Early December Happenings

Hello Everyone,


I know I haven't written for a while and I'm sorry. Remember I told you last time that the doctor seemed to think I had fibromyalgia? Well, I was waiting for a definite diagnosis and then when I got my diagnosis I didn't know how to explain what was going on. Ever since my last posting I have been struggling trying to get around and do things. Sitting at the computer sometimes can be painful. I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called polymyositis. If you want to know a little bit more about this disease here is a link http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyositis/DS00334 During the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving I was having difficulty walking but now that has improved as the doctor prescribed muscle relaxers (in addition to the steroids) and once they kicked in I am walking better. Heaviness of limbs, weakness, muscle deterioration and some other things are part of it as well. I have noticed that the numbness in my hands and feet have left as well as the shooting pains from my right shoulder to my fingers. My husband has taken very good care of me and makes sure that I have all the help I need. He was there the other night when the cold weather came in and I was having severe muscle cramps all night. He helped me get into a warm tub and brought me medicine and sat up with me for the rest of the night. I am blessed to have a husband who takes care of me. I am thankful that we caught it early before it got too far. The doctor wants me to begin physical therapy as my muscles have already begun to shrink, so we will do what we need to do.

I am not afraid of what the future holds I know my Savior stands with me all the way and at the end of this road I will be with Him in Heaven. I don't question either why this has to happen to me. God is never wrong. I simply trust in His will.


The girls are doing well and working hard. We are almost ready for Christmas to come. You know, I don't like that phrase...ready for Christmas. It makes it sound like Christmas is something other than what it is. Christmas is a celebration of our Savior's birth I am always ready to celebrate Jesus' birth. I accepted Him as Lord and Savior when I was 12 years old and have been ready for Him ever since. I watch everyone every year go into debt to provide a "nice Christmas" for their families. Jesus already did that and we could never in a million years give a gift comparable to Him and yet people are afraid to even say the words Merry Christmas to anyone. It is so sad. Many have forgotten Him even as they celebrate His birth.


We had a rare treat the day before yesterday, Thursday. It snowed! Now to you northerners this may not be a monumental occasion but to us in south Louisiana it is amazing. The last time it snowed here was four years ago on Christmas day. We went outside at 7 am when our neighbor called to tell us it was snowing and you could hear the kids in the neighborhood cheering. I got to watch my family have fun throwing snowballs at each other and I took pictures and short videos. Tiffany's boyfriend Chris came and was trying to make a snowman and he had a nice 7 inch ball formed when my David thought it would be fun to bomb him with a barrage of snowballs while he was occupied. It's amazing how quickly a 6'1" man can duck to a height of about 4 ft. Needless to say Chris gave up and lobbed his extremely large snowball David's way. It was hilarious. It was tough to have to stop the fun so I could go to the doctor and Tiff and Chris could go to work. Heather and Rochelle were the only ones home. David had begun a large snowball for the bottom of a snowman before we left and put Rochelle in charge of finishing him. Well, as things would have it in my family things are never the way you expect them to be when you come home.

David had me call to ask Rochelle to take a picture of the snowman as it had started to rain and he didn't want to miss it if it melted. Rochelle sounded very humored during the phone call and informed me that they had indeed taken pictures of not one, but three snowmen they had made. I was impressed that they had accomplished all that so quickly...of course we did have about 3 inches of snow. Rochelle proceeded to tell me she couldn't wait for us to see them.

We came home from the doctor's office and the rain had stopped but the snowmen had not melted. There stood a nice snowman made by southern girls complete with a scarf and rocks from the driveway for eyes, mouth and buttons. I was impressed. Then, I looked at the other two snowmen.... Hmmm ......I was informed that Rochelle had the brainstorm and remembered a Calvin and Hobbs comic strip where Calvin had made snowmen. They went online, found the comic strip and used it as inspiration. One snowman was a victim of vehicular homicide with one body part (twig arms pointing skyward) on the trunk of the car and the head and lower body lying on the ground behind the car, and the other had obviously fallen over into a tree and his head was just a mound of snow. Poor, poor snowmen didn't have a chance. I can sympathize with Calvin's mom in a whole new way. They had even used a reddish substance for clarity. I found out later that all they had available was tomato soup. Crazy kids...if you believe comic strips are innocent diversions for the kids of today don't believe it.


David recieved his diploma for his associates degree on Friday. I am so proud of him. He's working hard on his studies and remains a straight A student. He continues working on his bachelor's degree.


Pictures of the snow day and David's diploma can be found in the photo link.

Please, when you get a chance remember the following people in your prayers: my mom, my nephew Ryan, our friend Julian who had a double transplant, the family of our friend Norman who passed away, David's stepdad, our church we're still searching for a pastor, and as always the troops: in particular Josh Stevens, Keith Schulz, the 927th Sapper Company 3rd platoon, and most of all our son-in-law Sgt. David Ghere. David, we miss you son-in-law. Keep safe and hurry home we miss you terribly.


That's about it for now, I hope this letter finds everyone happy, healthy and safe. I love you all. Take care and God bless.