funeral which will stay with me for ever, I really can’t begin to explain the pain.. Also around the same dates my sister went into hospital for a major operation and was in intensive care for a while.. She seemed to be doing a little better and I phone daily speaking with my mum. Today I got home to messages from everyone my mum, aunty, and cousin explaining that my sister is gravely ill.. She is now like a skeleton, and delirious, and everyone fears the worst is going to happen again, my sister is 38 years of age. The pain when talking with my mum is unbearable not being able to be with her. She has just lost her father and god forbid may soon loose her youngest child… I really need to fly home and see my sister and mother. Could you please look into my case and see why it is taking so long .

Thanking you in advance

Kindest regards

Lorraine Butler

florida
09-13-2006, 01:01 AM
hello folks
i went through a similar situation with my wife, who is also called lorraine, as her dad was ill.
we went to trade port drive, and stood in the line, when we got to the door, and explained why we where there, we where told, we could leave the country whenever we want, but we would have to go to the embassy in london to secure our return.
possible not the news you would want to hear, but i hope you have better luck than we did.
we got our renewal, at a later date.
regards
florida

Bobby
09-13-2006, 01:49 AM
It's a very difficult situation, that nobody else can possibly decide for you.

It's down to how YOU feel about it. There's no easy solution. I don't think they give a sh*t at Tradeport Dr. They'll read out the rules to you and send you on your way. Which leaves you with the decision still. Shall I stay or shall I go?

Personally, I wouldn't have stayed here, way back when your grandfather took his stroke, but that's me. We're all made of different stuff. I'd have taken the chance then. You might have to make that choice now, and wish you'd done it earlier.

Just my thoughts, and nobody can tell you how YOU feel about it, but I'd be on the first plane. To hell with the immigration issues for now. Leave your manager in charge here and deal with it as you come through immigration when you return. You'll probably be taken for secondary questioning, but I'd take my chance and explain the whole situation and I'd guess the worst that could possibly happen is a few hours sweating over being turned back. I knew a guy who had overstayed about 3 times and got through each time, until finally they told him. "listen mate, we know you're not living in the UK any more and you're here more than you should be, so this is your last time" He left again and knew that he was never getting back through, but he still had a property to sell. He got back through one more time a few months later by meeting his Realtor at the airport who vouched for him and showed that he had a contract to sell his house and belongings and get out of the US for good. Strange situation that I'm sure doesn't appear in the training manual, but at least he got back to sort things out before they threw him out for good.
Not saying that this will happen to you Lorraine, but trying to show you that they DO know that you have a business here and your paperwork is in. The advancement of parole isn't guaranteed either. My wife had it and got taken for secondary questioning. It seemed to raise more red flags than just arriving on a visa.

Good luck with whatever decision you make. I don't envy your current position. Only YOU can decide how important it is.

Kind regards,

Bobby

PS. ...and just to cheer you up .......can we see your expensive rugs !

Grumpy
09-13-2006, 02:24 AM
Hi Lorraine

I can feel your pain and prayers are with you at this difficult time

As Bobby says, you alone have to make a choice, whether be it the right or wrong one, only you can decide.

Lets hope that as Susie knows Weldon, maybe she can get him to pick up the phone and get someone to listen, lets hope so

Also a very good idea to bring any case that causes distress or hardship of un expected emergency to the attention of the press

Would it help if committee wrote to the American embassy in London?

mark
09-13-2006, 02:51 AM
Hi Lorraine

I am so sorry, what more can I say except I will try to do some research and see if I can come up with anything that may help

Keep your chin up

JulieC
09-13-2006, 02:53 AM
I know of two people who have lost parents and not been able to get back to the UK for the funerals for the same reason. It would be nice to think they would grant you emergency parole but frankly I dont think they have any compassion and will just quote the rule book at you. They cant stop you leaving but you will need to return on visa waiver, will be taken for secondary questioning and then likely only be admitted for three months. Its a difficult decision.

Sharon
09-13-2006, 04:13 AM
Hi Lorraine

How terrible, I just do not know what to say, except

If your attorney is worth his weight in gold then he must know of a special department, phone or fax number to a supervisor

Have you called the Ombudsman's office? just a thought

Susie
09-13-2006, 05:26 AM
Hi Lorraine

How terrible, I just do not know what to say, except

If your attorney is worth his weight in gold then he must know of a special department, phone or fax number to a supervisor

Have you called the Ombudsman's office? just a thought

Hi

Yes I agree, sometimes it is not what you know but who you know

My previous immigration attorney had a good relationship with Stephen Fishel who was the head of the VO till Oct 2005 when he retired.

They are now working together with AILA to re-write statues regarding the CSPA as this act is badly written and needs a leglaslative fix

I will look up the contact details for the ombudman and post here asap

Susie
09-13-2006, 05:51 AM
Information on ombudsman complaint details

web site http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0482.xml

Department Structure


Submitting a Case Problem, CIS Ombudsman

CIS Ombudsman >> Case Problems >> Submitting a Case Problem

If you do decide to submit a case problem to the Ombudsman, please do so according to the following guidelines:

Step 1. Please write us a letter and provide the following information in the order set forth below to assist us in identifying your case. Providing this information is voluntary, but we may not be able to help you if your information is incomplete.

The full name of the person who the case is about;
The address of the person who the case is about;
The date of birth of the person who the case is about;
The country of birth of the person who the case is about;
The application/petition receipt number of the person who the case is about;
The “A” number of the person who the case is about;
The USCIS office at which the application/petition was filed;
The filing date of the application/petition; and
A description of the problem making sure to include:
- What you have done to resolve your case problem to date;
- What the outcome was; and
- What result you hope to achieve by bringing your case problem to our attention.

With your case problem, you should provide our office with copies of all the documentation that concerns your case problem. Please do not submit original documents.

Step 2. To protect your privacy, we need to verify your identity and the accuracy of your information. Please date and sign your letter and include any of the following statements as they apply to your situation:

If you are in the United States or a U.S. territory, possession or commonwealth:

“I declare (certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”

If you are outside of the United States:

“I declare (certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.”

If you are not the person whose case you are inquiring about, you must obtain their consent. They should include the following statement in their letter:

“I consent to allow information about my case to be released to [name of requester].”

If you are an attorney or accredited representative, please include a copy of your USCIS Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.

Step 3. Once prepared, please mail your dated and signed letter and copies of any other relevant documents via regular mail or courier service:

Via regular mail:

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
ATTN: Case Problems
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225

Via courier service:

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
ATTN: Case Problems
United States Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225

For privacy reasons, we are unable to process email submissions at this time.

Please note that the CIS Ombudsman is not part of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The CIS Ombudsman is a separate office within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to improved national security, efficiency, and improved customer service in the immigration benefits process.

Ron
09-13-2006, 06:20 AM
Hi Lorraine

So sorry to read about your terrible situation

Have you thought of calling

Martinez or Nelson's office ?

I am sure they could pick up the phone or send an e-mail, marked urgent from their congressional mail box e-mail address

Maybe worth a try

punky
09-13-2006, 10:13 AM
Lorraine, firstly I would just like to say my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry to hear your story. I have lost family members in the past without having an immigration situation like that, so I can only imagine how you feel.

If you want to sort it legit and pukka, Advanced Parole is the way to go. The trouble is although they are relatively quick and easy to get, you could still be waiting a couple of months, which with dying family members, becomes an eternity. Although they have been known to come through within a couple of weeks.

I don't think you can leave now and apply for Advanced Parole to come back, because someone, somewhere said so. I am not sure if that's true but something to take up with your attorney, as that could be the best way to go. Also, if you leave, and get approved for your renewal whilst out the country, it should be possible to have it put into your passport at the US embassy in London, although its a dreadful, horrible place.

I tend to play it more safe than sorry, so I wouldn't recommend just trying to blag it coming back in. If they do let you you in, without the advanced parole, they would have to let you in under the VWP and so you're subject to all the restrictions. Its a long shot, but if they deny you, you are banned for 2-5 years (even if you have a visa, I believe, but again should be checked out). If you do get in under VWP, then I think you'd have to leave and come back in later to under a visa to continue with your application, due to the way they document visitors.

Given your situation, Susie's and the ones we hear about like the women who lost her husband in 9/11, lets hope we can get the US government to start accepting exceptions. They don't like doing due to fraud (anyone can get a doctor's note etc.) but with every fraudulent case, there are genuine cases.

Still, try and be positive. You should have avenues open to you, so its best to discuss them with your attorney. He may also have another idea up his sleeve. So try and be positive, and I hope all goes well.

Interesting post Bobby, fascinating insight to what goes on within the CBP & DHLS.

lorraine
09-13-2006, 12:09 PM
Hi everyone thankyou for your kind words... I have got my attorney trying with Vermont.. I called Martinez office a while back when my grandfather was dying and was told you knew what the laws were on immigration when you came here!!! My mum is still at the hospital she will try to phone me later today hopefully with a letter also from the hospital which we will send to everyone we can.. Thankyou Sue for all you doing... kind regards Lorraine

lorraine
09-13-2006, 01:55 PM
Hi I have finally this morning got to speak with someone in Vermont... They said that my case is well over the 30 day notice time (it is over 60 days) I explained everything and they have put a status inquiry on my case, this apparently takes approx 30 days.. I find this quite amazing that it takes so long, but if you pay for premium processing they will answer you in 15 days..They didnt hold out much hope for an emergency travel document they said they hear cases like mine on a daily basis. After reading all your posts I see quite a few have tried before.. I shall make loads of calls today and fax whoever I can. Kind regards Lorraine

punky
09-13-2006, 03:54 PM
Hi I have finally this morning got to speak with someone in Vermont... They said that my case is well over the 30 day notice time (it is over 60 days) I explained everything and they have put a status inquiry on my case, this apparently takes approx 30 days.. I find this quite amazing that it takes so long, but if you pay for premium processing they will answer you in 15 days..They didnt hold out much hope for an emergency travel document they said they hear cases like mine on a daily basis. After reading all your posts I see quite a few have tried before.. I shall make loads of calls today and fax whoever I can. Kind regards Lorraine

Best of luck. I am suprised by their reaction to the issue of advanced parole. Susie got 2 (inital and renewal) based entirely on a much more frivilous reason...

lorraine
09-13-2006, 04:04 PM
HI they are saying that advanced parole is taking between 3-9 months. Urgent cases there are so many turning up at trade port and are being told you can travel out but you will need to sort out your return in UK...I have the hospital in UK doing a letter explaining the situation which I will take with me to tradeport we shall seexxx

Emmalee25
09-13-2006, 04:06 PM
Hiya,
Lorraine im so sorry for your news! Unfortunately we had a similar situation, when my mums GC application was in and the passports sent off, my son was born with a serious heart defect, he needed open heart surgery! my mum obviously wanted to be with us and tried and tried to find a way to travel!
NOPE! they wouldnt let her!
I think its ridiculous, we have to have ties to the UK until we get citizen ship but if those 'ties' cause us to need to travel urgently it all backs up!!!
Luckily my son was fine, but i had to get thru it all without my mummy!

I hope you get better news than me, this is maybe something else we need to petition! otherwise only brits with completely healthy families need apply!

Good luck and our thoughts are with you
Emma x x

lorraine
09-13-2006, 04:13 PM
Hi Emma thankyou.. It does seem rediculous we have to keep business in UK come here set up business then cant travel back for business or family problems.. I am glad to hear your son is now ok.. I hope you can find good health cover for you all whilst you are here. Kind regards Lorrainexx

punky
09-13-2006, 04:24 PM
HI they are saying that advanced parole is taking between 3-9 months. Urgent cases there are so many turning up at trade port and are being told you can travel out but you will need to sort out your return in UK...I have the hospital in UK doing a letter explaining the situation which I will take with me to tradeport we shall seexxx

9 months, so much for the emergency travel document then. Susie got both within a month or two.

Still... Hope something can be thrashed out anyway.

InnVic
09-13-2006, 04:38 PM
My husbands father married an American lady. During his Dads green card wait Jon and I decided to marry and hoped he'd be able to attend our wedding as since Jons mum had passed several years ago we really wanted him to be there. His travel document (parole) was applied for six months before the date so there should have been no problem. Three days before our wedding he was told they couldn't find the application and that it was in the system somewhere but they couldn't tell him when he'd hear. So I got all the information from him I could (application number etc.) and I e-mailed and faxed EVERY official I could find contact details for - including the White House! I pleaded with them to make and exception, to make a bride happy blah blah blah...Within 24 hours the paperwork was found and he had permission to travel. Your situation is far more deserving than mine was. So make a fuss - you have nothing to lose. Write, fax, e-mail every senator, congressman, politician, embassador that you can think of. They are human and maybe one will take pity and pull some strings for you. Good luck.

lorraine
09-13-2006, 06:08 PM
Hi thankyou for all the advice. I have just sent my letter via fax to the white house, and still phoning everywhere so fingers crossed.

lorraine
09-13-2006, 08:32 PM
Hooray Hooray Hooray We Been Approved And They Sending It To Me Straight Away Thankyou God Thankyou Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Emmalee25
09-13-2006, 09:23 PM
Congrats,
hope everything is ok in England when you get there.

Emma x

punky
09-13-2006, 09:48 PM
Hooray Hooray Hooray We Been Approved And They Sending It To Me Straight Away Thankyou God Thankyou Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blimey, nice one!

Not often we hear results like that around here...

Jax
09-13-2006, 09:57 PM
Hope all goes as well as can be expected in England
Jackie

charliesmum
09-13-2006, 10:17 PM
Congratulations - hope everything is ok in the UK.

Zoe

InnVic
09-13-2006, 10:17 PM
Lorraine I'm DELIGHTED to hear your news :-) glad the advice seemed to help.

lorraine
09-13-2006, 10:44 PM
Hi everyone thankyou thankyou for all your messages... I have just got off of the phone with sue thanking her for all her efforts today, I know she has been onto everyone all day long asking that they call Uscis and speak with the director and get someone to see why my case had not been seen to now that it is over 60 days from the date given. My hubby also e mailed everyone and faxed and I did take your adivice Inn Vic and sent that fax to Mr Bush, somone was listening today and I think myself very lucky.. This site has been such a help and thankyou once again to Sue... I shall meet you all soon I will be hosting one of the meetings at my home in the near future. Take care and good luck to all on their renewals love lorrainexxxxxxxxx

JulieC
09-13-2006, 11:56 PM
Do you mean approved for the renewal or approved for the advance parole, I couldnt work out which. Congrats either way.

Ron
09-14-2006, 12:15 AM
Great Stuff


Well done

lorraine
09-14-2006, 12:20 AM
Hi Julie approved for the renewal.... USCIS e mailed me twice and said our renewal was approved and they mailed the decision to us...I going homexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

lorraine
09-14-2006, 12:21 AM
Thanks Ron and Julie and everyonexx

JulieC
09-14-2006, 03:08 AM
Any ideas what the delay was and how they were able to track it so soon when usually it takes 30 days? It just goes to show how fast they can work when they pull their finger out.

Susie
09-14-2006, 04:00 AM
Hi everyone thankyou thankyou for all your messages... I have just got off of the phone with sue thanking her for all her efforts today, I know she has been onto everyone all day long asking that they call Uscis and speak with the director and get someone to see why my case had not been seen to now that it is over 60 days from the date given. My hubby also e mailed everyone and faxed and I did take your adivice Inn Vic and sent that fax to Mr Bush, somone was listening today and I think myself very lucky.. This site has been such a help and thankyou once again to Sue... I shall meet you all soon I will be hosting one of the meetings at my home in the near future. Take care and good luck to all on their renewals love lorrainexxxxxxxxx

Hi Lorraine,

I am so happy for you and you can now go home,


Thank you for your kind comments but it was my pleasure to help sort your case out and are more than welcome

I did manage to speak with Terry Mulford from Congressman Dave Weldon's office in length about Lorraine's situation, faxed correspondence, etc.,

The congressman's aid appears to have come through, not sure how but I suggested he picked up the phone and talk directly with the director of VSC and request case file is pulled and reviewed asap

As lorraine said she did manage to get a case status review which would take at least 30 days then another 15 days to receive paperwork. I advised that this may well be too late and time is of the essence

At lorrianes request to inform all and anyone who maybe able to assist I contacted Bill Ruffty of the Ledger and Kelly Griffiths

Lorraine, keep your chin up and congratulations

mark
09-15-2006, 01:11 AM
Hi Lorraine,

Get the airline ticket booked, well done a huge weight off your mind I bet

I think Susie may appreciate same Tetley tea bags !

I sure could do with some Cadburys chocolate.

Anyone else got a shopping wish list?

lorraine
09-15-2006, 01:14 PM
Mark the list is getting bigger by the day... Marks and spencer knickers one person asked for !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

charliesmum
09-15-2006, 01:29 PM
Heh Lorraine

Tell her to try Victoria's Secret!!!!

Zoe

Bobby
09-15-2006, 03:35 PM
Bring me back an Aston Martin if you like. DB9 preferably. Not that cheap crap Diablo or DB7 that are only $100,000, but the real one:

AutoTrader.com - Cars For Sale: Car Details (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ncal_id=932333&car_id=201792495&dealer_id=57767343&car_year=2006&bkms=1158330795454&model=DB9&num_records=25&lang=en&start_year=1981&mod_bookmark_id=null&certified=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=ASTON&min_price=&address=34744&advanced=&end_year=2007&car_year=2006&max_price=&cardist=1568)

Thanks

Bobby

PS. I'm not fussy on the colour! just whatever Mark can blag. Magic!

Susie
09-15-2006, 07:10 PM
Bring me back an Aston Martin if you like. DB9 preferably. Not that cheap crap Diablo or DB7 that are only $100,000, but the real one:

AutoTrader.com - Cars For Sale: Car Details (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ncal_id=932333&car_id=201792495&dealer_id=57767343&car_year=2006&bkms=1158330795454&model=DB9&num_records=25&lang=en&start_year=1981&mod_bookmark_id=null&certified=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=ASTON&min_price=&address=34744&advanced=&end_year=2007&car_year=2006&max_price=&cardist=1568)

Thanks

Bobby

PS. I'm not fussy on the colour! just whatever Mark can blag. Magic!

Hi

Well being an Essex girl, no comments please


For those going back to the UK soon could they keep Bobby's wish in mind.

There is a fantasic breakers Yard in Essex.

Perhaps someone could bring Bobby back something even if it is only scrap

or maybe drop the # S# and bring that back:)

Tina
09-15-2006, 08:13 PM
Well done Susie, and I'm so pleased you're able to go home Lorraine. You must have very mixed feelings right now.....elated because you're able to travel, but sad because of the circumstances. Have a safe trip :)

Bobby
09-15-2006, 08:56 PM
Hi

Well being an Essex girl, no comments please


:)


Are you thinking what I'm thinking??? ....that the Aston only has a small back seat, and isn't good for business women from Essex lol ;) :cool:

Susie
05-22-2007, 07:00 AM
Hi Lorraine,


Can I ask if you are agreeable to post your story in the the other thread where we are trying to collate as many stories as possible ?. If you would like me to copy and paste please let me know

kirtida8
05-22-2007, 08:30 AM
Congratulations on your renewal - just wish it had been under better circumstances for you. Hope that everything goes well for your sister - my prayers will be with you and your family. Think positive.

Sue, lets get working on that petition ASAP - we cannot wait any longer for legislation to come into action on this - it is absolutely ridiculous if anyone has to wait 6-9 months for an "emergency" travel document!:fit: Why call it an "emergency" if you can afford to wait that long????:confused: :mad:

lorraine
05-22-2007, 12:20 PM
Hi Susie yes that is fine.

Hi Kay thankyou for your kind words, but unfortuantly my sister died October las year this thread is a few months or so old.x

kirtida8
05-22-2007, 02:24 PM
I'm so sorry, I was reading the posts early this morning, and didn't check the dates.
I still think that it is atrocious that an "emergency" travel document takes so long to obtain! Are you supposed to be psychic and know when you need to travel?

Munish
05-22-2007, 02:31 PM
Sorry to hear the story to Lorraine (first time I read it). This another example why a "compassionate visa" issued on fast basis is so important without having to go through all these hoops.

tracifrost
05-22-2007, 07:03 PM
Hello Lorraine,
ok we are all here to give each other advice, after reading some posts some are advising you to leave others may suggest to stay, phone the attorney etc.

Can i suggest that you listen to your Gut feeling, to guide you with this one.
I know some might think im a bit wacky here, but your Gut will never let you down. If it seems right to go back to the UK, then go, if something inside you is saying its not right, then stay here for the time being.

I wont say i understand how you feel because i dont, but i can understand some of your pressure, of staying and not seeing your family whom you urgently need to see.

But most of all do what you FEEL is right.

DEE F
05-22-2007, 07:11 PM
Hi all,havent posted for a while,a little bit too political for me,I have my own thing on the burner which I am working on,however I have to say on this thread,omg this must be dredging up so many horrible memories for Lorraine,I know none of you mean to be tactless,but please guys look at the original date on which this thread was started,Lorraines sister died in october 2006!!!!!! Please be careful with your answers so we can spare Lorraine any more more,than she must already be feeling.Take care.

Love Dee xxx

peter gold
05-22-2007, 08:36 PM
well said Dee

haytonmac
05-22-2007, 09:01 PM
well said Dee X

SHEILA 13
05-22-2007, 09:55 PM
I totally agree with you Dee.

tracifrost
05-22-2007, 10:04 PM
well at least we are all here in a crisis! however you do forget to look at dates!
but best regards to lorraine anywayx

SHEILA 13
05-22-2007, 10:07 PM
I think that Dee was totally correct in the post she wrote and knowing Lorraine as we do I know for a fact it will upset her as I have already been in contact with her.
Sheila

byjove
05-22-2007, 10:19 PM
Hi Sue,

Could you change the title of this? May be put Older posting or previously posted? Just to help in the confusion.

Sorry Lorraine if this has been painful. All the best intensions are meant. :hug:xxx

lorraine
05-22-2007, 11:49 PM
:hug: Hi everyone I know that no one means any harm and yes have had a cry reading over it all again (but hey cry most nights still ) ...I hope that all our stories can make a difference.

I truly have some wonderful friends here on expats and they have been there for me on many occasions.

When I read the whole post I cant believe that as a tax payer and employer of America that I had to go through all that horrid, heart wrenching mess.

Thanks everyone for your kind words..

Sheila thanks for listening and Dee.......... see you girls friday , I really cant wait...:hug:

SHEILA 13
05-22-2007, 11:58 PM
Thats what friends are for :hug:
Take Care
Sheila

lorraine
05-23-2007, 02:12 AM
Thanks Sheila and all us brits need to stick together

anniefromessex
05-23-2007, 02:31 AM
Lorraine,

What can I say sweetie, I hadn't even read what happened with you but obviously I knew. It still makes my blood boil though even though it happened all that time ago - just know that we are thinking of you now and that things are certainly looking up for you!!! You are where you want to be, you have Marc and Mitch with you and even though you are probably working harder now than ever, its for a just cause - BOTOX - ha ha. Just had to make you laugh with the tears.

Have a great time Friday, will be thinking of you all.

See you soon.

Love Anniexxx

lorraine
05-23-2007, 02:54 AM
Hi Annie, thankyou and you are one of the friends I talking about...

Many tears, many fears and never worked harder in our lives, I will need botox and face lift by Friday, tough tough tough week!!!!!!!!

As you know 2 family members were in road traffic accident 2 weeks ago, one back in intensive care, and work has been , well lets not even go there lol.... I am so focused on Friday and spending time with some wonderful girlfriends, and you will be missed...

Good news re my other sister she went to London hospital today and is doing well after her operation last week and my mum seems to be back in the land of almost living....

See you soon miss you, Love Lorrainexxx

Ps Some excellent news Mitch got honors for every class in high school, so we took him out to celebrate, We are just so proud of him

anniefromessex
05-23-2007, 03:02 AM
Lorraine,

Tell my adopted son that I am proud of him too, well done Mitch!!!

Sorry to hear about your family member being back in Intensive Care - will say a prayer for a speedy recovery. Glad to hear that your Mum is almost normal again - actually what is normal!!!!

Take care, have a great time Friday, just wish I could be with you all - will be thinking of you and look forward to hearing all about it.

Love
Anniexxx

byjove
05-23-2007, 03:03 AM
I knew I should have bought that cream egg today!!!!!! I found 1 lonely one and thought of you!!!!!! Sounds like you could do with one.

Big :hug: What ever you are doing on Friday, hope its a really good one! xxxxx

lorraine
05-23-2007, 03:05 AM
Annie thanks just told Mitch and hey if you adopting him , the cases are packed what time will you be here??? I can do map quest if that helps lol...

What is normal???????????????/mmmmmmmmmmmmmm good question,,, I really cant answer that one...

All I can say is as long as you have each other and your health , we should all be thankful, live life for today and spend time with the people who are important ............ See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

anniefromessex
05-23-2007, 03:06 AM
Ditto sweetie!!

byjove
05-23-2007, 03:07 AM
Oh! Oh! ANd nice one Mitch!! Way to go!!!! Hope you had a good celebration.

lorraine
05-23-2007, 04:13 AM
Hi Jill thanks and save that egg lol........... Mitch said thanks and he does deserve it 12-14 been toughest years of his life yet he still got honors for every class............. I so proud I could burst..

By the way us girls of to Anne stevens house at cassadaga ( I know will freak alot of people) but not us lot xxxxxxxxxx

OberonSH
05-23-2007, 10:56 AM
BTW, just want to add my support love. :hug: You've been really strong from what I've read, and when the Keatleys come over in November to get wed I'm going to try and make it to a coffee meet to meet you all, and I'm bringing creme eggs :naughty:

lorraine
05-23-2007, 12:21 PM
Thankyou , I cant wait:)

Munish
05-23-2007, 12:25 PM
Nice one Mitch!

SHEILA 13
05-23-2007, 12:32 PM
Well done Mitch(you cant take after your Mum hahahehe)
Take Care
See you Friday lady.
Love Sheila x

haytonmac
05-23-2007, 02:17 PM
well done Mitch and Lorraine making loads of space for the stree buster eggs ..take care
Me xx

lorraine
05-24-2007, 01:00 AM
Hi everyone Mitch said thankyou.... Hi Anneke dont you eat them ok, and dont let them melt thanks for the pm see you soon have fun and safe journey and If you could bring mum back in suit case it would really be appreciated lolxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx