It snowed!

It snowed for the first time on Wednesday. The kids at school were very excited. One of them said, "It's about time," which made me laugh. We are all doing well. James has gotten over his cold, and I have gotten over some kind of stomach flu I had. Terrence managed not to get either, which is normally his custom- except of course this past summer. I think everyone knows by now that Ted's Lyme disease test came back negative. This is good news since it means we don't have to worry about any lingering side effects from his illness. His doctor didn't really have anymore insight into his sickness except for that it was bacterial meningitis, of an unknown type.

I never really did any research into meningitis until now. Once we were in the hospital I knew he was in good hands, and Rob patiently answered all of my questions and assured me that everything was proceeding as it should. Denial can be a useful thing, and it served me well during that time, enabling me to stay optimistic and present with Ted as he suffered through terrible headaches, high fevers and the fear of the unknown.

As Molly says, Ted was one lucky bastard. The chances for brain damage and death with bacterial meningitis are high. I can remember a particularly sobering moment after one of the doctors tried to prepare us for what might happen. I realized how possible it was to lose it all. My fear for Terrence gripped me, then my fear for Jamie as well. But we were really lucky and I am really thankful.

It is kind of nice to have my denial wear off here in Bethel. Puts the cold and the remoteness in perspective. So with the snow falling outside, I conclude that we are going to have a fine time here this winter, even if it is long and dark.

Jamie is going to the Teen Center today after school. Friday is movie day and they have popcorn. He really likes it there. If they would let him set up a cot in the corner he would live there. It is a nice place. There are games and activities, some couches, cooking and sewing class, a couple of aquariums and a lot of kids. After that we are going to the cultural center to buy McDonalds cheeseburgers. Thats right, if you don't live where they have a McDonalds they will find a will to bring them in. It is a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts, which is a worthy cause so we will have to do our part. - Megan