Re: [ J. and

[Guest guest]

Hey there ,

I am not sure we have spoke but I have known you and are going to

recieve the surgery my son Brandan had in Aug. FIRST the best of LUCK to YOU

and please let her know that I wish her the same, since we returned home it

has certainly been a whirlwind. I want you both to know Brandan is doing

fantastic, his residual pain from the surgery is so much easier to deal with

than the pain he had before and his pain medications are on a continual

decline. He has not had any insulin for the last three weeks and his blood

sugars remain normal. He is eating again finally just as a teenager should,

its beyond words the joy I get from seeing him eat something as simple as

what he has so long craved, Mcs french fries WITHOUT pain.

The team of miracle working people as I refer to them in MN without a

doubt should be given the highest honor bestowed upon any individual in my

book for the work that they continue to do. Dr. Sutherland and Anne-Marie

Papas along with the countless many that work to bring a second chance to

everyone are nothing short of angels in our book. Please if you wouldnt mind

say hello to all the nurses especially who took Brandan along with

many other staff under her wing. Let them know they are in our thoughts

daily.

As I say all you can do is take things " ONE DAY AT A TIME " , When you

do finally have your surgery, remember your body has been sick for so very

long and now it has been through a surgery that is indescrible. At times its

5 steps forward and 3 steps back all you can do is , GIVE IT TIME.

In closing I want to apologize for not being more active but you all

know I continue to monitor the posts and give my input when I feel it is

needed. Life certainly has a way of just as you think things will get back

to what people refer to as normal it has other ideas. I have now become

caregiver to my husband of twenty years, He was diagnosed with cancer this

past week. In my life it seems its always something, but then again I still

believe there are people out there alot worse off than I. Life certainly is

an uncharted journey, and we will try not to worry about things we have no

control over, WE will continue to take things " ONEDAY AT A TIME. " Thank you

to all this last year that have gotten me through the battle and loss of my

mom. Also for the kindness, compassion, cards, gifts, letters, thoughts and

prayers that Brandan recieved before, during and after his surgery. I know

you will all be here to support me through this new battle and again I thank

you all, for this year if I have learned anything,it would have to be, it

truly is amazing how one person can make a difference, and that the smallest

voice can have a mighty impact.

As always keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers...Keep

smiling(cuz sometimes its all one can do!)...TTFN.. : )

Peg Bates and Family