THANKS BE TO GOD!
Private Rooms, iPods and Thai Bound Update

You'll all be very pleased to know our Tony is now in a private room, and resting well. He called to report that he was getting more and more relaxed, and with the help of his new iPod, he couldn't be more content!

Although the second room assignment wasn't quite so bad, it was beginning to take an emotional toll on our Tony. You see, his new roomy was in the process of being diagnosed with incurable cancer.... starting in the lungs and spread throughout his entire body! Poor guy. He and his wife are from the southern end of the state. The husband took ill, and they were driven, by friends, up to Morgantown. They're very devoted Baptists, and he's a bee keeper! I have to giggle hearing the fella try and talk to Tony about fishing. Fishing! As if Tony ever held a fishing pole in his life! hahaha As most of you know, the thought of any kind of physical exercise... well.... it's unheard of!

We sat, sadly listening to the doctors try and explain the poor fella's diagnosis, then they sent someone in to help them put together a living will. It wasn't long before we were untangling Tony from his mass of electrical cords and tubes, so he could go over and pray with them. We teased the couple, and told them they'd better tell their minister to sit down, before they inform him that they've been prayed over by an Episcopal priest. grin

Before long, I was taking the Mrs. shopping to our new and VERY large Super-Walmart. They'd not planned to stay for more then a day or two, and without a car, the wife was unable to replinish her underwear supply.... Poor dear. Even though Tony's been moved to a new room, they pop in for a chat.... as well as the family of the previous roomy! Oh, the life of a priest. grin

With the help of our dear daughter Abbey, I managed to load almost 200 of Tony's favorite classical music pieces, and some photos, onto the new iPod. Thanks to our friend Donna+, and her wonderful iTunes gift certificate, I was able to add to the library of music. This little iPod thing is GREAT!!!

THANK YOUS!

Abbey and Lee: Thank you for the lovely flowers!!!

Pamela and Family: Thank you for the gorgious Hawaiian Silk Flowers

Britt: Thank you for the very yummy carrot cake!

Geoff: Thank you for the soft and cuddly Nurse (now lovingly named Ethyl, after Tony's nurse mum)

THAI BOUND: update

Thanks to Megan's brother Mark+, she now has upwards of $2000+ donated from parishioners in Arden, NC. Tony's nephew in Scotland (yes! Scotland) has contributed funds toward Megan's flight to and from Thailand! We'll be able to purchase Megan a laptop to take with her. She'll be blogging and producing a newsletter for her donors. We very much look forward to hearing all about Thailand, Mae Sot, and the refugee children she'll be working with. The more essential reason for the laptop is so Megan can stay in constant contact with us.... something THIS mother requires!

Because our dear Megan is having to pay for student loans accumulated during her undergraduate work at Augie, she's committed to repaying that, even while she's doing volunteer work abroad. Can you imagine... $40,000! I won't drag out my soapbox on this subject, as I'd be bending your ear for PAGES! Needless to say, this is only the beginning of the expenses she'll acquire for her higher education.

We're continuing to request donations, if you're able, and truly apologize for having to make this shameless request. An account has been opened, a bookkeeper has volunteered to manage the account, and the church will receive donations (supplying you with a statement of giving).

Megan is currently wrapping things up in NW Ohio where she's presently living and working. She'll miss her volunteer work with the Rape/Counseling center, and part time employment with a local photographer. But, her experience with both will come in quite handy, while she's in Thailand. I'm looking forward to seeing the images of life in Thailand.

VISITING THE OLE MAN

Please do continue to call and visit Tony. Over the next day I'll have to be home sorting out this house..... same house that looks like a tornado blew through it. Because of the need for exposing our Tony to as few possible bacteria and viruses as possible, I'm going to turn our dining room into "the bird room". Me thinks our beloved parrots will not be too keen about the idea, but when needs require it....

Oh.... PitterPat is doing fine. I was beginning to get a bit worn out, and very tired, after a couple nights of little sleep. Last night I slept very well, and woke up refreshed.

Must run.... laundry to fold, garbage to get to the street, pets to feed and sort out, and must get to hospital to make my darling a nice cup of TEA!

Much love to you all

PitterPat

Reminders:

Tony's new phone number: 304-285-7902

Room 902: Ruby Memorial Hospital

Want to snail mail a card?

1480 Woodland Drive

Morgantown, WV 26505

(All cards are being displayed on the living room wall)