What is the What

This is the book I just finished reading a few weeks ago.  In my mind, an epic.  A novel which should be read, contemplated, and internalized.

It is the story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who came to the United States as a refugee after living in two different refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya before which he fled Sudan in order to live.

It is a story of true fear, true courage and true survival.  A story of kindness, forgiveness and reality.  A story with a message, if you so choose to listen to it.

Reading this book was actually one of the goals I listed on my required goals for job performance for the year 20010-2011.

My relationship with Sudanese refugees began 7 1/2 years ago when I started my job as patient care coordinator at the UNMC HIV clinic. 

7 1/2 years ago, I viewed taking care of this very special group as one of the most challenging, and thus frustrating, parts of my work.

7 1/2 years later, I view taking care of this very special group of people one of the most challenging, and thus amazing parts of my work...and it a privilege to do it everyday.

In the past 7 1/2 years, I have gained a great respect and adoration for the refugees of Sudan.  As United States citizens, we think we know a lot about fear, hunger, survival, and hardship.  In some ways, we do. 

I think that I can honestly say that I know alot about grief.  But, I certainly don't know what it is like to have my village burned and my family, friends, and neighbors killed at point blank before my eyes.

I can say that I know fear.  But, I certainly don't know what it is like to cross the wild open lands with a vague destination in mind in the middle of the night to avoid being killed by armies, but to risk being eaten by lions.

I can say I know uncertainty.  But, I have never wished to move to a foreign land for the sake of a better life.  A land where I don't know the language and the culture.  A land where there are things I've never experienced, but a land where I am expected to be instantly self-sufficient.  A land full of new concepts like time, technology, health care, grocery stores, money.  A land where globally, I will not be respected, though I dream of going there. 

This is the life of so many of those I serve.  And for them, I have a profound adoration.  They have changed me.  They have made me wiser.  If you're up for a good read, be challenged to learn from their story.

The Tooth Fairy Chronicles

 It is done. 

The first tooth is out. 

With Mom holding a tense hand on the left, and dad perched, Kleenex in hand at right, Camille opened her mouth and gave Bill until the count of seven last night to get in there, grasp, and pull.

Of course it helped that I was the one counting....very slowly...but I didn't even make it to four before Bill had that baby out and Camille didn't know what she was missing. 

Her immediate thoughts on the matter:
     "Well, I guess now I only have 19 teeth....but I still have more than Jack."

And then, she spent several minutes inspecting the tiny little thing with her magnifier. 

Of course, we had to make a jar for the tooth fairy, just so, as Camille said "he OR she won't miss it."  It appears we are an equal opportunity household, even when mythical legends are involved. 

Funny thing is, when we slipped into her room to check the jar at bedside, it was on the floor, all sealed up.....but there was no tooth to be found.  Inside or out.  Bill didn't take it.  I didn't take it. 

Though we still have to fill the jar with the coveted prize......

I believe. 

The Self-proclaimed Tooth-Pulling Expert

A milestone is approaching. 

Camille has a loose tooth.  Her first loose tooth.  It has been a bit wiggly for awhile, but now it is actually so wiggly that it isn't even straight anymore.

She talks big.  Oh yeeeah baby. (Check that...with the exception of the time that she told Livvy she couldn't eat brussel sprouts because it might make her tooth fall out and then proceeded to eat rock-hard, uber-crunchy pita chips.)

For example:

"Mom, Dad's gonna pull my tooth tonight so the tooth fairy can come."

" I can't wait to lose my first tooth." 

"Will you get a special jar ready so I can put my tooth in there for the tooth fairy when dad pulls it?"

She even lusts after the tooth-loser hall of fame in the nurse's station at school.

HOWever, when push comes to shove....or should I say when pull comes to pull....the talk is talk.  Nope, no walking that talk here.

A few nights ago, she was sitting on my bed finishing up reading.  Exit left to brush teeth.  Reenter. 

Mom:  Hey, did you get your teeth brushed?  Let me check out that bottom tooth. 

Wiggle wiggle.

Enters Dad stage left. 

Dad proceeds to wiggle wiggle.

Dad:  Camille, let's get that tooth pulled tonight.

Camille:  (whimper)

Dad:  What?

Camille:  Dad, it's just that I'm not that big a fan of tooth-pulling.


Nice try.  Like you've had so much experience.  And who really  is a fan of tooth-pulling anyway?  (Well, besides the dentist.)

Back in the Chair

I've told myself that I WILL scrapbook more this year.  So, here's my first page of 2011.  Which is actually only a baby step as it is a redo of a page I did before but didn't like.

The journaling is difficult to read from the picture, but it is about my Grandma Irene:  the baby rocker.  I distinctly remember her rocking me to the tune of "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," and it was before she and Grandpa moved off of the farm, so I had to be less than 5 years old.  Needless to say, she left quite an impression, and it was amazing to watch her rock two of my children before she died. 

How I miss that sweet and sassy Grandma of mine.