Dear Family and Friends,
Here's a belated update of Margreets situation, but first I want to
thank and also apologize to all of you folks who have been sending me
messages inquiring about Margreet and about the long time without
updates. Thanks and sorry... I've been very busy getting into our new
work routine and learning to enjoy the time we've had here.
The chaparral tea seems to be working, or at least her conditions is not
getting worse, seems to be holding steady. I was fatalistic, but now
I'm hopeful. Am I confident?... Not yet. That will require time.
This thing is nerve wreaking... every little thing that happens to her
health, stomach upset, nausea or trembling, is right away assigned to
"the tumor!" But, maybe it is and maybe it's not.
Anyway, we had visitors from the States and that was very enjoyable.
Els, her sister, and Rena, her niece, and her family, came and stayed
for 10 days. Rena has 3 kids and it was great to meet them, as well as
her husband, which we hadn't met. Nice people, all of them.
Ralph, Margreet's son, also happened to come at the same time, and they
ironed out a long standing misunderstanding that had kept them in bad
relations for a long time. Now they are back in communication and all
is well.
So, there have been a lot of positive things developing and that has
been beneficial to her spirit... but still, she get tired very easily.
Can take only so much emotional charge.
Among the other positive things going on... she just got a
'skoetmobile' today. That's a little electric 3 wheel scooter that she
can ride aroung the neighborhood, with a range of some 40 km. Provided
as a service from the local municipality, at no charge, except for some
fees for her lessons to learn how to ride around in the thing.
(Hallelujah! We are living in a country where they still believe that
the _Government_ is supposed to _help people_ live a better life when in
trouble!) Some of her angels are modifying a little trailer they have
and going to give it to her so we can load the scooter and tow it with
our car, and see some of the local sight we've wanted to see before and
were not able to do. We are now only waiting for the weather to turn a
bit warm so we can go out and hit the town!
Ryan, who is not 6 months, readily gives her a big smile every time he
sees her. That recognitions is unmistakable... and priceless. There is
some internal connection there I'm sure (he doesn't smile at me as
readily as her), anyway, that's a big boost for Margreet.
So, all in all, things are going well. For how long, I don't know. She
insists that she'll be able to see the kids come running back from
school, but she also knows that there are no guaranties, so she wants to
have everything ready (no debts, no unfinished paperwork, etc. [and
that's what she gets stressed about]) in case she goes sooner than expected.
Well, "on pins and needles"... that's how we are living, and enjoying
the good moments when they come.
BTW, one of her angels, also in a human being disguise, fixed her a
laptop that she now can use in the 'huisje', so she can read her own
e-mail. You can send her messages directly, if you want, to her
e-address.
margreet@oceguedaproductions.com
She's still writing with one finger on one hand, so it may take a while
for her to answer, but I'm sure she'd like to get your messages... which
reminds me... this is one of the bad things that's happened... her
physiotherapist has told her to give up on the idea of being able to use
her left arm... it's too far gone. She actually has to take care that
it is always on a sling because the ligaments that are holding it to her
body are stretching and there's a danger that it could come out of the
socket. She took it pretty good. She said "Ok, I can concentrate on
getting my leg in shape"
Good things and bad things... good things and bad things... all the time.
"on pins and needles", folks, that's how we are _all_ living.
Take care of yourselves... and your neighbor.
Till next time.
Peace
Bob
