Thomas Calder and Ingrida Dzonsone
My mother has recovered greatly; she's up and walking around, the pathology report has come back about as good as we might have hoped - and we are holding out high hopes for her recovery.
There are many people who have helped me over the past three weeks, but, because I'm a selfish favoritist, I'm going to thank just two right now.
Contrary to the title, the two people are Ingrida and David, Thomas' father.
David is probably my best friend in Edinburgh. He's a clever, straight-talking, down to earth man whom I've worked with for about five years, off and on.
Thomas get's a show in the title because I'm going to show you a picture of him. David sent me an email nearly every day when I was in the States. His message was always hopeful and kind - and he helped keep me grounded. I'm grateful.
Also, he sent me pictures of his son and beautiful wife Jaime - and I showed them to my mother, who was greatly cheered by the fact that I had friends that had families, rather than just living in a fool's paradise. She thought two pictures were especially cute; you'll see them here.
Second, I'd like to thank Ingrida. She's a godsend. She's also blushing as I write this, right now. She makes me smile and laugh and called me, via Skype, until the BT broke the Internet pipe to my house (damn you, BT!).
David, Ingrida - Thank you.
Okay, here's a picture of Thomas, David's insanely well-behaved son, at the dinner table, and then in the Scott monument with his mommy, Jaime.
Also, we have a picture of Ingrida in a silly hat!
Comments
Nathan - Please give your Mom a hug for me, and my best wishes. It's amazing how quickly we remember what is really important in life, and somedays I wish that simplicity was easier to hold on to.
Posted by: Harmeet | December 2, 2005 9:03 PM
We're thinking of you, buddy, and sending good thoughts your way....
Posted by: Jess | December 2, 2005 10:22 PM
Hi, Nae! I'm really happy that you've got a strong support network in Edinburgh. It makes me sad that you live so far away and I think that it contributes to the distance that is in our relationship. But, either way, it is very important to me that you have an environment and community that really supports you.
It did not register to me that you would have such a strong network in Scotland but mostly because I wanted to hope that one day you might come and live near me.
Nathan's friends,
He's the only brother that I've got, you take care of him!
Nathan, I love you.
Posted by: Mendon | December 3, 2005 3:25 AM
Nae, What I have come to realize is what a strong network I have in my children. Thank you to all of their friends and lovers who support my support. Uncle Christophe called this afternoon to tell me what wonderful, charming, caring, witty people my children have grown up to be. I fully concur.
Posted by: ma | December 4, 2005 3:33 AM
I, on the other hand, have tons of brothers. My philosophy is "there's more where that came from."
Posted by: Mark Fojas | December 6, 2005 6:10 PM