You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130. Or e-mail to Rose at www.roseholt@aol.com


Today was a day of fun with Granny, Shirley, Aunt Rose, Brayden, and me. We had fun. My brother and I played. I played with my PS2, and now I am doing this e-mail for Granny. Today was good. Today was great. The bath was the very best part except Brayden wasn't good. At Art Mart I got so many things, a mask I decorated, and a puzzle I decorated. And at night I am doing this e-mail. Brother is playing with a wood stick. Granny is laying on the couch. Shirley is with a client. Tonight we are having a family party. Love, Jalen. March 31, 2004 The End of Granny's e-mail.

[Again, I just typed for Jalen. Sue]

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130. Rose's e-mail address is roseholt@aol.com


Brother Joe's granddaughter, Lydia, is working to raise money to fight cancer. If any of you is interested in supporting a great cause and wonderful young girl, here is the link:

https://www.acsevents.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=41325&lis=1&kntae41325=212D760E5C83473DAFA2468D7092E87E&supId=17627510&team=

You may have to cut and paste to activate this link.

A lot has happened since Friday. As you read in Jalen's entry, he and his brother Brayden are with us until this coming Friday--always a wonderful treat. Margaret and I met Scott in Mt. Vernon, IL, yesterday to get the boys. Chris and friend, Mark Goldman, will take them back to Louisville on Friday and spend the weekend with Scott. We miss the children already.

On Saturday I had my first treatment from a health practitioner, Mary Lenihan. She practices Shiatsu, massage, and touch healing. I have been getting accupuncture from Dr. Ginger for over two months now, and it may be one of the factors that is helping me. Shiatsu is accupressure, and I am hoping this new treatment will be a part of my healing.

After the IV infusion on Thursday, I had a few bad days, weak and shaky and not encouraged. However, time, being with Christopher who spent the night with me on Sunday at the Oakland House while Rose and Shirley were in Chicago, the trip with Margaret, and the presence of the grandchildren have worked wonders. Christopher is such a delight. We "let the dogs out" at his house on Monday and ran other errands. And we visited with his neighbor, Tim, whom I hadn't seen for a while. He and his wife Maxine were at my 50th birthday celebration and will come to my 60th.

The birthday invitations are in the mail. We may have missed someone, so if you think so, please let us know ASAP. The party will be on Friday, April 23, at 7:00 pm at the Vineyards Clubhouse in St. Charles County. For out-of-towners, we have several places we can put you up if you will just let us know. Pete and Janet called this morning. They are coming this way in April. Pete will go on to Florida for the Great Fishing Expedition with Joe and Donald while Janet stays with us for the birthday celebration.

I had a letter from "Cuz,' aka Wanda Jean Long Philbrick recently. For those who have lost track of this cousin, her address is: 2924 SE 19th Court, Okeechobee, FL, 34974. Her son Rick has been having chemo treatments for lymphoma and may have a bone marrow transplant. Let's all remember him in our prayers.

Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport on Monday afternoon. Shirley dropped me off at St. Mary's Rehab for my physical therapy Tuesday morning. Margaret called for me, and we took our wonderful jaunt over into Illinois together. Margaret is one great travelling companion.

All in all, I'm having some various problems right now, but they pale to insignificance in the face of my health issues. Keep me in your prayers.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Hi, my name is Jalen. I have been coming to St. Louis a long time. I have past away from six. I have been visiting a long time to St. Louis. I have Aunt Rose and Aunt Shirley and my Granny. They are all so sweet. I love Aunt Rose, Aunt Shirley, and Granny. Me and my brother are in St. Louis already. We are having fun. I have been playing my PS2. My brother is doing stuff and me, I am just making a e-mail for Granny, from Jalen. And my brother is one year old. And my Dad, I love my Dad. His name is Scott. He is Granny's son. He has two brothers named Chris and Mark. I have been travelling from miles to miles to miles. My Granny has been sick. I told her would it be nice to have no cane to walk with. Love, Jalen.

[Jalen dictated his post to me, and I simply type for him. Granny]

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

We haven't updated this weblog for almost a week, so here goes.

Sunday morning, Shirley, Loretta, Rose, and I went to Mass at Christ the King. Sunday afternoon I had an accupuncture treatment from Dr. Ginger. We delivered Loretta to the airport early on Monday for her return trip to New Orleans. Tuesday was physical therapy. Joanne Callahan, SSM pastoral director, met us for some discussion about the spiritual aspects of healing. Joanne knows someone who is a healing practioner, and I have an appointment with that person tomorrow. More about that later. Immediately following physical therapy on Tuesday, I had accupuncture again with Dr. Ginger. She continues treat me and send me home with various teas, herbs, and potions. I think it is one of the helpful things I am doing.

On Wednesday I started my third round of IV infusion therapy at home. We had a laugh when the medication was delivered by Barnes Home Health Care on Tuesday evening. Denny had ordered us a cheesecake from Omaha Steak, and we were excited when the deliveryman brought a packag marked "Keep Refreigerated" to the door. We just knew the cheesecake had arrived and we opened the box with mouth-watering anticipation. It wasn't cheesecake; it was the Solumedrol for the IV infusion. However, the cheesecake did arrive on Thursday and is delicious, worth waiting for.

We finished the IV's on Thursday, and again they left me weak so that today I didn't feel up to going to physical therapy. I expect to feel much better tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day--haircut in the morning, healing practioner at noon, and accupuncture in the afternoon.

Jacob, Denny's nephew, is home now, recovering from his surgery to correct scoliosis. The recovery will take some time, but he is doing fine.

On Tuesday, Margaret and I will meet Scott over in Illinois to pick up Jalen and Brayden. We look forward to having them for a few days--always a treat.

Shirley left on Wednesday for her normal six-days in Chicago seeing clients. Chris and Shelly are in Colorado skiing, if there is snow. I heard the temperature in Denver today was 72 degrees, warmer than here.

Joe and Joanne Callahan are coming for dinner this evening. Rose and I picked up "Catholic" fish and sides from Our Lady of Presentation Parish, so dinner will be simple but good. Being at that parish surely reminded us of that day in 1969 when Donald and Vita were married there. Pete was the best man, and I can even remember what Mother wore although I don't know what I wore. It surely was a gorgeous wedding.

Catrina is feeling much better and is awaiting her appointment with the neurologist on April 7. I have been having a lot of questions about medical insurance these days. Catrina, who is a licensed agent, has been an enormous source of good information and advice.

Enough for now. I'll try to update again in a few days.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130


Jacob, Denny's sister Lari's son, had surgery for scoliosis last Wednesday. He is doing fine and will be home some time this week.


A small miracle, compliments of St. Anthony, patron saint of lost articles: Ten years ago, when we moved from Texas to Springfield, I put my diamond earrings in a safe place. So safe, that in spite of intense searches I hadn't found them since. Rose was looking for a nail in an old jewelry box at the lake on Friday and noticed some nice earrings. Sure enough--they were the lost ones in a place so obvious I dubbed them 'The purloined earrings." Denny, thinking the earrings were lost forever, had replaced them only this Christmas. Now I have two pair and will have to get more holes in my ears. Or, as Den suggested, hock one pair.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

We got home from the Lake today. The weather down there was beautiful. We were able to sit in the sunshine. We were welcomed by neighbors Dave and Judy Meisel. We played cards a lot, and Loretta was the Big Winner. It was peaceful and restful; good to be away for a few days; and now good to be home again.

Pete and Janet are back in Idaho Falls and called on Thursday. Brother Joe had a doctor's appointment on that day, and Pete inquired about his "overdose." I was startled at his questions and asked, "What?" Pete explained that Joe had taken too many smart pills. But I guess Joe hadn't because he called next day and didn't know anything about an overdose. Joe's good news is that he doesn't go back to the doctor for two months.

I had an update from Cathey and Gary Johnson (Brother Bob's daughter and her husband) who live in Belpre, Kansas. Their sons, Bill and Clint, are grown now. Neither lives at home. Gary still works in the oil fields, and Cathey still drives a school bus and works parttime at the post office.

On St. Pat's day, Aunt Virginia Madden (Uncle Curt's widow) sent me a card. She had made corned beef and cabbage, something she does for son Sean every year, to commemorate the day.

Catrina still awaits the results of her MRI. She, husband Robbie, and the children, Sam and Lizzie, are having dinner this evening with the Abbott's.

We are looking forward to Tuesday, March 30, when we will again see Scott and his sons, Jalen and Brayden, who are coming to visit for a few days during Jalen's spring break.

About my illness: So far the treatment hasn't made a huge difference in my physcial condition although I am steadier on my feet. Sometimes, however, my spirits are low and it's tough for a person like me, used to working for fun, to have the brakes put on me. Thank God for all the family and friends who help, all the best wishes and prayers I receive from everyone, and the intensive help I am getting from Shelly and Susan, my two physical therapists. Rose continues to play doctor-nurse (IV's this week). She and Shirley make me so welcome and take such good care of me that it does make things easier. I do not know what people do if they don't have loving family and friends in times of need.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Wednesday morning. We are about to leave for the Lake of the Ozarks for three or four days. We won't have our computer there but can be reached by phone (573) 365-2106 or (314) 452-3685.

This has been another really busy week. Shirley's sister Loretta is with us. I've had two physical therapist appointments as well as two accupuncturi's treatments. Margaret and Norm came for dinner last night. Dave Smith, nephew, is here today working on our fence.

Keep the youngest Abbott daughter, Catrina, in your prayers as she undergoes tests for some strange symptoms. Prayers work.

We'll update again when we return from the Lake.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130


Sunday afternoon in St. Louis. Den left a while ago to return to Chicago. We had a great weekend, beginning with dinner at the Hollansbees'. Danny, Shelley, and Baby also came by, and the Dane and Angie Slayton and son Kale were there. It was a great meal. We had such a good time that we stayed longer than we meant to. Meanwhile Chris and Shelly brought "Catholic" fish and assorted dishes and had dinner with Rose and Shirley.

Shirley's sister, Loretta, arrived noon Saturday from New Orleans for a ten-day visit. This year we are convening our "Ya-Ya" sisterhood in St. Louis rather than on Palm Island, our normal winter retreat spot where we stay compliments of the Schmitt Family (niece Stephanie, Dan, Nathan, and Jacog) who let us use their gorgeous beach house.

Den and I had another wonderful meal, compe the casino, Saturday evening.

As a follow-up to the rosary subject, I gave Loretta (who has actually been to Ponchatoula, La) her gift, and she will take her daughter Yvonne's rosary to her. [Yvonne every year has sent a box of goodies to the "Ya Ya's" on Palm Island. The people in the resort office always get a laugh out of the arrival of the box.] Here is an excerpt from an e-mail I got from niece Nancy that surely gave us an injection of hope, faith, and caring:

"It took me many years to discover that just having a rosary (or many rosaries) isn't enough. You really have to use it to know the benefits and I have many "miracles" to share with you sometime about what's come for me during my recitations or shortly after I've finished. One quick, powerful story I'll tell you now is about when Merri was being used in the bank robbery. Rick got the word while he was working a fluke-problem at our 911 center (he designed and maintains our local system, but usually sends a tech for problems there and rarely has to go himself) that the manager of Bank of Commerce was being held hostage. He heard the call come in and came right home to tell me what little sketches of info. they had. It looked pretty bleak for Merri from what little we could gather. While he was making calls to get more details from the police and bank employees, I went to my room and prayed the rosary. The bedroom t.v. was on w/o sound so I could watch for any news bulletins. The Montel Williams show was on. On about the 3rd decade, I glanced at the t.v. and there was no picture, only the word "TRUST" in huge letters. I was crying and very upset so went back to praying and looked up again a few minutes later. The word was still there unchanged. I finished the rosary, glanced at the clock. It was shortly after 10 a.m. and Montel was back on blabbing. The I realized that I actually felt a calm. Merri told me later that she got to a point that she felt that she was going to survive this and had a little peace. When I asked when that hit her she said it came just after 10 a.m. Coincidence? I don't watch Montel so don't know if he flashes words on the screen and leaves them up for over 5 minutes, but it seems unlikely. . . I believe Mary was watching over Merri and was trying to give me a message that she'd be alright. Well, I have more "rosary miracles" to tell you. How about we go out on your lake and float in the middle of the night some summer evening and I'll tell you some more? (Now that was fun - until you told me there's snakes in the lake!)"

[For those of you who don't know about the bank robbery that Nancy is referring to, briefly this is the story: Merri was taken hostage from her home, forced to wear a bomb strapped to her body, get money from the bank, and leave it at a location. She managed to do all this, not knowing if she would escape with her life. Her ordeal, which lasted several hours, was one of "America's Most Wanted" episodes before the bastard was caught.]

On a lighter note, here a joke some of you may like and some may not:

Three Texas surgeons were playing golf together and discussing surgeries they had performed. One of them said, "I'm the best surgeon in Texas. A concert pianist lost seven fingers in an accident. I reattached them, and eight months later he performed a private concert for the Queen of England." One of the others said, "That's nothing. A young man lost both arms and legs in an accident. I reattached them, and two years later he won a gold medal in field events in the Olympics." The third surgeon said, "You guys are amateurs. Several years ago a cowboy who was high on cocaine and alcohol rode a horse head on into a train traveling 80 miles an hour. All I had left to work with was the horse's ass and a cowboy hat. Now he's president of the United States."

We are looking forward to another full week. Margaret and Norm are coming for dinner on Tuesday. The landscaping company is rapidly completing the back yard project. Let's just hope the great weather holds up.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130


Follwoing is an e-mail I sent Nancy (niece) today:

I got a package from Reggie yesterday with a very nice note. He sent 5 bracelet rosaries and a regular rosary as a gift. He is a trusting soul - said pick out what I like and send the others back and he would pay for postage. I'm sending him a
check for all of them. Den's granddaughter is making her First Communion on 4/18 and she will get one. Shirley loves the red one. Shelly will get one for her birthday.
Scott and Ding were here when the rosaries came and told a funny story about saying the rosary. I'll get A. Rose to put it on the weblog cause I type so slowly.

When are you going to FL? When Uncle Donald called, he was really bragging about your kids and looking forward to your visit.

Den is coming back from San Jose (88 degrees there yesterday) tonight but has to go to Chicago tomorrow. Shirley's sister arrves (from Louisiana) tomorrow. We usually go to FL , but she will join us here nd we may be able to spend a couple days at the Lake. A.Rose (Doctor now - promoted from nurse) did the IV's like a Professional this time.

Hugs to everyone and Pete and Janet when they get there.

Love Aunt Sue

---------------------------

The Rosary Story is best told in the dialogue:

Sue: I hadn't said the Rosary in such a long time that I had Shirley print off the Mysteries and the instructions from the Internet. Have either of you ever said the Rosary:

Chris and Scott: Yes, once at PSR (Parish School of Religion) because we had to.

Chris: One night at PSR the teacher passed out Rosaries, and the class said the Rosary. I got confused on the beads and just played with the Rosary. It was so boring--until the cross fell off. I didn't want to be the only kid who broke a Rosary so when the teacher collected them, I stuffed mine in my pocket. Noone missed it, and I carried it home. The next week there was trouble at PSR. WHO would take a Rosary?!!! I knew better than to confess.

Sue: Did you ever tell it in confession?

Chris: Of course not.

Sue: What happened to the broken Rosary?

Scott: It laid on the dryer for years, Mom. You never suspected it belonged to one of your kids.

----------------------------------

I finished the four Solumedrol IV treatments this morning at 6:00. This time, like two and one-half weeks ago, they have left me a little weak-kneed and shaky. So, I'm being extra careful. Den has been in California and will be in this event, and we are having dinner with Doug and Suzanne Hollansbee and Dane and Angie Slayton and their children. Doug is cooking steak and lobster.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Yesterday afternoon Mike Madden (cousin) called to say hello and tell me he was thinking of me. He had just read the weblog, and said he understood everything on it except he didn't know what Chris's 'shaving the dogs' meant. Chris was and does shave the dogs. Mike thought it was some kind of code that he didn't understand.

This morning was my appointment with my neurologist, Dr. Bennett Frank. He still is unsure of a diagnosis and doesn't think anyone else could make one, given the test results and symptoms. His nurse even told me my illness might be some kind of 'fluke,' and we might never know what caused it.

Dr. Frank has more treatment in mind. I am to continue the introvenous steroids (Salumedrol) every two weeks for twelve weeks. We will do this second round of the medication at home. Last time by the end of the four days, we were just really getting to know the routine well. This time should go much easier--no hospital stay, no follow-up with Prednizone, and we know what we are doing.

Dr. Frank does not know how or when the treatment might work and has other options in mind should the steroids not be effective. One possible treatment would be gamma globulin and another would be some kind of 'dialysis' of the blood to clear away proteins. He warned me that I would have good days and bad days as far as muscle use goes and seems to think it may be some time before we know whether the steroids are working.

All things considered, today's meeting with Dr. Frank was the most promising and optimistic one so far. Both Rose and I came away greatly encouraged.

Home health care will come in the morning to start the second round of Salumedrol and then every two weeks after that. I will have my blood checked periodically.

Margaret and Norm watched over Brayden while we at the doctor's office then stoppped by the house on their way home from Scott AFB. Joe Callahan came by to offer encouragement and prayers. Scott comes tomorrow and will leave Friday with OUR baby. We, as always, will miss him terribly, especially the first few days after he leaves. He is full of energy, very pleasant, and a happy child. And does he love to eat!

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

It's Tuesday afternoon and I'm back at Rose and Shirley's. Den left for San Jose, CA., yesterday morning after we had a busy weekend. We got the baby Saturday morning. Den tried to make up with him, but Brayden was leery of him - and of the company we had on Sunday. Diane (Den's sister-in-law) and niece, Danielle, came to see us. Doug, Suzanne, Josie, and Lukas visited, too, as did Aaron, Tiffany, and Haleigh. Den made a pot of chili and we fed everyone we could get to eat.

Chris came by early yesterday morning and took Den to the airport. He came back to the house and stayed with me and Brayden until Norm dropped Margaret off. Then he went home and "shaved the dogs" - literally. Margaret and I had a good day together. Chris picked Shirley up at the aiport and Norm came for Margaret - in his new truck.

Shirley made a nice dinner for us and Brayden slept well. Goldman's roommate dropped me off at therapy while Shirley and Brayden got Rose at the airport.

I go to the neurologist in the morning. Don't know what the next step will be, but will update tomorrow.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Please mark your calendars: Sue's birthday is Friday, April 23.

Chris and Shelly have reserved the clubhouse in their subdivision for the evening. Sue has asked that people mail or e-mail a story of an experience with her which we will collect in a book to share that evening. We are asking that people bring a blessing for Sue that evening.

Another couple of very busy days. Mary Myers came for lunch on Friday, bringing good cheer and beautiful flowers. Mary is someone who knows a whole lot about being the patient and how that feels.

Later Den arrived from Chicago, and he and Sue went to their house for the weekend. On Saturday they drove over to Mt. Carmel, IL, to meet Scott and Brayden and to bring Brayden home for the next several days.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Today was another busy day. I had physical therapy, hand therapy, and acupunture. Rose took me to therapy and JoAnn Callahan, a friend, met us over there and visited with us. Chris picked me up and took me out to lunch. He is "low carbing" so we did not have fast food. I asked him did Shelly have mood swings when she has to take prednisone for her asthma. (I experienced mood swings when I began taking the prednisone. I took Den on some of these swings, too.) Chris just chuckled and said "I'm not going to go there". Shelly injured her ankle after a fall and is wearing a soft cast and is also seeing a physical therapist. Remember her in your prayers, too.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

This post is about St. Joseph, burying his statue, saying a novena, waiting, being patient and having prayers answered. Trying to sell the Springfield house was a prime issue that got put on the back burner when questions about my health arose. In October, Rose, Shirley, and I said a novena to St. Joseph, asking for help in selling the house. Some time ago I reverently buried a small statue of St. Joseph, upside down, in the front yard of the Springfield House. After the novena, we left the problem of the house to St. Joseph, and my health became the focus. Den and I ended the real estate company contract and put a "For Sale by Owner" sign in the yard, then left. Our neighbors, Leslie and her son Chase became our stand-ins and did a remarkable job selling the house and demonstrating the quality of the neighbors in person. Leslie and her sons have been our best friends for the years we have lived next to them and better friends even with the geographic distance. Sure enough, they sold the house. They even found us a back-up buyer should this deal fall through. Our closing date is March 19, which, it turns out, is the Feast Day of St. Joseph. Just a little exclamation point from God on this deal, it would seem.

Yesterday, I had two wonderful sessions at physical and hand therapy at the SSM Rehab Center on Clayton Road, followed by an acupuncture treatment with Dr. Ginger. Later on Kim and her children came over, and we had a great visit. The kids were perfect.

Shirley is leaving for Chicago this afternoon, and now Rose and I will probably just go hungry. [Just kidding. Truth is, Shirley made sure there is plenty of good food in the house. Rose is not too great at that sort of thing.]

I continue to do all my therapy exercises religiously and strive to accomplish as much as I can

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

It is so great having all the Abbott Family living in this area! I feel their loving support all the time. Margaret and Norm especially have been available and so willing to help out. I often wonder what people do when they don't have family and friends.

I received this e-mail from Niece Nancy (Brother Pete's daughter) yesterday and thought many of you readers would enjoy it:

"Hi Aunt Sue ~

So glad you received the bracelet. Yours rosary beads are African Bloodstone with great "healing powers". I have a white pearl one and Caitlin has a pink-beaded one. It's a very long story about how I connected with Reggie Pevey in Louisianna but I'm so happy I did. He is praying for you and his wife and buddies in the parish are, too. He called me last week to tell me his wife, who has been ailing for quite some time, was miraculously cured during a Mass they attended in Mission, Texas south of San Antonio at a church named Our Lady of San Juan. She went to communion without her canes and hasn't needed them since and it's been 5 weeks. I just know God has big plans ahead for you including a ski trip to our house and He's not going to let you suffer with this for long. If you want to order from him you can call him in the winter months at home (985) 386-4806 or his cell (985) 969-5533. The address is 225 E. Cypress St., Ponchatoula, LA 70454; he spends his summers in Lake Oswego, Oregon but I don't think he has gone there yet. I have that number and address, too, if you can't reach him. I just call him and tell him what I'm thinking of having him make and he whips them out and mails them to me with a little hand-written invoice.

Scott's boys sound so adorable. He must be the cutest daddy. He sure was a cute little boy himself with his "tapeworm" and hilarious laugh. They all sound like good medicine for you. My "good medicine" is keeping me too busy. Caitlin is a freshman this year in all honors classes which just means a heavier workload full of projects -most of which need parent input. On top of that, she's still taking ballet and guitar which she does now before school in the morning since she turned into a cheerleader this year and has that every day after school and on most Saturdays. She is also the most spiritual creature in the family and takes classes for Confirmation twice a week and goes to every retreat, camp, revival, ... Whew! Today, she's going to skip cheer and go to high school softball try-outs. She got her driver learner's permit in December and could get her actual license in April, but Rick and I don't think she's anywhere near ready for that. She can't figure out that the speed limit is for her, too. Anyway, once she can drive herself to all her commitments, I'll have 1/2 a life back. The other half, of course, is for running Eric to everything. He has discovered rock climbing - not a fearful bone in his 11 year-old-body - and he is a ski-devil. I let him take a "lack-of-interest" day last week (something I learned from you) and the two of us went to the ski hill. He out-skiied me all day and would stand at the bottom of the run, waiting and clapping for me. It's a drag getting old and out-of-gas!

This is my only day off from substitute teaching this week and I have many chores to pack into it so better run. Please keep your spirits up and know that the light has to come. If the acupuncturists hurts you, tell them to "pack their lunch!" - just don't kick their car.

Love you Lots!
Nancy"

I've contacted the Louisiana artist who is sending me gemstones so that I can select ones for gift rosaries. Den's granddaughter will make her First Communion this spring, and one of these bracelets will make a perfect gift. Both the artist and his wife love Nancy even though they have never met her. I felt a real connection with those people just being Nancy's aunt.

You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130

Sue believes that something good is beginning to happen today. It had been kind of a rough weekend emotionally and a rough week physically. She fell twice, though gently, just after she got out of the hospital last Tuesday. She hasn't fallen since. After the two falls, she was extremely careful for several days but has now regained confidence and steps out without hesitating although slowly and with her cane. For the past week, Denny, Shirley, or I have provided support for her when she walks. Today she is much more able to walk unassisted. Also, today she discovered she can once again sign her name, which she could not do last Monday. And today she drove me out to the dealer to pick up my car.

Insomnia has been a problem for some time now, especially since she has been on the steroids. Her daughter-in-law Shelly, who takes steroids when she has severe asthma, assured Sue that sleeplessness is one of the side effects. Brother Joe (who says he is practicing medicine without a license) prescribes rest, eating well, relying on others, and lots of 'smart pills.'

Anyone who has ever slept in the same house with Denny would know there are other causes for insomnia, such as loud snoring. Denny and Sue said they were both 'sleepless in St. Louis' on Friday night but had each other for support and company. Sue says he went to the store numerous times Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to have any little thing her heart desires. With Denny's, Shirley's, and my making sure she eats right and well and often, Sue has gained two pounds in a week.

Our main task today was to complete all the forms and gather the information for Sue's application for Social Security Disability. Jack, one of her special best friends, was very helpful with dates and figures from her job. Marvin told us when we called the office that everyone there is caring and concerned and keeping updated through this weblog.

Yesterday afternoon, Sue, Shirley, and I went over to the chapel at the Carmelite Monstery on Clayton Road where we spent an hour in prayer and meditation. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. We've been there before and plan on going back. Mark and Karen stopped in yesterday and again today, two cheering and lovely visits from two wonderful young people. Kim and her children, Alyssia, Sydney, and Alex, are coming by tomorrow evening. All this loving attention helps Sue focus on something other than worry. She is astonished at the goodness and caring of people. [of course, I am not astonished, having witnessed all the good and caring things she has done for so many folk over the six decades of her life.]

Tomorrow son Chris takes Sue to physical therapy in the afternoon then to the acupuncturist after that.