Dying is a lonely journey. Not only for the sick person but also for the family. As hard as we may try to avoid death, the truth is that we do a lousy job of it. Science and medicine will certainly postpone it, even staying healthy might seem to delay it, but the harsh reality is that death does not wait for you, it does not ask you, and it does not listen to you. Death ignores your feelings and wants; you do not matter to death…Death is the only certainty in life! We need to remember that our existence here is fragile, and we never have as much time with people as we think we do. If there is someone or someones out there that you love, don’t neglect that and don’t put off engaging with them because waits for no-one… Vic's Journey ended on 18 January 2013 at 10:35. She was the most courageous person in the world and has inspired thousands of people all over the world. Vic's two boys are monuments of her existence. She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister and friend. I will miss you today, tomorrow and forever my Angle Child.
Author: tersiaburger
I am a sixty plenty wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. I started blogging as a coping mechanism during my beautiful daughter's final journey. Vic was desperately ill for 10 years after a botched back operation.
Vic's Journey ended on 18 January 2013 at 10:35. She was the most courageous person in the world and has inspired thousands of people all over the world. Vic's two boys are monuments of her existence. She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister and friend.
I will miss you today, tomorrow and forever my Angle Child.
https://tersiaburger.wordpress.com
Today has been a very, very bad day. Sr Siza was here when Vic had a violent vomiting spell. Yesterday Vic fractured a vertebra again. Her pain is out of control. Her breathing was shallow.
“I don’t want Jon-Daniel to see me now Mommy. It freaks him out when I can’t breathe” Vic pleaded
I lay behind her back, gently holding her whilst the tears wracked through her little body.
“I don’t want to die Mommy. If only I can live for another year….. But I am so tired!” Vic softly cried
“Do you think we will be able to do Italy Mommy?” she asked after a long silence
“I hope so Baby. I think we must take the boys with us…” I replied
“Oh Mommy, can we? We don’t have to go for a long time…” Vic said
We lay quietly for a while. Vic trying to breathe through her nausea and pain and I contemplating how I am going to pull off this Italy thing… Just imagine flying with a caseload of injections and a litre of morphine syrup…
“Mommy, I don’t care what you do with my ashes… It was so hard putting my father’s ashes into that wall of remembrance! Are you going to be okay Mommy?” Vic cried
My heart stopped. This was so out of the blue… “You will always be with me. I will not put you into any wall” I said
“I will be your guardian angel.” Vic said
“I know but remember I will need some privacy… “I said
“Don’t worry Mommy! I will make sure my father doesn’t peep as well” Vic laughed through her tears
Many years ago we started a project, where on Christmas Day, we would feed the under privileged. The first year we fed approximately 300 people. The last year (2008) that we ran the project, we fed 1500 people on Christmas Day. We had three feeding points in different squatter camps and we also handed out little gifts of face cloths, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes at a TB Clinic.
My late father, who suffered from Alzheimers, came to live with us in 2009, and since then I have not had the time, energy or finances to continue running the project. The community has however started running a similar project, and they now fundraise themselves. For many years I cooked up to 50 turkeys, made salad and cooked rice… (I cannot handle the smell of turkey and my husband becomes nauseous when he has to carve turkey…) I suppose we are all turkeyed out….
One of the feeding points. The children are so patient and well-behaved!There is no greater joy than givingVic and her friend Lee and a community member sharing a happy moment!
“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” ― Amy Wilson-Carmichael
We also visited the TB Clinic and gave the children in the Pediatric Section gifts. Young Elizabeth, an 11 year old girl, died two weeks later. She never let go of her Christmas Teddy Bear…
When my dad came to live with us I had to stop many of my community projects. It broke my heart but I knew that it was my “family’s time” In the words of Mother THeresa – “Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”
2012 will be a Christmas of making time for my family.
A couple of days ago Vic wistfully said “This is my last Christmas Mommy” I hope she is well enough to have a Christmas that her boys will treasure and remember for the rest of their lives. This may well be our last Christmas.
Christmas Eve 2009 – (L to R) Lee, Vic, My Dad and I
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa
I have received a couple of very touching emails from Judy Unger. I am an avid follower of Judy’s blog http://myjourneysinsight.com I have sensed from Judy’s blogs that she has suffered deeply. I have however always avoided reading her posts on her son Jason’s death. Somehow it is too close to home.
With fresh, tearfilled eyes, I reread my email. I listened to Judy’s beautiful song and went to lay with my child. I held her gently and told her how much I love her. She is having a bad day and is feeling very frail.
Once again I share this remarkable woman’s caring email with you. Her words are flattering and the email personal. Yet I am compelled to share this email… I hope that you will listen to her beautiful song. Thank you dear Judy for baring your soul and showing your compassion. Thank you for reaching out to me!
I am always thinking of you at a time where you are putting one foot in front of the other. There is probably no word in the dictionary to express your exhaustion. Yet, you always find time to respond to every person’s comment with grace and kindness.
I loved your last post about tears. How beautiful that you could appreciate tears of joy, and not only of suffering at a time like this.
I have been deeply touched that you’ve shared my songs and words on your blog. It is unbelievable to me how in the short time I’ve know you, you’ve allowed me to help. I certainly hoped and wished I could. My own life has been enriched knowing that I was able to be there for you and Vic. The lovely comments by people who read your blog have also brought me to tears.
Since you have been Vic’s caregiver, you already know her absence will leave you with a deep abyss. It is so hard to have that devotion stop suddenly, because you will be going from plodding in exhaustion into nothingness. It is shocking because for so long, keeping Vic going has been your major purpose in life.
Now I want to share about another song that has helped me. It is my song named “More Than You Know.”
There are many levels to this song similarly to “Set You Free.” The main theme is of letting go. My song was written about friendship, but I revised it after my son Jason died. The lines that I find most applicable to losing my child was:
“I just can’t find the words to say how it felt when you went away”
With that line I am saying that nothing can possibly express the anguish of grief.
“I thought that you were mine.”
I believed that my child belonged to me. He was my purpose and I took care of him until he died. I could not accept his death for a very long time. That was why letting go was so hard.
Your own eloquent words acknowledge acceptance of Vic’s death. You are preparing yourself to let her go.
But there is no way to do that adequately.
I share with you my lyrics and song now. Since you have shared my messages, I want to provide a link here to my story about Jason. It helps to explain my songs and why I want to give you hope as you enter the darkness of grief. Your love for Vic will never end, nor her love for you.
Please know that you (or anyone grieving) can write to me any time. I am sensitive to grief in all forms, but because I am also a bereaved parent, I am especially sad when a child dies.
Over the past 10 years I have seen my child suffer so much indignity and indescribable pain. I have seen the despair in her eyes, the helplessness in the eyes of her boys….I have stood next to her bed and physically pulled my hair in frustration – tears pouring down my cheeks. I have wept before God and prayed for Vic to die. I begged God to take away her suffering.
I advocated the right to die with dignity.
Vic has been in the care of Hospice for the past 3 months. In this time Vic has been given a new lease on life. Hospice cannot change the prognosis but they have given Vic quality of Life. For the past three months Vic has been able to occasionally get out of bed, go for milkshakes with her boys, she went to Jared’s confirmation and Jon-Daniel’s honours evening. She completed her photo albums.
Vic is in renal and hepatic failure. Her tissue is horrendous. Her pain is under control! As and when symptoms surface, Vic’s medication is adjusted. She is treated with compassion and respect. Her wish is the teams command….
As the situation is now I am so grateful that my child is alive. I treasure every breath that she takes. We chat, laugh and cry. We dream of going to Italy in 2013.
So given the situation now what would I advocate – The right to die with dignity or the right to live?
I have no doubt that if Vic’s pain and symptoms got worse, I would want her suffering to end. If it remains as great as it is now of course I want her to live. But it is key that Vic is allowed to live with Dignity!
As much as I advocate the right to die with dignity I believe that the final decision lies with the sick person. It is not for family or physicians to play God. The patient has to be the only decision maker.
I must admit that if the decision was mine to make, my child’s suffering would have ended a long time ago.
We all have the right to Live with Dignity. There is a huge difference between breathing and living…
I just finished a batch of choc-chip cookies. The house is quiet and sweet smell of the biscuits has permeated the air. The Christmas tree lights are flicking and the first batch of gifts beautifully wrapped. It is the season of Christmas. Two weeks ago I despaired that Vic would not live to see Christmas. Dr Sue came and saw Vic this morning. She lanced the cellulitis abscess on Vic’s arm. My baby girl was so brave!! Sue told us of a young man who came to see her in her rooms with a small abscess in his face. He cried with pain. Sue told Vic what a brave person she is…I was so proud of my little girl. Vic’s heart and pulse rate is very elevated. She has a kidney infection. Kidney infections make her tired. I just checked on Vic and she is sleeping so peacefully. She has a serene expression on her beautiful face and she is truly pain-free tonight. Sitting here I am counting my blessings. My baby girl is home. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it would have been if Vic lived elsewhere or if she was married or involved. I can now care for my child without having to consider my “position” in her life. I am able to be her mommy and take care of her. The boys are settled and happy living with us. We love having them so close to us. They are such well-behaved, kind and helpful boys! Before Vic moved home the boys, mainly Jared, had to cook most days. Now they are able to be children. Life has settled into an easy routine. We have laughter and fun. We cry and despair. We hug. We talk and constantly affirm our love for one another. Vic is spending a lot of time with her boys – talking. She helped with the preparations for Jared’s 16th birthday party. Vic passed me the spices when I baked this year’s Christmas cakes. We laughed when we decided the cake needed another “splash of brandy”. Vic “chose” her Christmas Cake. My wonderful husband is such an amazing person. He is my rock and pillar. He loves and protects us. I am happy and content with our lives. Thank you God for this time of closeness.
This was so funny I just had to reblog this. I do plead guilty to sharing most of the behavioural traits listed below….. Thank-you Shirley for reblogging this.
As we progress into 2013, I want to thank you for your educational e-mails
over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.
I can no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel,
nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying
about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I can’t sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine
what has happened on it since it was last washed.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving
because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one’s nose.
Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only
imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
I can’t touch any woman’s handbag for fear she has placed it on
the floor of a public toilet.
I must send my special thanks for the email about rat poo
in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with
every envelope that needs sealing.
ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I can’t have a drink in a bar because I fear I’ll wake up in a bathtub
full of ice with my kidneys gone.
I can’t eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant
freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.
I can’t use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a
water buffalo on a hot day.
Thanks to you I have learned that my prayers only get answered
if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
Because of your concern , I no longer drink Coca Cola because
it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer buy fuel without taking someone along to watch the car,
so a serial killer doesn’t crawl in my back seat when I’m filling up.
I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes
seven different types of cancer.
And thanks for letting me know I can’t boil a cup of water
in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring
me for life.
I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a
needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.
I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug
me with a perfume sample and rob me..
And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask
me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to
Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan ..
Thanks to you I can’t use anyone’s toilet but mine because a
big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant
death when it bites my butt.
And thanks to your great advice I can’t ever pick up a
dime coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed
there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.
I can’t do any gardening because I’m afraid I’ll get bitten by the
Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.
If you don’t send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in
the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land
on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the
fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you
to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it
actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor’s
ex mother-in-law’s second husband’s cousin’s best friend’s
beautician!
Oh, and by the way…
A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study,
has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity
read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse
Don’t bother taking it off now, it’s too late.
P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because
I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet..
NOW YOU HAVE YOURSELF A VERY GOOD DAY…
There is a Sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and unspeakable Love. ~Washington Irving
I have been quite busy album-making for Christmas. Over the past month I have gone through thousands of photos!
One of the most touching photos I came across, was a photo of Vic where she is crying. She was not crying from pain or fear. She was crying from pride and happiness…
tears of pride and joy……..
Then I saw this “Status” of an old schoolfriend and I knew I had to post about the sacredness of tears. I posted the quote earlier but after going through the photographs I decided to actually write about Vic’s tears.
Vic was a little girl of about 7 years of age. We were driving home from the school sports day. I looked in the mirror and saw the tears running down her cheeks….
What’s wrong angel? I asked
“I also want to run Mommy….” She said
I have seen tears of pain in her eyes more times than I wish to remember.
I have seen tears of fear shimmering in her eyes many, many times.
I have seen tears of sadness roll down her cheeks…tears of despair…
Tears of pain
I have seen tears of resignation
I have also seen tears in the eyes of her Gastrointestinal Surgeon when he said “No More”
But the tears that I will always want to remember are the tears of pride that Vic has cried. She has cried at Jon-Daniel’s Prize Giving’s, school concerts and when Jared plays guitar in Church and at recitals, Jared’s confirmation…
Vic’s tears are sacred. They are like rain on the windows to her soul. In the words of Eileen Mayhew” “Let your tears come. Let them water your soul.”
I love you angel child! Maybe you will cry tears of happiness again one day…
I am compelled to post an email I received from Judy Unger. She sent me another of her songs and I am deeply touched by her caring, generosity and talent. I would like to share the beautiful words and song with the Blogging world. Thank you Judy!!
When I came home and saw your post about my song, I was floored. You have received hundreds of beautiful messages – sharing my words as you did caused me to weep. Mostly because I had desperately hoped that I could help you in some way.
This horrible time you are going through does carry such a weight. The clock ticking with VIcky’s final moments can be heard all the way into my home from across the world.
So I am going to keep sharing with you in any way to help you.
When I was losing my mother to dementia, I wrote another special song. This song also carries many levels, as did Set You Free. Set You Free was about having the courage to let go and admitting how hard it was, despite acceptance. I related it to many people – even my soon to be ex-husband. But mostly to setting myself free from grief.
This other song, “Memory Of Love” carries the major theme of many of my longs. That is holding onto love. Even though I wrote Memory Of Love with my mother in mind, I always pictured it as a song about someone who was dying.
That was a prophecy therefore, about helping you.
I think you’ll appreciate this song, because it honestly expresses the fear and sadness that you are alone with. As much as you are holding Vicky’s hand – she is leaving and you must hide so many feelings from her. I hope my song can comfort you.
Love, Judy
THE MEMORY OF LOVEOriginal Song by Judy Unger, Copyright 2010How can I tell you?I’m sad you’re leaving meI miss the way you used to beI’ve lost you somewhereI’m lonely and I cannot shareI can’t tell you, so instead I just pretendit’s easier that way than to face the endI’ve tried so hard to acceptas you fade away, I’ve slowly weptI feel, I sense, there’s so much fearI try to be brave, as you disappear from hereI cannot see you,you’ve become transparentI ache and wonder where you wentI know you can’t hear my crieswith deaf ears and vacant eyesI pray, I wish, you were awareso when I feel despairthe memory of loveis thereso even if you’re not awarethe memory of love is always there
It has been a crazy week. Between Vic, final 2012 business meetings, a brochure photo shoot, visiting grandchildren, Jared’s birthday party and Hospice meetings I have run around in circles. I have not had time to blog or read all the blogs I am following.
Vic has had a reasonable week. I can see her getting weaker every day. At night I give Vic a Pethidine, Zantac and Buscopan injection. The Pethidine makes her sleepy. During the day she is able to tell me she needs an anti-nausea injection. At night the drug-induced sleep does not allow her the luxury of early warning. Vic projectile vomits every day of her life!
Vic has also had a couple of uncontrolled sneezing attacks and lots of hiccups. I fear she will fracture ribs and vertebrae if we are not able to control this quickly. I have started giving her antihistamine tablets. Hospice tells me it is a symptom of the kidney and liver failure and will get much worse.
Her arm is still very inflamed and painful. We are now on the 3rd round of antibiotics. The tissue in her derriere is very poor. It is lumpy and bruised. It is becoming more and more difficult finding good tissue where I can inject her.
Emotionally it is really a difficult time. Vic is spending as much time with the boys as possible. She is doing a lot of what appears to be “lasts”….
It is 11 days to Christmas, and we are looking forward to a quiet Christmas Eve with the family. Our gifts are not as extravagant as other years. Our priorities are simply different this year. This year Christmas will be a time of love and togetherness.
SET YOU FREE – Judy UngerSET YOU FREE You’re hanging on as night turns to dawnI know you can’t stay and soon you’ll be gonewe both know it’s hard to let go; wherever you are my love won’t be faryour smile, your touch, your voice, your face; your essence I will never replacethough I long for you to hold me; I need to set you freeThere is no fear and your leaving is clearwe’ll still have our love it remains with each tear I cry as you leave but I truly believe; as you leave my sight we’ll both be all rightyour smile, your touch, your voice, your face; your essence I will never replacethough I long for you to hold me; I need to set you freethough you have flown to somewhere unknownwe’re never apart ‘cause you’re here in my heartyour smile, your touch, your voice, your face; your essence I will never replacethough I long for you to hold me; I need to set you freethough I long for you to hold me; I need to set you free
Vic is not having a good day. She is so brave, but it is clear to all that she is slowly losing the battle.
The cellulitis in her arm is slowly clearing, the pain and nausea is under control but Vic is weaker. She looks old and drawn – the pain clearly etched on her little face. My heart physically aches when I look at her, and I know that my love will follow her, wherever she may go..
I know I must set Vic free. I need to release her from the hell she lives. I echo Judy’s words “You’re hanging on as night turns to dawn; I know you can’t stay and soon you’ll be gone; we both know it’s hard to let go; wherever you are my love won’t be far”
Thank you Judy for your compassion and sharing your beautiful songs with me.
Late Saturday night Vic’s restlessness was indicative that she was determined to be the first to wish me. At 11.30 pm she came through and said “another half hour….. I want to be the first to wish you Mommy. I just want 30 minutes alone with you on your birthday…”
“No problem angel. I’ll switch the kettle on.” I said
“I will be back in a minute” she said
I made coffee and checked some e-mails. At 12:00pm I expected her to come through singing “Happy Birthday” but no Vicky….
I went through to her room and the poor baby had fallen asleep on her bed…
Jon-Daniel came through and brought me a cup of tea on a tray, with a gift and card and a rose! “Happy birthday Oumie” he said.
He had bought a book I have wanted to read for a while “The Elephant Whisperer” – It is an inspiring, true life drama of a herd of wild African elephants on an African game reserve. The herd is destined to be shot for dangerous behaviour when this special human being, Anthony, intervenes to try to save their lives. I was so thrilled that he remembered.
Just before 01:00 am Vic shuffled into my TV lounge.
“Oh Mommy, I am so sorry I fell asleep. I thought I would just close my eyes for 5 minutes whilst you make the coffee…”
We sat and chatted for a while. Vic shared her good wishes with me and we just sat and spoke. We spoke about our very special mother-daughter relationship. We spoke about years gone by and how blessed we are to have this time together. (I cannot imagine Vic married and living in someone else’s home on her final journey.)
The girls, Esther and Lani, arrived at 10:00am with gifts, a cooked meal, dessert and cake. The grandchildren set the table… My sister Lorraine and dear friend Judy arrived bearing armloads of gifts. The grandchildren had written me letters and cards – it was so special. Vic bravely cooked a pot of rice and had lunch with the family. All the grandchildren swam and played tug-a-war! We laughed and joked.
It was a perfect day.
Esther and Lani planned the day to start early whilst Vic is at her best. As the day progresses so her energy levels decrease. Immediately after lunch Vic went to bed. She was in so much pain and absolutely exhausted.
All the grandchildren wanted to stay.
Sunday evening we Skyped my son and his family in the UK. Vic and Danie spoke. Vic and Danie Jnr have a special bond.
Twenty two years ago I married Danie Sr and his four children; Esther 23, Lani 18, Liza 16 and Danie 11… Danie married me and one, sick, very protected, spoilt brat, Vicky, aged 16. Vic and Danie Jnr were the two kids who lived with us. Vic embraced her new family. (I was petrified of the children!)
Vic’s siblings have been amazing over the years. I could never have coped as well as I do if it was not for their love, support and encouragement. The siblings are fiercely protective of their little sister.
Vic and Danie Jnr spoke for at least 10 minutes last night. It was a sad conversation between a brother and his older, little sister.
“I miss you too Vic. How are you feeling?” Jnr asked
“I am battling Boetie (Little Brother) Vic said
“We are coming to visit in April then I will see you Vic”
“I don’t know if I am going to make it to April” Vic said
“Just hang in there Vic. It is not that long to April…” Jnr consoled her
“I know but I am tired. I am just missing you” Vic cried
“I will fly over for a weekend. I want to see you again” Danie promised
Vic was so tired last night. Her little body cannot handle parties anymore. She tries so hard. This weekend we will have Jared’s 16th birthday. It is only his birthday on the 26th but most of his friends are away for Christmas so we have his friend party an early in December.
I know this will more than likely be another last for Vic.
My poor child had a horrible night. The pain was under control, but her arm still throbbed, and she was restless. I was busy with some Christmas gifts. I tried to go to sleep, but gave it up as a bad job. So I wrote a post. At 2am this morning I had just “published” when Vic rang the intercom.
The intercom is her 911
I ran down the passage knowing that my poor child had vomited again. The poor little thing was standing in the shower covered in her 7 pm dinner and antibiotic tablets. The food had not digested at all. She was shivering and crying.
I cleaned up whilst Vic showered.
“I am sorry Mommy. I am so sorry Mommy”… Vic sobbed.
“I can’t do this anymore Mommy. I don’t want to live like this anymore….”
I eventually got into bed at 5am. Three hours sleep used to be enough sleep when I was younger. I think I am getting old. I need more than 3 hours. Maybe it is time to look at a night nurse…..
Hospice called early this morning. The antibiotics have been changed to IM injections. We cannot put up an IV drip. Sr Siza told Vic she should be admitted to hospital to have the abscess lanced and drained. Vic refused. “No more hospitals. Mommy you promised…”
Monday morning Dr Sue will come to the house and do the procedure here.
Yesterday I spoke with a wonderful young man, Marchelle. I was privileged to have worked with Marchelle worked for a couple of years. Unfortunately we lost a large contract and had to go our separate ways.
Marchelle has a pure heart. He is selfless and one of the very few people I trust with every fibre of my being. Marchelle has never let me down.
Marchelle told me he is following my blog. He asked me whether I thought the situation is truly as bad as Hospice say it is. I said I did.
He asked “what is different this time? You have been told so many times that Vic was dying, and then she bounces back…”
I started giving him the facts; Vic is in renal and hepatic failure… This time she cannot bounce back. Organ failure is organ failure…. Talking to him I thought “Marchelle is right! Why am I giving up this time? I have NEVER given up on my child, and I will not give up now.”
I walked into Vic’s room and stood in the door looking at my beautiful little girl sleeping. I am so tired that I am allowing the negativity of the situation to get to me. It was however only at 4:00 am that the reality of Vic’s situation re-settled around my heart like a lead jacket – I know my child has had enough.
Marchelle said he prays for us every day, and I believe him.
This morning Vic took her precious boys to pick up their report cards. Both Danie and I said we would take them. Vic very politely refused. She wanted to take her boys. She wanted to be first to see their marks. Maybe for the last time…
She was absolutely delighted with their marks. The boys had worked hard and deserve every mark they received. I wonder whether the boys will remember in the years to come that their Mommy got out of her sick- bed to go with them to collect their 2012 report cards.
We are so proud of them. They are brave kids.
On Sunday we will celebrate my birthday. On the 24th we will have our first Christmas dinner with Lani, Tom and all their kids. Simone still believes in Santa! On the 25th we will go to Church. On the 26th we will celebrate Jared’s birthday. On the 27th we will start planning our New Year celebrations.
Forward planning is “The power of positive thinking”…
I just finished a batch of choc-chip cookies. The house is quiet and sweet smell of the biscuits has permeated the air. The 
Vic's Final Journey 