In Memory Of Mary Karen (Grammy) Perry

Dear family,

Well, THAT was an adventure.  It’s one I don’t want to have again nor do I want any of you to follow suit.  I did learn a few of things during my most recent stay in the hospital—1)  When you are totally pale and can’t stand without passing out, the hospital staff tends to listen a bit more closely to what you have to say, 2)  When you are in the ICU the staff keeps a close eye on you even if you don’t want them to, and 3) A hospital is no place to get well!

And after having gone through my THIRD experience with ulcers (this time I have 2) it has become pretty clear to me that I should never have taken any medications with aspirin (or Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory) in it.  Learn from my stupidity!  I frightened your father pretty badly—and you all know how he acts when someone he loves is hurt!  Not a pleasant sight!!

I go to the doctor tomorrow for a follow-up visit, blood tests, etc.  Since I like going to the doctor about as much as I like, oh, I guess a poke in the eye with a sharp stick will do as a comparison—I am hoping I will be told to stay on acid reduction medication for the rest of my life and rest when I’m tired.  Sounds like a good plan to me!  Yeah, and eat foods rich in iron because iron supplements are hard on the stomach, etc.  I still say we should have come with an instruction booklet—one that we probably wouldn’t have read!

Our trip to Europe, as you all probably know by now, was canceled.  Dad had Andrew fly here instead.  Hopefully we will be able to get our money back for the tickets we did not use.  And then there was the added surprise of Mark, Stacy and Bryanna flying here to see us this past weekend.  They were able to come before Andrew had get back to Switzerland so we all had a great visit.  That sort of thing is the very best kind of medicine for me.

Take care of my kids!  We love and miss you all!!

Mom and Dad