Sunday, 19 February, 2006, early evening, Ivalo, Finland~

Dear Sari~

Hai! Miita kuuluu? Kiitos hyvaas! Thank you ever so much for writing! Your letter really surprised me; I was so glad to hear from you! It has been such a long time!

Sari, I am so sorry you are suffering with health issues. That really saddened me. I do hope that you are okay! So you are walking on crutches on "bad days"...how awful! I guess that means you won't be skiing (or running) ever again unless a cure is found! I have a friend (you don't know her) who has MS, but she has the severe kind. She is totally dependant on others to care for her, and she is so sick now. (She is in the hospital; she had a stroke, which nearly killed her. She is only in her early fifties, and there is NO telling whether she will EVER be home from the hospital! They will probably end putting her up in a nursing home.

At lest YOU can still get around, even if it IS on crutches! Just be glad you aren't like poor Emily! She has had it so rough in her life; this is only adding to her troubles!

On the other hand, Sari, I was thrilled to learn that you are expecting your first child! How wonderful! Congratulations! I bet your husband is walking around, with his chest pooched out in pride! :) Your husband sounds nice! (I hope he is cute! You will have to send me a picture of you two together! :) )

Sari, I am sure that nothing will happen to your baby. I am sure it will be fine once it is born; even if it IS born with something (GOD FORBID!!), all you CAN do is learn to love him (or her) and take the best caee of your little one! Don't worry so much! PLEASE???

I am glad to hear that you still have "Nemo". I have been thinking of him too! TWENTY pounds?? My GOSH, Sari, what have YOU been FEEDING him?? LOL He sounds like he is part LION! LOL

My family is well, Sari, and they have been asking about you. Now I can tell them that I finally have heard from you and tell them what has been going on in your life. I know they will be sad to hear that you lost your parents and have health issues; on the other hand, they will be happy to learn that you are married and are now expecting your first child!

Well, Sari, I will close for now. Do write again soon; I  sure miss you so much! (Funny how we live in the same area, and yet we have somehow lost touch! PLEASE don't let it happen again! I worry about you, and I miss our girl time together!) Take care of yourself, BE CAREFUL, and write soon! PLEASE??

Until later, Sari, Nakemiin!

(((HUGS))) and love, your friend, Ilsa Elke Rekkonen. :)