Saturday, December 24, 2005

Merry Christmas

Hello All—

First of all, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas.  (I think the law states that I must start this message by saying “Merry Christmas.” There is so much good news to report since I last wrote two weeks ago.  First, thank you for all of the comments supporting us on the blog-25- it’s the most we’ve had in a while.  I think I was feeling the same about the blog as I was about the hospital—it’s amazing how a few bad people can really change the atmosphere of a place.  Over the last two weeks though, we’ve been able to focus on the people we normally work with and things we need to do to prepare to go home.  In our last meeting with our team, it was very encouraging to hear all the good things they had to say.  

I won’t go through all the details of what we’ve been doing for the past two weeks, but our major highlights include learning to use the bus system, going out to eat and going shopping, and taking a trip to the aquarium.  We have also learned a lot about airline and car transfers and how to travel home, and we both feel comfortable in making the trip.  It may not sound like much, but there were a few “adventures” in there.  On our trip to the aquarium, Kari had to drive over a mile through snow covered sidewalks and over a bridge on a major street over a river.  We also got stuck once at a restaurant because the route to the bus stop was covered in ice and snow.  The people at Craig had to call a van to come pick us up and we didn’t get home until about two hours after we finished eating.  Everything we do now is a new experience, and we’ve learned a lot just going out on our own.  We also bought an accessible van yesterday (even though it won’t be delivered until Tuesday).  The van that we were donated was having problems with the air suspension and it would have taken at least three weeks to get it fixed, so we decided that we really needed to buy one that we could trust.  Anyways, the dealer was able to bring the van out so Kari could get in it, and we both liked it a lot.  The one we are getting only has 9 miles on it, so we are exciting about getting our first new car!  Sarah is out here now visiting, and she will drive it back, and two other people from Brookside are coming out to drive my car home.  

We are flying home on Wednesday the 28th, and are frantically trying to get all the loose ends wrapped up before we leave.  Our apartment won’t be ready until at least the 5th of January though, so we’ll be staying with friends from Brookside until we can move in.  Even though we won’t be in our own place though, it’ll be great to be out of the hospital and back in California.  We’re going to be at church on New Year’s Day.  Even being only 3 days away, it is hard to think that we are actually going home.  We are excited about it, but a little scared for sure.  

Aaron.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!!!
I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS ARE LEAVING!!! This your brother BoiXmaso, just to let you know, b/c I tried to register a new name and my comment got erased so im just an anonymous foo. Well, I sent you guys a Christmas card, and hopefully it got there yesterday, but it probably won't get there til monday, which is actually the day that we'll be celebrating on. I'm sure I'll talk to you soon, but I just wanted to post something after hearing all the good news. It's really great to receive such good news on Xmas. A new van! Three days til u leave! Church rage on New Years! Bearss 72, Packers - 12! Even though I won't see you guys on Christmas for the first time this milenium this Christmas will still be one to remember. Good luck movin and good luck gettin your stuff packed up. I miss you guys and can't wait to see you again and... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
P.S. - Im sorry I didn't post a comment on the 'bad comments' blog I wanted to post something like "Lets find these guys and beat them like the Bearsss are gonna beat Brett Farve's has-been butt. BEARSSS!"
Love and Holiday Salutations,
Boitwando

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! It was great to talk to you both last night and share in the excitement and wonderful present - going home. Our prayers continue as they will on Wednesday as you begin your journey back to California!!!!

Love you lots and can't wait to see you next month!

John

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! It was great to talk to you both last night and share in the excitement and wonderful present - going home. Our prayers continue as they will on Wednesday as you begin your journey back to California!!!!

Love you lots and can't wait to see you next month!

John

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! It was great to talk to you both last night and share in the excitement and wonderful present - going home. Our prayers continue as they will on Wednesday as you begin your journey back to California!!!!

Love you lots and can't wait to see you next month!

John

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you, dear Kari & Aaron-
How wonderful to read about your plans for GOING HOME!
Sounds like the last few weeks have been jam-packed with preparations for this long-awaited day. I am so excited and happy for you!

We will keep you all in our prayers for safe travel and can only imagine the joy when you arrive and soak in all the love that's waiting there for you.
Wish I could be there to be part of the welcoming celebration :-)
We will be rejoicing with you
and thinking of you as you feel the warm California sun again, and praying that your new home will be ready quickly for you to settle into and begin the new year together in.

May our Father God continue to keep you both in His constant loving care,
Hugs,
KT

Anonymous said...

Aaron and Kari,
Thanks so much for the update!! We have been checking daily (since I left you) and praying that you would send an update.
You put a lot of "Merry" in our Christmas this year.
Love you,
Jan (and Janice) Yessa

Anonymous said...

Tidings of comfort and joy. That's what comes to mind hearing that home is so close to reality now. Couldn't be any happier for you both. Just to be in your own place, around friends, church, and work. Everyone will be so glad you are back. Show 'em your stuff Kari. You are still the same person you always were- just more "ammunition". Look out- here she comes! Don't party too hard on New Years but definitely celebrate. You certainly deserve it.

Anonymous said...

YEA!!!

Can't wait to see you in january!

Cyndi

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! We are so glad to hear all of the good things that have been happening - we will be happy to welcome you both home! At least you know you won't get stuck in ice and snow here in SoCal!

Best wishes for safe travels!
Pam and Andrew Jones

Anonymous said...

God Bless
I'm sooooooooooooo happy to hear of your home comming it is long over due!!!! May you be filled with much joy and laughter, and God's love all around you.
I love you both & think of you often. Enjoy your new life together hope you keep us updated on how every thing is going I'm so Grateful just to be able to stay updated!! Thank you
What a wonderful new journey you are both on enjoy all the sunshine you can get!!
Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New year!!!!!!!!!
Donie STCFM

Franki said...

YIPEE!!! YAY!! I am SO excited for you guys! And so happy that you will be home... around friends, your church family and your work family. We'll continue to pray as you travel and transition. But now, I must go and do my Happy Dance...because YOU'RE GOING HOME!!! Love you lots!

Anonymous said...

Dear Kari and Aaron,
Merry Christmas to you both and to all of your faithful readers! We are all so thankful to hear you are COMING HOME. We pray for your safe and happy return. Please DO NOT hesitate to ask for help AND to accept help that is offered. There are a lot of people out here and we are very much willing and ready to help in any way we can. God bless you both.

The Haessly Family
Laurie, Bill, Nate and Kohl

Anonymous said...

WOOO-HOOOOO!!!!! You're going home!!!!! We are all celebrating this milestone with you both and of course, praying too that all will go smoothly for this transition. Thanks for the wonderful update! I'm so excited for you both! Happy New Years and God Bless!
Love,
Heather

Anonymous said...

Amazing Grace comes to mind!
To think that you are talking about going to restaurants and the aquarium instead of talking about breathing tubes and nightmares...WOW! The future is in your sights, I can see. May you continue to see each day as a new beginning. By the way, Kendra and Adam gave us a book on Christmas about Chicken Soup for Grandparents!!! (Aug. 15th is to be the day)
Love and good luck in your return to California.
Love, Mam Barrett and Family

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas. Finally you get to go home. We love you both so much. Miss you too! Love, The Hall's

Anonymous said...

Aaron & Kari..
today is the beginning of another chapter in your new adventure. :) We'll be praying that you have a safe trip home and that the blessings of the Lord will go before you. You are loved!! Enjoy the new year in California! :)
love and prayers,
Mike & Vickie & family :)