Thursday, October 13, 2005, Nashville, Tennessee, 10:16 a.m., C.D.T.~

Dear Sikik~

I was so sorry to learn of your having multiple sclerosis. It seems as if there is an epidemic of this devastating disease because several of my friends I have come to care about have been diagnosed with it or have developed symptoms. I just heard from my friend in Finland, Sari Annike Gustaffssenn (now Constantinos; she is married), who has been ill and just recently got out of the hospital.

Sikik, I wish I could give you more in the way of encouragement--or be there with you, to give you a reassuring hug. Is there anything I can do for you? I want to help you somehow, in any way I can; please let me kow what I can do!

You sound so desperate, yet your letters brim with such hope and a fire that tells me that you are a very strong person of strong desire and willingness to survive. That really encourages me. I wish you nothing but success as you try to deal with your illness, and I want you to know that you are always in my prayers and thoughts.

The weather here is fairly cool, and the leaves are just starting to change. The peak leaf changing season isn't for a few weeks yet, but for now, only a few of the leaves have color; most of the trees in our yard are still quite green. And the weather has warmed up somewhat; but we are not experiencing the terriblr heat and humidity we had over the summer months, thank goodness. I am glad that the weather is cooling off there, but if you ask me, Alaska winters are just TOO brutal for a Louisiana Cajun like myself! LOL

Well, Sikik, I know this is short, but I have to get supper on the table, so the kids can eat. I will be looking forward to your next letter; please take care of yourself, and God bless you! I love you!

~As always, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah. :(