Tuesday started as a rotten day. I was very upset by some things that had happened Monday evening and I couldn't get them out of my head. Even knowing I was mere hours from enjoying some of my favorite Stargate Atlantis episodes didn't help my mood. Then came the mail.

Not only did I receive several new cards, I also got a box from Amazon.com. Inside were the next two books coming up for discussion on Joseph Mallozzi's blog. They were sent by one of the regular contributers there. I was immediately in a good mood and Tuesday ended well. Thanks skgraff!

Today was an okay day until just before lunch. The social worker came in and dropped a nasty little bombshell. She upset me so badly I dropped it all into my sister's lap, ate lunch, took an Ativan and had a nap. Later this afternoon, I was still feeling pretty upset about everything when in came a delivery. SparkleFarkle had sent me a garland she'd made so I could use it as a laurel wreath whenever I manage to accomplish a breathrough or just when I need a pick-me-up. All smiles again! Thank you so much, SparkleFarkle! I had an aide hang it where I can see it all the time.

Thanks again to all of you for cards, letters, and general support. It really helps.

Anne Teldy

As if the minor setback reported April 23rd wasn't enough, I've added a new problem: a serious upper respiratory infection causing me to temporarily lose my voice and part of my hearing in one ear and requiring (since Wednesday evening) a second antibiotic, the worst tasting cough syrup on the market, 10+ boxes of Kleenex (and counting) and an oxygen tank. My life sucks. (Actually, it wheezes and tries to cough up a lung every few minutes, but that doesn't have the same succinct ring to it.)

I can't even begin to tell you how much your cards and letters have meant. When the Activities lady comes by with the mail, I perk up a bit. I really love reading it although, lately, it has been quite dangerous. Some of it was so funny, I nearly died laughing. (Okay. Okay. Maybe "died laughing" is not quite accurate, but it sounds so much better than "passed out from my inability to intake oxygen in a timely manner". And, yes, I know "faint" is the proper medical term.)

The Activities Director here is a cunning one. About two weeks after a three-minute Q&A about my preferred activities -- in which I said "no" quite often -- the lady appeared at my door with a box of birthday cards. Seems she was just "too busy" to write out the residents' cards and would I be so kind as to use my fountain pens and do it for her. I agreed and did so. The next week she asked if I would hand write 25 invitations to the Volunteer Dinner for her. (She thought it would be so much more personal to have a resident do it and this way she wouldn't have to pay for printing.) Again, I did it and she said she was thrilled. I'm expecting her to knock again any minute.

My medicines are here. The gagging sound you're about to hear is me trying to keep down my cough syrup.

This is just a quick note to thank all of you who have sent me postcards, letters, and cards. It's so great getting them. They certainly lift my spirits. I'm having my artistically-inclined niece make a collage on my room's bulletin board.

Though I have had a minor setback in one aspect of my health, I'm actually doing a bit better in most. In fact, today I walked further (farther?) without having to sit down than I have in 6 years or so. Most people would laugh at how short a distance it was, but my Physical Therapist and I are very happy with it. Also, my doctor's nurse practitioner has changed some of my medicines. I'm hoping that will ease some of the pain.

Again, thanks for remembering me!

Anne Teldy (née Kelly Hurt)