Where Have I Been?

Geez...been a bit slack on this blog thing!

It was 6 years ago on the 28th of August that Luke & I left the US to take the world's largest leap of faith and move to Australia. Not a day goes by that I don't think of that day - have a greatest photo of my parents on my desk at work from that afternoon!

September 11th had us celebrating our 6th Anniversary of arriving in Australia. As tradition, we took Dave & Maureen out to dinner to say THANKS for all their help when we moved here (and every day since). It is always a very emotional day as it reminds me that I am not with my own parents. However, D & M are the next best thing...no doubt about that!

Mila has been struggling a bit. She had two really bad falls on her residual limb on Sunday. She is now back in her box during the day and will see the Specialist on Wednesday. Sara (her surgeon) is on Holidays but hopefully her 'fill in' will be able to offer some assistance. Mila forgets that she only has three legs which makes sense...had four legs for five years and three for only a few weeks! However, it kills me inside when she falls and yelps. Have lost over 6 kilos in the past few weeks since her surgery.

Another week at work has me busy as normal. Just wish people would appreciate the job they have and realise that they DO have lots to be thankful for. There are so many people in this world who do not have a job! I am very thankful and happy (despite having to put up with Gerry for another three months) at my job!

Spring is finally here which always cheers me up. It helps me back on that upwards ride on this emotional roller coaster of life that I have! Planted three bushes this weekend which is always theraputic for me. Able to sleep with the windows open at night and all day...which the cats are loving! Won't be long and all my bushes/trees will be in bloom. The Peach and Plum trees are covered with blossoms. Not sure if my Apple will produce much though. They, and the bushes along the back fence, have grown over 12 inches this past year! Such satisfaction!

Well...time to sign off. Have to be to work by 7:15am tomorrow for my much anticipated Finance Committee Meeting (NOT). Hugs to everyone!

Six Years

Well, it has been six years since we packed up all our stuff, took a huge leap of faith and moved to the other side of the planet! WOW!! Sometimes it feels like it was yesterday...other days it feels like it was just last week! So much has happened these past six years. We are blessed with the life that we have in Australia and I would change it for anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love more than anything to be closer in distance to my parents and sisters but have learned to deal with my homesickness (yes, I still get it) in a healthy way.

I have so much to be thankfull for - a wonderful husband, fantastic in-laws, a beautiful home, four terrific furry kids, a job that I love and the financial ability to travel back to the US to see my amazing parents, sisters, other family & friends every couple of years!!

Thanks to all my family and friends who have helped make this journey called life a good one!

Mila's Luck

Who would have thought that my first 'real' post would be one of such misfortune?!?

On Wednesday the 19th of August 2009, I received news from our vet that Mila had cancer. The next few days turned into one of the most emotional weeks of my life since I left the US. The Cancer was so rare and aggressive that the only option was amputated. It was as if I was reliving the news of hearing that my sister Anissa was going to lose her lower right leg.

On Thursday the 20th of August 2009, Mila had X-Rays of her chest to make sure the cancer was no where else and at noon, Sarah Web amputated her cancerous leg. Once it was removed, Sarah verified that in just a matter of weeks, the cancer had taken over the entire knee. I was able to see Mila that evening. She was having a 'Morphine Nap' but responded to my touch and voice. It was terrible to see her but I knew it was for the best.

The next morning, the Vet Nurses arrived to find Mila standing and wagging her tail! So Mila - super trooper! I was able to visit her for about 15 minutes Friday morning and collect two of the titanium screws that were taken from her knee prior to disposal. It is our little momento of the many thousands of dollars spent to make her knee better.

Saturday the 22nd of August 2009, Luke & I got to take Mila home. All of the staff at Gungahlin Vet are amazing! Can't count the number of hugs, pats, calls and texts we got from the staff who have been with us every step of Mila's journey over the past 15 months. We were told that Mila probably would not sit on her right side for a few days but in true Mila fashion, she was laying on both sides that night!

Sunday morning and Mila was waiting at the back door of the house with her tail wagging! She is still on two Tramal's a day until she sees Sarah again on Tuesday to have her bandage removed. So far so good - all bandages are still on, she is leaving everything alone and she hasn't show too many signs of pain!

I want to thank EVERYONE for the warm thoughts and prayers. Mila (and the rest of the 'kids') is such an important part of our life! We adopted her 10 months after moving to Australia (June 2004) and she helped to 'heal' the pain I had from leaving my family and everything that I loved and knew to be normal behind. Anyone who has met her would know why we love her so much! She is 85 pounds of pure love!

Hugs!

Alicia

Here We Go!

I always told myself that I would never be one of those people who starts their own Blog but I am! Living on the other side of the world from my family & friends makes it difficult to keep everyone up to date with the life of The Jeffrey Clan. Hopefully this Blog will keep everyone informed with our life down under. :-)