I am concerned about Mary Beth.

[Dangerously Amused]

I went to my a local used book store today to look for a copy of Rhonda Bryne's The Secret to give as a present to one of my friends. Actually I have been hoping to pick up a copy for many months but it is never in stock; it is an extremely popular book and always snapped up as quickly as it arrives because it was one of Oprah's book club picks. For those of you not familiar with it, The Secret is essentially a "how to" manual for manifesting positive events in life via meditation/prayer, positive thinking and visualization.

Anyway, today there were three copies of The Secret on the shelf. Cool. For no apparent reason (and I know this sounds all woo woo) my attention was drawn to one of the books in particular. I picked it up and started to flip through the pages to make sure there were no rips or marks or whatever inside. Inside the cover was a dedication. To Mary Beth. A very sweet and heartfelt dedication, to Mary Beth, wishing her strength, courage and only good news as she battles her cancer. I have read a great number of dedications before, but this one really touched me. I read it a few times and like... didn't want to put the book down. So I carried it around with me while I continued shopping. I ended up putting that book back and buying another copy that didn't have any writing in it to give to my friend... but I have had Mary Beth on my mind all day now. Is she okay? Did she make it? The dedication was dated about a year and a half ago, and somehow I think that bodes not well. Still, I encountered a tremendous feeling of peace when I focused on Mary Beth in meditation a little earlier this evening.

The dedication was signed by Joe S******. In the back of the book I found Joe's business card tucked in the pages. Here's another weird thing: For some reason, even though I read the business card only once, I still can remember Joe's name, business name, address and email. I didn't try to memorize them, they just stayed with me.

So now I am kind of tempted to email Joe to tell him that I ran across his dedication and was touched by his kindness, and to inquire about Mary Beth.

I know, I know... it's crazy. I probably won't do it. It would feel too much like I was intruding on the sanctity of their relationship. And I don't want to be all stalkerish or whatever, I don't want to freak him out and I don't want to make him revisit something painful. Still... I can't get Mary Beth off my mind.

Am I crazy? Absofreakingloutely crazy? I think I am.

=sigh=

[NMDemDist2]

1. I'd do it

but then I'm Absofreakingloutely crazy too

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

17. I'm still thinking about it.

Thanks.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Dangerously Amused...

You are absolutely not crazy...

I think these numbers and names stuck with you because you are involved in mankind...

And I think you should sure as hell get in touch with Joe S.

Blessings on you...

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

18. Hey Peg.

Yeah, I think I will drop Joe a line. I hope he doesn't think it's creepy.

:hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. I don't think you're crazy and I would totally email.

Even if the worst thing has happened, he sounds like someone who cared about here. Speaking from my own position, nothing makes me happier than to hear or read of someone who is speaking of my husband.

[Dangerously Amused]

19. Hey you.

How's the new digs?

Thanks and yeah, I've slept on it and read the responses here and I think I'll drop him a line. I'll keep it simple, hopefully he won't think it's too forward.

:hug:

[crim son]

4. I think you should contact Joe.

Could you maybe do it by email, so he doesn't have to "deal" with you personally? I believe in all kinds of weird stuff, and you shouldn't ignore all these signs. Maybe. :P

[Dangerously Amused]

20. Yeah, there is that.

I mean the book is kind of about "coincidences" that really aren't. I think I will email him. Thanks.

How's by you?

:hi:

[XemaSab]

5. Powerful stuff

I've had a similar experience before.

I bought a used world bird checklist, and in it was this man's extensive life list. Records of trips to Africa, South America, Asia... all over the world. I contacted his widow and asked her if she knew that it had ALL this information in it, and she said it was fine if I kept it.

[Dangerously Amused]

21. Wow. Cool.

Were you hesitant before you contacted her though?

[XemaSab]

41. I had contacted her already to get the book from her

so no, I didn't worry about it. :shrug:

[Dangerously Amused]

42. Oh. I just wondered if you hesitated to contact her,

... but I thought it would have been a totally unexpected contact, like my situation.

It's great that she was cool about letting you keep his notes.

[Shine]

6. follow your intuition, that's what I say.

it's the Universe speaking to you....

we own The Secret DVD. Great stuff. :thumbsup:

[Dangerously Amused]

22. Yeah, it is very compelling.

I feel more and more like I will regret it if I don't respond. I'll probably drop him a line. Thanks.

Do you have the book as well as the DVD?

:hi:

[Shine]

45. nope, just the dvd.

it's very cool. :hi:

[JimGinPA]

7. It Sounds Like A Great Idea For A Screenplay

However it turns out.

[Dangerously Amused]

23. Ha ha, it does. :D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. Is being a decent human being crazy?

I don't think so...

Hugs for you... :hug::hug::hug:
Hugs for Mary Beth... :hug::hug::hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

24. Thanks, doll.

I'm leaning toward sending him a note of appreciation now. :hug:

[Fire Walk With Me]

9. The Master Key System, upon which The Secret is based

is extremely good. However, there are supposedly 12 laws of the Universe; Attraction is intertwined with the rest, and if your hindbrain doesn't believe what your conscious brain believes, you might not have any luck.

If you're in a place where it will work for you, by all means use it for the greatest good (and beware the wish-fulfilling jewel). What we want isn't always what is best for us.

[Dangerously Amused]

25. I think I'll write him a polite and appreciative note,

...sentt with good intentions (of course) and no expectations, and let it go at that.

Thanks!

:hi:

[Fire Walk With Me]

32. I took it that you would, so I didn't offer my opinion.

What will you do if he replies with the story you seemingly expect?

[Dangerously Amused]

34. I've thought about that.

Even if Mary Beth is no longer with us here, I hope Joe will take comfort in learning that she is still touching the lives of other people, even of strangers. And I would like Joe to know that his kindness was appreciated in ways he never anticipated, and to be assured that indeed the kindness we give others continues to journey onward and inspire others long after it leaves our control. I hope those thoughts will help him to process her loss, if she isn't still here. If she is still here, then I want Joe to know that I will contribute my hope for his dear friend's recovery and continued good health, and keep her in my meditations. Beyond that I have no hopes or expectations.

What do you think? Is contacting him still a good idea?

[Fire Walk With Me]

46. As in all things, follow your heart.

[Lil Missy]

10. I think that is very touching. And would mean a lot to "Joe" if you followed up. n/t

[Dangerously Amused]

26. Yeah, after reading everyone's encouragement here, I think now that I will follow up.

Thanks!

:hi:

[lizziegrace]

11. Nope.

Not crazy at all. Caring and compassionate. Remember, follow your gut. Please let us know what you find out.

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

27. YOU are in NO position to be calling me "not crazy," missy!

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

28. Wait...

how am I supposed to take that? :crazy:

I'm confused now. :(

[Dangerously Amused]

30. Ohhh, sorry babe! I mean, you of all people know just how nuts I truly am!

My bad.

:banghead:

[crispini]

12. Do it.

And then tell us what happened.

Sometimes you just have to do this wild stuff. Sounds like this is one of those times.

[Dangerously Amused]

29. Yeah, the more I think about it the more I'm inclined to write to him.

Just to say thanks for being a decent human being.

Thanks for the encouragement. :)

[supernova]

13. Sure, do contact Joe

:D

I haunt used bookstores a lot and running across a dedication is always so sweet. And yes, I do wonder about the people. But to be left a way to contact either party. That's really unique.

Please share.

:-)

[Dangerously Amused]

31. I think I'm going to give it a try.

No expectations; whatever happens happens.

Yeah, I love to read the dedications. :)


:hi:

[MorningGlow]

14. OMG that should be a movie

What a perfect plot. So DA, you HAVE to contact Joe S. Otherwise, how would we find out how the movie turned out?
:rofl:

Seriously, the Universe is talking to you. Finding not only the dedication to Mary Beth in the book, but also Joe's contact information? And then remembering all of it? I think the Universe would be disappointed if you DIDN'T investigate. This is what real magic is all about!

Keep us posted!
:hi:

[Dangerously Amused]

33. Yeah... I am inclined to believe that you are correct.

Especially given the position of the book itself, ie, following intuition and paying attention to "coincidences"...

I think I'm going to reach out to him. I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks!

:hi:

[Bertha Venation]

15. DA

This is unique, and I don't think I can imagine the things you're feeling. Go with your heart about emailing Joe.

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

35. Thanks, B. At this point I think I will regret it more if I don't respond.

I'll let you guys know how it goes.

:hi:

[DS1]

16. I'd say do it, but the other risk is being the one to break to him the news that

his dedication ended up in a used book store.

[Dangerously Amused]

36. I know. :/

I think I will write him, and try very hard to word it positively and gently enough so that the circumstances in which his words came to light become largely irrelevant.

Thanks.

[Dangerously Amused]

37. ~~~ UPDATE ~~~ I sent Joe an email.

Telling him pretty much what I told all of you, and letting him know that I appreciate his kindness to Mary Beth.

It feels right. I have no hopes or expectations from this point forward, of course, but I am glad I did it.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks everybody for all your insights and encouragement!

:hi:

[jobycom]

38. You're not crazy, just more beautiful than most.

You are compassionate and alive and caring and human, and that's an unusual combination of traits, though it may be somewhat more common around here.

I wouldn't call. That's not my advice to you, that's just a realistic analysis of myself. I'd Google Joe's name, and even Joe and Mary Beth. Maybe I'd find a MySpace page or something that mentioned the subject. I wouldn't intrude, because I'm just reserved that way.

[Dangerously Amused]

39. Aw, you are sweet and more beautiful than most yourownself.

:loveya:

Thanks for checking in.

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

40. ~~~ UPDATE UPDATE ~~~ Joe wrote back!

Very promptly, too. He was pleased that I wrote to him to express my appreciation for his kindness and my concern for Mary Beth. It was a brief note as he is traveling on business just now, but he will be back next week and has asked me to contact him then to discuss this further. I will do so. No word on Mary Beth yet. Perhaps I will learn more next week.

Cool. :)


UPDATE TO THE UPDATE UPDATE:

He had me call him. Mary Beth is his baby sister. They are very close. He gave her the book when she was diagnosed as being in end-stage cancer. She is now cancer free. He is traveling to one of my favorite locations in the country. For no apparent reason, yesterday I watched a short movie (that I have on my HD) which was filmed at that location because I was thinking of how nice it would be to go there again.

Whoa.

[libodem]

43. This so interesting

I can't wait to find out what happens. Good on ya for following through on your hunch.

[Dangerously Amused]

51. Thanks! This is turning out really well!

It's funny but I was soooooo relieved and joyful to hear Mary Beth's good news! Still am. Guess I am a sucker for happy endings. :)

[auntAgonist]

47. oh wow! How wonderful that you would do this and that

he would contact you! I'm so happy this has a happy ending.

You should go and get that book and send it to him!

:hug:

you're very special and caring to have done this.


aA

[Dangerously Amused]

50. You are one step ahead of me!

Joe wanted to know where the book was (which store location) so that he could retrieve it when he returns from his trip. I told him the book likely wouldn't last that long on the shelf since it is so popular. I offered to pick it up after my seminar yesterday since I wasn't far away from it anyway. Which I did. We made arrangements for me to deliver it to him in a few days when he gets back from his trip.

:7

This is turning into such a cool story!

Thanks for your thoughts and good wishes.

:hug:

[Ptah]

53. I am loving this

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

56. Me too!

:bounce:

:7

:hug:

[SallyMander]

69. Aww, this is SO cool!

Let us know the rest of the story... :hug:

[blaze]

48. Wow!

All this happened in the course of two days???

Isn't cyberspace an amazing thing?

And how wonderful to hear that Mary Beth is cancer free.

Merry Christmas!!! :)

[Dangerously Amused]

52. Yeah, it all happened so quickly.

And I know, I was so happy upon hearing Mary Beth's good news that was near tears. Isn't that silly?

:hug:

[MorningGlow]

62. Not silly at all

And you're not the only one. Ahem. :cry:

DA, this is SOOOO cool. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I think it's also cool that hundreds (thousands?) of DUers are following this story as well!

[latebloomer]

49. That is so cool!

She is cancer-free!!!

Maybe she gave away the book to help other people.

[Dangerously Amused]

54. That part is still part of the mystery.

But I hope I find out. Joe was curious as to how the book ended up where it did, too. But that is all kind of what the book's point is, the whole concept of "karma," ie the idea that when you send positive energy out into the universe, it will reach out to others and also come back to you. So it would make sense that if the book helped her, she would turn around and pass it on to another.

:hi:

[SeattleGirl]

60. Okay, you have officially given me the chills.

What an incredible story you have shared.

[skygazer]

63. Wow, that is so amazing

I'm so glad to hear that she is okay. What a cool story.

[Schema Thing]

65. I get so many quality dates this way!

O8) :evilgrin:

[Dangerously Amused]

68. That was you...?

You coulda just sent me a PM, you know...

[XemaSab]

76. Cool!

:D

[blueraven95]

44. This just made my day!

I've been reading this thread since early this morning, and I was sure Mary Beth wasn't with us anymore.

I'm so glad I was wrong! :hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

55. I know, I was so hesitant to contact him for that very reason.

I was afraid that the reason the book ended up in the bookstore was because Mary Beth's family had to go through her things. :cry:

But... even if that was the case, I thought Joe would like to know that his love for Mary Beth lived on and even touched the hearts of complete strangers.


:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

57. I think Heddi owes you a nod for her satirical piece.

That is what I think.

She totally ripped on you.

[Dangerously Amused]

58. Que?

I didn't see it. Where?

Thanks.

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

61. good on you

:thumbsup:

[Heddi]

64. Hey wait, isn't this rallying the troops?

I posted an innocuous post without ANY reference to ANY Other post....and now the TROOPS ARE BEING RALLIED.

How is my thread any different from 10,000 copycats in the lounge? Huh? How? How is it differen?

i mentioned no names, and no threads.

[kayakjohnny]

66. I'm amazed by this whole story. Just found it a moment ago.

Just in time for the holidays. It was cool that you followed your intuition and got a positive response. Your heart led you down the right road. Your personality and spirit mattered a lot here. What a great piece to read. Best to you with the outcome. You must be amazed! Thanks for including us in this very personal and uplifting story.

[Dangerously Amused]

67. Thanks, it is turning out really well. :D

:hi:

[pitohui]

70. ok i have to ask

there is no way that any of this really happened, so what's the experiment here? is it a social test to see how long before some cranky person says "bah humbug?" is it a test to see how long DUers will nod their heads and say "how sweet" and swallow every little implausibility just to go along to get along? if so, okay, i guess you proved your point, there will always be groupthink on internet forums and so...yeah...didn't we already know this?

ok...here it is...for the record...bah humbug...

i probably shouldn't even go into the bad taste of giving someone a book like "the secret" or "a course on miracles" or the like which basically implies that the reason they are sick/victim of crime/poor etc. is because of their wrong thinking...it's just...well...when i was seriously ill, it just made me damn mad

it's okay to give "the secret" as a passive/aggressive gesture to someone who gives shitty gifts but to someone who is actually ill or in trouble, oh god, just don't go there


there is still time to give your friend a gift that is not a book about adjusting her thoughts and her attitude the way YOU think they should be adjusted to change her life -- NEVER give a self improvement gift and for christmas that goes double, did i mention that you NEVER give a self improvement gift for christmas????

as for the brother who gave his sister with end stage cancer "the secret" and wonders why it got dumped at the used book store, well, let's just hope he's as fictional as scrooge himself because he isn't exactly warming MY heart here -- that's just too too tacky for words in my humble view

i can't believe i'm that much in the minority either, in real life i wouldn't be

maybe the whole thread is some kind of weird "level"?

[Dangerously Amused]

71. My friend ASKED for this particular book, THAT is why I am giving it to her.

And I am really sorry, yet curiously not surprised, that in your bitter and limited little world you cannot imagine that these kinds of happy, wonderful things actually happen to real people. But EVERY WORD of what I've written here is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH.

But hey, thanks for stopping by to spew your characteristic negativity, and accuse me of being a shitty friend and a dishonest manipulator.

[lizziegrace]

72. Do you know DA personally?

I do. She's a highly educated professional with a huge heart and a killer sense of humor. Trust me, this is not a joke. She keeps much about her life to herself. This whole incident is so unbelievable that she obviously felt compelled to post about how life can take strange turns.

I believe there are no coincidences. You may believe what you'd like.

I'd trust her with my life. This is no joke.

[Dangerously Amused]

75. Awww, thank you sweetie.

:hug: :loveya:

Now I'm getting all verklempt.

[lizziegrace]

79. ...

:hug:

I cannot tell a lie...

[amitten]

74. You need a stiff drink and a good lay.

Either that, or therapy. Lighten up!

[Ptah]

77. is it a social test to see how long before some cranky person says "bah humbug?"

hmmm

[Dystopian]

73. You made my day...

My internet is limited right now, and just read this entire thread.
What an inspirational story, and so very uplifting.

I'm so happy that you went with your heart, and shared this wonderful experience...which will continue...
I'm so happy for you, and for the news that Mary Beth is fine.
Life is strange...Life is wonderful...

Life is beautiful...and so are you...


:loveya:

Awaiting to hear of your meeting with Joe...

peace~

[Dangerously Amused]

78. Thank you for your kind thoughts!

:loveya:

My life has been a wild ride, that's for sure! I intend to keep it that way. :)

I will meet Joe tomorrow for lunch. I expect to find an interesting person with a positive attitude who is fully engaged in life and who, like me, delights in spontaneity.

I'll let you all know how it goes.

:hi: