Due to mounting stress and so many other things life has thrown her way my sweetheart needs a change right now. Sharon has been going through quite a bit of the past few years with her elderly parents and in the past three or so years their health problems increased. As some of you know her father passed away last month, what you didn't know is that her employer a few months ago moved her from a job she as done for over seven years to another position that she didn't like but tolerated last month they moved her to the overnight shift working from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. or until the work is completed. On the 4^th of October she gave two weeks notice that she would be leaving and was told to take 2 weeks off to think about her leaving well on Friday she is advising them that she is not returning to work there after 11 years with the company the past 7 as a manager.

This is definitely going to prolong our journey through the immigration process drastically since we are still waiting for something/anything from Washington. Having been approved at the interview things would have been so much different since I would have been in a position to go there and help and support her the way she should be rather than be here trying to figure out what will tomorrow bring us. Having sent in the forms for the waiver when I got them would not have made a difference at all since there would still be 10 to 16 months waiting for the decision.

I'm very sorry to hear about this very stressful time. I would give Washington a few weeks, then go with a state senator and see if they can speed it along, as that did wonders for our case as well. I wish you two nothing but the best, good luck!

Good Luck guys..

I'm sorry this whole thing has been so extra hard and stressful on you guys..

You know things will work out. Together you guys will get through this. God does not give anyone more than they can handle. Some people just get more than they should.......

Positive thoughts your way!!!

stay strong, together you will make it thats all any of us have...

Washington has only had the docs for a week, if they don't reply by Friday thing will change for us as Sharon is giving the dcission to leave to them then immediately or two weeks after that we will no longer have the income required to qualify for the visa if the question arises before I can get there. Once the job is gone there will be no reason to pursue through a government official (Senator) to get the visa quicker we would not qualify. You must remember that it is a I-601, (a 221(g) and a 212(a) that is holding us up, if it were the interview Sharon would stay where she is as we would know the end was near. Everything will work out a it should it always does.

I am saddened by this news. I pray that something will help you.

Nothing happens without a reason, I just wish things were easier on Sharon she is the one suffering. For me this is a damned good way of losing weight as if I needed to, in 9 wekes I have gone from 162 to 139 pound. But the good thing is we shall survive and continue loving each other.

I love what you wrote and you are right, there is nothing given to us that is too much if we shre but it is not easy for Sharon as everything there just seems to be more than it is here. If we were together we would breeze through the whole thing smiling every day as we take everything one at a time.

Strong and together is what we are in our hearts and conversations but being to many miles apart makes being supportive in a way that counts very difficult, we are not giving up just re-organizing to make life easier and better.

Thank you, it had to be done for health reasons, Sharon has done wonders for her parents and family. It took a while but I managed to convince her she needed to take care of herself for me. W will deal with the rest when the time comes.

I'm so sorry you've had to go through all this. I hope things start getting better for you soon. Remember we're all here for you.

Oh Ron...I'm so sorry to hear this, but SO glad that Sharon is going to give notice if this has been too much for her. I know she's gone through a lot (as have you) and if she's that emotionally and physically wiped, she needs to give notice. Sharon's work does not define her. She needs to take care of herself in whatever way she can. Even if that means leaving her employ.

I always read your posts, and place my hands together in prayer, and squeeze my eyes shut REALLLLLLL tight and say a prayer for both of you. Oft times with tears in my eyes.

Sending you postive and strengthing thoughts!

Carla

Perhaps you could try contacting a state senator immediately? When my wife was initially denied in Montreal, we called our lawyer and got them in touch with my senator within a few hours. We didn't agree with the Consulate's findings that my wife would require the I-601 waiver, and we managed to get the senator's office to seriously lean on the Consulate. It still ended up taking another 2 months from the time of her interview to her arrival in the States, but it helped knowing that we had some help from higher ups. Again I wish you two nothing but the best, I know how hard this process is, especially when there are extra hardships placed in your way.

Wow. I am so sorry, Ron. (((hugs)))

I'm so sorry Ron...you are in my thoughts.

It is good to be able to come here and say whatevr and be treated like a friend and better by people from everywhere. I do take responsibility for my actions but not for the actions of the person that has placed us in this situation. Things will get better for us we won't it not to and Sharon is taking actions that will better her situation which will help her heal/mend and get a better control of her life. It would have been better if I were there with her but for now that is not in the cards but we as you are hoping that soon we will be together and this will all be a dream. If it were not for everyone here it would be much harder to deal with thank you and everyone else for the suport it is appreciated.
Ron

Carla you are and have always been an Angel to us, thank you very much. This is just another hiccup in the univers that may or may not affect our process only time will tell. Sharon really needs to get out of her present situation. I have been trying to convince her of the benefits of leaving but still she doubts that I am serious about what I say, she thinks I am saying things that she wants to hear and I keep telling her that that is not so. I told her not to worry about the process we are going through because we have presented the required documentation and a change in her situation makes no difference at all.
I think you need to stop reading what I write here because you much to tendered hearted for the emotional stuff I seem to be writing lately, and with that said Sharon and I are more grateful that you can know for all the prayer and good thoughts. I am sorry that we are causing you so much distress, maybe a few happy faces could lighten the atmosphere.
You take care of yourself and don't let what I write be such that it bothers you.
Ron

You have the right idea and one it is one that we will defintely put into action shortly, there is no limit on the number of people that can help us so we will be asking Sam Brownback for his assistance since he is the senator under which Sharon falls. Thanks for everything you have suggested it will all help us out.



Thanks Krikit, everything will work out well

Thank you for being with us we do appreciate having friends like you here, I hope that I will be able to enjoy your good news soon.

Thank you Ron.
I can honestly say that since I came to these boards and read your story, I have thought of you and Sharon often. Even though I don't know you both, I think of how hard it must be to be apart. I think of what I would do if I was in your situation and it reminds me of how precious and unpredictable life and love is, especially from a distance.

Keep being strong, for both yours and Sharon's sake. Everything will work out the way it's suppose to be.

As you say, things happen for a reason. When I find things happening, without any real rhyme to them, I turn it over to God and let him carry it. He has strong shoulders and tender loving hands to hold both of you while you travel this path filled with obstacles. Trust in Him to guide you through. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Oh, Ron. I wish I could buy you two some ice cream.

Here goes my piece:

First, we are both devastated that amazing people like you have to go through all this shite because of Debbie's idiocy and MTL's stupidity and lack of common sense. It is unacceptable and that witch just gets off humiliating people (probably the only way she gets off) - but that's another story. Karma is a boomerang, I tell you.

Now, with all this that is going on, I am very impressed (and my man, I don't get impressed that easy) with your decency, your determination, inner strength and most of all, the unbreakable bond that Sharon and you have --- THAT is priceless and it will carry you guys further than you think or can comprehend. I hope the job thing gets solved (someone like Sharon should not have a prob getting a new gig), and that Washington gets cracking.

Now comes my usual bad advise: make noise my friend, make a lot of freaking noise ----- including the media, your government officials, God, etc.

And remember, this too shall pass.

Your friends, Lenina & Bren.

I can't really add anything to what other people have said. Could you use one more virtual *hug*?

On my end I don't write a lot on your posts, but I do read them all and I feel very sorry for what is happening to you two. Everything is so unfair givne the fact that you were the most honest person in the world, and they had no reasons to deny everything like this. I hope someone is gonna give you a hand and make the right decision.

I admire your strenght and all I hope is for one day read that they finally gasve you the Visa. You deserve it so much, and it's not fair that you cannot be with Sharon while she is going through hard times.

I hope that everything is going to turn good for you

The hardest part is having Sharon going through so many things that are coming her way bringing a lot of stress trying to sort everything outwhen it all seems to be interconnected in one way or another. Right now as I write this she is with the assistant manager at work discussing her decission to leave, which I think is the right thing for her but they may find a way to keep her there and work out better working conditions for her. No matter the outcome I hope the decission she makes is the one that is to her benefit.

God works in mysterious ways, don't you think. there is a reason unknown to us but still one that will be clear or leave us scratching our head. The Visa Journey we can deal with as so far it went quickly without RFEs or other problems, what is getting to us is what has nothing to do with the journey but the stresses of life in general and we will get through those one at a time and survive.
Thanks for the reminder though it is always good to remember that we are watched over and taken care of.
Ron

Each reply is taken in thee same manner that the first was, it isn't what is said even though every word is read and appreciated, no one is thought less of because what they write because just having written fills the heart of an equal amount. Virtual hugs are as good as the real thing when they come from people such as yourself and the other wonderful people here with us.
Thank you very much

I sure hope the consulate doesn't ask what kind Sharon like, I would be denied, but I will have some Heavenly Hash, and I think Sharon would love some French Vanilla.

Lenina and you also Bren, thank you very much you have always been there when needed, you are beyond being special people.

I don't write to devastate anyone or give them a bad day by reading what I write, to me this therapy in the larger sense of the word. Ok, I'm also not happy with Debbie and the other person that said the opposite of what Debbie said without taking immediate action on my part, but that is in the past and now we have given Washington a chance to redeem their Cos in Montreal and we shall see what happens. I'm sure that Debbie was having a bad day because Melissa met her today and had a good time with her even joking maybe I reminded her of her father, who knows.
Sharon and I have been through HeII and came back before Debbie was even in the picture, what we have no-one will take from us or ever tarnish in the slightest way. We have taken 3 years to know each other before filing for the visa. Our biggest disappointment was not getting it at the interview but that doesn't mean we will never get it and if we don't there are always other options available but first we need to exhaust this one. I personally would like to see Debbie relegated to a back room at the consulate, I think Sharon would to see her moved to a foreign land.

Right now Sharon is having a meeting with her boss, I won't know anything until she calls me later. She still has doubts about leaving so I told her to keep her health at the top of any list she has and not accept anything that is not good for her long term.
I love bad advice it happens to be the best coming at the right time but at this time I will stick with God and the government officials, we are preparing packages for Sharon's Senator, the Consul General and the Ambassador the Consul General's boss. The media which in the scheme of things should be first will be our last step if and when Sharon comes here. I know of one reporter that make public servant shudder at the mention of her name and she would love a story regarding American immigration policy even if it were just one persons story.

Love you both take care
Ron

Thank you for taking the time to write and for reading what I write it is appreciated even if you don’t answer everything. Montreal can’t continue to tell their boss we passed everyone because they would be told they aren’t doing their job right, we just happened to be there on a bad day at the consulate since Sharon and I were not the only ones refused the visa that day. We gave them what they asked for and the truth is that if they wanted the waiver for the criminal offence and asked for I would have done what they asked without as peep but having written in my file that I smelt of alcohol and it was thought that I was drinking before the interview also noted in the file that was the thing that really bugged me to no end because I am sure those two notations were the only reason the visa was refused. I am hoping that someone in Washington will view what was sent to them and call for the files from Montreal to see what is written in there and question the reasoning for it and correct it
It is more determination to clear myself of the accusation than strength that keeps me going and I also hope that the visa will be our soon. Being apart from Sharon right now is a difficult time since she needs more than words heard over a telephone which is al she is getting right now. The only good thing that has happened for us came by way of her father passing away and that was getting permission at a POE to go to the States for the funeral even if it was just for 7 days of which 4 were travelling time we still had 3 busy days together, our only days together in over a year.

The good news is that Sharon spent three hours with her boss and came home with something she can deal with that will benefit many others 4 days on and 3 off for a 40 hour week instead of the 65 to 70 hours she was working and by getting this she has also affected the hours other managers will be working. She also got a 48 hour week for the day managers instead of a 56 hour week. The managers are all salaried people not hourly which add to everyone’s bottom line.

Sharon wants me to say hello to everyone and thank you for the support you have given us and the support given as she made this decision.

The meeting was productive, then!! Good for her -- tell that girl that we love her a bunch... or that the crazy bunch loves her!!!!

Oh dear Ron .. it's a never ending battle for the both of you ... but your love for one another endures and your fight continues. It is truly admirable and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Continuing to send good thoughts for you both... so happy that Sharon got some good news about her job...hopefully thats just the beginning of the good news for you two!

I'm glad that Sharon got something she can deal with. It's not a coincidence that you've said it will benefit others. That's what you two are always doing...helping others.

Give Sharon our love. She's one heck of a lady!

Carla

I second that!!!

The meeting was productive for all the managers, for Sharon and the other manager that works with her they will get more time off and work 25 to 30 less hours every week. the other managers will aslo work 11 less hours per week. Sharon did ring up a lot of things that she saw was wrong and she was listened to and further changes will come but a bit slower. I will tell her but I'm trying to get her to do some of her own talking (typing) here she has a voice and should be heard and the support here would do her wonders.

Good for you guys! I think this will most benefit the two of you!

Hi Lynette, I hope everything is going well for you and your family, I guess Ed is happy now that you can drive yourself around, a little independence doesn't hurt does it.
Ours is a battle that is shared by many more in other forums, they aslo are going through things and I hope they have the same support that Sharon and I are getting. The battle with the USCIS is that will be for a while longer and we are ready for that, it is the other things that life throws our way that we are concentrating on now as we wait for news from the others. Nothing is affecting the love we have just our patience as for the battle with USCIS I am making a list of those able to help and those that need to be told that thing are not right under their watch. Thank you for te prayer
Ron

That made coffee come out of my nose. (Heh, I'm glad the door to my office is closed; I would not really want to have to explain what was so funny....)

It also made me want some icecream (Sharon has excellent taste in ice cream, by the way), but that almost goes without saying since, well, almost anything can make me want ice cream (or pizza or cheesecake or... well, you get the picture).

I am glad to hear that Sharon was able to work out a more reasonable arrangement at work! That's wonderful news -- AND good for her for speaking up about it.

What has happened just proves that good thoughts and prayers work, and we are very thankful to you and everyone else for everything they are doing on our behalf, knowing that we aren't alone helps us sleep better and get the rest for tomorrows battle. We are both happy about the change at work, and will wowrk on changing other things in our lives
Thanks on

My time here is being questioned right now so to evryone thank you all very much for the thought, comments and prayers, as you can see you are together working wonders for us, and can never tell how much having such friends really helps us.
Ron
P.S.
Sonoransongbird, I hope you didn't ruin and of your paperwork

Excuse me but.... WTF???? Who and why is questioning your time on VJ????????????? Tell me and I'll kick some azz.

Yeah that confused me too, I wasn't sure if I was reading it right?

Sorry for the confussion! it was a few people here at work that needed my help and jokingly said I spend to much time here an not enough at working. The truth is that I can be here as long and anytime I want, I was moved to this job last December because we were in the process for getting the visa. The boss decided that I would have an easier time if I had less to do. Basically I'm trully not needed in this position because it was created just for me until I leave or their doing this is questioned from above. Working for a Deputy Minister in the Federal Government does have its perks nad this by no means, means all I do is be on VJ, I just have more freedom than other.

Lenina and Trailmix, what you just experienced was what happens when my fingers on the keyboard are slow than my mind.
Thanks

Now we're talking..... because believe me, no one wants to experience the wrath of this Mexican.

Or this Fench Canadian, as I told the security guard last night as I was leaving, "I may be old but I can still raise my foot to reach your as$"