Diane Aguilar in Del Rio, Texas, writes her friend in Tennessee a letter after she got word that her friend's little niece died. She writes as a way to offer her friend sympathy for her loss.
Monday, December 13, 2004, 1:56 p.m., C.S.T.~
Dear Louisiana~
I am so sorry to learn of your little niece's death! I got a call from your friend in California, Naomi, and she informed me about Cajun Marie's death! I am so sorry! Please accept my heartfelt and deepest sympathy on your loss! How awful!! If there is anything, ANYTHING at all, that I can do for you, please, by all means, let me know!!
I am also sorry for not writing until now, but things have been unbelievably busy here! My husband has reapplied for disability, and I want to thank you for sending me that list of attourneys; we got an attorney, and he is going to help us lest we should get denied (AGAIN!); please keep us in your prayers, and pray that my hubby gets his disability! I don't know what these people are thinking: my husband CAN'T work; he has a bad back, and he can't walk for long distances! I am looking into getting him a (used) wheelchair, or maybe some forearm crutches, but really don't know where to get some (used) crutches or even a (used) wheelchair! Any clues?? I am completely flummoxed!! And I need to have it within my budget!
I am getting nervous: in only a few weeks I have my scheduled MRI, and to tell you the truth, I am scared! I am afraid that they'll find cancer, and if I was to have cancer, I don't know what I would do! I also have to admit that I am highly claustrophobic: I can't stand being in narrow or tight spaces, or hemmed in by a large crowd of people, and the very thought of lying in a machine absolutely terrifies me! I wish I could cancel this stupid MRI that I have scheduled, but noooo, my doctor wants me to have it done! These stupid headaches have really been kicking me right in the tail, and I am tired of having to hurt all the time!! Please keep me in your prayers; I really could use them now!!
I am happy to say that Rosie is out of the hospital; she has recovered over her respiratory episode. Turns out she had pneumonia. She was in the hospital for about a week and a half; but she is back at her school now, and she has been doing quite well! I am so relieved; for a while, I thought that we were going to lose her, she was so sick!!
My other kids (Rico, Chico, Negra, Magda, and Humberto, Jr.) all had the flu, but thankfully, all have since recovered. They still have the leftover coughing and occasional sniffle, but they are just about over the last of it, and they are feeling better each and every day! Humberto, Sr. had the flu, but I was the only one who was lucky enough to have escaped it! I am so glad that THAT's overwith and done! There's nothing worse than having a sick hubby AND sick kids to go along with it! I hardly had a moment's rest!! Oh, it was AWFUL!!
We spent Thanksgiving sick in bed; we just got over it now, and we have since applied for the Christmas aid program, where poor or low income families such as ours can get gifts for the holidays. We also went to the Salvation Army and put our names in the basket, for help; and while I am glad that there are people who care, I feel so foolish asking for help with food, clothes, or whatever! I feel like such a failure at times, and I wish I had an easier time of it!! Do you know what I am trying to say?? We didn't have any turkey or dressing for Thanksgiving: we were all abed with the stomach flu, and then we got colds on top of that, and here we are, finallly just about over the last of it. I hope we don't get sick again; once was more than enough!
What are you doing for Christmas? Are you staying home, or are you going to be out of state? We aren't doing anything special; if we get anything, that's great; but we really don't expect much. Nobody's bothered to help us the last several years, and we are lucky if we get anything for Christmas; and besides, Christmas is but another day for us. We really don't go all out for it, as do a lot of people. To tell you the truth, Christmas depresses me because it is only a grim reminder of what we DON'T have, and I hate being disappointed year after year, or seeing all these rich folks shove it in our faces about how good they have it or showing off their prizes while we, the "have nots", are left to feel bad or depressed!!
Well, Louie, I know this isn't much, but I really don't have an exciting life; and besides, I have to lie down again. My eyes are starting to bother me again, and my head is starting to hurt bad again. I will write more later when my head stops hurting. I hope to hear from you soon; and again, please accept my humblest sympathy wishes on the death of your little niece, Cajun Marie! I was sooo sorry to hear that! May God bless you during this sad time in your life, and thank you again for putting up with me!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your Texas friend, Diane. :)
I like this style. You could collect these "emails in a book and really make and interesting novel. You can catch characters. Do you work with poor families, or have you had experience with them? This feels very real.
A tearfully sad and heart-wrenching write - you are always on the cutting-edge of literary excellence my friend ... thanks for your hope and inspiration!!
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
Monday, December 13, 2004, 1:56 p.m., C.S.T.~
