More updates

I got a call from Reimond's doctor's office today. While there was no evidence supporting Marfan's Syndrome, there was apparently a "vessel that is not connected properly" in his heart, and he needs to see the pediatric cardiologist. To that end, we have an appointment again at St. Louis Children's hospital on November 7th at 8 am. Luckily that is a school release day, so he won't need to miss class to go, but Eric did say we would need to leave the house around 6:30 am to get there on time because of rush hour traffic over the bridge. On the one hand I am very concerned, but on the other I thank God that this has been found before there were some sort of cardiac issues that arose from it that might be problematic. I have no idea of what the level of severity of this is, or what the possible outcomes will be; that is information I am guessing we will get once we see the specialist. I am trying to put the most positive face possible on it though, and Reimond is doing fine with knowing we have to go see the specialist. It is also comforting to know that I talked to my sister a little bit ago. When my niece was 9 she had a hole found in her heart (they call it a PDA) and it needed to be sealed with a coil. Kristi and my mom have been talking about coming down to see us, and that was one of the weekends they had been toying with, so they are going to see if they can come down here to be by us while we see what needs to be done. Eric is supposed to work that day, although he is going to look into whether he can trade that day for another; if he can't go with us, it will be comforting to have my sister and mom be here. (Most of you who read this know that my dad died of heart disease, from complications associated with a routine angiogram, and he died on November 7th, 1994, so this is particularly difficult for me. All prayers and support are most welcome!)

On a separate note, tonight was the opening of the Arts and Crafts show at the Air Force Base, and I had entered the Blackwork Dragon I had made for Eric for Christmas this past year (2007). It didn't win any awards, but it was really fun to see it displayed, and when I arrived for the opening, I was asked if I was one of the "artisans". I said I was, and was given a name tag to wear that identified me as such, which I thought was really neat! Then I got a wonderful surprise: Eric joined me there, still in his police uniform and everything! I hadn't expected to see him there as he worked 'til 6 and when he came up behind me, it made my night! I was so proud and happy to have him there to share in my excitement. This is a picture of my entry, for those who haven't seen it:

The quote says "The future belongs to those who dare" ~anonymous.
There were many lovely things there on display from all genres of crafts and arts, many of which I do, so I got lots of ideas for next year...
It was wonderful to be a part of this and to see my handwork on display.

Lastly, the issues with my van "may not" be as serious as they looked at first blush: it looks like the "tension pulley" may be what fell off, and the part to replace it isn't horribly expensive. A friend of ours, as well as Jesse, said that it can be reattached with just one bolt, and then the belt put back on, and that Eric *may* be able to do it himself. We will see when he gets his next day off, and take it a step at a time. It would be a relief if it isn't to major an ordeal to fix the van so that it is useable for a bit longer... Keep your fingers crossed for us~