Hello!  This is Aasha Singh writing; thought I'd update you as to what is happening in our lives.

Incredibly, our youngest child, four-and-a-half year-old Sanjeet Raneesh, continues to beat the odds placed upon him.  As you know, he suffered brain damage and accompanying physical disabilities when he accidentally hung himself earlier this year; it's been a struggle for him--and for us.

Our daughter, nine-and-a-half year-old Vida Chunarum, has improved in her schoolwork; for a while, we thought she was going to fail; however, since attending a SibShop class for children who have siblings with special needs, her life's gotten much easier:  she realizes now that she isn't alone, that many other children are going through the same thing she is.

We are getting the place ready for relatives; some are coming from as far away as India.  It will be like a great big family reunion; we are looking forward to it. 

I just wonder what the relatives are going to think when they see little Sanjeet strapped into his wheelchair, unable to do anything for himself but blink his eyes, move his head, or his arms, and make groaning noises.  No doubt, it will be devastating to them; the last time they saw our little boy (last Christmas), he was walking, talking, laughing, running around.

I hope they don't blame me for Sanjeet's current state!  Some of my relatives think that when a child gets injured or dies, it's the fault of the parents.  I know that's not true , but I can't help but feel a sting of guilt when I look at Sanjeet.  I should have been more careful, more vigilent; maybe he wouldn't have hung himself and ended up like how he is now. 

I could have prevented the accident from happening.

Well, I am going to go now:  I hear Sanjeet's nutrition pump singing; have to go tend to him.  Don't know when I will write in here again, but hopefully it will be before Christmas.  If there's anything I want for Christmas, it is for my son to get up and out of his wheelchair and start walking, or start talking, laughing again. 

Until I write again, may you have a very happy holiday season; think of us who are struggling; don't forget about us!  Realize that for many people, the holidays will be anything but merry and bright!

~Love, Aasha Singh. :(