Chie's Bazaar Benefit, ,,, is that right? Bazaar Benefit?

A THOUSAND THANKS
TO THE
FT. WORTH JAPANESE SOCIETY

Raised: Over $1,300.00


We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and with our upmost sincerety. Chie came home beaming, excited, telling me about all the people she met, all the good foods she ate. She was just like a little kid in a candy store. It brought tears to my eyes listening to her. I was so proud her and all of you, Kaoru, and the Fort Worth Crew. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, How could I ever thank you?

It all sounded so great. She was so happy to see so many of you after such a long time. I heard that so many people came. She forgot some of your names, but I told her it was ok. I think it was pretty much overload to try and retell it all at one time, so I am letting her give me little bits at a time as she sees fit and when it comes to her. It was a very big step for her to go without me, as we were all a little freaked out after Friday with the hospital and all. Plus the fact that when Chie left I was laying the bed begging for mercy, how embarrassing. I must thank Hiroe and Bobby for filling in and getting Chie there. Thanks A Million!

I wish I could have been there to see everyone. I am sorry I could not make it. I was extremely ill. I have a kidney stone and had to go to the hospital in the ambulance Friday. I dont know much about it aside from the fact that it is extremely painful. The doctor said it will pass, but it has not, as of today. Actually, I think his exact words when he woke me up were "We have a kidney stone. .5mm. They say this is the equivalent of a male giving birth. Its going to suck, but it will pass in the next few days, just drink a lot of liquids and rest. If it hasn't passed in the next few days go to your doctor. You can go home now." OK, so I staggered into the lobby, very groggy from the accidental double dose of morphine they gave me, looking for Bobby and Chie who were nowhere in sight. I made a quick call for them to come rescue me and went back to sleep on the chairs in the waiting room until they came and got me. Dazed and confused was the rest of that day. The next day was great until about 9:30 when I found myself doubled over hollaring at Chie to eat breakfast and getting her dressed, calling to find Bobby and and get him back to the house, printing directions to Ft. Worth since the internet decided to work for and hour ( Thank You God), Call Hiroe and let her know she was now driving, and let Hiroe know that Chie would be there , ,, late, but just a little late, you know, the usual lateness (heheehee). No, I dont think I even got to the part where I called Kaoru, by that time I was already confined to the bed telling Chie, " IM fine!!! Im just gonna nap and rest like the doctor said!!!!!!" It was horrible! Ladies , full respect to all you mothers out there. I dont even think I want kids anymore. I dont want anyone to go through that!! EVER!!!! It was baaaaaaaddddd, let me assure you. The last thing I rember was Bobby and Chie leaving for the bazzar and then Kevin bringing me a huge cup of water saying, "you need anything else. I got a huge cup of water right here for ya. It's got lots of ice in it, see" To which I replied, "Go AWAY!!"

Believe me, its hard to drink a lot of water when you know it will bring on so much pain. I was just stuck starring at that big glass of water. It was like a horror movie or something, just sitting there, starring at me. I have never not wanted water so much in my life and drank it like it was a shot of tequila or something; Those of you who know me, know how gracefully I do shots. NOt a pretty sight let me assure you.

The next morning I awoke to Chie telling about all the fun she had and how great it was.
I have to go back to the doctor in the morning to find out what is next. I hope it will be fine and will let you know. I was hoping it may have passed without me noticing ,, but Chie's driver assured me, "You'll know , You'll Know," so its back to the doctore in the morning.

Your efforts are truly amazing and we so greatly appreciate it. I was happy to hear about every one seeing and meeting Chie and Bobby and Hiroe. I was happy to hear that some of you actually got the cards I sent. I am so absent minded at this point I have no idea who I got them sent to and who I did not. I apologize if I missed you. Please let me know your address so I can send you a thank you. I am already working on cards from Saturday. I know some people have gotten several, probably all saying the same thing. I dont know how, but I know I have sent someone 3 already, and then, get this, I found another one about two months ago. I know its like a year and a half old. I could not bear to send a 4th, sorry. The ICC got a couple of those 8 to 12 month old cards that elusively slipped down the cushions of our couch. I am sorry y'all. It was by no means intentional. I would never deliberately display my idiocey. Hope you can forgive me.

Some of you may have mixed Bobby and myself up, but dont worry, it happens a lot. I still have the pictures of Chie and I singing Karaoke from the very first time we met at our friends birthday party in Kobe just before New Years, 2000. Chie sang Dancing Queen by ABBA and I sang Take a Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed. I will post them and let you know the story of how we met for those of you who do not know.

Guys, I have to go to bed. I, again, thank you with all my heart. You are our life line in this fight, without you we would be dead in the water. I am doing my best to take care of Chie but would be nothing without your support.

We love Ya,