Support Syrians

We started decorating for Christmas. I'm finding it strange. Since we literally missed the summer season time seems faster then ever. December!? What!? We carry on, day by day doing what we do best. “Following the seasons” Our life hasn't been the same. Having a sick husband is difficult. The future is more unknown then ever. Then I feel so grateful we're alive, we have a home, clothing and food. Lately following the news it's been so sad. Daily people are dying. Children are suffering. Racism is escalating. I feel our complaints are extremely minimal. I feel selfish writing how I feel on a computer that I own while safely sitting in my home. Decorating for Christmas. Suddenly our situation doesn't seem so significant anymore. Missing a season means absolutely nothing. I've been following peoples opinions and/or judgments on how we shouldn't allow Syrian refugees into our Country. The ongoing debate makes me sick. I completely understand every ones concerns about the terrorists and on how this could potentially be dangerous for our Country. However if this was your family, your children, wouldn't you want safety? I have read over twelve million people have fled and half of those people are children. These children are malnourished, exploited and abused. These people are human beings that need our world's help. I understand that we all need to protect our own but seriously? When did it become our own? Where is the compassion? We would open our home in an instant. If it was your family, you would too. I really think people need to rethink what they're posting on the internet. What they're quickly concluding too. I understand the fear. I fear for our future almost everyday WITH a roof over our heads. Imagine fearing what your next meal is, or if your children will survive the night and worse. It saddens me to hear that people would close their doors. I know we have our own homeless on the street. I have heard comments, “Take care of our own” Our own? I detest that comment. People are forgetting that we are all people living on one divided planet that shouldn't be divided in the first place. We are all so selfish. I know this is a huge debate and many wouldn't agree with me. Even family and friends. I'm not afraid to say how I feel, and I'm sad that our world is so corrupt. That people are dying daily and we can just wash our hands of it. So my thoughts today are for the refugees. Their suffering. I hope that people start opening their doors, their hearts – face their fears and support each other and remember we are all human beings. Stop spreading hate and racism. That only comes from ignorance and fear. Think about it – if we all supported and worked towards peace, eventually we will win. To conclude, you might think I'm naive, or out of my mind crazy but we all are.... if you think that we are safe ourselves from the same pictures below and if that day comes, you would hope too for an open heart. 

The Victory

We have a new addition in our home! The HMS Victory! A ship that was launched on May 7th, 1765 out of the Chatham Dockyard. This ship has honors and awards from the particpation in the first battle of Ushant in 1778, the second battle of Ushant in 1781, the battle of Cape Spartel in 1782, the battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 and the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It's a 104- gun first rate ship of the line, weighs approximately 3,556 tons and it's over all length is 227 ft 6 inches. It's a beautifully designed full-rigged ship that has a maximum speed of 15-17 km an hour. The Victory served an unusual long service. In 1922 the Victory was placed into dry dock where she remains today with the title of the oldest commissioned war ship in the world at the National Museum Royal Navy in Portsmouth. This model scale replica took over six years to build by my father and it now resides in our home for every one to admire. Our children have been admiring the detail and we're all proud to have this on display. I plan on adapting the Victory in a homeschooling project and a history lesson. This model isn't just a model, it's not just history, it's our children's grandfathers hard work and dedication. His time, and his patience with every delicate little detail. It's not only just craftsmanship, or a part of the British history, it was a part of my Dads. We feel very honored to have this in our home. For our children to admire and say, "My grandfather built this!" We have several important and sentimental pieces in our home including paintings from my husband's grandmother and my mother. I have these beautiful acoustic guitars that I need to learn to play my mother gave me. She's extremely talented with art and music. You know, I'm not at all materialistic. However I am completely sentimental. I appreciate my parents, my family and my friends. I know eventually that we won't be here but our history will. I want my children to continue to share, admire and remember. Thank you to every one that has provided a piece of themselves for us to cherish, we will continue to pass these beautiful creations from generation to generation in hopes it remains in our family. Seen below is the Victory. Pictures do not give it any justice. So you will have to come and visit, and admire it in person. 

Day by day

A few updates......

Gerald's MRI results confirmed there has been no change since August. So his specialist stopped his IV medication. The specialist said it's unfortunate and we're told to watch for relapse within his future. I won't get into any further details at this time. 

It was a busy week having one of our children reassessed with our Neurologist. We call her our family Neurologist. It's nice forming connections. 

A reminder - Our annual Christmas Adoption Party is still happening on Dec 12th at 4 pm. It is a pot luck. Please bring a dish to share. Please remember to bring a gift per child labelled with their first and last names on it for Santa's bag. There will be a talent show, dancing, crafts and prizes. A fun night for all! This Christmas party is for every one. Adoptive families and friends. Please spread the word because without the attendance we won't continue this magical event. 

I'm leaving you with this thought.....

People often ask me, "How do you manage now with a sick husband?" 

I look for something positive in each day, even if some days I have to look a little harder. For us, we live day by day with hope. When we awake it's a brand new day to be productive and to continue to proceed with our life's goals. 

I hope to see you on Dec 12th!