Elsa... August 9, 2009 3:53 PM

Tootsie, thanks for your note.  I miss John something unbelievable; he was
so genuine, such a great guy, so much fun!  I just finished talking to one
of my sons, John Stuart, who is an engineer and is now about to begin his
residency (finishing med school) and he reminds me so much of his Dad!  My
youngest is an attorney who lives in Denver, he is an attorney/landman for
Anadarko Petroleum, and my middle one is my 'challenge', so to speak... with
a degree in Biology, full of potential, with a girlfriend I am not thrilled
about to put it mildly!  All great kids in their own right...

I'm now thinking of going back to school... possibly Berkeley.

Question... do all of you read/understand Spanish???  Because I am mainly a
'Spanglish' speaking person... that is what flows naturally, so I want to
make sure that is comfortable for 'you-all' (like we say in Texas) so that
what I write is understood by all.

I shared with Bruce info./pictures on ANS which he will probably share with
you if he hasn't yet, but one of my favorite pictures is the one attached.
Check it out!

I remember all of you with "mucho carinio"... and your parents too, Bonnie
and Tootsie-- especially your Mom, who reminded me of my own, in so many
ways!  I don't know if she knew it, but I loved her to bits!

Bruce, I'm pleased that you are pleased with all the info. I forwarded to
you yesterday...  :)

I stay closely connected with Central America.  I was the project director
for The International Hospital for Children for many, many years... bringing
specialized medical care to indigent children in need of open heart
surgeries, transplants, and other specialized medical procedures not
available in the third world countries.  When I took the job with that NGO
my children were very young, but I had brought with me a 'nanny' from
Nicaragua, which allowed me all the traveling required for the job... and I
remember my oldest child, telling me when I took the job:  "Mom, I am so
proud of you, I understand joining the Peace Corps. is the hardest job
you'll ever love."  He was a very smart kid.  He started attending Tulane
University when he was in the 4th grade... and after the first day in
college I asked him-- "How was it John?".. and he said:  "Mom, college is
cool, you can chew gum and bring a drink to class!!!"..  Priceless, isn't
it??? But as for me, I was proudest of my husband John, who allowed me to
take the time it took to do that rewarding job.  In many ways it was all to
his credit that I was able to do it!... and boy, do I miss him so!

Bueno, hope you are enjoying your weekend and thank you for taking the time
to reconnect.  Special thanks to Bruce for all his efforts and the wonderful
job he has done putting this all in order.  Last night I went and read all
the entries... asi que estoy "desvelada"!!!!

Love you all,

-es