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. :-)