Folks, I've been around NPN for a long time. I don't know you all but I feel I've forged a friendship with many of you. I'm not one to pour my heart out in public but I'm at the lowest point of my life right now and I really need to know there are people who are thinking about me, and pulling for me. Please keep me and Melissa in your thoughts and prayers until this nightmare is over. It will mean the world to me.
Until this is resolved I won't be active on NPN. I don't know how long that will be but at some point, I will be back.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and kindness.
Many of us have been there Bret, and know all too well what a horror you're living through currently. Know that there are many people out here pulling for you, and praying for you and Melissa.
Yes, Bret...I will hold you and Melissa in my thoughts and send good vibes your way. You were one of the first to make feel welcome at NPN many years ago so I wish you both well Take care...
Really sorry to hear there are problems. Your note makes me realize that I failed to track you down while I was down there this spring. The offer to use our place near you is sincere and still standing. We won't be down there till fall, so there are lots of "vacancies" over the next 5 months.
In a season of pain, an important first step is realizing that we can't (aren't meant to) make it on our own. My prayer is that peace and rich blessings will find you soon and that strength will be provided to you and Melissa as you wait.
Every time I miss the inspiring vision you share here on NPN, I'll be hoping life is on the mend.
Hey, Bret, I join everyone else in wishing you well and will be adding by prayers to all the rest. You are not alone.
Just hope your absence is short. As you can tell, we miss your inspiration– from your self as well as your photography.
I'm sorry to hear you're having a really rough time. I think it's clear that we're all pulling for you. And BTW, don't feel like you have to bail here on NPN. A little NPN time might be just what the doctor ordered. Maybe a few posts for an ego boost. Dude, you're a really good photographer and they say artists do their best work when their lives are in conflict. The emotions are more intense. Don't forget to treat yourself to something you love when you're in this tough time. Figure out what YOU like to do and just do it. Things always work themselves out over time even if it feels like an eternity right now. Just make sure you take care of yourself during the process.
Hi Bret, I will include my good thoughts for your unfortunate situation. May it be no more than you and Melissa can handle and may it be swift so that you can resume your life as you knew it. The people here were wonderful last year when I was ill and I want to tell you that you have a LOT of support!! Take care...
Brett, sorry to hear of your situation and I will definitely be pulling for you, hang in there and please stop by when you are able. Use that same inner strength and confidence that you express with your art, and channel it to defeat whatever adversity you face. If you need any help, please let me know.
Bret, I don't know what your dilema is but that doesn't matter. You and Melissa will be in my thoughts & prayers. Wishing you & yours all the best in your time of need.
Don't know what the nightmare is but it does not matter, you're in my thoughts my friend. I've certainly had some terrible times in my 56 years on this planet, and I understand. Please hang in there, things will turn around for you and Melissa, and you will return stronger than ever.
Best Regards,
Marc
Posted by Kent Staubus on June 4, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Hope everything works out OK, Brett. As bad as some situations can get, the relief when they are finally over is sometimes a bonus.
Bret, what ever is going on you can take comfort in the fact that your family here at NPN is here to support you and Melissa. FWIW, a few years ago - about the time I joined NPN - I was diagnosed with a bad disease. My complete recovery was enhanced by the friendship found on this site. Photorgaphy and the artistic expression is an outlet that assists all of us in handling any crisis. You are one of the best photographers there is. I hope you find comfort here and in your work.
Dear Bret, we are all thinking of you. Your family comes first, and your other family at NPN will be glad to see you posting again when you are ready. Take the time you need. Hopefully your love for photography will be a comfort to you during difficult times.
Bret, sending the very best of vibes your way is the least I can do. Here's hoping that your predicament resolves itself positively and very soon! I look forward to seeing you back here with a smile on your face in the near future.
Bret, let me add my voice to the folks who have already written.
Whatever you and Melissa are facing, I do wish you the best. And I know that over the years I've learned that "The sun is always alive and well--somewhere," when I've gone through difficult times.
Thank you to all for the outpouring of support and your kind thoughts. You've all read how fondly I speak of Melissa and I think you are able to infer from that my deep, unwavering love for her. The last 5 months have been tough for us. On Monday, she told me that she isn't sure she wants to be with me any more. Knowing how much love and respect I have for her, I'm sure you can imagine how hearing those words shattered my world. I don't know if we will survive this as a couple but more than anything in the world, that is what I want. I can't imagine how dull my life would be without her. She is more than my wife. She is my best friend, my support system and the love of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for pulling for us.
Hang in there, Bret. Never, ever give up. Many of us have been through this very same thing, including me. I've been married 31 years this October, wouldn't trade it for anything. Sometimes we men just need to listen and listen very closely to what our wives are telling us, and read between the lines. You may have to change a few things, but it is very much worth it in the long run. I know you have probably no interest at all in photography right now but that passion will return, trust me. Keep the hope alive, we're all thinking about the two of you. Ron
Rough terrain ahead, for sure. I wish you both the best.
Using the cabin for an escape from Dodge City may appeal at some point, and the offer continues. Contact me offline for directions and location of the key, but in the meantime you may want to head over that way for a drive just to look things over. It's the first cabin you see on the left past the Dolores bridge. Lots of peace and quiet with over a mile of river front, giant cottonwoods and neighbors far away. There are couple of great hikes right there and more within short driving distance. Think petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, scenery and wildlife.
You've forged many friendships, some silent as well as some more vocal. Your articles, comments, and willingness to share your knowledge with others forges many meaningful relationships.
I've been in a situation similar to yours on a couple of occasions. Know that whatever side the coin lands on,
after a while,
you'll be OK.
Meanwhile, Right Here and Right Now, You are loved.
Bret, I've enjoyed your images and comments for several years. You are one of the stalwarts here on NPN. I want to wish you and Melissa the best and hope things work out so that you both have what you desire. We'll miss you and hope you come back real soon. If I can do anything to help feel free to email me. Good luck and we look forward to your quick return.
Sorry to hear you are having to go through this. I've always enjoyed your participation here on NPN and look forward to its continuance. Adversity can strengthen relationships....hoping for the best for you and Melissa.
In today's fast paced living, it is easy to grow apart without realizing it. The remedy is to spend time together. Still, things can go wrong and not be anyone's fault.
Plaisir d’amour ne dure qu’un moment.
Chagrin d’amour dure toute la vie.
--Jean de Florian, c.1777
Sorry to be late on this one but again my wishes are with you and you are a good reminder to live everyday to its fullest. Hope things get better. Kevin
I am sorry to hear this news about you and Melissa. Marriage provides growth for both individuals and it's not always in the direction we wish it would go. Whatever ultimately happens is usually for a reason not readily apparent. Be strong. Listen and be patient, mature and kind. You have a lot of friends pulling for you both.
Discussion
46 repliesUntil this is resolved I won't be active on NPN. I don't know how long that will be but at some point, I will be back.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and kindness.
Really sorry to hear there are problems. Your note makes me realize that I failed to track you down while I was down there this spring. The offer to use our place near you is sincere and still standing. We won't be down there till fall, so there are lots of "vacancies" over the next 5 months.
Best wishes.
Every time I miss the inspiring vision you share here on NPN, I'll be hoping life is on the mend.
Just hope your absence is short. As you can tell, we miss your inspiration– from your self as well as your photography.
Brad
-anonymous
My thoughts are with you, Bret.
I'm sorry to hear you're having a really rough time. I think it's clear that we're all pulling for you. And BTW, don't feel like you have to bail here on NPN. A little NPN time might be just what the doctor ordered. Maybe a few posts for an ego boost. Dude, you're a really good photographer and they say artists do their best work when their lives are in conflict. The emotions are more intense. Don't forget to treat yourself to something you love when you're in this tough time. Figure out what YOU like to do and just do it. Things always work themselves out over time even if it feels like an eternity right now. Just make sure you take care of yourself during the process.
Good Karma to ya...
Mike
You are officially registered in my thoughts. I hope you hang tight and ride out whatever storm this might be.
Don't know what the nightmare is but it does not matter, you're in my thoughts my friend. I've certainly had some terrible times in my 56 years on this planet, and I understand. Please hang in there, things will turn around for you and Melissa, and you will return stronger than ever.
Best Regards,
Marc
Kent in SD
Regards,
Ed Cordes
Winnie
Whatever you and Melissa are facing, I do wish you the best. And I know that over the years I've learned that "The sun is always alive and well--somewhere," when I've gone through difficult times.
Best wishes,
Carol
Barbara
Ned and Nicole..
Hope your lives return to normal, ASAP.
Using the cabin for an escape from Dodge City may appeal at some point, and the offer continues. Contact me offline for directions and location of the key, but in the meantime you may want to head over that way for a drive just to look things over. It's the first cabin you see on the left past the Dolores bridge. Lots of peace and quiet with over a mile of river front, giant cottonwoods and neighbors far away. There are couple of great hikes right there and more within short driving distance. Think petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, scenery and wildlife.
I've been in a situation similar to yours on a couple of occasions. Know that whatever side the coin lands on,
after a while,
you'll be OK.
Meanwhile, Right Here and Right Now, You are loved.
Plaisir d’amour ne dure qu’un moment.
Chagrin d’amour dure toute la vie.
--Jean de Florian, c.1777
Kent in SD
Nathan
I am sorry to hear this news about you and Melissa. Marriage provides growth for both individuals and it's not always in the direction we wish it would go. Whatever ultimately happens is usually for a reason not readily apparent. Be strong. Listen and be patient, mature and kind. You have a lot of friends pulling for you both.
Best,
Pam