Dear Friends and Family,                                                                                          

Once again, we were graced this past year with many gifts from our family and friends, exemplifying the amazing love and generosity of those who surround us.  Jeff and I could not have made it through this year without each one of you, truly.  I can’t make a Thank You note to everyone in my restricted length, but I have tried to thank each of you for your gifts, your love, your kind deeds, your encouraging notes, your humor, your sincerity.  And here, I again say Thank You for the big and small deeds, major and minor rescues, intense wisdom, compassion, and genuine love. 

            Heather ‘s birthday is the first in our family; she wasn’t happy to be 28.  She says it is much too close to 30.  She has continued her college efforts and is now a junior at George Mason University majoring in Tourism and Events Management.  It has been a blessing to have Heather working with me for the past 2.5 years.

            myNeighborsNetwork - We are ready to license our software after the Christmas holidays, hoping to bring it nationwide, one community at a time.  If you are interested in starting your own myNeighborsNetwork, drop me a note at Sharon@myneighborsnetwork.com.  Obviously, we have had continued success with this creation of mine and I am grateful for the support and wisdom of everyone around.  Everyone has played a part in the evolution of this network through their words, suggestions, and deeds. 

            Home Equity Builders (http://www.hebinc.com) is also surviving the recession.  On July 1, it was as though someone turned the faucet back on; the major remodeling calls started flowing, finally.  It has been a difficult year, but we have definitely seen the pendulum start to swing the other way.  I still remain grateful to Jeff for his vision of a Handyman Division in the company.  Handyman work has kept us going and going. 

            Stephen turned 16 in February.  Just before his birthday, we saw his pulmonologist, Dr. Holly Chaney at Children’s Hospital.  After reading his test results and looking at his recent history, she explained, “It’s been two years since Stephen was last hospitalized, he looks great.  His lungs are functioning better than ever before in his life.” 

And then, in a single sentence, Dr. Chaney rocked our world with words I never expected to hear and took in with an audible gasp of shock and sheer joy.  She said, “I don’t need to see him anymore unless he gets sick again.”  I remember the moment clearly.  I remember Stephen’s face stunned frozen with disbelief and excitement.  Of course, tears came next for me.  Stephen laughed at me and said, “Mom, this is a GOOD thing!”  I know, I know.  I just never thought I would hear those words and to have them come out of nowhere was like going for an afternoon drive in a convertible and instead being shot out of a rocket!  I believe that this single event completely altered Stephen’s perspective of life.  It released him as well and gave him the mind, body and actions of a WELL person.

Stephen got a 2005 Toyota Scion TC in September, qualifying 2009 as a “fulfilling” year.  I am already dreading his leaving for college in less than 2 years.  We are so lucky to have a son who still likes his parents and spends time with us.

Inserted a few days later – I wrote this whole letter and then Stephen got sick.  This time, it was not lung related.  Instead, he got mono for the second time (it’s very “rare”) with strep, an ear infection and a sinus infection on top of it all.  Four antibiotics later and two shots of Rocefin and he is finally improving. 

Joey came home in September, the same time Jeff’s dad came to visit for a week.  What a great time!  It was luxurious to have everyone together.  Then Joey returned to California, his adopted home.  He loves it there.  Therefore, we are happy for him.  But we do wish we could see him more often.  Thank goodness for Facebook!  Though, with Joey’s full beard, it is difficult to decipher photos of him and his father (in those younger days).  It is spooky how the genes travel. 

In October, Jeff competed in and won his first fly-fishing contest, Casting for Recovery (http://www.castingforrecovery.org), a non-profit that supports and educates those who have or had breast cancer.  There were 10 teams, 20 people.  Rainey Days won!  2009 has been a victory for Jeff to be able to return to his favorite pastime:  fly-fishing.  He so loves it and treasures any time spent on a stream with his fly rod.  This year, he also built his first fly rod, a McFarland fiberglass parabolic 4 wt.

Also in October, we had another family reunion of sorts for Dad’s 80^th birthday.  My uncles Jerry and Troup came up for a family photo and a quiet dinner at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto Restaurant.  Joey was supposed to come, but got into a car accident on the way to the airport (literally).  He is ok, but was very sore with whiplash.  Our nephew arranged a funny, heart-warming slide show with jazz accompaniment, highlighting Dad’s personal and professional highlights through those 80 years.  It was an intimate celebration, very personal, another event that gave us many delightful memories. 

Our vacation over Thanksgiving was a huge treat; Jeff, Stephen and I spent the entire week together, watching movies, eating, reading, and just frankly enjoying one another’s company and humor.  For Thanksgiving, Jeff’s dad came over from Ft. Lauderdale and we ate the big dinner at Jeff’s sister’s condo overlooking the gulf.  It was a really great day, a great week for all of us.  Our family has varying political affiliations, but we all agree that the United States of America is indeed, the Greatest Nation on Earth.  Again, it was a day filled with wonderful memories for us. 

I have expanded my knitting to purses now, so add circles to my repertoire of squares and rectangles.  I have even sold a few scarves and purses.  This hobby remains a source of relaxation, inspiration and comfort.

My book . . .  the final title is Making a Pearl from the Grit of Life, with an expected publication date of Spring 2010.  I ran into a bit of a snag over the Spring and Summer, thus totally delaying the process.  But, it’s coming.  I promise. 

The biggest news of the year, certainly a primary aspect of this family’s life for the next year or so, is that I finally got the RIGHT diagnosis for my ever-moving, ever-changing symptoms.  And you probably won’t believe it (unless you already heard my story):  LYME DISEASE, Bartonella and Babesia (co-infections of Lyme). 

You can read the history and ongoing treatment at my new blog: http://www.sharonlivingwithlyme.com.  The short version:  I initially received a diagnosis of Lupus on July 15^th.  With the strong nudges and detailed research of my uncle Troup, I kept searching for a more accurate diagnosis.  He, and others, some I knew and some I did not, kept illustrating to me how my symptoms qualified for Lyme even though I had several specialists tell me no way . . . . my aunt Betty (Troup’s wife) died in 2002 from complications of Lyme Disease.  They had finally diagnosed her with Lyme, but it was too late to treat her.  Troup was emphatic, determined to get me to find the RIGHT doctor who finally ran the RIGHT tests from the RIGHT lab.  Troup and these loving others saved my life; literally saved my life.

My journey through Lyme Disease is most likely going to be the subject of my second book.  I am confident in saying that my book on Lyme will be a story of contrast against what my Aunt Betty went through.  I know I am going to survive and I know that I will be healed.  Currently, the treatment is estimated to take about two years. 

Since I was properly diagnosed in September, I have talked and corresponded with more than a dozen people who had been given other diagnoses (or no diagnosis).  After hearing my story, they went to the RIGHT doctor, were retested PROPERLY, and all were diagnosed with Lyme Disease.  If you have been in pain and unable to find relief, please read my blog and get tested so that, at a minimum, you can rule Lyme Disease in or out of your possible diagnoses. 

Several physicians had tested me for Lyme disease since 2003, but none was the right test.  In 2004, I tested positive for h.pylori, a stomach infection which is also a co-infection of Lyme Disease.  But my physician didn’t know that.  I also lost a tooth that had started to attack itself and actually kill it.  Significant dental problems are also a sign of Lyme Disease.  Peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, painful joints, persistent dry cough, and sun sensitivity are all symptoms of Lyme Disease.  If only one of my other physicians knew enough . . . .

Jeff is being tested this month and Stephen has been tested.  Unfortunately, Stephen tested positive as well.  He will begin his treatment protocol just before Christmas.   

So, now I take probiotics and antibiotics on a daily basis.  I have changed what I eat, when, and how.  NEVER did I think I would make such a switch, but test results and accompanying numbers don’t lie.  So, I am trying to go gluten free, dairy free, and eventually sugar free.  I am now also eating organic chickens.  Why?  Because the Arsenic levels in my blood are very high.  Evidently, some commercial chicken companies use arsenic to feed their chickens.  Arsenic makes the veins dilate and plump the chickens.  Next month’s blood work will hopefully show improvement. 

My Vitamin D levels are so low that it will take 9 months to get my levels back up into the “normal” range.  There is more and more, but my point is:  the RIGHT doctor will find these things and then cure the cause rather than just treating the symptoms!  And luckily, I found the RIGHT doctor.  I owe him my life.  No, I am not over-dramatizing.  Lyme Disease can kill and will kill.  But it’s not going to kill me, thanks to the advice and strong urging of Troup and others.  

Here, I get to brag on Jeff’s incredible growing organic garden.  I now have to eat organic vegetables (b/c of the Lyme).  So Jeff’s efforts reaped us amazing tomatoes, beans, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, orange cauliflower that is the best tasting ever, kale, lettuce, onions, celery.  We also netted fine raspberries and blackberries (high in fiber).  The ‘other’ vegetables that Jeff grew, which I chose not to taste:  martian heads, uh, I mean brussel sprouts, spinach, and swiss chard.   

We enjoyed bringing in our overstock in and sharing a bountiful lunch at work with everyone!  Even the Neighbors loved it!  Jeff occasionally left some bounty at the end of our driveway so anyone could come by and enjoy as well. 

My favorite topic of conversation:  Jeffrey.  We celebrated 18 years of marriage this past April.  Jeff spent the spring trying to increase his leg strength and mobility.  He has reluctantly accepted that his leg will never be 100%, but he can fly-fish again.  And that makes all the difference.  And, he can work in his organic garden again.  In fact, he almost doubled its size this year.  These are the two times when he wears the “kid in the candy store” look.  That look makes me smile. 

I did all I could for him as he recovered from his leg injury.  And he has done more for me than I ever did for him.  He is reading oodles of books about organic gardening. He rubs my back in the middle of the night when I cry out.  He helps me stand up.  He helps me get in the car.  He tells me to go take a nap.  He cooks gluten free epicurean delights.  He tells me how much he loves me.  He installs grab bars in my shower.  He accepts my Christmas request for a stackable washer/dryer upstairs (well, time will tell on this one).  He encourages me.  He moves the dogs out of the way when I am walking.  He laughs with me and not at me.  He lovingly calls me Ricochet Rabbit (when I try to get my balance while walking down the hall).  And when it’s just a lousy day, he holds me and tells me that it will get better. 

No marriage is perfect.  I don’t pretend ours is.  But I know that Jeff is my best friend for life.  I know that he will never leave me and never stop loving me.  He is my rock.  When things are tough, Jeff is the encouraging one.  He makes me laugh; he gives me perspective.  And he plays with my hair, twirling it around his finger.  And, he lets me have the remote control. 

And, our non-profit arm, Neighbors International Foundation (http://www.nifoundation.org), is getting a boost this month that will help us continue to help others.  We continue our support for the Troops with our care packages.  We have sent thousands of boxes filled with letters of support and goodies, including more than 25,000 boxes of delightful Girl Scout cookies!  We also contribute to Children’s Hospital.  And, starting in 2010, we will increase our efforts of Neighbors Helping Neighbors including other local non-profit organizations.  2010 will be an exciting year for us! 

I started writing a “Christmas letter” in 1992 when I went into pre-term labor with Stephen.  Before cell phones, email, before a simple way existed to update a lot of people all at once.  Then, I kept writing the letter because it helped ME remember what happened and in what order.  My life is a journey and the annual letters help me remain focused on where the journey was, is and might go.  It reminds me of where my attention was focused, and where it should be focused. 

I know there are many, many people with lives much more difficult than mine, less hopeful than mine.  I know many people who have suffered tremendously, their days filled with grief and sadness.  I do not pretend to ignore them.  But I also know that I cannot help everyone.  I can only do what I can do.  It’s a cliché, but it helps me to stay focused. 

I can write about my life, my perceptions of it, the people who have touched it and made it oh, so sweet.  I no longer choose to focus on the negative energies in my life.  In fact, I have successfully rid myself of most.  My goal is to share my life with you; the good, the bad and the ugly (that cliché is for my hubby, ever the Clint Eastwood fan), and how I have come through those events persevering with a sense of gratitude, newfound strength, and hopefully, a little wisdom.  I want you to share in my joy.  

I want you to find your voice, find your way to contribute to your family and community in a positive way.  Each of you is a genuine gift in my life.  You have brought me love, laughter, and light.

On “America’s Most Wanted,” John Walsh closes each show saying, “Remember, you CAN make a difference.”  I admire John Walsh and all he has done for our nation’s children and crime victims.  But I differ with him on this point.  I say, “You DO make a difference.”  And that difference is in what you do and sometimes what you choose NOT to do. 

I have tried to give to others each and every day.  I still hear Fly Lady (http://www.flylady.net) reminding me that every time I do a load of laundry or cook a meal, I am blessing my family.  I can send a card to someone in grief, write an email to a struggling friend, share my story with a friend suffering from similar pain, take my son out to lunch.  I can also call someone for no particular reason, just to let them know I am thinking of them; just to make them smile.

I do these things because someone, at one point or another, has done the same for me; because I want them to feel as great as I felt when I received these gifts; because it adds positive energy to this world, my world; because it helps me set a better example for our children, because it’s what my parents do and I want them to be proud of me; because it helps me see a brighter world; because it is the next right and most loving thing to do; because in the end, it makes ME feel better. 

I want to leave this world knowing that it is a better place than when I entered.  I want to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.  I need to know that my life positively impacted others.  I want my intentions to match my actions.  I want to be a good person with a compassionate heart.  I want all of us to be good people with compassionate hearts. So, while it is good to educate and bring awareness to others, it is also important to be a part of the action and to call others to action in a positive way. 

I want all of us to Pay It Forward.  I have seen others Pay It Forward; the impact those generous contributions have made on others’ lives.  That’s what I want for Christmas (and the stackable washer/dryer on the main floor). 

Peace be with you as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I hope each of you gets what you want for Christmas.  I hope that God bestows upon you everything that He wants for you in life. 

Love,
Sharon 

Please connect with us!
-       Facebook:  Sharon Elaine Williams Rainey and Jeff Rainey
-       Twitter:  SharonRainey

Our blogs: 
www.sharonlivingwithlyme.com and www.sharonsnook.com
http://hebinc.blogspot.com/