Sari Gustaffsenn in northern Finland finally writes to her friend in America. She was in the hospital for tests, and they have found out that she has multiple sclerosis.
Wednesday, the 30th of March, 2005, Ivalo, Finland~
Dear Louie in America~
Hai! Miitos kuuluu? Kiitos hyvaas!
I am so sorry for not writing sooner, but I have not been well. I have been in hospital recently for tests, I have been having problems with my walking, and I have been having problems with muscle weakness. At first I thought it was because of the stress of our upcoming wedding in about a month, but the symptoms only got worse, so I had no choice but to go to my doctor for tests. He put me in hospital, and while in hospital, I find out that I have multiple sclerosis. I am now walking with a cane, and I get tired so quickly, and it has been a very bad time for me. Be praying for me; I could really use some!
Nikky has been a very big help to me, but alas, he soon will go back to Greece, and I know I will cry when he leaves. But then he will come back and get me, and we will then be living in Greece for the summer, in Athens. I have been having my brothers come help me, and it seems that every little thing causes me to burst into tears. I am not adjusting to this life of disability and uncertainty very well at all because up until this started, you know how active I was. Now I can barely walk the way across the room without getting tired, and at times my eyes bother me, and it is scary living this way. I am scared that I am going to end up dying or end up in wheelchair, and I don't know what to do or who to turn to for help!
Have you had your surgery yet, speaking of health? How did it go? I hope and pray it went well, and I hope and pray you are about recovered now. Have you returned to work yet, and how has your family adjusted to it? Tell your beautiful rainbow family that I say hello, and tell them to pray for me.
How is your back doing since you had the surgery? Are you still having the pain, or is it gone now? I bet it is a huge relief after hurting for so long!
Has the weather warmed up any there in Tennessee? Here it isn't nearly as cold, but we still have snowy days when the temperatures fall below freezing. We had a very bad winter; lots of snowstorms, and it was very hard to get around. Now the days are longer, and the snows don't last as long or stick around as much. The auroras are starting up too, and I always enjoy them. I think of Father up there, and it makes me smile, because it makes me think that he is watching out over me and my brothers.
I loved the picture of the goat; she is too cute! I have no goats, just reindeer, and we see weasels, bears, wolves, and other wild critters running around our yard. Our yerd is a beehive of activity, especially now that spring is here, and it is a joy to see! But then I think of what I am going through, and I get very sad because I am not like I was, and it has been a very big adjustment period for me.
How did Ronee' do on her program? Let me know! I hope she won!
How is Johnny doing? Is he doing anything special? How is HIS health holding out? I hope he is doing well! You will have to let me know just how they (and the other kids) are doing!
I know this isn't long, but I am worn out from just this little bit of writing, plus my eyes are starting to bother me again. Everything keeps fading in and out, and I am seeing two of everything, and it is making me nauseaous. So I will stop for now so I can get some rest. Just keep me in your thoughts, and let me know how you are all doing over there in America! Write soon, okay? Until later, Nakemiin!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your (sick) friend in Finland, Sari Annike. :(
I think one reason your stories appeal to me so much is that, no matter how difficult I may think my life is at any certain time, things can always be far, far worse. The courage portrayed in these tales by your characters inspire. Well done once again.
Poor Sari. If it's not one thing with your characters, it's another...that's why the reader ends up caring so much for them, you pen their lives so vividly. BRAVA, Writer!
Yankee Doodle Daddy is a historical Appalachian Family Saga. The story follows a mother's reckoning as she struggles to survive and keep her four daughters alive.
Wednesday, the 30th of March, 2005, Ivalo, Finland~
