////\\\\/\\\\///\\\///\////\\///\\\/// (that's me doing virtual flips)!
So glad it's all coming together for you! Rose
At Thu, 6 Dec 2001, Lin wrote:
>
>Friday, December 07, 2001
>
>To my precious friends,
>
>It’s a gloomy rainy summer’s day her in little old New Zealand. It’s
>hot and muggy! And the sky is dark and threatening. There’s a gale out,
>and I have to keep all the windows and doors shut—to keep it from coming
>in.
>
>I was feeling gloomy. Then I remembered that my mother-in-law from
>Holland had sent me a Christmas CD that I hadn’t even listened to! To my
>surprise it turned out to be packed full of wonderful, rocky and upbeat
>Christmas carols, some in Dutch (which I understand) and some in
>English!
>
>I ended up gently dancing through the living room with my dog—who
>thought it was such fun! And having a good time!
>
>I’m going to make a copy of the CD to give to my sister, Wendy—she and
>her family will love it too—her little ones enjoy dancing to music.
>
>I’m truly in the Christmas mood. And looking forward to doing our
>Christmas shopping tonight. I am so glad that John’s boss has given him
>this bonus, so we can buy some more Christmas decorations. I also need
>some new summer cloths—especially some t-shirts and pants—I hardly ever
>wear a skirt—just don’t feel comfortable in them, and I would like to
>have some summer nities, as it’s been so hot lately even at night.
>
>We’re going to have a look at children’s toys as well, for Louise and
>Francis, our nieces. We always take our time to chose the right gift,
>one with which they can use their imagination and learn something from.
>I think because we are still kids at heart that that is the reason why
>our gifts are always THE favourite!
>
>Apart from that we’re not going to buy any more presents. Just some
>nice groceries—so I can do some baking and cooking, although I am not
>planning to stray to far from the diet I am on! No use getting sick,
>it’ll only spoil the festivities.
>
>On December 26th John and I are celebrating our tenth anniversary of the
>day we first kissed! When we knew we were meant for one another! We can
>hardly believe that ten years have gone by! It doesn’t seem so long ago.
>We’re planning on making a special candle lit dinner, and make it a nice
>romantic evening. I’m so looking forward to it!
>
>I haven’t heard anything yet from my family about making plans for
>Christmas—and if they don’t say anything soon we will make our own
>plans—and it’ll be their own loss—I should not have to go around
>organizing everything!
>
>John has promised to help me tidy up the house tomorrow morning. But in
>the mean time I am doing some dusting and cleaning—doing something for
>10 minutes, and then resting for half an hour to an hour before I go and
>do another job, I know it is slow, but I do eventually get done what I
>want to get done. And I feel good about it because I achieved my goal.
>
>I can’t get over how different I feel these days. Gone is the
>depression, it’s flown out of the window. I feel cheerful, although
>sometimes I do shed the odd tear, but I’m laughing again, and having
>fun. I’m happy and contend, there are so many things I am thankful for.
>The regular pain killers are making all the difference! I’m sleeping
>again, and I feel much more rested this morning. O.k. occasionally I
>still feel a bit anxious and irritable, but those periods are getting
>shorter and less frequent. I am truly regaining control of my life, and
>I have even resumed some normal activities. And John is happier too,
>more relaxed, and I see that twinkle in his eyes once more—without the
>look of constant worry on his face. He is sleeping better too, he is so
>in tune with me that if I am tossing and turning or biting on my lip to
>keep from exclaiming aloud because of my pain—that he wakes up even from
>the deepest of sleeps.
>
>My family seem happier too, because I no longer tell them how I am truly
>feeling deep down inside, but using Jo’s gift of the word
>“UNBELIEVABLE”. They are contend to take things at face value, and
>think that because I am coping better, sounding happier and cheerful
>that the problem is gone. How wrong can they be?
>
>Still, I don’t care anymore. I’ve got John, and I’ve got you my
>precious friends—who do not mind if I tell you about how miserable I am
>feeling and how much pain I am in.
>
>I feel encouraged, and I am truly eager to make the most of my life. I
>am planning to live for a very long time—I’m aiming to live to a ripe
>old age—stuff those doctors who believe otherwise! I’m going to be with
>John until we are both old and gray. No more will I feel sorry for
>myself because nothing more can be done for me, because there is no
>cure. I’m going to live with hope in my heart, and a song in my head,
>and a smile on my face, a twinkle in my eye.
>
>Thank you all for all the love and encouragement you are giving me! I
>feel so very blessed.
>
>All my love,
>
>--
>Lin
>
-- kcmo ro(se) ICQ #131145100 If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly.