THE YEAR IN REVIEW:

My year in review....2005...wow, it really flew by! This New Year's I won't be dancing though, but that's okay. It's been pretty much decided that the prosthesis I had will no longer fit, and it's almost definite that I'll have to get a new leg. Where the money for that will come from, I'm not sure. But, God always provides. So, back to my original thought: the blessings of 2005.

January: Hm....gosh, it seems so far away; I was busy learning how to drive a stick-shift on the opposite side of the road! Hahaha...and I was pulled over by the police for the first time in my life for driving down High Street. I almost fell in the Thames checking those bloody polecat/ferret traps. I got to see the pretty English country-side in snow.

February: Still working on those ferrets, and sang in the Tsunami Relief event. I sang the Indonesian national song. I still remember all the words, even now.

Indonesia, tanah air beta, pusaka abadi nan jayah
Indonesia, seh jak dulu kala, selahlu di puja puja bangsah
Di sana tempat lahir beta, Di buyai di besarkan bunda
Tempat buhlin dung di hari tua, sumpai air menutup matah

March: In despair after only catching 1 ferret and realizing I was up a creek without a paddle on this one as I began to write up my first thesis. Yikes! And, my sister visited me for the week in March. I got to introduce her to all my friends and classmates. I think she was a hit! I drove Imelda to the JR where we got a tour of the maternity ward and told what the child birth would be like (boy, were they wrong!)!!!

April: Handed in my thesis, next week my parents arrived in London. I got to show them around the city, and they eventually got to Oxford for a couple of days. Introduced them to most of my friends from India and they got to celebrate Saranya's birthday with all of us. I remember going pram shopping to Mothercare with Saranya....we couldn't decide...and then bought all these toys too. The bus ride home was hilarious, and the walk back to Linacre was great....every bump I hit, I heard, "be careful of the baby!" HA! The party in the Common Room for Imelda and Saranya.

May: I started prepping for my avian malaria research, going out and setting up traps, and eventually trapping. For the longest time I caught absolutely nothing, except two Anopheles plumbeus females, the species I really wasn't looking for. Sigh...I had some help, Jenny and Jaci came out, and I practiced dissecting any insect I could. I had my 23rd birthday away from my twin, but didn't feel lonely. I had some awesome surprises from my friends, and a great party with my Oxford 'family.' But the best early birthday present of all was I became "Auntie Rach" to little Arvinoxa Rabbanibrata Furqon, or Oxa as well all called him. Julia and I were Imelda's birth partners, and it was such an honour and a privilege to be a part of bringing little Oxa into the world.

June: June brought long days in the field checking and setting mossie traps. My first time punting, where I fell in the river....not on purpose, like Vedanta, but because the bloody punt broke! ; ) Ed pulled me out of the water, while the other guys stood there laughing. Oh well....one of my 'graceful' moments, I'm so notorious for! I cooked dinner with Julia almost every night, especially during her exam times. We were pretty lonely without Imelda and the 'cats' had taken over her kitchen! June, also brought Skomer Island, where I got to hold baby puffins, baby sea gulls, and hatching eggs. It was beautiful, isolated, and I loved it. I came back browner than I have ever been....Jenny, Mitts and I attempted swimming....but the 12 - 14 degree water (that's around 40 F I think) deterred us. I got my 'feet' wet. The beginning of June brought Stuti's birthday and our Bollywood Bop party. We danced for sooo long!

July: July brought the end of my fieldwork, and in the last week, I finally caught a bunch of mossies. Finally. After switching locations in the woods, again almost falling into the Thames, and still driving (much better I might add). July brought Julia's graduation, long hours for me dissecting mossies in the lab, Cait's second visit for two weeks. We went to Ireland for the first time for 4 days and it was wonderful! I drank a pint of Guinness and then a pint of Murphy's Stout one night, and topped it off with some Bailey's (Cait's idea!). It was beautiful, and a good time with my sis. Cricket was in full swing, and I went to all the mini-World Cup matches. I fell in love with cricket this month. Megan went home to South Africa....the first of many sad good-byes.

August: More cricket! I wrote my last thesis in the final hours.....had some help from Nick and Jaci and managed to rewrite the entire results/discussion sections after some last minute stats changes. More punting with Jaci and Shreya, and Vedanta going in again after Sri pushed him in. Punted with Julia too, singing Danny Boy while we crashed into the bushes....got attacked by a swan too.....Jul's sad farewell.

September: punting with Imelda and Oxa. Spending the night at Shreya's more than once, watching tons of old Bollywood movies....played for India in the Linacre-India cricket match...well, 'played'....fielded....rather poorly I should add! But, oh well...it was lots of fun! Gave a poster presentation....sat my viva. Passed! Passed! More sad good-byes with classmates and friends. Our last class-night together, I wore my Indonesian dress from Imelda. Mitashi left first...others quickly followed. Said good-bye to my neighbour, Mamie from Pakistan. She offered me a lot of wisdom and encouragement. Imelda went home with Furqon and Oxa to Indonesia. I cried so much that day. She kept calling me and texting me while at the airport.....the last call we both sounded very teary. See, Imelda was my closest friend at Oxford....we became fast friends the first day we met. We were part of the Abraham gang: Saranya, Imelda, me and Julia. I can remember the early months of my time in Oxford, with Imelda trying to find me a man...."new term, new man!" she'd say. ; ) When she left, it felt like it was just Shreya and me left. Hiromi and I had dinner a lot in those last days in the Abraham building. Neha came to visit, and we stayed up all night packing her up and crashing at Shreya's. Lots of tears passed that morning she went back to Switzerland.

October: Hm....October 1, the day will live on in infamy. Well, not really. I graduated! I had a fun party at Saranya's new place, and....I had my first ever trip to the ER! I dislocated my knee....and I made a big spectacle of myself too, I think. I think Manjari and Saranya later said I sounded like a dying elephant when they gave me the gas. Anyways, I survived....and thankfully, everyone else did too. I stayed with Manjari for the next 4 days, and that was wonderful for me to finally get some time with her! I had lots of visitors too before I left. I didn't get to say good-bye to everyone I wanted too. I never saw Fatima or Hiromi. Sad sad leaving, lots of melodrama at the airport, but I made it on the plane, seriously only because I had Saranya there with me. I don't know how I could ever repay everyone's kindness to me, or place a value on the friendships I made in Oxford. I can't, only to say that they will be forever remembered and treasured, and hopefully friends will be seen again. I still have my cast that everyone signed! Made it home in one piece to Virginia. Cait came down, and wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, my brother Jared, even gave up a weekend with his girlfriend to come see me (for 18 hours tops...). ; ) Came and went from Boston, was fitted with a knee brace.

November: Back up in Boston area, staying with my Mom's brother and his family. Having a nice time catching up with the little ones around, helping with homework and finally started physio. Doing mad work with exercises and weights. The doc called my leg jelly....imagine that ; ) So, that's when the weight work began in earnest. Thanksgiving up at Auntie Shaune's and saw the whole 'Mansfield' clan, except for my own family. It was also the hardest month, in that I lost my special dog, Gussie. I never got to say good-bye. She was 13, and we grew up together. She was always my buddy, and she was a great friend. I loved her so much.

December: I was given the green-light to put on my prosthesis, only to find it was too small. Even after all residual swelling was gone, I couldn't squeeze it on, despite a very painful, and determined attempt at putting it on at therapy. I think I scared the therapist and my Aunt, when I put all my weight on that leg, trying to just get the bloody thing on. Didn't work. Went to Maine for the weekend with my Auntie Sue and Deanna. It was beautiful and the respite I needed for a bit. Was feeling pretty lonely for my friends and family.

Last week of the year: Christmas came and I spent Christmas Eve at Nana's, and went to Catholic mass with her and my Auntie Shaune, Uncle John and Emily. It was alright, I'm not Catholic, so couldn't participate in the Communion. It was so hot in that church and the lady who sang, oh Sweet Jesus....It was all I could do to keep from laughing or cringing in pain as she went way, and I mean way, off-key. Christmas breakfast back at my Uncle Keith's and dinner at Auntie Shaune's. The 26th, my sis and Mom arrived for a visit! Yeah! My Dad, unfortunately was down with a sinus infection and having problems with his breathing machine for the severe sleep apnea he has. Had a nice time staying at Nana's with Mom. Wednesday saw the whole clan together again at Nana's. I had a lot of fun that night, and a few too many beers. Mom had a lot of wine and she and my uncle started laughing....and let's just say that when my Mom laughs, she sets off a ripple effect and gets us all going. It was soon discovered that I too can laugh like my Mom, and eventually I got a major case of the giggles and couldn't stop. Everyone started teasing me! Oh well. My cousin Andrew was like, "Wow! England was really good for ya, it got ya to loosen up a little, finally!" I think I scared Nana. Anyways, today had therapy, worked with the big weights, 8 lbs, woo-hoo! I have another Doc appointment in January, and an appointment with a prosthetist to get an eval done on whether my current leg can be adjusted or whether I need a new one. Tomorrow, New Year's Eve, I've been slated to babysit my cousin Emily at Nana's house. Tonight, my last night with Cait, we're here at my Uncle's watching the kids, Dee and Ryan while they're away for the night. Fun times....I finally ate some spicy food!!! Green Thai curry! The Boston side of my family shies completely away from any spice whatsoever....I've been dying up here! Anyways, I need to get some sleep....Cait and Mom leave very early tomorrow morning, and I want to be up to say good-bye. I was hoping for time with them to myself, but that never happend. Oh well. I'm looking forward to what 2006 will bring me....who knows....I just have my sights set on the horizon.

She thought she'd get her foot back, but who could've guessed she'd have gained more muscle than before, and therefore the leg would not fit!!! Her stump, though tender and highly sensitive, wasn't the problem, it was the pesky growth of muscle around her knee. The leg stopped 2 inches below her knee and wouldn't budge. Atleast she knows she can put her full weight on that leg.....as she resolutley and perhaps foolishly lifted her good leg in the air balancing only half inside her prosthesis, hoping to get it on all the way. Alas, even that foolhardy act didn't work. So she's already enacted Plan B: attempt the same with her old leg (yes, the yellow one!) that's hopefully still loose. ETA: Monday night, when family arrives with leg and clothing provisions, including necessary boots. She recalls those hair-raising ice events while simply crossing the street. She feels kinda like an old lady who's relatives have to hold her arm as she moves. ; ) Now I know why Nana keeps telling me she's an independent woman!

She had a bit of freedom going Christmas shopping in a wheelchair in the store. She could push herself no problem, as she has man's arms now....however...those girly notions of pretty long fingernails went out the door when she tried to stop suddenly when a little kid ran in front of her and she ripped two nails off. Let's just say that pain was worse than any in her stump today. Anyways, wow, could she finally go fast, however most of the store was not 'wheelchair friendly' -- but she did pretty good with her shopping. Nana and Auntie are all that's left. Hopefully tomorrow will see the shopping escapades done.

I'm so excited for my family coming up on the 26th. Though I'll miss Christmas with them, I'll sort of be with them in spirit. I'm going to cook a big Christmas breakfast for my Uncle's family, like I used to for mine. I baked two loaves of bread today: Pecan Swirl, and Apple-Walnut (yum!!!). Then it's a full breakfast with scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon and sausage. I think I am going to Catholic mass on Christmas Eve, my Auntie and Nana asked me to go with them. It should be interesting. Hopefully I won't make any mistakes (as I'm not Catholic, I don't know the routine). Another point of controversy is should I take Communion? Protestants believe you can take Communion if you believe in Jesus, however in the Catholic church, if you are Protestant you were not permitted or extremely discouraged from taking it. It's seen as a sin and an affront to practicing Catholics. My Nana makes me take it, but I feel weird. I'm not sure how my Aunt will feel if I do. I guess I should just outright ask her. We'll see.

Anyways, since I'm sure my brother doesn't read this blog, I have to share something hilarious!!! Most of you all are aware that Jared fails to remember birthday or Christmas presents, or if he does get me and Cait one, he either has Mom buy it and then put his name on it (without paying for it), or picks us up these hideous hair ties or scrunchies from the dollar store. Terrible, usually it's nothing or it's like our choice of a free sample from Bath & Body Works....anyways....Cait and I always got him very nice gifts, like his favourite expensive cologne, etc. This year....it's poetic justice.....oh yeah! Cait rocks and is so awesome. Even I couldn't think of this! She found these pore reducer machines at the dollar store, battery operated. They come in either blue, pink or white......muhahaha....guess what colour Jared's getting? PINK!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Yes...ironic and poetically just.....an ugly, cheap-o, useless gift....finally, Cait and I are saying, "NO!" And since he's got a serious, steady girlfriend, he may actually buy us gifts. In fairness to him, one year, about 3 months late, he did give me a birthday gift: a t-shirt from San Diego zoo and a very nice ceramic picture frame from the same place, and Cait, just a 50 Cent shot-glass! hehe...so he tried with one of us.....but with twins, it's all or nothing....we come in the same package....I mean, who ever heard of twins having different birthdays?! Jared has consistently called me on either May 30, or June 1 for the last 3-4 years, while Cait gets a call on the day: May 29.

Oh well......brothers! what more can i say!? ; ) I just wish I was there for the look on his face! Oh yeah? Check this out:

1. Wrapping paper: 50 cents
2. Pink Pore Reducer: $1.00
3. Batteries: $2.00
4. Look on Jared's face when justice is served: Priceless!

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse, from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord -- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
The calf and the lion and the yearling together;
And a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed the bear, their young will lie down together,
And the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
And the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,
For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea.

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Jospeh son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home was your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel -- which means, 'God with us.'" When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25.

When they saw the star, they (the Magi) were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11.

While they were there (Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord had told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Jospeh, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:6-20

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a

Today, we had the makings of an ice storm, but it turned too warm and changed over to rain. Went to therapy and I was the only one there. My therapist is really cool and it's always fun to go and chat with her. Today I did 5lbs!!!! Yeah!!! ; ) One small step in weight increase, one giant leap for my confidence. Next week she's going to help me put the prosthesis on. The main problem I have with it (besides needing new padding) is that the silicone bladder inside has 're-inflated' and therefore must be stretched out again. This is done through wearing it. I remember when I got my leg several painful weeks of putting it on and taking it off. But that was easier then because I had callouses built up from years of prosthesis wear. It's amazing how a few months off your 'feet' and those callouses disappear. I nearly had my leg on by myself, but the pain in my stump's skin was just too much for me, so I stopped. But I have to deal with the pain, because that's what happens, those callouses have to be built up again. I'm going to pick up some hydrocortisone cream that might help....I'm not sure.

Anyways, wow....9 more days til Christmas, and I haven't done my shopping at all. I have all these cards to send out (still need some peoples' addresses!!!!???) but haven't had a chance to go to the post office. I have a feeling they'll be sent out late again this year and atleast for my Oxford friends, won't get there til after the New Year!

Okay, so Caitlin's new puppy! It's a girl, a black lab. No name so far for her, still in deliberation, but I'm afraid that after a week of rough med school exams, Cait might go over to the darkside and name her puppy a medical term. I'm not sure....her roomate suggested melo-something or other which means, bloody poop. OH dear God! ; ) Anyways, the puppy's momma is a chocolate lab named Hershey and her dad is a yellow lab named Levi. All the puppies came out black and there were two girls and about 8 boys.

Well, tonight we're having pizza at Nana's, like we used to. So that will be a nice thing to do with her, and this weekend I'm probably going to stay over atleast one night. She's been asking me to and I think it'll be good. I was going to see if my Aunt could rent that movie, "Waking Ned Devine" for us. Cait introduced me to it, and it's awesome! We laughed so hard and Nana loved it too. So I thought it'd be good for her and a nice break from Law & Order, which she watches faithfully every night. Not that I don't like Law & Order.

Anyways, hope this finds you all happy and well. I'd love to hear from you!

Here's a few messages:
Cuidate mi amiga mejor! Saranghe-yo!!!! Apna khayaal rakhna meri pyaari dost. Nina ku-penda rafiki yangu. Miss you guys, please take care, love ya!!! (translation!)

Back from Maine. Oh, it was beautiful up there with the snow and the ocean. Hard to get around though with the crutches, but worth it none-the-less. The Bushes have their summer home there on Walker's Point. Wow. People were very friendly. The first place we stayed at, Village Cove Inn, was nice, kind of like a hotel and it was their last night open. We ate at the pub onsite and it was great (had a pint of Guiness, I might add!) ; ) and the bartender was from Ireland!!!! : ) Cool, and he was playing all of this Irish music I knew...sounded like Nana's actually, hehe. They were going to have karyoke, but alas no one else showed up and I was not about to put on a concert ; ) I've gotten shy about singing these days. Feel like I've lost the touch.

Anyways, the second place we stayed at was the English Meadows Inn. Oh, It was beautiful and exactly what I needed. We were in a suite in an old carriage house from 1860, and the bedding and decorations were all from the Victorian period, all antiques. Very British. Downstairs was a real fire place and we were the only ones in the whole place, so we got to explore all the room and have our own personal fire. So, I got a rocking chair and read some and wrote out a lot of Christmas cards (coming to you all soon!). If you haven't sent me your address, please do quick!!! I had my own twin size bed, with a down duvet and a goose-feather pad on the mattress. Oh wow. It was so warm and cozy! Then, in the morning, full English breakfast! Fresh coffee, mini-ginger scones, apple/pear compote with yogurt and homemade granola, then a three-cheese crustless quiche with orange slices, banana and pomegranate seeds! Wow....I was in heaven and fully stuffed. All served on British Christmas china. Complete with a cute cat named Tigger with the lovliest green eyes ever. It was a much needed dose of England...to be honest, it's almost like reverse culture shock in a way. Sometimes I feel so out of place here lately...and it just was a chance for me to feel at home. The owners had lived in London for a while themselves, so it was neat to swap stories with them. To hear, "Cheers!" and to be asked, "what did you read at University?" ; ) You know...

Also, I will soon be the proud Auntie of a puppy! Cait is going to get a puppy, she told me today. She's asked me to look after her when her residency starts in 2 years. So, I'll have to find my own place and get settled soon, but I couldn't say no! She said I could help name the dog, it's a girl and a black lab. She'll get her in January, but she's picking her out today. Will keep you posted on that development!! I'm excited. I think it'll be good for both of us...we had big holes in our hearts after losing Gussie. Plus, it's only fitting, because Cait took in Enoch, my gerbil and has been caring for him now for the past 2 years. ; )

I got a much needed dose of New England air, sea breeze, 17 inches of snow, and British hospitality. I'm feeling better, and looking forward to getting back on my feet, both figuratively and literally soon! I've been asked to think about singing for my family for Christmas...yikes! ; ) Let's see....trying to think of my favourite carol, and I have to say, I do love "O Holy Night." But I am always open to other songs!

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, divine, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Hello.....SNOW!!!!! Finally, I feel like I'm home at last....snow!!!! Oh, glorious snow!!! And the weirdest thing occurred in this Nor'easter...thunder and lightning!!! I've never been in a blizzard with thunder and lightning before!!!

Sadly, am heart broken as I can't play in the snow just yet...have to watch from the windows as the kids have a snowball fight. Oh, the times when I was a kid building snowforts and having snowball fights....playing king of the snow mound. ; ) Oh to be young. Alright....off my kick now.

I have to say my email's been wacky lately, I've been missing people's messages and getting them late. So, please know I'm not forgetting about any of you all, and I think of you often and miss you!

Well, the doc appointment went okay....he said to wean myself off my brace. Which I'm doing just fine with....I only need to wear it if I'm being active on the crutches, otherwise, not. So I slept for the last few nights without it and finally I can sleep more comfortably. I got the green light for starting to wear my prosthesis, however when I tried to put it on at the doc's office, i couldn't get it on. Still have some residual swelling. Anyways, long story short, they brought in a prosthetist, however it's not covered under the aide i'm getting from MassHealth. So, I have to pay big, big bucks to get the leg refitted. Some padding had torn out and gotten ripped....the guy tried to get me to buy shrinker socks for the swelling and they cost $600+!!!!! I had to say no! So, right now I'm trying to find a way to get my leg fixed at a lower cost or at partial coverage. Sigh....this injury has been such a battle. I kind of feel like I'm stuck in my own personal winter season.

So, I'll keep you all posted. I'm going to Maine, if the weather holds tomorrow to Kennebunkport for a few days with my Aunt and cousin. It should be lots of fun. We're actually going to stay in two different inns, one with it's own pub and another that's modelled after British hospitality. ; ) Full English breakfast served, woo-hoo. I'll feel at home ; ) I'm trying to be more positive, and finally got a nice phone call from the little brother....still the same kid. He's doing a thesis on Lord Nelson of all people and he finally, through experience, agrees with me that British comedy is just the best! : )

I'll write later about Maine, and I hope this snow doesn't keep me down with my crutches!

She sighs reminding herself she's got to breathe thru these exercises! Whew....a proud glint returns to her eyes, 2 lbs....she did 2 lbs with her exercises. What an achievement!! Two weeks ago and she could barely bend her knee without a lot of pain and she's lifting 2 lbs! She's back to 107 degrees of flexion! 28 more to go! While all that work at home and working thru the pain sometimes has been taxing, she can't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day. Will the doc approve her prosthesis? Can she get a new and improved one? Can she finally take her first steps after 2 1/2 months out? It's kind of like an early Christmas. The anticipation of a blessed event. The birth of her freedom.

She regrets those times when she refused to dance with Dad thinking it would be too embarrassing....now she longs just to put one foot in front of the other. Will it be tomorrow? Even if for the time being she can only wear her leg in physio it's a start. It's a new beginning. Both nervous and excited, those butterflies from long ago have returned.

Her Nana wants out of the house, she wants to move about. She wants that ticket to freedom for both of them. With the return of the leg, comes the return of the wheels! I could drive Nana to the coast, I could drive her to Grampy's graveside, I could take her out for lunch, for tea, I could help her still feel independent. She sees where her stubborn streak came from...her Nana is an independent woman...and so is she.

Today she decorated for Christmas at Nana's house, unpacking those old treasured candles, snowmen, ribbons, train, and nativity. Nana said she felt so alone, and seemed so sad. She felt like crying, but for Nana's sake held those tears in. This Christmas has to be the best one. She just wants her family around her. I want her to not feel so lonely and realize how much she's loved and cherished. Tomorrow she wants to surprise her by walking in the door....not asking for assistance on her crutches. Sure, she's idealistic and it's wishful thinking, but Christmas is about one miracle and above all the hope and love that inspired it. Doesn't everyone deserve a Christmas miracle?

She smiles reflectively...her heart's singing that old tune....

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, Mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherd's quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing "Alleluia"
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, Love's pure light
Radient beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
Jesus, Lord at thy birth

Psalm 130 ~

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.
But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13.

Miri, this is for you.....

Come not, when I am dead
To drop thy foolish tears upon my grave,
To trample round my fallen head,
And vex the unhappy dust thou wouldst not save,
There let the wind sweep and the plover cry;
But thou, go by.

Child, if it were thine error or thy crime
I care no longer, being all unblest:
Wed whom thou wilt, but I am sick of time,
And I desire to rest.
Pass on, weak heart, and leave me where I lie:
Go by, go by.

It made me feel better and just embodied what I was feeling at the time. Hang in there and just think of those words, "go by, go by." Thanks to Tennyson for those.

Happy first day of December. It's a new month, and today was a good day with my Nana. I spent the day across the street at her house and her memory was good for the morning. You count those time as the blessings. We talked about how hard it is to say good-bye to pets and when I told her about Gussie she got teary, as she remembered the dog, Lady and cat, Kit-te, she had for years. It felt good to talk to her and for her to remember things. You know, these are times when she brings up stories from the past, like from my Mom's childhood or even her own childhood and it's neat for me to listen and learn about my family. Like for example, she still is slightly scandalized that my Grampy, a married man, went sledding with his kids ; ) I like hearing stories about Grampy, as we were really close. He loved horses, and he's the one who really got me into riding.

I'm feeling hopeful about this month. I know there's a lot to look forward too, like hopefully a full recovery, nice times with family and a chance to return to my parent's home. Maybe even reconciliation in my extended family. But there's hard stuff in store too, like family decisions about my Nana's future and care. An achey knee from those 1 pound leg weights. One pound!! Who would've though one pound was enough to put my little leg out of commission, hehe. ; )

Hi, I'm Rachael's cousin Deanna. (Rach is typing this out for her). I am 9 years old. Rach has told me much about you guys and I hope she will tell me more things about you. I think it is cool to have my older cousin Rach to stay at my house. (Thank you!! -- You're welcome). In Science I'm doing a terrarium, and I have two boys and two girls in my group. The boys are ICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the girls are cooooooooo-oooooooooo-ooooooooo-lllllllllllllllll Rachael has a puppy face dog on and probably wants me to say she's the best cousin in the world, but she is also leaving out her sister Cait, and my other cousin Emily (cause the boys don't count, that's for sure!). Um..hope to hear more about you soon, DEANNA "What-EV-eeerrrr.....just kidding" (hehe, Dee)

; ) It's fun, been helping her with homework a lot. She dances all the time and whistles, it's pretty cool. She's a sweet kid and always asking if she can help me out. She says interesting things like, "what is a boar? -- an adult male PIG!" and "shake your bootie baby, like your mama don't care" and this is one that Caitlin and I taught her, "girls go to college to get more knowledge, boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider!" hehehe Another one is (she's dictating these to me now), "Umm...." and "AT-(snap)-TI-(snap)-TUDE(snap)" (waving arms in a wavy motion). ; ) Isn't my cousin the calmest person you ever met? (she's telling me to write this, and we are being sarcastic, Dee told me to write this) ; ) Anyways hope to hear from you guys soon, from BOTH of US ; )

Dee (most importantly -- I let her type that), and Rachael (the um...um.....tehehehe....um...no no....hehehe...okay stop, okay sto-o-o-p....RACHAEL....Okay now start writing....hmhmhm....hahmhm...the weirdest person ever to live on earth, but the smart one) hehe from Deanna. That's it.

FAITHFUL FRIEND

July 26, 1992 - November 25, 2005

My dog, Gussie Sophia, was put to sleep last Friday. The day after Thanksgiving. My parents didn't tell me until that morning because they didn't want to upset me. But let me say, it broke my heart. I knew Gussie was old for a labrador, and that she was becoming weak. But I never envisioned not being able to say goodbye to my friend. I had wanted to be with her when she went, I wanted to tell her that I loved her, that she was the best dog anyone could ever ask for, that she was a good girl, that she would never be forgotten. Some of you met my dog, either in person, or in the pictures on my wall. She was a sweet dog, a good reader of people, no-nonsense, motherly, the best listener, and she was a huge part of my family. I felt like I was losing a sister or a beloved friend. I could only say good-bye in my head and heart as I counted down the hours and minutes until 4:30pm on that day. I kept calling and pleading with my parents, feeling like I was fighting for her life, for the both of us. I was away from home during my college years and then another year in Oxford, and I didn't get to say my good-byes. I didn't want her to go without having her ears scratched one more time, I wanted her to have as many doggy biscuits as she wanted, I wanted her to play with the frisbee in the house. I wanted her to be like I remembered her, vivacious, full of life, affectionate. I just wasn't ready to let go or say good-bye. I saw her 3 weeks ago before coming back to Boston, but was so rushed to get to the airport, that I never got to say good-bye. I never imagined my parents would do this without letting me know. Without giving me a chance to say good-bye to her. It hurt a lot, and I know that the decision was made with the best of intentions and that she was the family's dog and not just my own, but I would have wanted to know.

Thanksgiving was already too difficult and it wouldn't have been ruined had I known or atleast been able to let it sink in that Gussie was going to be put to sleep. My Nana got angry with me and yelled at me all morning as I tried to make mashed potatoes in record time. The night before my cousin, who is bi-polar, had lost his temper with me and said some extremely hurtful things. It just wasn't my best week, and to top it off, I was told that I would not be able to say good-bye to the one 'friend' who loved me unconditionally. The dog who grew up with me, who was there for me, and that put me over the top.

We all miss our chances to say good-bye to loved ones, or to let them know how we feel. I just thought, wow, if I left the world at this point in time, I would leave with so much hurt and bitterness. My cousin has a mental health problem, and he's a kid. Sure, he knew what he was saying, but he was beyond control. My Nana has Alzheimer's, and yes, I was running late, but I was sick that day, and she was stressed out and having a forgetful day. Sure, she blamed me for ruining her Thanksgiving, but to be honest, the dinner with family was nice. I got to see my cousins that I hadn't seen in a while, and my have those boys grown up. They're not boys anymore....and I remember helping to feed them as babies! My Dad loves Gussie as much as I do, and I know it broke his heart too. He felt the time had come regardless of personal feelings, that Gussie was too weak to carry on. We're all hurting. I don't like feeling bitterness, and when you let hurt feelings fester they can grow deep roots leading to anger and those roots are bitterness. Despite how much injustice you might feel has been done to you or has been done in general, you need to let go. For your own sake, and you'll find that relationships mend. I love my cousin, my Nana and my Dad. I loved Gussie. The ties that bind have to be stronger than the hurt that separates.

So, I'd like to write my dog, my faithful friend, my Gussie Sophia. I'd like to say my good-bye in my own way. I cried so many tears that Friday and I recalled so many memories, and all I wanted to do was hug her one more time and get a kiss on my cheek.

You were the best thing that ever happened to me
I remember we got to see you right after you were born
We didn't know it was you then, you were just "Miss Pink"
You had so many cute brothers and sisters
But you captured my Dad's heart first
You came home and three hours later I lost you
You had run away from me into the woods
You just wanted to explore
And I was a devastated ten year old
I ran inside and told Dad
He was mad
Then he went out and you were right back in the yard
He brought you in and I was crying so hard
You ran over, jumped into my arms and
You kissed my tears away.
You said, hey, I'm here, I'm fine
I'm a stinker
Do you remember 'snuffer?"
That was the game we played as kids
You used to love digging up and chewing rocks
We'd stand on the stump and throw them into the woods
And you'd go in and try to 'snuff' them out
But you made the funniest noise
You snorted like a pig as you searched
We loved it, we laughed every time
You loved the snow, we used to play 'catch' with snowballs
You'd run everywhere, trying to catch it as it fell
You'd dig into it
You used to pull the leash out of our hands
And run away down the street into Mr. Frye's garden
You'd dig it up every time
You'd run the the dumpster
You'd run into the woods
We had to trick you back into the van
You used to like cats
But one scratched you when you tried to play
And that was it....cats were public enemy number one
I remember you growled at that mean boy
He had called me pegleg and made fun of me
The teacher told his parents
His dad had brought him to the house to apologize
You kept looking at him and growled the whole time
You were just a puppy then, but you were smart
You figured he wasn't nice
You always read people to a tee
You never liked the ones who eventually would hurt one of us
You loved kids though, always a favorite
Everyone knew Gussie
From New Hampshire to Pennsylvania, you grew up with us
We used to get in trouble for all the holes you dug up in the yard
Remember when I'd come home crying from school?
You'd follow me up to my room
And I'd plop down on the floor, crying
And you'd put your head on my shoulder or
Try to kiss away all the tears?
I loved you so much!
You put up with so much too
Remember when I tried to 'train' you like a horse?
I had you running circles around me on a long rope
Gosh, you poor thing....those were the days
You used to chew anything wooden, you loved sticks
You were a regular vacuum cleaner, you ate everything
Toula would spit out veggies, but you'd gobble them up
You used to 'eat like a lady' and take the treats from my hand
As daintily as you could, rather than snap them up
We used to make you 'sit pretty' or 'dance' and you even 'crawled' for us once
But you were always offering your paw. Your best
You were the worst begger ever, you'd first whine
And then growl if we ignored you!
But you were never vicious
You were always gentle, even in play
Your growl and bark were loud, but I never took you seriously
Gus, I remember in Pennsylvania when I was home alone
I took you outside and the neighbor's pitbull got loose
He was running towards us in the churchyard
I had never seen you react
You started to walk with me back to the house
But he kept coming
So you jumped between him and me and snarled
You were a different dog
He bit you and you fought back....
I kicked him with my fake leg and finally his owner came over
Tried to say it was our fault
Um....no, he had run across the street, across the churchyard into ours
You were protecting me
I was so worried about you, I went inside crying
I kept looking for cuts, but found none
You were okay, thank God
You would never let any harm come to us
I remember when you tore all the ligaments in your knee
I slept downstairs on the floor with you for days
I'd wake up and you'd be crying
I was so afraid of losing you
You were seven then, and I needed you
We all felt so bad
When you had the surgery to repair the damage
We were so relieved, and it was then you must have known
We would do anything for you
My fondest times with you though were all those nights you'd come into my room
To 'check' on me, or else try to kick me off my bed so you could sleep there!
When you were a puppy you used to sleep on our stomaches
Lying on the couch or in bed
But soon you got to be pretty big
Eventually you stopped, but you always had to sleep with one of us
You usually picked me
I don't know why, maybe because I'd let you up, and I'd
Sleep in the most uncomfortable position, but I'd still do it
And I'd give you my blanket
Haha, yes, Nunny, we used to call you that too
You had me at first glance
When I used to have Mom and Dad's old bed
You'd have your own side and I'd have mine
There's a picture of you from when I was in high school
We had driven back from Massachusetts and
Picked you up at the kennel
I was sick and went to bed
The bed was against the wall one one side, and I was asleep
Somehow you managed to climb into bed under the covers
You climbed over me, I guess
But there's a picture of me sleeping with only my hair sticking out
And your nose!
I woke up all warm and cosy and you were asleep
With your head on my shoulder
You wanted to be with me when I was sick
You were always looking out for us
You were always concerned
You were always family
Gussie, you were the one
I could be completely myself with
You listened to me go on and on about meaningless things
But you were patient
You gave hugs and kisses
You did things without expecting treats or rewards
You were friendly and mild mannered
You put up with me trying to put hats and scarves on you
Trying to teach you the latest trick
Every scrape, burn, bruise or scratch you were there for
You always made me feel better
I told you all my secrets and you kept them
You used to lick my stump when I'd have those painful pinches
You were careful with me
I remember when I was young thinking about this day
I would cry and cry
I couldn't imagine life without you
You were that constant faithful friend
I used to scratch you behind the ears, and on your neck
Just knew your spots
I grew up and you grew old
It was inevitable and a race against time
I hope and pray you're in a better place
Where you can go swimming and run around
Where you can still feel the love we all had for you
But I wanted to tell you thank you
You loved unconditionally, and you loved back
I used to argue with friends that a dog can love back
You proved me right
You were a good dog, the best companion
And I was so blessed to be your family
You meant the world to me and I talked about you to everyone
Saying good bye is never easy and even my words today are inadequate
You were irreplacable and I treasure every moment I shared with you
You never saw me as different
And you gave me hope to never give up
I always had you to come home to
I'll always come home to you in my heart
I love you Gussie Sophia
You were my faithful friend, my sister

I will never forget coming home after two weeks away in high school
You greeted me with crying and wouldn't leave my side
You kept jumping up and barking at me
As if to say, "how could you leave me?"
Especially alone with Jared, huh?
You tried to unpack my suitcase when I left for college
You took my neatly folded clothes out
You grabbed the back of my shirt
I was crying when I left you
I cried when I said good-bye and left for Oxford
I thought it would be the last
You out lived all of our expectations
I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you
I wanted so desperately to be there
I felt guilty leaving you alone
I still do in a way
I remember talking to you on the phone when I'd call home
I'm sorry I didn't do that on Friday
I didn't want to cry and for you to get upset
You would be, because you always cared when we cried
I wanted you to have a good day
I heard you slept for most of it
I hope you had happy dreams, because I know you used to dream
You'd wake up barking or running in your sleep
I hope you were able to go having a peaceful happy dream
I would have wanted that for you
I miss you a lot
I will never forget you
I love you, Gus-Gus
You were a great dog

She smiles as she watches the little ones dance around. She wishes she could join them and feel that freedom to lose herself in the music once again. But she can't. She wishes she could go back to being the caregiver, but she can't. She is the one who needs help now. She feels bound by her frustrations, downed by her limitations....even her singing is different. The joy is gone, replaced by a kind of sadness. Little things hurt more than ever, and words cut deeper than before. Small slips and scares, she hates being afraid. She longs for the day when she can walk back onto that stage and sing her heart out without the fetters that bind her now. What others saw as her disability she saw as her ticket to freedom and now that it's been taken away from her, she's like a fly stuck in a spider's web, trying so desperately to fly out of it. Today she feels tired. Even though she knows she needs to keep going, keep trying to free herself, she feels more stuck than ever. A song comes back to her, reaching down through the ages, the familiar strains lifting her spirits. She's got to keep trying, got to keep going. Her freedom will come back, she can break the binds of this web. She sees the mountainous task before her and she takes a deep breath, cautiously trying out the notes again, remembering the melody. She closes her eyes, begins to sing, wavering on the high notes, until she becomes more secure, until she lets the words speak to her. No room for despair, no room for fear, only room for determination. Time to pull that stubborn tenacity out of the closet once again. She used to meet challenges head on, how could this sideline her so easily? Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalace. She dreams that she sings like before, that she dances like before....it will come back. Her feet will remember and her voice will sparkle again.

I'm afraid that I won't be able to do all as before
I'm sad that I'm missing so much now
Where did my strength go?
Why did my spirit leave me like that?
My leg got taken away and I lost myself
That shouldn't have happened
Stuck waiting for the pain to knab me again
No, not this time
I will work through the pain
I did it before
I wish I was a child again
Safe my Mom's arms
Dad carrying me into the ocean
Never worried that I'd lose my independence
Oblivious to the worth of my prosthesis
Innocently singing my dreams
Not knowing the battle for them
Dancing a dance of faith
Riding that horse all by myself
Closing my eyes and feeling
Just for a moment
Like I was perfect in heaven
Gussie used to lick my tears away
When I'd come home heartbroken from school
I used to hate that leg with a passion
I saw it as my shame in a way
But I grew up and wiser
I began to love that leg
With it I could be as normal as you
I could dance, at first not so gracefully
It let me do things I never dreamed I could
It gave me my freedom
It was my blessing to bear, not my burden
It didn't matter what others saw, but what I saw
Oh I loved my leg, it was my friend at all times
Maybe now it's getting a rest
But when I look at it
It looks as forlorn as I
Sadly leaning in a corner
See, it gave me freedom, but I gave it life
It was just as much a part of me, my body

Don't worry my friend
I'm not down for the count
I'll get up and we'll be back on our feet
I can almost hear my old songs
Hope hasn't died, just got dimmed
We'll get you some new padding
So my stump doesn't hurt as the old callouses return
I'll get my little leg strong again
So you feel useful once more
We'll put on a concert of joy pretty soon I think
Cause I'm not down for the count
I'll get up and we'll be back on our feet

We used to make music, you and I
I long for the day
We can reach up to the sky
We can laugh and sing
Where the words are bright
And the tone not dark
And I get my voice back
And you get your foot back
And we make music again

We're not down for the count
You and me
Just you wait
I'll get up and we'll be back on our feet

Here's one of my favourite hymns as a child:

Come Thou fount of ev'ry blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy praise
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Calls for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Take my spirit like a fetter
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the One I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above