Swallowing became impossible for Mara yesterday evening. Her throat filled up with phlegm. She kept trying to clear it, with little success, and could not speak until medical technology jumped in the breach. We learned to use a little wand to suck gunk out of her mouth and called the nurses whenever they needed to go deeper with a soft rubber catheter. It made for a restless night, as this had to be repeated every twenty minutes or so.
When she is not asleep, Mara is entirely with it. At one point during the night I noticed her eyes open and mouthed "I love you" from the bunk on the other side of the darkened room. She lifted her left arm and waived. Mara limits her speech to the most essential things. It takes her a while to say something.
Mara has been attached to the EEG machine for a long time. In addition to the vine of wires that attaches Mara to the machine, a microphone records all sounds and, as the first picture with the brainwave shows, a camera monitors her. No seizure has taken place since the 24-hour EEG started, however.
This morning someone with a staple remover came in, briefly took off the bandage that keeps the electrodes in place, and removed Mara's staples. They're titanium, so I saved them from the trash.
The second picture was taken by Carol. [This is Carol writing: David has been the most amazing nurse and care taker and Mara appreciates it! When I came in this morning and asked if I could stay with her while David went for coffee, she said she didn't want David to leave!]
The biggest surprise today was a woman in a white medical coat named Karen who walked into Mara's room: "Hello, I am the music therapist from the Integrative Medicine Center." Her guitar playing buoyed Mara, Carol and me. Mara managed a weak smile and several thank yous.
An ambulance has been lined up for early tomorrow morning. Aunt Mary and I will follow in a rented car. We hope the next post will be from Washington.
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60 comments:
Dear Mara, Music, it soothes the soul. What a wonderful respite from the machines and wires and such!! What joy! What was the song repetoire??!! So take care tomorrow-- will be with you in spirit as you are spirited down 95 to Washington. Sleep well tonight my dear and know that you are in my prayers. Sarah
Thanks Carol and David.
Mara - thrilled you had a visit from a music therapist. You might recall that my sister is a music therapist and I've been wondering for days if I should fly her out from the University of Michigan hospital to play for you!
Travel well my dear and to Carol and David, thank you again for these touching updates. It warms my heart to know how much love Mara gets from both of you each and everyday.
Jules
Bella,
I just reconnected with this old email, and you my friend. What a seige, so glad your David is with you. He sounds like the keeper of all keepers.
I am off to Peru Sat as a consultant for Mercy Corps to assist with Comfort for Kids in an international setting!!!! Finally! Gary Berniski's uber fabu wife Andrea is the Acting CD, and the ideal champion.
So sorry to read all you are going though, dearest one, but your blog radiates energy, love and life. I'll be back now that I've found you all again. Love and hugs, Griff
PS John's busy at work or he'd be adding a quick note too. Know he's well, and my keeper of all keepers.
LOVE YOU
Hi! This is Ems, and, as I am taking jewellery-classes, could I have the t itanium rings please ???!!! Man, I'll make someTHING outta'themm!!!
Have a good trip to DC.
David, it was great to hear your voice when I just spoke to you.Sorry I phoned: just an elder (older??) cousin wanting-to-be-in-toutch
DC: here you come!!
Mara: thanks you for enduring us ! (and Daaavid)
gigantic hug, Ems
Mara,
May you enjoy more music to lift your spirits and guide your way as you travel down the NJ turnpike.
We will be thinking of you again, and waiting with all of your adoring friends and loved ones to hear how you are.
Carol and David, you both are incredible. Truly incredible. Thank you just doesn't seem to express my sincerest gratitude for keeping us so close to Mara.
Love to everyone,
Karen (and Miles who is right here beside me as I type. He just blew a kiss to you, Mara)
David: wat is " gunk " ???
May-be it would be a good idea for all of us to limit our speech to the most essential things..
Now, let's not overrate David as-a-nurse..Mara and Carol: behave!!!!!
In the meantime: love, hugs, kisses,
Ems
Dear Mara,
This is Laurel. I miss you very much. I am just writing to say that I love you. I am writing to say that my thoughts are with you and that you are the strongest person I know. I will always be with you no matter what happens. And I hope you will be with me too. Thanks to all of the people who have helped my sister during this time. You have been so great. I love you.
LOT'S of Love,
Laurel
Dear Mara,
I wish I could play some banjo for you (I started lessons in March) - it's definitely lively foot-thumping music! And accompanied by tales of banjo boys, it would be very entertaining indeed. Hopefully the mental image of it will be enough to make you smile. In any case, I'm so glad you'll be back to Washington tomorrow. I hope it will be a relief and comfort to you to be closer to home.
This journey of yours at once breaks my heart and reminds me how lucky I have been to know you. Be well on your trip tomorrow and know that my thoughts are with you, David, your mom, and all your loved ones. Keep smiling chica! It only takes a glance at your blog to see that quite possibly you have a bigger (and more dedicated) fan club than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie! And with the boobs, I think you really edge her her out for the title of development goddess (wouldn't want her help in a democracy emergency)!
I'm with you in spirit.
Love always,
Carrie
Mara -
After a day of headaches and crying and more headaches and dry skin (from all the crying) I can't believe what I am reading!
I wish I were there to sing to you! Any request you want, and my pipes are at your command... :) Reading that you will be brought to DC has lifted my spirits and set me reaching for my guitar. OK, I suck at playing the guitar, but you know I will try anything a capella.
Nurse David and Nurse Carol: thank you. I can't wait to hear more.
Love,
LizMcK
Dear Mara, I continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers. I, too, have wonderful memories of you and Elise in Green Bay and up at the cottage in Lac du Flambeau. What fun you kids had!Mara, you are the epitome of what we should all strive for - peace makers in our troubled world; people who need to accept each other regardless of our race or religion. Thank you, Mara. I love you.
David, we have never met, but I feel I know you. Thank you for caring for Mara with such unconditional love.
And Carol, as a mother, my heart aches for you. I pray for strength for you for the days ahead.
Carol: If there is anything I can do to help set up at your house, please call. Liz
Mara
I've been thinking of you non stop all day. I was remembering a long conversation we had just a few years ago and you told me you thought I lived life in the moment. I liked that you said that. I've always thought that most true of you.
There is a photo I have of you, 20 years ago, in front of Sellery Hall in Madison-the first winter I knew you. You are bundled up in a scarf, hat and mittens with your arms fully extended and your head tilted back to the night sky, mouth open, catching snowflakes. It seems every single day I've seen you since then, you're arms are outstretched and you are using all of your senses to enjoy every moment.
I once knew a researcher at the U.W. studying the effects of love on the brain. He was able to prove that when we love someone they actually alter brain structure. You have actually, physically changed me, Mara, and I am grateful for it.
Every time I have looked into Tims eyes the last few days I can see he is thinking of you too. We both love you so much.
Theresa and Tim
love to you Carol and David and it can't be said enough, thank you
Mara! So grateful for the updates and feel like I'm a part of your world. Can almost hear the tunes...
Am back in town from Montana for a few weeks working with OTI so I'm sending you strong healing thoughts from exceptionally close range. You are awesome. Kim
Music therapy, how perfect! I've been self-medicating all day.
Oh Mara, we're thinking of you so much right now. I don't think an hour goes by without someone comes by and talks about some happy time with you. I so wish we could be there with you right now.
Dear Mara,
An image popped into my mind this morning as I walked in to the office. It will only make sense to you if you are a Lord of the Rings fan (finding Viggo Mortensen hot just isn't enough!).
But I imagined you as a 'ring bearer' and thought of Frodo on his mission. And how in spite of it all he just kept going - putting one foot in front of another in spite of it all.
I wish we could take the load from you for a little on this journey.
I will wave at any ambulances I see go by tomorrow in case they have you in them. Travel well -
Love
Anna
Dear Mara- and of course, Carol and David- We are so glad that you are well enough to hear all the comments filled with love. A few blogs ago, people mentioned where they were writing from, and clearly you have the whole world covered. It was quite impressive. I think music therapy is a wonderful idea. And next should be puppy therapy. Lots of hospitals do that. We send you our best. Thank you for keeping us informed and able to share our thoughts with you too. Love, Joni and Tom
Dearest Mara,
Like others, I am so glad to hear about the music! As David requested, the Circle of Love package will be waiting for you at the house in Washington. Keep feeling the love from all of us and the peace and prayers we are sending. You have given us strength, and it is our turn to beam all that and more back to you. You are in my heart and prayers.
Claudia
Just one more thing (do we get a limit of messages per day??!!)
I was coming up to the MC DC office office today and passed the flower shop at the bottom of the building (you know the one)
And they had these bright pink gerber (?) daisies and I decided to buy one to put on my desk. Not to remind me of you - I am thinking of you every minute of the day. But so that whenever anyone asked me about the flower on my desk I could tell them about you. It worked! So your fan club is a little bigger than it was yesterday!
Love Anna
Hey Galaty,
I think it is more of a comfort for us than for you to write in this blog, we all feel that we are doing something - although we know it is trivial.
I want to talk to you, to hear your laughter. I know you are strong and that you will start controlling your life again. I MISS YOU. I need to talk to you. David: you are an angel - please find a way for me to talk to Mara. As Maria said : Jordan was lucky to have you and your presence her will remain. Chantal mentions you a lot and she needs you to read her a story – please come back and visit us.
George
Dearest Mara,
I spent time today looking at photos and emails we’d exchanged over the years. We weren’t always in the same town or country, but -- like all of us on this blog now feel -- we always found a way to connect. We comforted each other during troubled times and we chuckled during fun times...like when we went to buy your car from Nora (aka "the Nora"). :-)
I found the photos from the “Bolognesi Brunch” with my SAIS classmates that you so generously, without even knowing any of them (so Mara!), offered to host as we traveled together from Portland to DC. There, on your parents’ rooftop, you met David...who wooed you with homemade ice cream...and the rest is history!
I am so very grateful that David is there by your side, sharing the love with you in person that we are all sharing with you through this blog.
Like Carrie, I have just taken up the banjo. I have an image of us playing together for you, and in the spirit of Mara, we play not “Dueling Banjos” but “Cooperating Banjos!” I wish I could offer you such sweet sounds. Know that when I play I will hold you in my heart.
Peaceful journey, amiga. We are with you.
Love,
Laura
Dear Mara:
I hope the music provided some relief. My children accuse me of being tone-deaf. They might be right, but this never stopped me from playing the bass enthusiastically (unfortunately, as the conductor would too-often remark, during rests as well).
So I think I'll refrain from offering my musical services. But you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your are an inspiration. Travel well, comforted by the thoughts of family and friends who hold you so dear.
Doug
Dear Mara, CArol and DAvid
Glad you'll be able togo "home" tomorrow. My mother (Lee Harris) asks for updates about you every day and sends her love always, as we all do. Enjoy the chauffeur-driven ride home, Mara!
Love, Joan Harris
Dear Mara and Carol and David
After returning home from a trip out of the country, we are so saddened to see what Mara is going through. Our thoughts are with you all as you make your journey to DC.
We send our love,
Debbie and Jerry
Dear Mara, Carol and David, How nice to have had a short "concert," and what a wonderful distraction! And how nice not to have the staples in; I understand from other friends that they are not painful, just uncomfortable. I hope that made up a little bit for the swallowing problem, although that just sounds awful for all three of you.
It's starting to get cool at night in Jordan, although as long as you are in the sun during the day it is still quite warm. Vy Cafe won't be using their outside seating for much longer.
Thank you, Carol and David for all you do. Thank you Mara, for your courage and grace.
Travel safely tomorrow. Traveling mercies. Love, JMRR
Dear Mara,
I know the words "I love you" resound all around you, I believe the air around you is thick with them. I hope you hear them all the time. Any place. Any time. I love you.
Zlatna
Dearest Mara and David & Carol,
I’ve been obsessively clicking onto your blog (and it does indeed belong to all of you now) every couple of hours or so, in the hopes of hearing better news . . . I so relate to what Liz wrote last night – in between reading all the incredibly loving posts and checking to see if there would be good news, I pasted a smile on my face to answer the door to adorable little trick or treaters. The world is so bizarre sometimes, innit?
Anyway, I was too sad to write anything funny or uplifting yesterday, but in light of the fact that you’ve got all got a long am-ba-lance and car ride ahead of you tomorrow, I thought I’d make this a jokey (hopefully) entry. Forgive me if it’s too long, but at least you can skip it if you want (unlike if I was there in person jabbering away in your ear ;-).
I was inspired by all the comments last night from your huge and ever growing group of friends and family talking about their sweet little cherubs dressing up for Halloween as pink unicorns, or Thomas the Tank Engine, or Batman, or all the other adorable costumes little kids pick. When Sam was little, I loved taking my baby out trick or treating, and Halloween was always my favorite holiday. I loved decorating our apartment or house with Halloween-y stuff too, and he always helped.
However, I immediately noticed that nobody on the blog yesterday was talking about what their hulking, overgrown, constantly hungry TEENAGERS were “being” for Halloween. Mara, I suspect that I fall somewhere in between your and many of your friends’ ages (30’s) and your parents’ generation; ergo, either your readers are done with childraising, or just starting out. So I thought I’d offer up a little “in-between” tale.
First, you should know that my son is basically a great kid. He’ll be 15 on Sunday (a Scorpio – so’s his father/my hubby; I am just SO lucky that way), just started his freshman year in high school, and is making very decent grades so far and his teachers really like him. He can also be incredibly kind, sweet and thoughtful, so please don’t judge him by the story that will follow ;-).
With that in mind, I now present: “Halloween – A Teenager’s Tale”
5:45 pm – I drop my “little” cherub off at his best friend Noel’s house so he can “go trick or treating” (yeah, right). He is not wearing a costume of course, unless one can call his usual garb a “costume.” (Sam has 2 pairs of sneakers, 3 pairs of jeans, and about 35 tee shirts – each with a different band silk-screened on the front. Although this is Portland, after all, so many actual adult men walk around looking like this too.)
10:00 pm – I get a call from my darling to come and get him and Noel at a street corner close to Noel’s house (thank GOD for cell phones. I don’t know what parents did before they existed). Since this is a full half an hour before the curfew I gave him, I’m quite pleased. What a good kid to call early – and what a superb parent I must be to have such a good kid!
10:15 pm – I go to the designated street corner where Sam and Noel are sitting patiently on the curb chatting and waiting for me. They really are such cute kids, I think. Good boys, too. They proceed to get in the car, and now the fun starts.
Me: “Holy SH*T!!!!!!! You two simply reek – REEK!!!!! of ALCOHOL!!!!!!!!!!”
Sam & Noel (who are both shocked, shocked that I would say such a thing): “Huh? Wah? Mom! Lisa! How can you say that? What are you talking about???”
Me: “Don’t give me that CRAP!! I can smell it from HERE!!! And why are you both CHEWING SPEARMINT GUM?????”
Sam (who’s idea of a good defense is always a strong offense): “Mom, I KNEW you’d do this!! You do this EVERY TIME I go out!! You ALWAYS think me and Noel have been drinking, or smoking weed! You’ve just RUINED my Halloween!!! We did NOT go drinking! Besides, where would we get beer? Nobody would sell it to us!!”
Dear God, what a drama queen, I think. And you’ll notice that the ultimate reason for not drinking beer is not because it’s illegal, they’re underage, it’s a drug, they’ve been expressly forbidden to drink or smoke ad nauseum by their respective parents, blah blah blah – nah, it's because nobody would sell it to them.
Things proceeded apace, with me interjecting at regular intervals some variant of “exactly how stupid do you think I am???” while the boys offer the following lame-o excuses as to why they couldn’t possibly have been drinking alcohol:
The aforementioned “where would we get it cuz nobody would buy it for us anyway.”
They didn’t even leave Noel’s house until 7:45pm, went trick or treating for an hour and a half, went over to a girl’s house for a while (oh joy), but her dad was there (thank God), so they only stayed for five minutes (yep Sam & Noel, you’ll encounter a fair amount of that type of disappointment over the next four years, I’ve no doubt), and then they hung out in Kenilworth park “for only 15 minutes,” so when could they possibly have had time to drink??
(Yeah, like I believed that timeline for a micro-second.)
And my favorite (one I never came up with, nor would it have ever occurred to me): “Mom, Noel and I don’t drink or smoke weed anymore because we’ve gotten caught before and it was SO embarrassing, so now we don’t do it at ALL. The kids we know who smoke and drink have never gotten caught. And after a kid gets caught a few times, they just stop doing anything because it sucks and it’s so embarrassing to get caught!”
(Mom comment: yes, they’ve tried both weed and beer, and yes, they have indeed gotten caught by both sets of parents because they’re so dumb about where/when they tried it – I mean, do these boys have any CLUE what walking clichés they are??)
You gotta admire the creativity though. The (vain yet eternal) hope that Mom/Lisa would actually believe these lines of bullsh*t. Or is it just the brass balls?
The real clincher was that after we dropped off alcohol-smelly little Noel, Sam actually tried to make conversation with me on the car ride home. Like actually asking me how my night had been. Like he actually cared and wasn’t just trying to throw me off the scent. Like – what a CROCK.
And here’s this morning’s postscript:
Sam: “Mom, I’m really, really tired. Can I stay home from school?”
Tired my ass, I think. Hung over, more likely, ya little dork.
Me: “Do you have two broken legs? Or a temperature of 110 degrees? Because those are the ONLY two ways you’ll be able to stay home from school today.”
Sam (with long suffering sigh and eye-roll): “I hate you, Mom.”
Me: “That’s nice dear, I’ll live. And I still love you.”
I feel like if my son doesn’t say he hates me occasionally during his teen years, I’m not doing a good enough parenting job ;-).
See what all you folks out there in blog land with your adorable little babies and toddlers have to look forward to? Once they hit age 10 or 11 – both sexes, by the way – you will become the stupidest moron on the face of the planet for roughly the next 10 years. And clueless as well. And fat. Even if you’re not fat. And if you’ve got a typical middle-aged body, you’ll be embarrassingly fat. And of course, just plain embarrassing, too. ALL the time. Every waking moment. Enjoy those cute Halloween costumes while you can.
Mara darling, I send you all my love, hope, joy, and vitality. David and Carol, for what it's worth, I send you both the same and my strength as well. Hang in there, you all.
Love, Lisa
Hi, Margarita.
I've spent the evening constructing a giant pile of letters from you. They are from, literally, every era of your life. From Wisconsin summers in 6th grade, to your exchange year in highschool, to your first year in Madison before I transferred there, to the Peace Corp and all of the overseas destinations after that. There are detailed letters -- every home, every town, every friend, every job, every boyfriend. These letters are tangible proof of what so many people on this blog have written. You truly have lived a rich, rich life.
Here are a few excerpts from your letters that express, perfectly, how I am feeling right now (I hope it is ok that I am posting them. I don't know how else to get this to you.):
"Should I really write anything. Nothing could express what I'm thinking. I'm thinking of years of being best-friends -- ages, eons, decades! Maybe if I could paint it. Someday..."
"I wish that you could be here with me experiencing the amazing things I am doing or that we could just float in space talking and hugging -- no time and no gravity."
"Things are going ok here -- but no one understands me like you do. It's hard -- I grew up with you -- you're my second nature -- it's like having Ms. Beezly taken away and put in the closet -- and everyone is saying -- you're a big girl now -- you don't need her, Buffy. I'm going insane without you."
I will always need you, Ms. Beezly. Thank you so, so much for the lifetime of love and joy that you have given me and for all of the goodness that you have brought to the world.
I am praying non-stop for you to have as much comfort as possible.
ILY to infinity and beyond,
Kimboily
Dear Mara,
I had the happy chance to meet you after your Dad, Deb and younger sisters moved next door to us in Portland. In the intervening years since then, they have proudly shared stories about you--your travels, your amazing gift at helping people survive the toughest events, your incredibly rich relationships (kudos, David). At their home, I revel in your artwork (the gorgeous relief you did in their downstairs bathroom makes me want to pick up a paintbrush). Mostly, however, I am humbled and awed at the strength of your Portland family's admiration, respect and profound love for you. Such are the treasures that abide. I am so glad for them that they have you as daughter and sister. Likewise, I am grateful to have witnessed a truly deep, mutual love and friendship between parents and child. I hold you as an amazing, grace-filled model. Gracias, Betse
Dear Mara,
A big hug and love from Portland. Ezra (who’s 5 now!) sends you an especially powerful and long hug.
Ezra was bamboo last night for Halloween (visualize a potted plant with legs). He rustled down the street amid his foliage, giddy with excitement about the night’s magic. Tonight is quiet here. I wish on the first star - that you’re smiling right now and have lots to smile about in the weeks ahead.
With much love,
Liz (and Jared and Ezra)
Dear Mara this is hello from two of your fans who reconnected today because of you - Hayley Hawes from Indonesia and Colin Spurway who sends a big salaam from Osh. You are in our thoughts and such an inspiration.
Dear Mara, David and Carol
My name is Liz and I work for Mercy Corps in Scotland.
We've never met but I was so moved by your blog that I wanted to write.
People here who know you only through your blog are willing you all on.
Love and hugs from Scotland
Liz
MARA, MY DARLING ONE,
I want to write a book about you! I NEED your permission, my dearest!
This is the idea that hit me early this morning and I HAD TO ASK YOU. This is also the thought that gave me peace after crying for you, praying for you, talking to you, writing to you, thinking about you, loving you and hoping for you so much,ever since 29 August!
Not only spiritually, but physically as well did I feel in your skin at that moment early this morning.
Please, please, I want to hear your word. Answer me, my love, when you are back from swimming!
I love you forever!
Zlatna
Hope you had a smooth ride down to Washington. I'm still in Palestine though I wish I was in NY while you were there. It's been incredible to feel your amazing energy through this Blog.
I'm going to give you some of my mundane news. Last night my friends and I went out to a party- please note that in Ramallah, parties don't happen very often- this must be the first one to take place in the bar of a fancy hotel in several months. A couple of hours into the party, someone throw a tear gas bomb and we had to evacuate in tears and coughing. We think it might be Hamas, but who knows. So, I've had an eventful evening for sure and all I can think of is that I wore my heals for nothing.
If any more exciting stories happen, I'll keep you posted. For now, rest well and know that you are an eternal inspiration. After all, you were my first boss in life and you've set the standard pretty high. Typical Mara behavior!
A waterfall of kisses from the occupied territories.
su'ad
More soothing strokes from Istanbul. Mara, I hope this journey and departure from the hospital bring relief in some form. Imagine your road as being like the Bosphorus, wending its way silver and broad through the hills of the city, emptying out into the Marmara (or the "Mara Mara") where your spirit can swim. As Charlie has noted, keep on swimming. We are all thinking of, constantly. Love, Julia
Sweet Mara,
I am so grateful you are not in pain, and that you are surrounded by those who love you. You have touched my life in so many ways, and I feel so lucky to have you as a friend. Know I am with you right now, holding your hand.
All my love, to Carol and David as well,
L
Dear Mara, Julia and I are thinking of you and sending you positive energy your way. You're a great friend and colleague and I've enjoyed our time together. and of course thanks for helping me get this Serbia job - your reference was key :) Stay tough Mara! Love Enrique & Julia
Mara:
I took today off to catch up on things, including you, and am now glad I have time to absorb it all. I am glad you are finally coming home, and am waiting with the rest for news. I keep thinking of what a great counsel you were, nearly 2 years ago now, when I was so sad, and how much you made me laugh. And reading all the posts people are sending to make you smile (thanks, Lisa) makes me feel better. I wish I had my own right now, but I can't seem to come up with one. Instead I will send all my love with the others, and go out into the DC day with you on my mind, hoping you're basking in all the lovely fall sunshine coming in through a window at home with David and Carol.
love,
Judy
Dearest Mara (Carol and Gil)
It is fitting that this entry has to do with the joy of music, because I last night I went to a concert that made me think of you. We went to see Michael Feinstein and the Baltimore Pops at Strathmore. During the second half Michael Feinstein did a lot of the Gershwin brothers’ music and told stories about each of the songs. Unbeknownst to me the lyrics to the song “Our Love is Here to Stay” were written by Ira about his brother George when it was discovered that George had brain cancer. I’ll write the lyrics below, but before I do I want to reflect back to earlier conversations we’ve had about Love. Love, like energy, never dies, it just changes form and I believe with all my heart and soul that the love you give and receive continues to make this world a sweeter place.
I’ve met few souls on this earth who are as beloved as you my dear friend. It reminds me of a line from the Wizard of Oz, when the Wizard gave the Tin Man his heart he said, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” If this is the measure than your heart is one of the greatest I have known.
So to add to your abundant heart the following are the words to “Our Love is Here to Stay”
It's very clear
Our love is here to stay ;
Not for a year
But ever and a day.
The radio and the telephone
And the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies,
And in time may go !
But, oh my dear,
Our love is here to stay.
Together we're
Going a long, long way
In time the Rockies may crumble,
Gibralter may tumble,
There're only made of clay,
But our love is here to stay.
I love you!!!! Aimee
Dear Mara, thinking of you from the open steppes of Mongolia. I still remember that first civil society training you did for us back in MC Kosovo! If it wasn't for you and that training it would still all be a big black hole to me! Take care tomorrow and you are in thoughts. Love Sean and Charlie
Dear Mara,
My mother reminded me of the week we spent in Naples, Florida during college -- we'd go jogging then mix some rum punch to rehydrate while watching the sunset...then our Swedish Chef routine would begin -- we'd cook and entertain ourselves and our 'audience' with all of our combined languages (which have since at least doubled!) making sure to drench it all in what we thought was a Swedish accent..
And do you and Charlie and Mark remember the 27km overnight hike down that mountainside with 2 flashlights for 25 people...all to catch an early morning train..We had no bus because while the bus was there, the tires had 'been stolen by gypsies'.
good times.
Have a smooth trip down i95. It's a well-worn path between DC and NY - how awesome that you get to make it with a siren -- you'll finally be able to beat the Jersey traffic!
LOVE,
Kristina with love also from Terry and the unborn babe (any day now...)
Mara-
I am thinking of you, happy you are with such loving friends and family. I hope you are not in pain and that yare are getting wondeful care. I know you are very tired and may be not into this, but I am in New York on Sunday and Monday and if you are up to to I would so love to come see you.PLease let me know if you want a visit. Lots of love. Anne
In case you have other " anne friends" that last blog was form your friend Anne Smith.
Hi Mara,
Glad to hear that you are DC bound- I hope its a great change of pace for all of you.
As for the 25 km walk to town - I'm STILL confused about why we had to leave in the middle of the night. I just remember thinking - over a mid afternoon rakia with Ludmil, Dimo(?), Kristina and Mark that we would never actually DO such a foolish thing. But lo & behold off we went. Although with full confession here, I do recall that somehow you and I ended up in a military van of some sort and avoided the hike while all the rest had to walk.
I still have pictures from that trip.
Love Charlie
PS - I also managed to somehow miss the Multi-national gift bag, but fear not! I'm sending it direct.
Dear Zlatna,
regarding the book:
could I please do the chapter on David ?
Mara: could I ?? (p l e a s e ?)
Uh-huh!
Dag! love to all bloggies,
Ems
Dear Mara,
I remember when we were in Progesso, Mexico. We were all walking to dinner and the neighborhood children would see you and run after you waving and yelling "Mara! Mara!" You were such a star to them! They loved you!
As a teacher, I know that no one is a better judge of people than kids. The many posts to your blog confirm what those children knew so well; you are a star to so many of us!
So as you head home to DC, know that I am running along behind you, cheering you on. (Mara! Mara!) You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you girl,
janet k.
Dear Mara,
I join all the others, who have posted on the blog, in telling you how much I love you. How much all my kids love you. You are amazing! I know that you will enjoy being home away from all the poking and prodding. Just know that we are all thinking of you.
Lots of love,
Aunt Betsy
Mara and David,
I've been in touch with Will today. He is blocked from accessing the blog at work and asked me to pass along his warmest wishes for Mara's healing and a big hug to both of you. (OK, being the hugging type I added that last part, but I know he would agree!). :-)
He looks forward to welcoming you back to Washington.
Hugs and more hugs,
Laura
Dear Mara, When people ask me how I am doing I tell them about my amazing friend and what she is going through right now. They always ask does she have people to support her and take care of her? That question always makes me smile because I tell them not to worry there is not a person more loved and adored than our wonderful and amazing Mara. I love you and you are constantly in my thoughts. much love, LIz H.
Mara,
It's the most gorgeous fall day here in Portland, so I just took you on a brisk walk with me. The sky is a deep blue and crystal clear. We moved right along because the air is nippy, and our fingers were cold. We were admiring the shades of orange and gold in the trees and commenting that there seem to be more reds than usual this year. Then along came a gust of wind, and it looked like it was raining leaves. We laughed about prefering rain made of leaves to rain made of water.
Pam
dear mara, and carol and david,
i think (pray) you must be safely in DC by now and am praying for you now. mara my dear, your struggle has awakened a consciousness and a faith in probably many of us who are watching and hoping in the wings. i send you my love and prayers and hope you ride and sleep pain free.
Beautiful Mara,
Am in Atlanta now and just so happens Michael is flying in from the Ukraine with a Delegation. So we will be together this weekend. Reminds me of when we were all together with you and having such a delightful evening of laughter and good wine at your apartmen tin DC. We are sending you love and strength from both of us!! Big hug to you and to David and Carol too. Speedy and safe journey home to DC. Love, Malia
Washington looks forward to welcoming you, Mara -- sweet dreams and safe travels, Cathy
We all read this stuff about the power of the internet and the fact that we live in a "virtual world" now. Most of us sit in front of a computers all day at work, write emails, skype or chat or whatever, but I know I have never shared anything as unique as this virtual network of FOM (friends/family of Mara)... so near and yet so far... we're all right next to you thanks to the efforts of dearest David and Carol!
Mara, we are all better people because you have been part of our life and we have been part of yours. Regardless of the length of time we have known you and even more so from where we have known you... all the different places each of us have met you and all the different things we have each done together with you... from cooking in your kitchen for an impromptu dinner of 12 or exchanging experiences of our times in the same places in the world (with alot of the same people) but not together and wondering "how come we have never met before?"... Yet luckily we finally did!!
Yet still we did not belly dance together in Lebanon... that diplomatic passport preventing you a visit to a place I know you would love... Send the address in DC and I'll get my brother in law to drop off a CD of our version of music therapy Lebanese style (hummous and tabouli included, but mansaf .... hmmm... sorry George K but that dish is just not my favorite memory from Jordan). Alexi's CD will get you moving and I can already imagine you doing a little shimmy for your lovely David :)
Going to whisper in the VM's ear now... Lots of love, Frances
Mara querida, I am living in Malaga, Spain now, with my wife Fabiana (as you knew) and our sun, Lucca Beracochea de Miranda. I was so happy to get from Alex. I hope you get this note trough David and that you remember that you have friends that I admire you all over the world. Un beso grande... from Paulo, Lucca and Fabiana.
mara,
I have just read your blog after a few days of intense work and found myself crying here in my office. I feel mad and sad, recognizing I may likely not see you again and all the emotions that come with that.
You are a friend who lives her life so fully, as someone mentioned 'arms wide open and head thrown back', really tasting every last drop, reaching out to take in the richness and texture of the world. A very rich, full, loving life you have created. Very indicative of how you are sharing with us now in this process.
Thank you for this, thank you David and Carol for your part in this.
I have so much to learn about this part of our journey--= the part none of us get to avoid. Thank you for showing me how.
Know you have had a profound impact on me and all of us and that we are there with you in a more real way than if we were there in person.
Can I ask david or carol to give you a sweet little kiss on your cheek from me? Sending you much love and wishing for you peace and rest,
kathleen
Dear Mara, Carol, and David,
My heart is with you,
With love,
Mark Harris
Thanks David and Carol for keeping us up to date on our dear friend Mara. Mara, our thoughts and prayers and good wishes are with you. There are so many people around the world who love you and are pulling for you. Continue to find peace through friends, music and all the love that surrounds you.
Love, Kim
Mara,
We are coming to the end of a glorious sunny day in Portland. The sky is starting to turn pink, and the mountains are fading into the horizon as the sun sets. It was so chilly this morning ...the first frost in our neighborhood... but we are thankful for blue skies today and the promise of a sunny weekend ahead.
I have been thinking all day of your journey along the Eastern seaboard. I hope it was beautiful there too, and that you had a smooth ride.
Pete and I are going to Astoria this weekend. We would like to welcome you to the little home we are fixing up there someday. I envision you cozied up with your tea cup, watching the barges on the river from our porch. I think you'd feel the leap of delight that I do every time one of those big ships goes by!
You and David and your family are in our hearts this day and in the coming days. Be well, amiga.
Love,
Laura
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