Hi to everyone,

I've not been here in ages and it looks like there's not many wives gathered here anymore, but I wanted to say Merry Christmas and let you know that Hu is doing pretty well and was able to travel to India with his brother in November. Now the plan is for his brother to take him to Israel in January. He was able to ski already this winter. Last winter we wondered if it would be his last year to ski but he is able to do the easier slopes with the younger children and seems to be content with that.

He makes more comments like, "I never heard that song before" and other expressions of wonder as though he is seeing something for the first time. I'm so grateful for the good medications he is on.

While he's been traveling I've been able to read my journals from when our children were little, and found it to be a great comfort to see just how full our lives were then...it is smart to live to the full when you are strong and have opportunities! It helps me to be content with working and watching over him now.

We've been able to keep our home even though we put it on the market for 6 months. I have hope we will be able to keep it for the family for years to come, and that is Hu's hope.

Our Navy son is home for Christmas and that is a delight to us.

May you all have some sweet golden moments on Christmas, and a sense of hope that God is watching over us faithfully. -Mary

Mary, so nice to hear from you.It sounds like Hue continues to be active.Wonderful for him and all those who allow his activities.Happy New year to you.
Judy, all you can do is deal with the now and go on with your painting, etc.We are so thrilled you feel we have been able to help you in some way.This forum has done that for so many, including myself.I hope you will take a picture of one of your paintings and allow us the pleasure of viewing it.

Hello All

Although its after Christmas now, our household is quiet enough to send greetings to you, Mary, and Joan Marie and May and so many others who have been 'here' when I've expounded and needed to know what to do or think or be..

My husband has recovered from the bypass surgery and its effects. He seems to feel well and looks well. He discontinued his work with the neuropsychologist and in his words, "fired her". Of course he never said that to her, he just stopped trying to master the skills she required and began working full time instead of half days and began driving to work and back.
As far as he's concerned his life is now back to normal.

We lost our 'window of opportunity' once again for further tests and closer monitoring of his abilities. So as long as he stays healthy and is functioning properly at work, I'm trying to believe things are 'better'..for now anyway.

We made it through the Christmas gathering at our house better than expected.

Now that all the holiday things are done and we seem to be free of doctors and such, I'm hoping to get back to my studio to paint again. For these many months I've felt so distracted and so 'on duty' that even if time was available, I had no energy for it. So I'm going to try, as many of you do also, to establish a regular schedule of something each day. Even if I just get in an hour or less, I think it will help. At least its a start in thinking of how to reclaim a bit of my own world for this time of 'calm'.

Please know that I admire you all so much for your courage and pure 'grit'. Many of you are much further down this rutted road of OZ than I. Through your posts, you have given me opportunities to learn about your experiences and to know what to anticipate and how to manage. That information is more valuable than you can imagine to the many of us who follow.

Hoping the new year will have more ups than downs for all.

Sincerely
Judy