Monday, Feb. 16, 2009~

Dear Heather~

Terri here.  Thank you for writing; sorry I didn't get back to you until now; it's just the kids keep me busy.  I hope you understand.

I am happy to say that Nashi has enjoyed a spell of good health; I pray it continues.  I am sorry Tyle was recently in the hospital; here's hoping he's doing much better by now!  I have been praying for him as well as your family!

I know caring for a sick child is difficult at best.  I'm just thankful that I have Hyman and Tovah; they know that they have to take some of the burden off me, so they gladly reciprocate.  Having Nashi well for the moment certainly helps! 

If you feel you are being overwhelmed, please call someone who would be willing to help.  You shouldn't have to bear the burden alone!

We also have our youngest son, Wallace, whom we adopted from China a few months ago; he's a very bright kid with a quick mind; we delight in each new adventure he discovers.  We couldn't be more blessed. 

I'm just glad your temple has a respite program, plus your mother coming to help on weekends or on stressful days.  That should make you feel better.  On the other hand, I don't think placing your son in a hospital or institutional setting would be feasible.  For one thing, it's very expensive, and Tyle might not get the one-on-one care he gets at home.  It would be very detrimental to all involved.

This is why we care for Nashi here at home.  We feel she would do better in a home environment, which she is.  She loves being with her brothers and us, and if ever she should have a problem, the nursing staff is always on alert stand by; and if worse comes to worse, we can always call for the paramedics, who would take her to the hospital.  It's happened before; it's not fun, but such is the life when you have a chronically sick child.

We just take one day at a time, thank God for every day Nashi remains well or with us.  Each day with her is a gift; we praise Him for his goodness upon Nashi, upon us.

I am glad your Hanukkah was good.  Our Christmas was good, as was our Hannukah.  We celebrate both.  Holidays are very busy at our house, what with the Jewish holidays and the traditional "Christian" ones.  Seems we're always in holiday mode.  And today, with it being President's Day, Wallace, Hy, and Nashi are out of school; they will remain home all day.  I will have to think of ways to keep the boys entertained and to keep Nashi from becoming bored.  When she gets bored, she will wail like a fire engine, which can get very annoying after a while!  LOL

At least she has her ragdoll kitty to keep her company; he's her very best friend, as is her favorite big, brown teddy bear that her NeeNee got her for Hanukkah/Christmas.

She also loves being read to; just to spend time with her is enough to keep her happy.  She doesn't ask for much; as long as we can care for her, keep her comfortable, happy, then it's worth everything!  Nashi is actually quite easy to care for; it was harder when she was younger.

We don't know what the future holds, but as I said earlier, we try to make every day count, and we enjoy every moment with our special daughter.  We are also blessed to have two wonderfully healthy little boys in our lives; we couldn't have asked for a better family!  In addition, I have a loving, supportive husband and my mom, who is more than willing to help out, and a wonderful church family, both at temple and at "regular" church!

Well, Heather, I am going to run along now.  The kitten is meowing, demanding to be fed; I'm afraid if I don't stop writing, he's going to make a meal out of my leg!  LOL  So before I get attacked by a one-pound kitten, I'd best run along!  LOL  Take care, and write whenever you can.  I will be here, waiting for your letter!  God bless, and thanks for writing; it was good to hear from you!  Know you and Tyle are ever in my prayers/thoughts, as is Berry!  Give them both my love!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend, Terri Ben Ami.  :D