AUG. 5 2007

Well, its been a long and trying week. Chie had to deal with a lot of emotions this week as two of her friends from the clinic were discharged. One was a friend who she really took under her wing and was trying very hard to comfort and encourage during these early stages of his recovery. We have been working on controlling our emotions and realizing the affect it has on others when we have outbursts. This week was a real test with two people being discharged. At times it was more than she could handle. We had to leave early a couple of times and redirect to different activities to avoid upsetting ourselves and others, sorry if we missed anyone visiting.
On a lighter note, we were able to have some great fun this week as well. Chie enjoyed some fresh pears brought by her roommate from her house in east Texas as well as some blueberry muffins made with fresh blueberries her friend Akiko picked in Tyler Texas. She enjoyed all the bentos this week brought by friends and says thank you so much to everyone for the Oishi bentos.
Friday she was suprised by a visit from her Sister in law and niece and nephew!!! We are spending the weekend visiting with them. Chie immediately noticed our niece, age 13, was struggling for attention at this difficult age and named her "Princess for the Day." Chie told me it was important for her to feel special and so we did what she wanted for the afternoon. We took her to the Japanese market and got her some of her favorite foods that she cant find on the plains of New Mexico where she is now living. Then we went for a shopping spree at the mall in search of some Black Converse shoes that she has wanted. Our niece found her shoes and Chie managed to find a beautiful new dress she just had to have for her big night of Karaoke with Akiko and Keiko. After a quick nap two old friends dropped by and fired up the grill for a BBQ. Chie was excited about eating steak and veggies while visiting with her old friends.
Saturday night we met Keiko and Akiko at the Karaoke box and sang sang sang. Chie was really suprised at just how many songs she could remember. It was a great night and we thank you girls for taking us. It really brought back a lot of memories for Chie and good times she used to have. She is eager to go again soon!!!
Today we had our usual breakfast at Po' Melvins and then showed our family around Chie's apartment. Chie really enjoyed explaining all of her pictures as a child to our niece and sister. She said she really noticed now, the value of pictures and said she wants more of them from when she was little. Now we are down for a nap before showing the family around one of her favorite places , the dog park at Whiterock Lake.
Thank you all for your continued support and we will upadate again soon.
DAVID