tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993918060706051172024-02-07T21:51:52.844-08:00MSA IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH SONJAA journey with Multiple System Atrophy - written by two friends
Sonja and KarinMSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-77097724595179257232018-12-30T06:53:00.000-08:002019-01-07T05:02:03.601-08:00MSA Glimpses and Highlights of 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja and Karin - our outings were the best - even the simplest ones</td></tr>
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As 2018 draws to a close<br />
I linger on untold memories of those<br />
Who are no longer here and who dwell in that illusive space<br />
That space that separates the all-consuming present hère<br />
from the mysterious invisible thére.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I catch a glimpse of a loving smile<br />
Sometimes a familiar smell wafts around me for a while<br />
Now and then I recognise a laugh in the summer breeze<br />
See a silhouette on a sunbeam amongst the trees.<br />
<br />
As 2018 draws to a close<br />
I linger also on the best memories of this year<br />
In Sweden lives the cutest little girl<br />
And a part of me lives in a cheeky red curl.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">* In Sweden lives the cutest little girl, and a part of me lives in a cheeky red curl *</td></tr>
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To have three great kids is quite bloomin' marvellous,<br />
As teenagers there were times when they just brought out the absolute gremlin in me<br />
And now? I'm just a proud Mom and they often manage to bring out the absolute soppy in me.<br />
<br />
<br />
My journey with my friend Sonja, (RIPmy Sissi) has left me vulnerable - at times very close to broken<br />
During her illness with MSA, a lót was shared and a lot was said<br />
Yet, a lot still needs to digest, a lót has been placed on a shelf, a lot remains unsaid<br />
Possibly for selfish selfpreservation,<br />
For now, my thoughts and words will stay on a vacation.<br />
<br />
Yet, as MSA is never far from my thoughts<br />
Connecting and meeting other patients and their partners was a privilege this year brought<br />
Thank you to each and everyone of you<br />
For reaching out to others despite what you are going through<br />
It helps knowing you're not the only one<br />
You matter, your purpose is still not done<br />
I continue to share your dream to find a cure for MSA too.<br />
<br />
It's a privilege to stay in touch with MSA patients / families in South Africa - and really special when I've had the opportunity to meet some of them. The MSA Awareness Shoe visited me for a while and was taken around to the few of them. Although it is really a pleasure and a privilege to have done so - at times it can be rather difficult for me to keep a brave face, knowing of the challenges they might also have to face or already endured. When the families tell me how much a visit or a letter had meant - I just know that it was worth every second, every chosen letter and every single kilometer.<br />
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A recent journey to Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) was the furthest trip I've made (706 km) to meet a patient - this time with my husband and willing driver. How uncanny that one of the patients, Neill Deane, is an old friend who we have lost touch with over the years. Rather sad that we had to reconnect under such circumstances, but we were so happy to see both him and Karel again, and to meet the other two MSA families. This was the first time that these families also met each other, and despite the grim subject - it was a really good gathering. Liz has initiated a whatsapp group to which they have added me, and it's so touching to see how they support one another.<br />
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Here are just a few images of the year's meetings with MSA patients / families. (I have many photos of the MSA shoe's journey while it was with me and at some point I'll document it into a reasonable article.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting MSA friends in Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) - Eastern Cape<br />
fltr Lorraine Lewis (carer to husband Alan who has MSA - he couldn't attend unfortunately)<br />
Liz Horne (has MSA - with husband / carer Emlyn behind her)<br />
and Neill Deane (has MSA) with carer / partner behind him</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have met Lionel McDonald on a number of occasions. His wife Reinette died a few weeks prior to this photo. Reinette was also the first MSA patient that Sonja and I met a few years ago.<br />
Lionel and daughter Linette supported and attended our annual MSA walks on 3 October<br />
Lionel is pictured here with the MSA Awareness Shoe. Taken in Strand - Western Cape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peet Keyser (MSA patient) - Hermanus, Western Cape<br />
I've met Peet and his wife and carer Anita now on two occasions.<br />
Here Peet is holding the MSA Awareness shoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geraldine Ellwood has MSA and lives in Sir Lowry's Pass with husband Max who has Parkinsons. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On 3 October a few friends gathered for the annual MSA Walk in the Strand. Here Karin is pictured with<br />
two very special ladies - Reinette McDonald and Liebet Jooste.<br />
Both girls lost their mums to MSA. This was the first time they met.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MSA Shoe and Karin visited Liebet Jooste in Betty's Bay. The two of us<br />
went to her mom's favorite beach for a bit of reflection and fresh air.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny (Sonja van Rhyn's husband) sold the family home and has moved into a<br />
smaller place. Their two sons came to help their Dad with the arduous task of<br />
packing up house and memories. We celebrated new beginnings with a BBQ<br />
at our house and a picture with the shoe. flr Chris, Loubser and Johnny</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacqui Deane came for a quick visit when she heard I was going to PE to see<br />
her brother Neill, bringing a few gifts to take along. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I captured this image at 6.41 pm a little while ago - as the sun was setting.<br />
Protea Cyneroides is the national flower of South Africa - also known as the King Protea<br />
* Courage *<br />
I dedicate this image to those facing the daily challenges of MSA - I wish you courage for every day</td></tr>
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May you have a happy 2019. May the bright moments outshine the dark ones. May each kiss linger and each hug last just that little bit longer. Have more ice cream, and if you can, add a dash of whiskey.<br />
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With love<br />
Karin<br />
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-29904188601291959582018-08-16T10:55:00.004-07:002018-08-16T13:09:20.409-07:00MSA - Regrettably Alive (and not well) in South Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSA - regrettably alive (and not well) in South Africa</td></tr>
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Dear MSA<br />
Others may not be so aware<br />
But you and I both know of the journey you dragged me on<br />
the battlefield of your war I became an ill-equipped part of.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear MSA<br />
Others may not be so aware<br />
We got to know you in stormy seas on a sinking dinghy;<br />
Hovered too many times in deepest valleys of despair,<br />
Squinted our eyes into the darkest of dark skies<br />
Looking farther than the farthest of far<br />
Always searching for the glimmer of that single lonely star<br />
Despite your debilitating incarcerated demeanor<br />
We conquered a few high mountain peaks to where hope stands taller than tall<br />
And you couldn't stop us from watching the magnificent sunrise.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear MSA,<br />
Others may not be so aware<br />
and quite honestly, why should they even care?<br />
Attempting to return here to this blog since you took her away have failed abominably<br />
Time after time after each miserable time<br />
The scars you left behind are jagged, revealing too many wounds<br />
leaving memories deeply entombed<br />
The temptation has been great to write just two words<br />
Yes, only two - before pressing 'send'<br />
It was simply<br />
'The End'<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear MSA<br />
Others may not be so aware<br />
We both also know<br />
That there will be no end<br />
For I've come to know<br />
There's just too many hearts to mend<br />
Your ruthless claim<br />
To selfish fame<br />
filling your victims with ignorance, anger, hate, fear, suffering and pain<br />
and thát is that need to end.<br />
<br />
(Copy to Sissi in Heaven)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/epaPblMu1jo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/epaPblMu1jo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Les Miserables classic </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Castle on a Cloud sung by 3-year-old Claire Ryann</span></div>
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There is a castle on a cloud<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like to go there in my sleep<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aren't any floors for me to sweep<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a room that's full of toys<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although I've been absent from this Blog in writing, I am still on a few MSA platforms, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MSA-Multiple-System-Atrophy-South-Africa-278167328865814/" target="_blank">Facebook MSA South Africa page</a> and a few other relevant places. It is with mixed feelings that I can report that a few more South African MSA Patients and / or caring family members have been in touch with me. When I hear of the difficulties and challenges that they face on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, I am reminded of the frustration and agony (physically and mentally) that are endured.<br />
<br />
On a personal note, I've been rather at a loss since Sonja died, and have become more withdrawn than I'd like to admit. Social media can be deceiving and when you post one or two happy pictures, people think 'ag she's fine'. Grief and mourning is such a complex subject, one which is extremely personal. In my own experience, I have found that her death has revealed and triggered some other losses I have not yet allowed myself to mourn.<br />
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I'm deeply touched at this need of others wanting to interact with me and will continue to engage with MSA Patients and those affected by it. I've often referred to <i>the good, the bad and the ugly of MSA</i> - I consider this interaction as a really good one. :)<br />
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I'll quote just a few of the notes received from South African patients (or family).<br />
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"<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm rambling now because I'm so excited to make contact with you"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sorry let me rewind completely and say how sorry I am about losing your sissi last year and thank you for your brave fight against msa xxx"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I've read your blog all day today as I get the opportunity... Thank you for all the hard work you guys put into it."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am feeling so much more calm since making contact with you and reading the blogs "</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hi Karin how are you , she's not well but i need to ask you have you heard about Oxy treatment regards"</span><br />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> she started falling a lot this is terrible i am so tired allready.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">She just started with the fits again ,this is now going on for 1 hour"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The stress is so enormous - I'm constantly getting nose bleeds"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I'm frightened. Thank you that you are listening</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Is it normal to cry so much".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There are good days and bad days but as you know it's a case of being constantly aware of changes so that adjustments can be made to make life easier. Thank you for your time and concern"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for the support we really appreciate it </span><img alt="💓" class="_1ift _2560 img" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f66/1/16/1f493.png" style="background-color: #f1f0f0; border: 0px; color: #4b4f56; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; pointer-events: none; vertical-align: middle; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 16px;" />"<br />
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"<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deteriorating slowly but still able to cycle on a power assisted mountain bike and swim some lengths in a pool. Both are my answer to depression and feeling sorry for my self."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope you find someone to guide you in compiling a book of Sonja's blog"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">a toss up between MSA and PSP. Diagnosis is such a long process. Slowly loosing walking , balancing ability"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My greatest pleasure is swimming lengths in a pool. Sorry I am going on a bit but I don't have a " Karin " of my own"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Dear Karin, My name is ...I found your name after a friend sent me a link to MSA. Thank you for all the information. I received confirmation today that I have MSA."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"All people are special. This THING has made me realise again the value of people. You know, many of my friends don't know how to handle IT, not because they don't care, they just don't know how. I try to make it easier for them by trying to remain positive."</span><br />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"This thing is bringing me closer to people and if the purpose is for me to make a difference, then I am blessed".</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I'm fine - struggling a bit with my hands but there are people without hands"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I would like to dedicate my art exhibition to you and Sonja. Sonja as MSA patient and you as a true friend".</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"It's been ten years" </span><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I am in the middle of the Indian Ocean at the moment. I really appreciate your time spent keeping the MSA page alive, it really does help. Unfortunately my wife is not up to meeting you yet"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"It's actually really nice to have someone to talk to who understands." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #e5e4e4; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to ask if maybe you found any assistance within South Africa for treatment of the symptoms that are still to come? I work at a private hospital and only one of our Physicians have ever studied further into the condition, so its clear that reaching out to others who have suffered or are sufering is the best support that we can hope for. Thank you so much for reading my message and for all that you are doing to create awareness and eduction around MSA"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "</span><span style="background-color: #e5e4e4; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I watched Sonja's page she seemed like a wonderful woman and I would like to say thank you to you and her for helping me deal with my dad's illness </span><br />
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I am so sorry for you loss, just know than you and her helped myself and my sister deal with something that we had no Idea about so thank you for that and sharing it with us, thinking of you and Sonja's family"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To conclude, thank you to all those that are still reading the blog. According to the statistics, the most popular posts on record are:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2013/02/neurologist-appointment.html" target="_blank">Neurologist appointment</a> - written by Sonja van Rhyn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2013/08/dear-newly-diagnosed-patient.html" target="_blank">Dear Newly Diagnosed Patient</a> - written by Sonja van Rhyn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-room.html" target="_blank">The Room of Multiple System Atrophy</a> - written by Karin Holtzhausen</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-magic-in-little-things.html" target="_blank">MSA - The Magic in the Little Things</a> - written by Karin Holtzhausen</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2016/10/msa-day-2016-courage-in-face-of-my.html" target="_blank">MSA - The Courage in the face of My Dolly's Fragility</a> - written by Karin Holtzhausen</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaoKy5LDhA_lc57BKCM3HGt3im_0SXZwOVNvwU0iIIPf5lU-1oEI_ksYGaRZO1KJ2tuv9OT3Voi7XqunHbpBlF8DYZhzlIIqcF5ybyRCBsg2J6dvAyk6Oa-gvi_eej78G8dUYQsPaECo/s1600/karin+sonja+stats+august+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaoKy5LDhA_lc57BKCM3HGt3im_0SXZwOVNvwU0iIIPf5lU-1oEI_ksYGaRZO1KJ2tuv9OT3Voi7XqunHbpBlF8DYZhzlIIqcF5ybyRCBsg2J6dvAyk6Oa-gvi_eej78G8dUYQsPaECo/s320/karin+sonja+stats+august+2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance.” </b></span></span></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2782.Viktor_E_Frankl" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Viktor E. Frankl</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_4069" style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3389674" style="color: #333333;">Man's Search for Meaning</a></span></b></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></i>
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NEXT : <a href="https://msashoe.org/" target="_blank">The MSA Shoe</a> alias Tim's Shoe and its visits to South Africa. </div>
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I know a place where no one's lost<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know a place where no one cries<o:p></o:p></div>
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Crying at all is not allowed<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not in my castle on a cloud</div>
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(If this is your first visit to this Blog - welcome - please <a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for a bit of background.<br />
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<i>by Karin Holtzhausen</i><br />
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-84145243584362781962017-03-21T15:55:00.001-07:002017-03-21T15:56:08.613-07:00MSA IN SOUTH AFRICA - RIP MY DARLING SISSI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKx3WgavEVmMhXDB8oIJkV8oOluRlxC0XMEN1Y8OSRPn4YKJ7cNrI6PgLMyKclf6HEnqqD8HbI9Uc8t-VQmLpX4QyQb8BVF4ogqlj3eG9fwDmGoJWgXZOzsZTREpe_Z5VFiP77BfcH7w/s1600/Sonja+favourite-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKx3WgavEVmMhXDB8oIJkV8oOluRlxC0XMEN1Y8OSRPn4YKJ7cNrI6PgLMyKclf6HEnqqD8HbI9Uc8t-VQmLpX4QyQb8BVF4ogqlj3eG9fwDmGoJWgXZOzsZTREpe_Z5VFiP77BfcH7w/s1600/Sonja+favourite-001.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dear Sissi Sonja</div>
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In the early hours of 14 March 2017</div>
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You were released into the Heavenly Realm</div>
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Where you will forever dance and be free</div>
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Rest in Peace</div>
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I will miss you</div>
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You will be gone</div>
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but you will forever dwell in my heart</div>
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In the morning, evening and noon</div>
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From north to south</div>
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east to west</div>
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and a few times around the moon</div>
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Trough all the seasons</div>
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summer, winter spring and fall</div>
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you will be there</div>
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through them all.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Your Sissi.</div>
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x</div>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-6899303900284486662017-02-21T16:40:00.000-08:002019-10-21T01:32:39.491-07:00Sissi, Tell Me, Where Is It That You Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Should this be your first visit to our blog - please <a href="https://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">head over here </a>for a brief summary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkj3K-DTbIDIr5rYwD5pDUAVnUQgp5ObDWE3AvBTHaaqaK8OtUAxTpoBcORu2eyRWwYJaMM48eWWLGXCl6Nxu89EP5lBmpSAJh_FSl45lzNtHKsQZOOM0QVw3MY5w-5vYsaL6h8pJI1k/s1600/sonja+karin+protea+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkj3K-DTbIDIr5rYwD5pDUAVnUQgp5ObDWE3AvBTHaaqaK8OtUAxTpoBcORu2eyRWwYJaMM48eWWLGXCl6Nxu89EP5lBmpSAJh_FSl45lzNtHKsQZOOM0QVw3MY5w-5vYsaL6h8pJI1k/s640/sonja+karin+protea+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dear Sissi Sonja,<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/al0MGqXVZIY" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/al0MGqXVZIY</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">'Oh, hello Dolly, well, hello Dolly</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It's so nice to have you back where you belong</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You're lookin' swell, Dolly, I can tell, Dolly</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You're still glowin', you're still crowin', you're still goin' strong'</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
You twitch your little twitch when you hear my voice<br />
And you mutter your muttering little mutter<br />
You open your eyes a little<br />
I crank up the volume when I holler<br />
'you're looking swell Dolly, I can tell Dolly'<br />
swinging my arms wide <br />
when I do a really inelegant twirl<br />
for my mostly sleeping beauty girl.<br />
<br />
For a moment I know that you know that I am there<br />
You wait for my smudgy red kisses - I swear<br />
I tell you I missed you so and love you<br />
Your eyes tell me you do too<br />
For a little while we briefly connect<br />
Sometimes for a minute<br />
Sometimes maybe five<br />
before you drift off again<br />
into that mysterious space.<br />
<br />
I miss you<br />
I miss you<br />
I miss you so<br />
although you are still here<br />
You are not<br />
my Sissi, my dearest dear<br />
Tell me, where is it that you go<br />
when you keep drifting to that distant place.<br />
<br />
There is still so much I want to say<br />
Each and every single day.<br />
<br />
Don't you think its bloody marvelous<br />
that friends bring you a cooked meal - every day?<br />
I think its simply fabulous.<br />
Do you like the curtains we put up for you?<br />
And all the pictures on your walls where you spend your days?<br />
Did you see the Impatience flowering near the door?<br />
<br />
I've become a <i><b>Farmor</b></i> - to the sweetest <i><b>liten flicka</b></i><br />
You stared so long at that darling little picture<br />
And grinned a muttering grin<br />
at my gaudy bright pink earrings.<br />
<br />
My Sissi - my dearest dear<br />
If only you could tell me - let me hear<br />
There must be something<br />
something else<br />
that I can still do?<br />
<br />
I love you,<br />
Sissi Karin.<br />
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<i><b>Dat ik je mis - Maaike Ouboter</b></i></div>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-69370910235812720252017-01-09T13:09:00.003-08:002017-01-10T07:51:04.525-08:00MSA - FLUFF THIS PRIMPING BLOG AND PLEASE LET ME HOLLER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRABMHuyKtnjahkwC33xMD8j6ip4R7LfpadT2a5fY9Ql9Ot1rFCetFDzcgEAJemZys2tlC3Z_EkZPVISDqA2b8i3tlxURKsYG5bZGYnbk7wp-fkDlXG4t288U2gz7qevxUU1c56bX6YY/s1600/msa+profile+test2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRABMHuyKtnjahkwC33xMD8j6ip4R7LfpadT2a5fY9Ql9Ot1rFCetFDzcgEAJemZys2tlC3Z_EkZPVISDqA2b8i3tlxURKsYG5bZGYnbk7wp-fkDlXG4t288U2gz7qevxUU1c56bX6YY/s320/msa+profile+test2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Profile on the Facebook MSA Page</td></tr>
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With a record of almost <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">10 000 visitors</span> in the past month - I reckoned that it was time to fluff and primp up the Blog as well as our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MSA-Multiple-System-Atrophy-South-Africa-278167328865814/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> as a thank you to everyone who has paid us a visit. It's taken days to tweak and figure how to make everything fit well into the new fluffed up design but it's been quite a lot of fun. I hope you like it. :)</div>
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A side column was added to the left as well as various images. Each picture takes you to a link when you click on it. Most of the videos on this blog,as well as one of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhtnMzCzrXk" target="_blank">South Africa</a> are also included in the left side bar </div>
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If this is your first visit to MSA in South Africa with Sonja - please head <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">over here</a> for a brief summary. </div>
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Multiple System Atrophy is a conniving and devious illness with curve balls when you least expect it. The amount of visitors here is an indication of how many people are out there grasping for something - something to try make sense of its wicked ways. </div>
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We've befriended (especially Sonja when she was stronger) a number of patients and their families over the years - some of them since left us. Its heartwarming to see patients and families draw strength from each other and encouraging one another. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that people visit here - and hopefully find some comfort in reading Sonja's journey with Multiple System Atrophy. I hope so. It has been and still is the most extraordinary journey. </div>
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There are a multitude of factual platforms for MSA - each one dedicated to their cause. Their relentless research is observed hawk-eyed - in the hope of the magical cure. We share the research and their findings on our Facebook Page and have built quite a number of informative links under the heading <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/msa-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">What is MSA</a></div>
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In South Africa Multiple System Atrophy is still a bit of an alien and hardly heard of. If you are a newly diagnosed patient, please read<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2013/08/dear-newly-diagnosed-patient.html" target="_blank">this article written by Sonja in 2013</a> </span>Looking back there is such profound advice with amazing insight. I quote an extract:</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Being a fiercely independent person before, accepting the help from others was very difficult initially. I have since learnt the valuable lesson that in accepting help you give a gift to the giver. Don’t underestimate the value this can add to the lives of others, and the new depth in friendships/relationships this can lead to. In turn, reaching out to fellow patients in their darkest hours has added value to my life"</span></span></h2>
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There has been such a touching response to my 'letters' that I write to Sonja on Facebook, that I will post the latest one here. Thank you to all of you who have left encouraging messages I've read them all to Sonja.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hej Sissi <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100001269107918" href="https://www.facebook.com/sonja.h.vanrhyn" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">S</a>onja</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">It's been a few days since my last visit</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">And I know;</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> that you know; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"> that I've </span><span style="background-color: white;">written another blogpost again.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/2016-year-msa-came-like-thief-in-night.html" target="_blank">(2016 The Year MSA came like a Thief in the Night)</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> And I know,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">that you know,</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that I know,</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you're waiting for me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to come read it to you</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because lately, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you cannot read it yourself anymore</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">the words swim all over the screen</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">before they simply just </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">disappear;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">unseen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll glue on my armor of inner strength</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">fluff up my uncontrolled hair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Put on some red red lipstick</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And soon I'll be there.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be all cheerful </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And genuinely happy to see you </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll start singing Hallo Dolly as always</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the moment I enter the hallway.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But just this once</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">let me tell you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">there are some moments these days</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That I feel a bit like </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">hollering and screaming.</span></div>
<br />
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<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: start;">
"And I scream from the top of my lungs<br />
What's going on?<br />
And I say, hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah<br />
I said hey, what's going on"</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: start;">
"Twenty-five years and my life is still<br />
Trying to get that great big hill of hope<br />
For a destination<br />
I realized quickly when I knew I should<br />
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man<br />
For whatever that means<br />
And so I cry sometimes<br />
When I'm lying in bed Just to get it all out<br />
What's in my head<br />
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar<br />
And so I wake in the morning<br />
And I step outside<br />
And I take a deep breath and I get real high<br />
And I scream from the top of my lungs<br />
What's going on?<br />
And I say, hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah<br />
I said hey, what's going on?<br />
And I say, hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah<br />
I said hey, what's going on?<br />
oh, oh oh<br />
oh, oh oh<br />
And I try, oh my god do I try<br />
I try all the time, in this institution<br />
And I pray, oh my god do I pray<br />
I pray every single day<br />
For…"</div>
</div>
</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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</span></div>
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Well I went to visit my Sissi and I read her the latest blog (the one just before this one) and then I read her what I wrote here above - on Facebook. Then in conclusion I wrote the piece below:</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> "</span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: #f6f7f9; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class="UFICommentBody" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Its a stunning song especially through earphones. Well I've just got back from another longish visit and I read her the blog and told her how many people had read from all over the world. And then I read her what I wrote here and played the song as loud as my little Samsung's speakers would allow and squeezed her hands as I yelled along ... yeah yeah yeah... I said hey, what's going on?"</span></span></span></span></span></h2>
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Thanks for visiting -may I encourage you to leave us a comment before leaving. <br />
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ps by sharing this blog you will become part of creating awareness for MSA and play a roll in sharing our dream - to find a cure for Multiple System Atrophy.<br />
<br />
Written by Karin Holtzhausen<br />
<br /></div>
Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-61468895422283222452017-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:002017-01-06T14:40:43.143-08:002016 - The Year MSA Came Like a Thief in the Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Should this be your first visit to our blog - please go to<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">this link</a></span> for a brief summary.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"Sometimes I wish I was a genie</i><br />
<i>and could hold time in a bottle</i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The road's getting bumpy and dark</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>But I'll keep looking and finding moments of spark</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Last night I visited again</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and sat next to you for quite a while </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Held your hand</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Touched up your lipstick, powdered the shine your face</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>And wiped the red smudge I left on your forehead</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>You muttering your non-stop little mutters</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I tease you about stupid stuff as if nothing else matters</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Your hooded gaze drifts from the crap on the tv to me and then lingers on something on the ceiling that only you can see</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We listen to the Duet Mornet and Chris recorded on your samsung</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Over and over again </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I press the play button again because your fingers won't anymore</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I see the delight in your face as you hear it again and then once more.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Johnny's learnt not to interrupt when I'm focused on you</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>sits there quietly and watches us two</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>fills my glass with chardonnay</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>a small whiskey in your sip cup.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Later he tells me </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Who has been to visit you over the last few days</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Who has popped in briefly and then fled</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Who stayed briefly longer and then also left and wept.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Then Johnny and I reminisce about old favorite movies you've watched</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>long ago </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tea with Musselini; </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Driving Miss Daisy, Dinner for One; Life is Beautiful, </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>You try so hard to make yourself understood </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>probably remembering every one as usual</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>but the words get trapped in the muttering </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and slide back down your throat in to the abyss of forever lost words.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I try to ignore your eyes with a few trapped tears</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>ask to watch Dinner for One again with you like I have done the last couple of years</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We all laugh yet again at the stupid antics of the clumsy clot James</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and the prim and proper delightful Miss Sophi </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>as if we've seen it for the very first time.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"></i><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><i>We watch it twice </i></i></div>
<i style="text-align: center;"></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"></i><i style="text-align: center;"></i><br />
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<div style="display: inline;">
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<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><i>and I take a little video clip of this moment and whatsapp it to your Chris and Loubi.</i></i></div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
<i style="text-align: center;"></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"></i><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<i style="text-align: center;"></i><br />
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<i>I overstay as usual till you've had your dinner </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>patiently offered to you by Ursula bite for bite</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Time to go and I leave some more lipstick smudges on your forehead </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>for her to clean later when she puts you to bed.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Driving home I ponder </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>as I so often do </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>after leaving you</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and wonder</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>how come I don't also end up weeping at your side?</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Am I in denial or become blasè ... </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>What's become of my usually soppy heart?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The conclusion I've come to is none of the above</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and think for now I will simply cling and embrace</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>to this thing I've finally figured</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>it's called Grace."</i></div>
</i></span></h3>
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For those that are regular followers of our blog and <span style="color: #ead1dc;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MSA-Multiple-System-Atrophy-South-Africa-278167328865814/?fref=ts" style="background-color: #ead1dc;" target="_blank">our Facebook Page</a> </span>and personal friends of Sonja, you are most likely aware that her condition has deteriorated. It is hard to imagine how difficult and frustrating it must be now that she can no longer use her hands at all as well as the ability to speak. I sometimes find solace in writing her letters - often on her facebook wall. Then I read it to her later on as well as the responses. I know it brings her comfort to know that there are still people out there that care. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the beginning, we read umpteen blogs written by patients and carers - sometimes very graphic and depressing, Sonja and I agreed a long time ago that we will keep this blog positive as much as possible. Forgive me if I falter now and then - it has become a challenge as her condition is deteriorating. Despite things looking pretty bleak at the moment, we still manage to laugh about something silly every time I visit. Normally I just sit by her for a while and hold her hand, stroke her and talk about this and that. I still sing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al0MGqXVZIY" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: blue;">Hallo Dolly</span></a> to her every time I walk in the door and I know it pleases her judging by her body language. She can't sing with me anymore but her eyes do. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll share a few photos and thoughts of the past year here - just like I would if I was still writing to her, the intention being a record of random events as well as keeping those interested up to date. Although a challenge - I'll try hard to refrain from turning it into a depressing blogpost. I ask that you rather see it as a diary of two girls and their friendship. </div>
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<br /></div>
<i>Dear Sissi,</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS29t1hosNbp-e4zXuQ0w702GYeyb7g3x1ADTGtsF2sm_koqlDmxl0JVJwB9PgN-Az8sokTlf7s9Pa68VbVancgi5t93ajmxhkcuE4icxBUepQlpTVNnLU1BOeusmRIRUc7KaxzXxNpts/s1600/putting+up+christmas+tree+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS29t1hosNbp-e4zXuQ0w702GYeyb7g3x1ADTGtsF2sm_koqlDmxl0JVJwB9PgN-Az8sokTlf7s9Pa68VbVancgi5t93ajmxhkcuE4icxBUepQlpTVNnLU1BOeusmRIRUc7KaxzXxNpts/s640/putting+up+christmas+tree+2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I put up your Christmas tree again</span> </h3>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Can you believe another Christmas has come and gone? The past year has taken its biggest toll health-wise on you. I'm trying my best to write politely when in actual fact MSA is a bastard of an illness and stole so much of you. Your voluntary mobility has decreased drastically and you are no longer able to use your hands at all. The biggest loss is of course your speech that has taken a hike - and so fast - without giving us sufficient warning. I do miss your lovely voice so much. Along with that your eyes struggle to keep a long enough gaze - sometimes closing as if they are tired and you drift off into little snoozes quite often. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Despite various attempts of all kinds, we have not managed to find a way for you to say even yes or no - making it very difficult for us all to figure out just about anything. Your carers probably understand you the best and take care of all your physical needs. They are truly amazing and the bond that has formed between you is very good. I know that you have made it your business from the very start to be a 'good patient' - making caring for you easier but by no means a walk in the park. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Let's reflect on some of the things that happened this year. Hopefully it will soothe some of the anguish that I sometimes see in your eyes these days.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2RzoEdt5RO_JyEM_eYWi8dtIdlTsH8gDtjpDoyGTxFlV75FEFFUwL7OpGPwnxrqEbna6F5EOUYGz554Jt1ANiGPueIEPM_C3s0ipYPDtsZ1qrBk8fl-mIFtbKxOGekM9gWGJ8lEFFSw/s1600/sonja+karin+krismisliggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2RzoEdt5RO_JyEM_eYWi8dtIdlTsH8gDtjpDoyGTxFlV75FEFFUwL7OpGPwnxrqEbna6F5EOUYGz554Jt1ANiGPueIEPM_C3s0ipYPDtsZ1qrBk8fl-mIFtbKxOGekM9gWGJ8lEFFSw/s400/sonja+karin+krismisliggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Glowing Sissi's. The two of us draped in Christmas lights<br /> the night I put up your Christmas tree.</span> </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8OWy77QULh89fe34ZSFrcFB6tOaD9vySA7KILpbYf3-uXQfXmcnyGImUaOE-bbBiGEcr2NO7EkJXyolUUvChAZ3NidHSHF4vYkzlq5MZgWr1cwBqmVfjmQUU1RhkNbN-4K7p0HA2Ygg/s1600/sonja+topsy+feb+2016-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8OWy77QULh89fe34ZSFrcFB6tOaD9vySA7KILpbYf3-uXQfXmcnyGImUaOE-bbBiGEcr2NO7EkJXyolUUvChAZ3NidHSHF4vYkzlq5MZgWr1cwBqmVfjmQUU1RhkNbN-4K7p0HA2Ygg/s400/sonja+topsy+feb+2016-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The arrival of Topsy on 21 February 2016. What an amazing<br />bundle of joy and energy in such a little body. He has been<br />such a blessing in your household. He was a gift from an<br />anonymous friend :)</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHDxbi2L-j43aqpHGcyHKqtksUA8aSK-T4P23gQUZ57n17QAz2ceXyobHbWuhdhzi6k9WsbqmwyryI12cUj7GbnNQyk8DdAkzi14zGAMDKVo75-WvwIk2ZydW3yrwhXj3jJzL-4rw5OU/s1600/painted+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHDxbi2L-j43aqpHGcyHKqtksUA8aSK-T4P23gQUZ57n17QAz2ceXyobHbWuhdhzi6k9WsbqmwyryI12cUj7GbnNQyk8DdAkzi14zGAMDKVo75-WvwIk2ZydW3yrwhXj3jJzL-4rw5OU/s400/painted+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
You needed a wider and taller table next to your chair. I found this one<br />and had fun painting it for you. </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB1nQoykEwiMsnVDcsG6TcjyATO-Q3dPgv55bZGhOYeec1b7YYvuE2K16k7QZz8ap-6cH-qBBjxr0u19N6HgtXA_4teBezBlIGnIQ1KSlkv-Mn1HH5COTBDCGPYAfkf_e7CzuElCYvdA/s1600/collage+sonja+photoshoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB1nQoykEwiMsnVDcsG6TcjyATO-Q3dPgv55bZGhOYeec1b7YYvuE2K16k7QZz8ap-6cH-qBBjxr0u19N6HgtXA_4teBezBlIGnIQ1KSlkv-Mn1HH5COTBDCGPYAfkf_e7CzuElCYvdA/s640/collage+sonja+photoshoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">For March MSA Awareness we had a photo-shoot with a few close friends. We all dressed in white with purple trimmings.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It was such a fun day and you loved all the fuss and attention and you looked so beautiful. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2016/04/i-found-rainbow-in-multiple-system.html" style="background-color: #ead1dc;" target="_blank">Link to that wonderful day here</a><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">(viewed 1449 times)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Early in March, with a bit of persuasion from your awful Sissi, an appoint-</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ment was set up with Hospice, in preparation for you to go there for a few </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">days at the end of March so as to give the carers and Johnny a short break. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Johnny went camping with a friend. We agreed that the Hospice experience </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">was not the best and if at all possible we will avoid a repeated visit. On a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">positive note, I think you liked the constant stream of visits from caring friends. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">On 25 May we braved the streets again with the Sissi Bissi.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I took you to the beach. Here Lillian dries your hair before </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">we go out. It was a fabulous morning. We even ended up at a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">coffeeshop for a cuppacino. It almost felt like the old days</span>.</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">You so enjoyed watching Vincent the sand sculptor</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">June 2016 - Catholic Priest Father Francesco came to meet you and<br />sang a few songs. We were both<br />a bit smitten by the handsome priest<br />who was so sweet to you and we were both<br /> silently amused when he asked you to remember<br />him in your prayers - especially for his lack of patience.<br />Video clip included in the blog <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2016/06/the-room.html" style="background-color: #ead1dc;" target="_blank">The Room</a> - (3013 views to date)</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBX27W10ijmEf_x7r0C-6Jm8ebcWF8QEyafasyxJMrmVAaqxjPY67dBDCrRV_MbbWHpHilJW9GhV3GVfCHZSB3shNNH-9MB1On0dEY_9Rxu2Zzh8P0QHIOkxXxTvkYExnRzCPwZFYc5g/s1600/gift+catholic+priest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBX27W10ijmEf_x7r0C-6Jm8ebcWF8QEyafasyxJMrmVAaqxjPY67dBDCrRV_MbbWHpHilJW9GhV3GVfCHZSB3shNNH-9MB1On0dEY_9Rxu2Zzh8P0QHIOkxXxTvkYExnRzCPwZFYc5g/s640/gift+catholic+priest.jpg" width="356" /></a></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Artwork as a gift to you from Father Francesc</span>o</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuC8sqROqxWxdvzHz1CK7jIjVKgCNHNwE96fuje-9rxMAyV_geeWy_sLVr_jcMFmsG3ccTwWWu-9evQDAJo3lZ8q6XumEpaD9BuBLoZ3waoo6kO2P85dyrOmHG2Q-Dupy43et_33nLUM/s1600/proteas+vir+Sonja+Karin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuC8sqROqxWxdvzHz1CK7jIjVKgCNHNwE96fuje-9rxMAyV_geeWy_sLVr_jcMFmsG3ccTwWWu-9evQDAJo3lZ8q6XumEpaD9BuBLoZ3waoo6kO2P85dyrOmHG2Q-Dupy43et_33nLUM/s400/proteas+vir+Sonja+Karin.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I think I could have opened a florist already with all the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">flowers I've brought you :)</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">29 June 2016</span> </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGrNDaDslxFvR9q9zB1HxQNZhpIrak0-W9pKYYGVFobbxOy3A2IB2NQMSTEz27wrixElvFonTxd27Zcr_h9VMEzUvZMDDrx8xmNLt2AWJe06NkDh7jDhDtjGyjtncwU4OVzm6JFvbud0/s1600/sissi+in+the+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGrNDaDslxFvR9q9zB1HxQNZhpIrak0-W9pKYYGVFobbxOy3A2IB2NQMSTEz27wrixElvFonTxd27Zcr_h9VMEzUvZMDDrx8xmNLt2AWJe06NkDh7jDhDtjGyjtncwU4OVzm6JFvbud0/s640/sissi+in+the+sand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Sometimes when I go away I leave your name in the sand</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo1o9SkDRq3W7xR04BhT9GBvIdzkXBpKosvOqw9XaKZPlfhi0WiR228I9JQOTu9RHb1ooh7cgWkBbmw52YzgmquyxKjVnVsuG2KshxFwkCEX9KZfXlglOz206GqiUqbryVpDVEWex5W0/s1600/sonja+sand+plett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo1o9SkDRq3W7xR04BhT9GBvIdzkXBpKosvOqw9XaKZPlfhi0WiR228I9JQOTu9RHb1ooh7cgWkBbmw52YzgmquyxKjVnVsuG2KshxFwkCEX9KZfXlglOz206GqiUqbryVpDVEWex5W0/s640/sonja+sand+plett.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I left your name on the beach at Robberg</td></tr>
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Other times I look for heart stones on my little jaunts. The small ones I bring to you - the big ones I leave there - for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD6-_nPIscPkMmvPI8S2Xn94B6ugaIxS9xQlmmSOTzn26MlDNKcj5uXZGfpVcadG8zgUZYeloU0QiNMIfYQ8mWzOhYqPuCfr6YaJj8hPM6WiaPt2qa7GApQWLBC_BNcqVtGDYykuZUGY/s1600/klip+bamboes+sonja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD6-_nPIscPkMmvPI8S2Xn94B6ugaIxS9xQlmmSOTzn26MlDNKcj5uXZGfpVcadG8zgUZYeloU0QiNMIfYQ8mWzOhYqPuCfr6YaJj8hPM6WiaPt2qa7GApQWLBC_BNcqVtGDYykuZUGY/s640/klip+bamboes+sonja.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This big one left for you at L'Agulhas </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also at L'Agulhas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left for you at the rustic wooden cross at Rasperspunt - also at L'Agulhas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picked up in the Kleinkaroo and brought home for you </td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">In September Lara and Mornet came to play a duet. The subsequent blog<br /> got surprisingly good reviews. <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2016/09/the-magic-in-little-things.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Magic in the Little Things</span>. </a>It was quite a thing to quickly reorganise Chris' bedroom where the piano<br />lives. We moved the bed around to accommodate your enormous wheelchair.<br />Add a few bits of foliage, a standing lamp for ambiance and a few candles<br />dotted all over and voila we had a bit of magic going on. :) </span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 October 2016 used to be a big event - the highlight for you<br />
regarding MSA Awareness. Sadly this year it had to be cancelled<br />
as Johnny was recovering from a stroke and the family situation<br />
was fragile. We decided on a very small personal gathering with<br />
only a few friends. It might not have been big in numbers but<br />
it was a perfect day. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2016_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Blog pos</a>t</span><br />
(Photo by Laurette van der Merwe)</td></tr>
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So, there's it - a few things about 2016 - wrapped up in a few pics and words.<br />
I'll end with my favorite comment in our TV Debut - 'I'm not going to be miserable'. We'll both cling on to that. <br />
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<i>(Written by Karin Holtzhausen)</i></div>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-24157219207504235692016-10-08T13:47:00.001-07:002017-01-09T13:11:27.044-08:00MSA Day 2016 - COURAGE IN THE FACE OF MY DOLLY'S FRAGILITY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">Should this be the first time you visit this blog - go to <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">this link</a> for a brief background.</span></div>
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<i>(<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The words / phrases in italics are from a song by Angelina Jordan - What a Difference a Day Makes. The song will be posted at the bottom of this blog).</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a
difference a day makes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twenty-four little hours</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Brought the sun and the flowers</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Where there used to be rain</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Due to
various reasons, there was no MSA Walk by us this year. Apart from Sonja's </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">condition, Johnny has also been ill the last couple of weeks. Their children </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">are
concerned and stressed as both their parents are not well and were supportive of
this decision. The family situation has been fragile and it would have been unfair to expose
them to any additional stress. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">It was decided to have a small get together to show support for Sonja and Johnny and a</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"> few close friends popped in for a brief and intimate visit. The many kind messages of love and support towards Sonja and Johnny are appreciated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">Although the gathering was small compared to other years, <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2016/06/the-room.html" target="_blank">The Room</a> lived up to its expectations and was filled with its usual <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank">Little Magic</a>. The few friends sat in The Room - all comfortable with each other, having snacks and tea; chatting about little things and simple things - each one sensitive and loving towards the fam</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">ily. Later on we lit candles and thought of all MSA patients and their families. Silently we also reflected on the affects that Multiple System Atrophy has on the loved ones of patients. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">Not planning and rushing around to organize our usual walk at Strand Beach, although not without its fare share of stress, left a feeling of guilt as well as a feeling of relief - if that makes any sense. It was always this mad cocktail of stress, including elements of anticipation, excitement, fun, satisfaction and complete exhaustion. With guilt and disappointment set aside - I am happy to say that this day, was a really really good day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a simple morning of friendship love and fellowship - yet it was no simple morning. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">It was twenty four little hours. It brought the sun and the flowers. </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: normal;">It was just another day - yet was no ordinary day. It was rather a perfect day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My yesterday was blue, dear</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm a part of you, dear</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My lonely nights are through, dear</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since you said you were mine</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's heaven when you find romance on your menu</span></i></div>
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<i>What a difference a day made</i></div>
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<i>And the difference is you</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">PS<span style="font-weight: normal;"> - If you've followed this blog - you will know that Sonja and I call each other Sissi. We sing Hallo Dolly to each other when I visit her. Sonja specifically requested for this clip to be shared in this blog. Yes, it shows her fragility. But most important - it shows a lady of courage and substance. Your dedication to MSA Awareness is appreciated and recognized by more people than we probably realize and your light will shine forever.</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">I love you Sissi.</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a> for photographs and video.<br />
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Written by Karin Holtzhausen<br />
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-63615488157350029302016-09-08T16:15:00.000-07:002017-01-10T07:52:37.217-08:00MSA - The Magic in the Little Things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
When is all said that could have been said?<br />
I still wonder<br />
What else is there left for me to say<br />
That could still have profound meaning.<br />
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When is all done that could have been done<br />
I still wonder<br />
What else is there left for me to do<br />
That could possibly have any meaning whatsoever to you<br />
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And so I've come to realize<br />
All that is left now<br />
is just the little things<br />
So little that it would bear no significance to another<br />
whose life has not become so small<br />
yet so devastatingly all-consuming.<br />
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I take great delight when I know <br />
you hear me coming down the passage<br />
And we start singing Hallo Dolly to each other<br />
before I come around the corner<br />
and I see your eyes light up.<br />
Your leg does that little shake<br />
as you take your deepest shallow breath<br />
to belt out in your loudest shlurry husky whisper<br />
'YOU'RE LOOKING SWELL DOLLY'<br />
and me<br />
'YOU CAN TELL DOLLY'<br />
YOU'RE STILL GOING,<br />
YOU'RE STILL GO -HING STRONG'.<br />
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You've given up when I've left red lipstick kisses on your forehead<br />
and surrender to a shriek when I give you farty kisses in your neck when I leave<br />
You tell me you're still in charge and now have the rank of Commandant<br />
I tell you sorry doll - I got promoted too - and Colonel calls the shots.<br />
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I have some wine in a lovely glass<br />
you a whisky in your dedicated blue sip cup with a spout<br />
I take sips of wine and hold the sip cup to your mouth<br />
I say cheers Sissi<br />
and you say cheers Sissi - dis 'n lekker dop (this is a lovely drink).<br />
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That's the sort of way things are most of the time now. Love in the little things. However, now and then there's that something bigger than the usual little things. Like earlier this week, <br />
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Monday turned out to be rather a special one and I know Sonja would have loved to have written about it herself. But, if you've been following the blog, you know that she now only has very limited movement with her one hand and typing just about impossible. She asked me to come over as two friends were coming to give her a recital - with a clarinet and piano. I will relate the story in a similar format as to what I wrote it on her facebook wall - which was in Afrikaans. <br />
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"Dear Sissi,<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Today was one of those extraordinary and rare days, wasn't it? When I received your email the other day (IN EXTRA LARGE PRINT - SO YOU CAN SEE IT BETTER) - and asked me join you because Lara and Morne will be coming to do a music recital and will I please take a video clip - I said yes of course. With just one word - OK - so that you could read it easy. The people that love you deserve to hear about this special day, and I know how you would have loved to have been telling them yourself - but now you can't any more. </span><br />
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I'm so happy that Loubser <i>(Sonja's son</i>) removed all the extra paraphernalia out of Chris' (Sonja's other son) room where the piano stands and swung the bed sideways so that we could try and get you into this room with that huge rolls royce of a wheelchair of yours. The room looked lovely and so much more spacious.</div>
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When I got there we sang our usual Hallo Dolly to each other - you with your slightly shlurry soft voice and me with my false notes. You looked so lovely in your pink outfit today. I know how long it takes for the carer to shower, wash your hair, dress, do your make up and dry your hair before you feel pretty enough to face guests. Your lips were hopelessly to pale and I remedied that with my own very bright red lipstick.</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">It was quite a battle to get you into that room, wasn't it, with me holding my breath and pulling in my stomach (as if that would help) and my gammy knee. I was tugging and tugging at your rolls royce of a chair and Lillian the carer was shoving the other end. But we got you in eventually. Nicely parked in the room - we were ready and waiting for the guests, Morne and Lara to arrive. But then I noticed that the room looked a bit bleak and lacked atmosphere. We scurried around, found a lot of candles and dotted them all over the room. A small lamp underneath the mirror, and two pot plants and some foliage transformed the room quickly into the perfect setting. It looked so cozy.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">The two cheerful musicians arrived = Lara a beautiful woman whom I am convinced to be a direct descendant of Frida Kahlo - only more beautiful. Mornet and Lara immediately fussed and connected with you - I felt quite left out and jealous. :) They were so very sweet with you.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">The recital started and the music was so beautiful it made us quite giddy. I've a feeling there were some angels that joined us in that little room - it just felt so special. Do you remember when Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman - 'it was so beautiful I almost peed in my pants'?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Johnny came home from work and sat next to you on the bed. Every now and then he held your foot that was a bit jumpy at times. Lara and Morne played effortlessly and passionately as if they had all the time in the world. Yet I knew they took time off a busy schedule to come to you today. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Afterwards, when you were back in the lounge in your lazygirl chair, Lara sat close to you and listened tentatively to your whispering voice. You had a lovely conversation. Earlier, when we chatted briefly over tea, Lara casually mentioned to me that her Dad passed away suddenly a month ago. She hid her sadness bravely. You didn't see = but at one stage she excused herself and came walking down the passage where she burst into tears and sobbed bitterly - out of your earshot. I folded her in my arms and just held her. Overwhelmed - she was overcome with heartache for her own heartache, for everybody here's heartache and the heartache she knows will still inevitably come.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">We dried our tears, blew out the candles, said loving goodbyes with promises to stay in touch. And yes, today I cried a little again when I drove away from our house. Most of the time I succeed in being the tough one - but now and then this old Dolly has a fragile moment too."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I guess this was one of those little things I was talking about earlier - it was nothing really. But it was everything.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Love you Sissi.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">(by Karin Holtzhausen)</span></span><br />
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-66410884208244821352016-06-30T15:57:00.002-07:002017-01-10T07:54:03.868-08:00The Room of Multiple System Atrophy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Room<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am a room. I am a space where people dwell. Rooms don’t
speak. I have not been given the
privilege to speak with an audible voice, express thoughts or emotions. Yet, I have a story to tell. So, if I DID
have a voice – there’s quite a few things that I would like to say. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess by physical appearances I'm quite an ordinary room
really: with one oversized couch in earthy tones; two handsome greenish arm
chairs; a recliner chair; a coffee table on a greyish coloured carpet; a cupboard that houses the TV; a lamp; a few
occasional tables and a few pictures on the wall. My family is quite ordinary
too and occupies me on a daily basis for everyday activities. In the evenings
Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s got Talent, cooking, Rugby and Discovery are
still some of the favourite channels watched on the box. My décor was
personally done by the lady of the house – rather tastefully classic and
clutter free. Her name is Sonja.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In winter I get quite
cosy when the fire is lit, especially when we have an indoor barbecue. In South Africa, where I dwell, they call it a
braai. It’s rather a sociable affair
with much laughter and generous amounts of wine. Through the years I’ve seen people gather on birthdays,
anniversaries and family dinners. Happy occasions. The view to the garden is quite
charming through the double doors - especially in Spring. It is evident that the garden happened as the
result of a passionate gardener (i.e. the lady of the house, Sonja).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An ordinary room I was – observing everyday life of an
ordinary family. Quite content with my
little life as The Room – here in the Strand, South Africa. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Then one day things changed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2010 <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/msa-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)</a> moved into this room
and chose the lady of the house (Sonja) as its host. <i>(Multiple
System Atrophy (MSA)* is a progressive brain disorder caused by loss of nerve
cells in specific areas of the brain).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Along with it came some very bad emotions who moved in as
well, making themselves very comfortable on the big couch, the chairs, the
floor – even draped themselves over the coffee table and pictures as well. The view to the garden looked drab and
bleary. MSA is rather cruel – it spreads itself,
affecting the entire family. My family became miserable, anxious, angry and
frustrated. My favourite emotions, Faith
and Hope had been asked to leave. For
quite a while sadness, unacceptance and denial clung to my walls. They refused
to budge. Discontent and gloom squeezed
themselves into the already crowded room, while laughter and happiness took a
long sabbatical. As a room I felt so helpless.
There was nothing I could do. Except wait and hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over time – and I’ll be honest - it did take quite a while, things
gradually improved. It felt like forever
before the cloud of sadness lifted. Understanding
and Acceptance kept knocking on that door overlooking the garden until they
were eventually let in. Hope, who had no
intention of being left out in the cold, also snuck in one day and now cling to
my walls. Misery, along with Anxiety,
Self-pity, Frustration, Sadness and Anger were given the boot – one by one they
all left. I’m quite a contented room again and everyone is happy - most of the
time. Things settled into a new kind of
normalish rhythm for my family – with MSA as the new permanent resident. The family had already come a long way, but
still had to figure how to embrace the changes that was inevitable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Religion per se has not been given the privilege of a
specific chair within The Room, however, Faith and Hope occupy rather good
seats and the couch has been reserved for Love. There have been some distorted opinions
on miracles voiced in this space. Some thought there must be an absence of strong
faith and fervently offered prayer for miraculous healing. Much discussion had
taken place among church elders, theologians, priests, believers as well as sceptics
– all in this room – on several occasions.
The consensus is that there are
different kind of miracles – and physical healing is just one kind of
healing. To be healed spiritually and
emotionally – that is a miracle too. A
big one. And this latter miracle have
come to dwell here and have changed things forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many visitors have been to visit since Multiple System Atrophy
moved in. Old friends, family and
acquaintances bring cheer and gifts. New
wonderful friendships have been made here – with people who would otherwise not
have visited – had it not been for MSA taking up occupancy here. Visitors linger and chat about all kinds of things
and most of the time forget about their silly little worries that wait for them
at home. They are fascinated to find someone
with MSA living at peace. The lady of
the house, (Sonja), – she hasn’t been able to walk for a very long time and
lies there in that recliner chair like a doll most of the time - being cared
for hand and foot. Her speech has become
a whisper and you have to sit real close and concentrate to hear and
understand. Even the ability to hold a
cup or blow the whistle to call a carer to tend to her needs is gone. Yet she manages
smiles and whispers kind words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visitors leave with a gift every time. Sometimes it is a gift of Hope. Sometimes a gift of Faith. Sometimes a gift of Love. Sometimes they hit the jackpot and leave with
gifts of all three. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b><i>“Three things will last
forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. - 1
Corinthians 13 v 13”.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There had been so many wonderful visits– really special ones and too many to mention right now. Perhaps just this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The most recent visit was by a newly ordained Catholic Priest. An Italian
Catholic Priest. A good-looking young Italian Priest … with a guitar. Not only
did he bring a loving message and prayers – the dear man sang! The two ladies – the lady of the house with
MSA (Sonja) and <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/donations-for-research.html" target="_blank">her crazy-ish curly haired friend</a> felt blessed with words of wisdom and grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the visit the two friends reflected and giggled at the thought of perhaps considering to convert to Catholicism
so that they can go to confession with Father Francesco of course. They even discussed redesigning the
Confession Room to fit all three of them in.
They hope that the dear man will visit again soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All these things have contributed to the fact that I am no longer just an ordinary room. My decor is still very much the same but believe me, I've lost the title ordinary and become rather extraordinary, unusual, blessed and sometimes quite fabulous.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, had I been given a voice - I'd tell you all these things. </span><br />
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(Written by <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/donations-for-research.html" target="_blank">Karin Holtzhausen</a>)<br />
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-87384839236248168082016-04-05T16:02:00.000-07:002017-01-09T13:12:21.462-08:00I found a rainbow in Multiple System Atrophy <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2EG4X2FQhLiYpUOePC_pMZqYgAqOTKxEsi3eJ5FOOd9TR0vk31NuuHu1cd0MCSmLf6cK2lhdQRE6xQr1P1TU7ppg1ohxU2yDX6jOq7eSAje5NYlWZUy3T8z18ZiLv2EFSOEgIVgFXFU/s1600/DSC_04602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2EG4X2FQhLiYpUOePC_pMZqYgAqOTKxEsi3eJ5FOOd9TR0vk31NuuHu1cd0MCSmLf6cK2lhdQRE6xQr1P1TU7ppg1ohxU2yDX6jOq7eSAje5NYlWZUy3T8z18ZiLv2EFSOEgIVgFXFU/s640/DSC_04602.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm8tGfeps6z3DCGPHUIxT3_YKzE7rXZcNMp-W27RTp2odvW5c7zuZC2WjElPWGpgCYWpF6X156wTEVvByOOBR1K3pXoyckk3KvnscOkthz8ynyizExRyj9OJqQHo-Dz0UUcp_012t3ig/s1600/mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm8tGfeps6z3DCGPHUIxT3_YKzE7rXZcNMp-W27RTp2odvW5c7zuZC2WjElPWGpgCYWpF6X156wTEVvByOOBR1K3pXoyckk3KvnscOkthz8ynyizExRyj9OJqQHo-Dz0UUcp_012t3ig/s640/mom1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sonja and Karin</td></tr>
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<i>(If you've landed here for the first time. This blog was created for Sonja who has Multiple System Atrophy. It is also about friends and friendship. <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">This link is about us</span></a>.) </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Love</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Last week I discovered the colours of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). They were bold and bright - much like this fabulous painting of a rainbow girl by a young artist named Evie. </span></div>
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<i><span style="text-align: justify;">(</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)* is a progressive brain disorder caused </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">by loss of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. This loss causes problems with movement, balance and autonomic functions of the body. (Autonomic functions are body functions that occur automatically, such as bladder control.)</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Zaa-FD3tV1XAkgLchirUNnBpGavCM8mzJzonfB0znx4xe33Aw_roUyqRMXAQ-Pt1gkT7IkAzifB6wobctVLMG8D-497Qxbk6iPimVZKD9S4y5whigEonisJvfpZgLMeoH9dCnxdPYk/s1600/evie+se+painting+rainbow+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Zaa-FD3tV1XAkgLchirUNnBpGavCM8mzJzonfB0znx4xe33Aw_roUyqRMXAQ-Pt1gkT7IkAzifB6wobctVLMG8D-497Qxbk6iPimVZKD9S4y5whigEonisJvfpZgLMeoH9dCnxdPYk/s640/evie+se+painting+rainbow+cropped.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">There is a rainbow in MSA<br />
(Painting by Evie aged 7 years and 5 months)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Now I need to tell you a bit about young Evie. Her Daddy has had lung cancer since before she was born. He was diagnosed when her mum was 6 months pregnant with her. You can imagine what a blow it must have been to them. Life has been tough on him, her mum, on her and her little sister and its just not fair that young children and families should experience so much adversities. But the point I'm getting to, is that despite some really really really tough times, this little girl sees and experiences life in technicolor, and manages to express herself with extravagant boldness. I have a deep admiration for her and her little sister's ever ready smiles and boldness to life and think its correct to give credit to her mum and ailing dad for instilling that in them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">On the last day of Multiple System Awareness month, 31st March 2016, we had a photo shoot with Sonja and a few close friends. We had a rainbow filled day - vivid and bright, just like Evie's painting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The whole affair was a bit of a tongue in the cheek arrangement, a spontaneous thought, just for a bit of fun more than anything else. Partly with MSA awareness in mind, but ultimately it was an act of love for a friend, who happens to have MSA. Such a simple little sentence; <i> 'happens to have MSA'</i>. (MSA is a cruel incurable illness which you can read about at some of the links at the top of this blog.) No, let me make it easy for you. <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/msa-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">Just click here.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Despite MSA - Sonja manages to embrace life and living. She has shown me that there is purpose in living - despite the most severe adversity - and that you can make a difference - despite losing just about all physical abilities. Just pause on that thought for a moment. Losing just about all your physical abilities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>(Are you able to dress yourself? Clean your house? Open a drawer? Bend? Reach out to pick up the phone? Talk? Comb your hair? Brush your teeth? Bath / shower by yourself? Scratch an itch? Put on lipstick? Dress yourself? Go to the loo unaided? Pour yourself a glass of wine? Walk? Drive a car? Move to different parts of your house by yourself? If you are in a wheelchair - can you wheel it yourself? Phone your child? Speak clearly? Sit without slumping forward? Make yourself something to eat? Hold a book? Type? The list goes on and on and probably fill this page. That's what MSA takes away from you.) This is just to give you a tiny glimpse into the life of an MSA patient and not to depress you. Please read on. It brightens up - I promise!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Before I continue to this colorful day, let me add that MSA not only affects the patient, but every single member of the family. I have seen how heavy the burden is on Johnny, Sonja's husband. Too guilt-ridden to visit any of their old friends, or allow himself to do anything remotely enjoyable. It doesn't feel right without his sweetheart - his soulmate. It took a lot of persuasion to convince him to go away camping for a mere two nights with a friend. MSA has a ripple affect - reaching far and beyond the patient. Its hard for their sons too, who live too far away to visit as often as they would like to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Previously, I have spoken about <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2014_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">the good, bad and ugly</a> of this disease. There's a lot of bad and ugly, but heck, the 'good' has left me amazed. Since her diagnosis, we (Sonja and I) have met a number patients and their families personally. In each and every one of them, the thing that has touched me the most, was that something unique that clings to all of them. A softness. An understanding. Compassion. Its things that money don't buy. Love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">'We' have lost a few patients. Friends. We would never have met them, had it not been for Sonja and her diagnosis with Multiple System Atrophy. Fragile, hurting family members have come to meet us. Some not yet. But there's an established bond, an indescribable connection once they have met Sonja. I worry for them sometimes. They've showered her with love and with gifts. I believe it helps to carry her - and them. They look at Johnny with an understanding that nobody else has - without having to say a word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">These are some of the realities. So, you see, MSA is a multi coloured illness. Good, bad and Ugly. But the good - that is the absolutely bloody best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let's get onto the good. And this particular day was better than good. It was fabulous. It was marvelous. No amount of money could buy it.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over sized bold big beautiful flowers to set the scene and backdrop of a fabulous day. Thank you to Danny for these props.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I made a short list of names of girls (yes I still think of us as girls) who I thought have been adding extra meaning to Sonja's life the past year or so. The idea of the photo-shoot was presented to Sonja and I asked her to come up with a list of names of people she felt fitted that bill. We came up with the same list. Her physical deterioration has been quite evident and we agreed that we would continue without her (heaven forbid) should she not be well enough to attend. Can you imagine - a photo-shoot without the main character. We'd have none of that! Pfft. Come hell or high water - the way was paved to get her there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The ladies were informed and a date was set. Our first dilemma was a photographer because <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a> who normally does all the photo shoots for Sonja and our MSA days, was now chosen to be in front of the camera for a change. Multi talented <a href="https://www.behance.net/CatherineHoltzhausen" target="_blank">Catherine</a> thankfully volunteered when she heard that Danny, who also happens to be an accomplished stylist, would be on set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Much had to be considered before we could get to the shoot stage. A room had to be picked in my house where Sonja and her wheelchair could have easy access to. A studio set. No stairs. Door wide enough. Parking close to door. A bed should she need to rest. Sufficient natural light. A sunny day was requested. The said room had to be reorganized and half emptied for us to set a backdrop - thanks to Danny - large over-sized flowers that she had used in another photo-shoot. Furniture was piled onto a heap and shoved in a corner. A long curtain pole was temporarily fixed for the over sized flowers to be hung and carefully arranged with the help of fishing gut and umpteen ups and downs on a ladder. At 2 am when the rest of the house was sound asleep. Said curtain pole with all the flowers precariously in place only tumbled down four times. Expletives, not blog friendly, were used at these intervals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Many instructions were sent to the girls: date, time, what to wear (all white), make up, purple nails, etc and not to forget champagne and snacks. Champagne repeated a few times. They were briefed of the morning's events - all taking into consideration Sonja's condition - and the purpose of the photo shoot which ultimately boiled down to one simple little word. Love. I salute all the girls for nodding furiously at everything I requested and dictated and ordered them to do. Thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The day arrived. It poured with rain early in the morning. Miraculously it cleared round about exactly the time we knew Sonja would be ready to leave home. When Sonja arrived - thank you to faithful Johnny and carer Lillian - the girls all fussed over her to say hello and then they were all bundled into another part of the house where they got to know each other better. With champagne. Although we were all Sonja's friends, not everyone knew each other. Danny and I then spent time alone - with a bit of champagne - to do her make up, fluff up her chair and get her ready for some photos with the girls. Sonja's drinking cup was regularly topped up and the twinkle in her eye got brighter throughout the morning. </span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to know one another - in good spirits (Laurette and myself unfortunately not in pic)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Danny styled each one of us with a bit of purple paraphernalia. A flower here. A feather boa there. A mask for this one. Beads on that one. A purple ribbon around each one's wrist. Catherine was behind the camera capturing just about everything and was all over the place all at once, without us even realizing it. Her boyfriend Eben, also an amateur photographer, but with old cameras and film, can you believe it, came along for moral support. He was also clicking away. Quite a team they were.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Umpteen photos were taken, Although the girls were dressed in 'boring' white, it was one of the most colorful days I have experienced - much like Evie's painting. The ladies were fabulous. They pranced and laughed and acted silly non-stop. Despite the blank palate - the morning was absent of boring and bleak. Sonja laughed and glowed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/msa-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">MSA (Multiple System Atrophy)</a> is not a kind illness. In 2010 after Sonja was diagnosed I think the color black might have been the chosen color. But today, I saw the color of love, shown by a bunch of girls for their friend. And it was bold and beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Emilene, Laurette, Marianne, Ilse, Susan, Marlene and Liana - thank you for your friendship. One of the chosen girls could not make it, which was such a pity. Anchen we missed you. Each of you mean a lot to Sonja. Don't ever discount that. And while she was in Hospice for a few days while Johnny and the carers had a break - you stepped up to the plate with your regular visits and little gifts. The biggest gifts of all of course were yourselves. Thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I share a few of your sentiments:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>"<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sonja has always and will always have a special place in my heart. "</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; text-align: left;">My Sonja-visits are filled with memories of her travels in the Kalahari and Orange river. In our imagination we swim; we hike and we laugh. Especially - we laugh."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; text-align: left;"><i>"Hebrews 13 says: 'do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it' Sonja continues to teach me how a child of God deals with adversity."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And now, let the photo's tell you the rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thank you for reading. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja arrives (it probably took her the better half of 3 hours to get ready and get here - with the help of a carer)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan being styled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marlene's turn for a bit of purple ribbon around the neck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marianne getting the mascara right</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold still for that bow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y0rGSXUjpp4kJqA97xmw-arDe4s31i7omLv1ZRsV8tsYRW3fq0NAJS-jFxesFiSlklEl6EH-sDxEw0GYOBrI3YtaR-lTC9G-qs4iWJMgDfL1mvW-zTf1HyniD-LChfmOIscYM1bKjt4/s1600/DSC_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y0rGSXUjpp4kJqA97xmw-arDe4s31i7omLv1ZRsV8tsYRW3fq0NAJS-jFxesFiSlklEl6EH-sDxEw0GYOBrI3YtaR-lTC9G-qs4iWJMgDfL1mvW-zTf1HyniD-LChfmOIscYM1bKjt4/s400/DSC_0126.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marianne getting the giggles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBidmbm1JEo3ZBlW5Jf_hsWVsrlO5j_Pct_InI8ejNs0hcbRR4Iv62xZT6hPmh6v1tpJdLN5A6AY8LV0l8gPmVj5MuROrjocSrG3cBCOR_p5Z62yJ2dImDoYxMPExBJH6MOIFWkm2CtI/s1600/DSC_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBidmbm1JEo3ZBlW5Jf_hsWVsrlO5j_Pct_InI8ejNs0hcbRR4Iv62xZT6hPmh6v1tpJdLN5A6AY8LV0l8gPmVj5MuROrjocSrG3cBCOR_p5Z62yJ2dImDoYxMPExBJH6MOIFWkm2CtI/s400/DSC_0135.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja's husband Johnny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5GPNiVoZ4xLRxTpOwMl8qtSJzybix6bTBnwOTxcf_vb5AJYCZcFaMuGdFO357-RxQpMkYHhwXweHIDsCkPhCeSPglQN8UWctJwXwoArHrODVjj33YbxamLCsitb8txmQU4-t0ZYwpFw/s1600/DSC_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5GPNiVoZ4xLRxTpOwMl8qtSJzybix6bTBnwOTxcf_vb5AJYCZcFaMuGdFO357-RxQpMkYHhwXweHIDsCkPhCeSPglQN8UWctJwXwoArHrODVjj33YbxamLCsitb8txmQU4-t0ZYwpFw/s640/DSC_0239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to give Sonja her makeover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-H_85UXuATGKeUXVUkxQSPDP4VRPKNwMnW6smBowlo9KROzkV_aXb_O_s2orBPIc8fCuHhi3UVpBbSjWYyJCogvPnALz7-F3bSeipZFHCYZb-0PcAjRUsjxXIyyN2as_Q6dF-APedC2Q/s1600/DSC_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-H_85UXuATGKeUXVUkxQSPDP4VRPKNwMnW6smBowlo9KROzkV_aXb_O_s2orBPIc8fCuHhi3UVpBbSjWYyJCogvPnALz7-F3bSeipZFHCYZb-0PcAjRUsjxXIyyN2as_Q6dF-APedC2Q/s640/DSC_0323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold still Sissi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA7tZA557uqYNc_kwepe3ZtVGQCvzHBau7fbRCiJxSDcb175OSptCJsT6l9oWRQQEt9LfS_L9sJzfdPyJaZ2gLFchmyxEqN-00bN_47f4YGcTeWfn4REP0az_BWFntr5IWze1MhRB-w0/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA7tZA557uqYNc_kwepe3ZtVGQCvzHBau7fbRCiJxSDcb175OSptCJsT6l9oWRQQEt9LfS_L9sJzfdPyJaZ2gLFchmyxEqN-00bN_47f4YGcTeWfn4REP0az_BWFntr5IWze1MhRB-w0/s640/DSC_0391.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV8qP6q7OY0aX8x5PiNGavu5CI0OTdIGjWMDqP4uBk03WYC7w7Ap8sBh3l-2pq6J0mpniZDBLZGpZsV9Bvki3JWwfaCzqJY73drsUFkUTmgkVNS8NyjDWqTBsm7LPlleW1F0Y9bYe_8I/s1600/DSC_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV8qP6q7OY0aX8x5PiNGavu5CI0OTdIGjWMDqP4uBk03WYC7w7Ap8sBh3l-2pq6J0mpniZDBLZGpZsV9Bvki3JWwfaCzqJY73drsUFkUTmgkVNS8NyjDWqTBsm7LPlleW1F0Y9bYe_8I/s640/DSC_0403.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse in the mirror</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jlr6FQQq7PdwAxfQfMBGt2IJlJ2NTjfGfH2m5bST1wXWTFXaV78JrC162nS-2AyuNYxkjDand_J5fqnFP6prSvIopExom4MkXeLExCskEyvu6awVPMCNsqQ7INb-GQsKWPNNrCuZvZs/s1600/DSC_0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jlr6FQQq7PdwAxfQfMBGt2IJlJ2NTjfGfH2m5bST1wXWTFXaV78JrC162nS-2AyuNYxkjDand_J5fqnFP6prSvIopExom4MkXeLExCskEyvu6awVPMCNsqQ7INb-GQsKWPNNrCuZvZs/s640/DSC_0407.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All is revealed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYwPT1W6fdefwrwLaKYwJ3kFsyKuy0P_hQaBefY2rBJ4scjLGC-13u_u3OXQ_tS_Kw28LFUl0kGvWqBMfdVwW_VWxMAHGjWlfNhFPt0o6uAFguhgJdIgFZODoLzIP97tqsVDa5OROuf8/s1600/DSC_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYwPT1W6fdefwrwLaKYwJ3kFsyKuy0P_hQaBefY2rBJ4scjLGC-13u_u3OXQ_tS_Kw28LFUl0kGvWqBMfdVwW_VWxMAHGjWlfNhFPt0o6uAFguhgJdIgFZODoLzIP97tqsVDa5OROuf8/s640/DSC_0165.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles and ready to roll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PYM7nKd3PJJ5XSSw3dDSxHRvpVYWvzyreyDxXc49y73lpkB-xKLSze9dNmL7OmE0rZePr027MpNeiqPY9mcMFb5_4MbAbWalnQe8ww-_VjbKEKvW4Z865lhSbA5Tv8DLF2wRvoNJ01s/s1600/DSC_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PYM7nKd3PJJ5XSSw3dDSxHRvpVYWvzyreyDxXc49y73lpkB-xKLSze9dNmL7OmE0rZePr027MpNeiqPY9mcMFb5_4MbAbWalnQe8ww-_VjbKEKvW4Z865lhSbA5Tv8DLF2wRvoNJ01s/s640/DSC_0408.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow - look at you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Lights. Camera. Let's go!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0km8RkczzjuPwnbrD2sAxGGyuOtY8qPPuJthAkEpspDT5fndtkgMK7rOZT4kxsBcCOI7pzjO72VnlHgng5HvprikGdT48OZ0w74zS5dYU-1CfA6k5UDnxjczrqvZD4M-jNJxjHvPM-0/s1600/DSC_0427HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0km8RkczzjuPwnbrD2sAxGGyuOtY8qPPuJthAkEpspDT5fndtkgMK7rOZT4kxsBcCOI7pzjO72VnlHgng5HvprikGdT48OZ0w74zS5dYU-1CfA6k5UDnxjczrqvZD4M-jNJxjHvPM-0/s640/DSC_0427HR.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_IlcsmYM3Q_TztkQ0Cvll5sVIR3vfhX36gaaiglfM2aJpixZ3oG0UX6KFusBq9V9qmiwmURnFsc45Gqv15bM4_Z8jJ_a2GBqx4TcK3Ki3aDYbn7OLsDUqcjuV9e0EzjoBxvZyhPpCPw/s1600/DSC_0492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_IlcsmYM3Q_TztkQ0Cvll5sVIR3vfhX36gaaiglfM2aJpixZ3oG0UX6KFusBq9V9qmiwmURnFsc45Gqv15bM4_Z8jJ_a2GBqx4TcK3Ki3aDYbn7OLsDUqcjuV9e0EzjoBxvZyhPpCPw/s640/DSC_0492.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14-j17LdW-QW1Mu0eTnlHQp7ol1-VoDkqbvy9YIgzVPfMJs0WR1T-unu6Xi9wgdLjkaaS6gKjLHgi1CR4DAh2Ul05r-6drDp9Nlg-IszsLzU4OHDy44IunO61_duz6aApGvQ70pV6oMM/s1600/DSC_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14-j17LdW-QW1Mu0eTnlHQp7ol1-VoDkqbvy9YIgzVPfMJs0WR1T-unu6Xi9wgdLjkaaS6gKjLHgi1CR4DAh2Ul05r-6drDp9Nlg-IszsLzU4OHDy44IunO61_duz6aApGvQ70pV6oMM/s640/DSC_0518.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Laurette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygarPCmgq5q4hZv1XKsvqhAvFaYS6iOZloe15aBNQH_Gut-4MJ0xjsILhHON-khG5o1lz4GootnFH52dNv98ixSDfSFzJ5q_MQcUwoOxbQahtBDtJLkFGhGyNiBDRG3iXs05QmyH0IlQ/s1600/DSC_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygarPCmgq5q4hZv1XKsvqhAvFaYS6iOZloe15aBNQH_Gut-4MJ0xjsILhHON-khG5o1lz4GootnFH52dNv98ixSDfSFzJ5q_MQcUwoOxbQahtBDtJLkFGhGyNiBDRG3iXs05QmyH0IlQ/s640/DSC_0643.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Liana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVoKqkPJJgA5Hu699LIolySalZ2WpXWEq-PdjLocydr3g4bgNRbaBE6p0SOezFBSnOLah4jHeK0pFMJdXqVVsWXMUYxCRNqXPk_YdrLpnmjXWTfcTP6WIXu0UbZViArK9xF-wQuQHRS8/s1600/DSC_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVoKqkPJJgA5Hu699LIolySalZ2WpXWEq-PdjLocydr3g4bgNRbaBE6p0SOezFBSnOLah4jHeK0pFMJdXqVVsWXMUYxCRNqXPk_YdrLpnmjXWTfcTP6WIXu0UbZViArK9xF-wQuQHRS8/s640/DSC_0680.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Marlene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWIP_IdImcPb36lGTuJ4GNtLjjZvpUCVX2BuBvcioUsyHkryVdCAPX232BGvoKbmXaDXydys9ZPyHdeYHa36_uxmG5uGSRnvjnR8IGU-n1MOqsMWGGLGJ3lxccmtYgIOAuzF-pD1ljcI/s1600/mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWIP_IdImcPb36lGTuJ4GNtLjjZvpUCVX2BuBvcioUsyHkryVdCAPX232BGvoKbmXaDXydys9ZPyHdeYHa36_uxmG5uGSRnvjnR8IGU-n1MOqsMWGGLGJ3lxccmtYgIOAuzF-pD1ljcI/s640/mom1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little private giggle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvuo-IDkuPtc-ygq6kM4mbCSIgrbAo6UUinVbXPflrOHo4W8Bj_0aR9ysCHuuQartXuch760-sEY5lQqoIJmmu4JghujKFYXdgh808Wqy04G-fvdnoj4y7AReZVDO0zPWh8FT8YejzNk/s1600/DSC_0136+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvuo-IDkuPtc-ygq6kM4mbCSIgrbAo6UUinVbXPflrOHo4W8Bj_0aR9ysCHuuQartXuch760-sEY5lQqoIJmmu4JghujKFYXdgh808Wqy04G-fvdnoj4y7AReZVDO0zPWh8FT8YejzNk/s640/DSC_0136+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dwNJ_TlFdP6Jztr3JJFZvlhF6FSpubB1ETlVOYmsIC0DxVWkiBNCcY7iNU88nGFXFbouFTIV2riMJsmI5alyJvFNLB9DlZSsuYkj915DuIW84fhhv6ses7P6KJnlpPn4IBYfNFr0QCM/s1600/DSC_0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dwNJ_TlFdP6Jztr3JJFZvlhF6FSpubB1ETlVOYmsIC0DxVWkiBNCcY7iNU88nGFXFbouFTIV2riMJsmI5alyJvFNLB9DlZSsuYkj915DuIW84fhhv6ses7P6KJnlpPn4IBYfNFr0QCM/s640/DSC_0488.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loving touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0w3sqo6RKYqXZhj718_He4-OzdflltpJzuLjmyuNLs995IXx2pTjfH39fD6lp5R184cywZg7Vd49KHyqJlBv5-G8aq3oCAramhqwQNQ_ks93d-lBUfgAj7Dd4PahjTke9vHhUMwQcZI/s1600/DSC_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0w3sqo6RKYqXZhj718_He4-OzdflltpJzuLjmyuNLs995IXx2pTjfH39fD6lp5R184cywZg7Vd49KHyqJlBv5-G8aq3oCAramhqwQNQ_ks93d-lBUfgAj7Dd4PahjTke9vHhUMwQcZI/s640/DSC_0494.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mooi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gGr-feGYC_TTMcx6-rh9ukaQOrUCQC7Z36opgUuU9XK5cWnwEinPVIKokFMAIj5ANTpTN1XFHf2sekT80ZiHmzvA1R7f-vWVUr175zQyDw0mDmz4d3EEf9WvhfNtk4Cp19YF8lnad0I/s1600/DSC_0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gGr-feGYC_TTMcx6-rh9ukaQOrUCQC7Z36opgUuU9XK5cWnwEinPVIKokFMAIj5ANTpTN1XFHf2sekT80ZiHmzvA1R7f-vWVUr175zQyDw0mDmz4d3EEf9WvhfNtk4Cp19YF8lnad0I/s640/DSC_0514.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Laurette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G8wMatHXQSR_zbGL8gI4W_vnUN1ehgWFrN9ZCOTJlkSitzf9a6mxtbqgVK83Gd9VqqrAi8TbcOYkKDf7mYny8ZbyOusmLkACJc-A4Qk0J-IVG3rA6GNL4a2W8I8rOdn4MT2dEb6uHgg/s1600/DSC_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G8wMatHXQSR_zbGL8gI4W_vnUN1ehgWFrN9ZCOTJlkSitzf9a6mxtbqgVK83Gd9VqqrAi8TbcOYkKDf7mYny8ZbyOusmLkACJc-A4Qk0J-IVG3rA6GNL4a2W8I8rOdn4MT2dEb6uHgg/s640/DSC_0584.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Emilene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq8XPVbkChWlgGfLtBZsJmrDk7nFWlSsh-HIF_one4mV1Hh6bFIYqY1iIpclQqQsxpu3h3WXYSxbsL-iTnFmOuxZ7MEobfFlcpzHxUpL0noLHTed1-gQ9UbK5ETlgDTLG7UuKuc11Q4k/s1600/DSC_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq8XPVbkChWlgGfLtBZsJmrDk7nFWlSsh-HIF_one4mV1Hh6bFIYqY1iIpclQqQsxpu3h3WXYSxbsL-iTnFmOuxZ7MEobfFlcpzHxUpL0noLHTed1-gQ9UbK5ETlgDTLG7UuKuc11Q4k/s640/DSC_0623.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Marianne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bBQ3J7LHxPsl82FOGLtSM4kXC6BnWYX5Zvh2bMWpCRasvSrILaGvkyZeK_tqdSYmm7XANhoz7kw5VS35pSM6NEN6Ip-b6vzT4UtBKYT4bIuxrzacPXytPEzJlUWihkAKZfAAEmvqrQ0/s1600/DSC_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bBQ3J7LHxPsl82FOGLtSM4kXC6BnWYX5Zvh2bMWpCRasvSrILaGvkyZeK_tqdSYmm7XANhoz7kw5VS35pSM6NEN6Ip-b6vzT4UtBKYT4bIuxrzacPXytPEzJlUWihkAKZfAAEmvqrQ0/s640/DSC_0176.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple bits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDPtrdDVipr9dC-mSVYTf50-CxX65BImfMxmZz6JcEG6LDvuLxldp1EvxdV2n6NREjbqDLip2qz3wUfYo_Xo33sgBo-tScBTNgI-9TlQ0532C5DGjXt3kK-uRspkqbDMcejNxYsVtn0s/s1600/DSC_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDPtrdDVipr9dC-mSVYTf50-CxX65BImfMxmZz6JcEG6LDvuLxldp1EvxdV2n6NREjbqDLip2qz3wUfYo_Xo33sgBo-tScBTNgI-9TlQ0532C5DGjXt3kK-uRspkqbDMcejNxYsVtn0s/s640/DSC_0535.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with our lovely stylist Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwJstp3EBUPJrPnQ5lMbIwlBJ19XEaM3KvyBWcyzpCKQtGOOtq2L8ec1p0IzUkmakbbatCg89QjeiwJwC2pGlrEeiVZZdEHGL-QxJw6Fds_8gMD7Y1w62eZuO-WFL4Rt0fzq5TcmhS6c/s1600/DSC_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwJstp3EBUPJrPnQ5lMbIwlBJ19XEaM3KvyBWcyzpCKQtGOOtq2L8ec1p0IzUkmakbbatCg89QjeiwJwC2pGlrEeiVZZdEHGL-QxJw6Fds_8gMD7Y1w62eZuO-WFL4Rt0fzq5TcmhS6c/s640/DSC_0680.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Marlene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOHL8ibN91A_fL4RdCdRE2RlEtYzQupthexjJFuArm-sAnVrIAFaFSQeQBoVFsAtwA6UpYZ3gsHspmNMF-BXfoJANS-sqsa1G30Y9S-yUbdKKq4ctR9_aDE_iBO_cLbHa9mWySTbjZ1g/s1600/DSC_0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOHL8ibN91A_fL4RdCdRE2RlEtYzQupthexjJFuArm-sAnVrIAFaFSQeQBoVFsAtwA6UpYZ3gsHspmNMF-BXfoJANS-sqsa1G30Y9S-yUbdKKq4ctR9_aDE_iBO_cLbHa9mWySTbjZ1g/s640/DSC_0602.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Ilse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN6wdRDERxOGMFkkXShNoEqIfEpAGi_vhcKJDXWQqzggCvoHkaxZWH-ZPDopwWGKfimW4TTrIJIaMr8w3yXCQc0B14wvNGJPI3LpgDQmAkPuOzdTQwWjjMn89IhEuLFxybjnls48-jA8/s1600/DSC_0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN6wdRDERxOGMFkkXShNoEqIfEpAGi_vhcKJDXWQqzggCvoHkaxZWH-ZPDopwWGKfimW4TTrIJIaMr8w3yXCQc0B14wvNGJPI3LpgDQmAkPuOzdTQwWjjMn89IhEuLFxybjnls48-jA8/s640/DSC_0658.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Liana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJLgaPRRo5DMmZx1PXH4qCnkuV1x6p6gSHSndLGuuD0dxjjO5rcBxBPtsgkem0jcvsS2DTC2Oxxu4IxOS5GxDz4XceRUc6FzIsAKgCKtg-UWQyVI1Omx_-zkUIxtEaTtvHnsv45hLfoI/s1600/DSC_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJLgaPRRo5DMmZx1PXH4qCnkuV1x6p6gSHSndLGuuD0dxjjO5rcBxBPtsgkem0jcvsS2DTC2Oxxu4IxOS5GxDz4XceRUc6FzIsAKgCKtg-UWQyVI1Omx_-zkUIxtEaTtvHnsv45hLfoI/s640/DSC_0518.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Laurette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEG93UOre3ZLsIOd2mXhXcZZD-Pcfi5fsSw0ByH_rDMLMUw9FpyfkguL5ECf1-h6jmL0KXQW4tvDjserrHYhD3HcpFwkOQNkS44A-pWpO4VvZV2G9-NYx8dr_9jdPDYGc9WQPsZr1WJM/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEG93UOre3ZLsIOd2mXhXcZZD-Pcfi5fsSw0ByH_rDMLMUw9FpyfkguL5ECf1-h6jmL0KXQW4tvDjserrHYhD3HcpFwkOQNkS44A-pWpO4VvZV2G9-NYx8dr_9jdPDYGc9WQPsZr1WJM/s640/DSC_0016.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan with Sonja</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8eE_46nerbGa82mQq82dPs69bSEQjh_E6_5ihSEewX3enEW8gPOgXES1BIt4cnZodaQRbPRmie5M7va067dqNrKyQKgR9EmW14Cgo0FqenbsopNEELwGaiH0hxEHvV7vscNSCapgU5Y/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8eE_46nerbGa82mQq82dPs69bSEQjh_E6_5ihSEewX3enEW8gPOgXES1BIt4cnZodaQRbPRmie5M7va067dqNrKyQKgR9EmW14Cgo0FqenbsopNEELwGaiH0hxEHvV7vscNSCapgU5Y/s640/DSC_0065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got a bit silly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYy2pE5HllREGtOEMnkwfV2NhtXdyQRcIbYEoo1KgaSF1O2gway2w4iWO8NrpBKUGpNh10yGtJLyXRwfV6R_Nl1b7BjfS5A7Jj9Z62WLQjODgweVEtaIhvja973tr10SiL-2IP_qQnL8/s1600/DSC_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYy2pE5HllREGtOEMnkwfV2NhtXdyQRcIbYEoo1KgaSF1O2gway2w4iWO8NrpBKUGpNh10yGtJLyXRwfV6R_Nl1b7BjfS5A7Jj9Z62WLQjODgweVEtaIhvja973tr10SiL-2IP_qQnL8/s640/DSC_0598.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixacccEHjbmMZrlk3CgYbwVcsOG1BD3IYPQ0h1FpDgu23rZJ5x7jhdjEfTCEdRlOjylxxTVuJJmmVoZgWTjupSWlLhFETYUsXbGmzSQMIbZe6HX6mikDVTGjkpJg0-_lo28fJ0PzFVyfc/s1600/DSC_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixacccEHjbmMZrlk3CgYbwVcsOG1BD3IYPQ0h1FpDgu23rZJ5x7jhdjEfTCEdRlOjylxxTVuJJmmVoZgWTjupSWlLhFETYUsXbGmzSQMIbZe6HX6mikDVTGjkpJg0-_lo28fJ0PzFVyfc/s640/DSC_0100.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Liefie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n2fPRfzoZxGDc-bVak8sKBhyK3oJKOtknvh7pDZtWpflZ1aIBSPdXLzvTvp7xWVRZsKxBNWXTZPsI9Z9xA35pcvXyycW56BcLaHMbVemVm455BlDn415WVFpliw79tc0AXp6lBM_0OE/s1600/DSC_04772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n2fPRfzoZxGDc-bVak8sKBhyK3oJKOtknvh7pDZtWpflZ1aIBSPdXLzvTvp7xWVRZsKxBNWXTZPsI9Z9xA35pcvXyycW56BcLaHMbVemVm455BlDn415WVFpliw79tc0AXp6lBM_0OE/s640/DSC_04772.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFLkpNQrOqu_HXUEGD5sr67W-kK_K3B-zhSu9StHo_N029RAZHH0zruEi3aYi6hiyKpsC8M8dA6KpLijrhBC7sLrtczizvSDoM9gxytCnr-xiMPnxqAMUf71d1l6G-azSjrD0MPMIp7E/s1600/DSC_0492-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFLkpNQrOqu_HXUEGD5sr67W-kK_K3B-zhSu9StHo_N029RAZHH0zruEi3aYi6hiyKpsC8M8dA6KpLijrhBC7sLrtczizvSDoM9gxytCnr-xiMPnxqAMUf71d1l6G-azSjrD0MPMIp7E/s640/DSC_0492-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I might have repeated some photos. Can you blame me?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm8tGfeps6z3DCGPHUIxT3_YKzE7rXZcNMp-W27RTp2odvW5c7zuZC2WjElPWGpgCYWpF6X156wTEVvByOOBR1K3pXoyckk3KvnscOkthz8ynyizExRyj9OJqQHo-Dz0UUcp_012t3ig/s1600/mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm8tGfeps6z3DCGPHUIxT3_YKzE7rXZcNMp-W27RTp2odvW5c7zuZC2WjElPWGpgCYWpF6X156wTEVvByOOBR1K3pXoyckk3KvnscOkthz8ynyizExRyj9OJqQHo-Dz0UUcp_012t3ig/s640/mom1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to end with my personal favorite photo<br />
Sissi and Sissi<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The profound words above Evie's rainbow painting is Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Terminal illnesses deal some heavy blows in the lives of the nearest and dearest of those affected. Yet I have witnessed rainbows emerge despite those heavy blows. Brilliant bright rainbows. Just like Evie's painting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(ps Evie - I would love to buy your rainbow girl from you. It was the inspiration behind this theme. pps - love to you, Jessie, Mommy and Daddy. x)</span></div>
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<i>A huge thank you goes to:</i></div>
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<i>Catherine for taking photos and the long hours fine-tuning the final ones for this blog.</i></div>
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<i>Eben for assisting.</i></div>
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<i>Danny for styling.</i></div>
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<i>Laurette for the use of her camera.</i></div>
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<i>All the girls for their love and support.</i></div>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-52367859368513715732016-02-17T08:03:00.001-08:002017-01-10T07:56:54.506-08:00MSA - THE LIGHT BECOMES BRIGHTER TOWARDS THE END<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘I have seen a great many things. I have attended all the world's worst disasters, and worked for the greatest of villains. And I've seen the greatest wonders. But it's still like I said it was: no one lives forever’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From THE BOOK THIEF Markus Zusak. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwWeWaZAD-wuTNw4VQRjFOARIAqP2Ds9eCJbmzU8fPFDV_BSSkPvYOLK7oIx9F1h6fPR6VsgHMIP2cLLalbgSaTuBhD9Lwls6KnOgMQWz-apcf2ez_BXhkjmxCjKL_UMxp0rj9JK9L-8/s1600/20151108_30113+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwWeWaZAD-wuTNw4VQRjFOARIAqP2Ds9eCJbmzU8fPFDV_BSSkPvYOLK7oIx9F1h6fPR6VsgHMIP2cLLalbgSaTuBhD9Lwls6KnOgMQWz-apcf2ez_BXhkjmxCjKL_UMxp0rj9JK9L-8/s640/20151108_30113+copy.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since my diagnosis the sword of Damocles hover over my head. This however, does not mean death will take me first. Death, like birth is a natural cycle of life. We live, we die. But it seems socially unacceptable to discuss death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Patients like me have a need to discuss death, and the arrangements thereafter. Family members and friends have a tendency to avoid such discussions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although I realise how hard this must be and is for them, patients like me will have peace of mind knowing everything is in place for the day when the Lord takes us to live with Him in our permanent heavenly home. Our life here is like a sand grain in comparison with Eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although not an easy topic, it is a discussion that needs to take place.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2 Corinthians 5 - New International Version (NIV) </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Awaiting the New Body</b> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"1. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although I am going through dark fearsome tunnel now, I know He is always with. At end of tunnel I see HIS BRIGHT LIGHT awaiting me. </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">Psalm 23;4 </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, [tunnel], I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have long ago made peace with my journey and have no fear of my heavenly destiny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My thanks to my friend <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a> for these beautiful photo's. </span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-71996727245779133872016-02-03T08:23:00.000-08:002017-01-11T03:26:17.303-08:00THROUGH FEAR TO PEACE - MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY - SOUTH AFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoTiMZrDk4fPZhSnvLSyK97GAgtIkxf2UVu-0z5mBvV4b-ipUX3gbSxe0VSq_wYyHy7l_LLx_3X2bWozHJEtIiI84o15VyLlacY9XqnxNIH4uHt-uwGMDu31q17Ei1_bK5JgkzrDGzTe6/s1600/10385402_10152897821617040_7561827248125247261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoTiMZrDk4fPZhSnvLSyK97GAgtIkxf2UVu-0z5mBvV4b-ipUX3gbSxe0VSq_wYyHy7l_LLx_3X2bWozHJEtIiI84o15VyLlacY9XqnxNIH4uHt-uwGMDu31q17Ei1_bK5JgkzrDGzTe6/s1600/10385402_10152897821617040_7561827248125247261_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When my old technology cell phone recently broke, my eldest son helped me to upgrade to this nifty Samsung tablet. With a sim card in it, and a bluetooth ear piece, it doubles up as a phone. Now can write blogs in a reclined position, and it automatically syncs with my laptop via cloud technology, Dropbox. Typing with a stylus makes writing a lot easier now. Thank you for the photo <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I stopped
telling 'My Story' at the point of my diagnosis, which was on 6 September 2010.
This was for several reasons. Firstly, reliving those stormy days was
emotionally </span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">painful
at that stage. Secondly, I was driven to get on with my life, and my new life
purpose; to create awareness for MSA. Thirdly, I wasn't ready to tell of my
all-consuming fear, and the difficulties we experienced adapting to a
drastically different lifestyle.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What was
to be a relaxing holiday week for us, unexpectedly, turned into the worst week
of our lives. Besides giving me his final diagnosis of an incurable
degenerative disorder we have never heard of, the neurologist also said we
would need all the help we could get; a psychologist, and if we were church
people, spiritual help. At that stage I was falling several times a day, and
could neither sleep nor eat. Every time I fell asleep I dreamt that I was
falling, and I would jerk awake. This pattern would repeat itself over and
over until I was left wide awake. The neurologist thus prescribed an
antidepressant and sleep medication to help me through the worst. We left his
rooms in a daze with an appointment with a psychologist on a slip of paper. We
also needed to see the occupational therapist about the acquisition of the
right equipment, wheelchair etcetera. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At home
we googled <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/p/msa-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">Multiple System Atrophy</a>, but after a brief glance, fear of what lay
ahead made me switch off the computer abruptly. My mind was a turmoil of racing thoughts; how we were going to cope with this extreme challenge? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During
that first year I remained too fearful to read about the full extent of MSA, or
to make contact with other patients through support groups. I thought they
would only depress me further. I was wrong. My MSA buddies inspire me, showing me how to cope by example. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I
now read of the many couples who split up under the extreme pressure of
adapting to a totally different lifestyle, I remember that all was most
certainly not plain sailing for us, especially in that first year. I quote what
the psychologists say; "abnormal behaviour under abnormal circumstances is
normal human behaviour."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At that stage it had been several years since we've been to church. I never stopped believing
in God, and we often yearned for a place where we would be fully accepted, where
we could worship Him. I knew instinctively
that on my own, without God, I would not make it through this situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A friend
who knew of our dilemma made me an appointment with a minister of another congregation of our church. We met in a coffee shop, and
after listening to my problems, Paul Barnard quietly told me about God's all-encompassing
immeasurable love for all of us. That was a turning point, the restart of my
journey towards the Light. I salvaged my Bible from where it was lying in a bag
with several other books behind my winter sweaters, and started reading it
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But my rebirth was a long process. It
took some time and continues prayer, and reading of His Word to dispel that frightful
fear. My prayer and that first year was
mostly; "please help me God."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>2 Corinthians
1: 8b -9<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>"We were
under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of
life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He heard
my desperate prayer, and soon I started seeing Him, and the help He sent in the people who share my life. Some like my dear husband, my sons, and extraordinary
supportive friends had been placed in my life a long time ago to aide me, but
He sent me more and more wonderful people into my life. If you are one of them,
know this; you are part of my Heavenly Father's plan for my life. I stopped
believing in randomness some time ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On my
daily journey with my Saviour, I have learnt (it's an ongoing process) of His
great love for you and me. His never ending grace and mercy, His forgiveness of our sins
through Christ. Through His many promises in the Bible l have found peace in
the knowledge that He accompanies me every step of the way throughout this
daunting journey until the day I go to live with Him for eternity. I have been
healed spiritually and emotionally. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";"><span style="font-size: 20.9090900421143px; line-height: 24.533332824707px;">The result is; A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>2 Corinthians
12: 9-10<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>"My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For
when I am weak, then I am strong."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Isaiah
26:3 <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>"You will
keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in
you."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-18471282526062636782015-10-09T10:41:00.002-07:002016-10-08T06:20:38.371-07:00"WHERE DO I BEGIN..." - TOGETHER FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY - IN SOUTH AFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TOGETHER FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY - WALK & LIGHT A CANDLE - 3 OCTOBER 2015<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgQxg6_77el_h0b3Qz_V0oTxvg7tymJW2rSBKEwp4KSjZ3CNL9FROSMdZkR-3YR3kk6vBfAumjAkM116FTn47aK1nMwe7vdRFITjh2I64bi6HEL9adLL44yj5l8XsvTcazJ62jQUXwKo/s1600/msa+group+2015+super+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgQxg6_77el_h0b3Qz_V0oTxvg7tymJW2rSBKEwp4KSjZ3CNL9FROSMdZkR-3YR3kk6vBfAumjAkM116FTn47aK1nMwe7vdRFITjh2I64bi6HEL9adLL44yj5l8XsvTcazJ62jQUXwKo/s640/msa+group+2015+super+tube.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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By Karin - Sonja's friend.<br />
(Sonja's dexterity has become such that it is limiting her from writing long blogs. So, I will piece this day together, for her, in the best way I know : from my heart.)<br />
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<i>"Where do I begin</i></div>
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<i>To tell the story<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></div>
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<i>Of how great a love can be<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></div>
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<i>The sweet love story<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></div>
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<i>That is older than the sea<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></div>
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<i>The simple truth about the love she brings to me<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></div>
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<i>Where do I start</i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i>”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">These words from that familiar old song has been drifting in my head in a haunting way since Saturday, 3 October 2015. As friends shared their photos and thoughts after the morning's event, my heart has been filling up and my thoughts have become cluttered. My dreams the past few nights have been filled with the scenes of this wonderful day. I've come to realize that no words of mine will do this day justice. There were just too many special moments - tender and bitter sweet moments.</span><br />
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<i>"With her first hello</i></div>
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<i>She gave new meaning</i></div>
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<i>to this empty world of mine"</i></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">The evening before the walk I lay in the bed next to Sonja holding her hand. She with a whiskey in a sippy cup and me with a glass of wine, a few little salty crackers and her Johnny checking on us regularly. 'Als OK bokkie' - his endearing words to her are spoken so often. It means "is everything OK my dear. Bokkie is an endearing term in Afrikaans meaning little deer". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFSYXp3kUVlR5rLe6ZaKqyQr7V0GGKEMbNQm86I5brDgRSe75-PW_xhamj0GyKF_jwn_zZ27JfN3EdTc5GAK_IPkDppbat8jky8VjnWH2gjTMg1jLyXLCT0uxR0udCjTmMlJbcNJKrUs/s1600/sonja+karin+bed+sippy+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFSYXp3kUVlR5rLe6ZaKqyQr7V0GGKEMbNQm86I5brDgRSe75-PW_xhamj0GyKF_jwn_zZ27JfN3EdTc5GAK_IPkDppbat8jky8VjnWH2gjTMg1jLyXLCT0uxR0udCjTmMlJbcNJKrUs/s400/sonja+karin+bed+sippy+cup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja and Karin - the evening before the Walk</td></tr>
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"What an unbelievable journey this had been so far Sissi". Sonja reminisced about the past 5 years, previous MSA walks; the people in the MSA community, (patients, carers that we have met); the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-7qQW8fJ4E" target="_blank">TV debut</a> last year on <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2014/09/kwela-kyknet-multiple-system-atrophy-on.html" target="_blank">Kwêla</a> and other memories that drifted into our minds that hour we spent in her bed. We spoke about the anticipated walk the next day, the arrangements that are in place and the people coming from far. We were both at peace with everything; at peace but a little nervously excited too.</div>
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<i>"She fills my heart</i></div>
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<i>with very special things</i></div>
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<i>with angel songs</i></div>
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<i>with wild imaginings"</i></div>
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Arranging this walk had been such a pleasure, but also a bittersweet experience. This time the main character in this event and my greatest cheerleader from the side line is no longer able to wave her flag as enthusiastically as previous years. It was inevitable that Sonja's condition would deteriorate as time marches on. We both chose to ignore this fact for the moment and I filled her in about the event, the arrangements, the anticipated hiccups and the solutions. E.g. if it rained, she would not accompany us on the walk but would wait at the venue for our return. If she felt ill we would take her home immediately but the event would continue. </div>
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<i>"she fills my soul</i></div>
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<i>with so much love"</i></div>
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I lingered a while, knowing that the next day would be a bit of a scurry for me to ensure that all things are in place and hopeful that Sonja would experience everything that this day had to offer in such a way that the memory thereof would continue to light up any dark days that may lay ahead. Scurry in a good way to ensure that it was good and special and as smooth as possible.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Support Team<br />
Standing Johnny, Anchen, Carer Lillian, Carer Ursula<br />
Front: Dominique, Karin, Marianne, Sonja, Susan, Hugh and Liebet</td></tr>
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A few dear friends rallied round, offering their help and we are so grateful and so touched that they stepped in and helped to make all the things happen without a hitch. Marianne Gonzales, Anchen van der Merwe, Susan Albertyn stepped in and did everything and more that I asked them to do. Thank you so much girls. <a href="http://www.casa-del-sol.co.za/" target="_blank">Casa del Sol</a> have accommodated us for the fifth time, even though it was on a Saturday, normally a busy day for any beach side restaurant. We have been going there after our walk for coffee and someone normally speaks, telling everyone more about MSA, about Sonja and other patients and families. They were fantastic, tending to our every need and request. They cleared the back entrance for Sonja to access with her wheelchair. Furniture was arranged to accommodate the group. The staff came in early. A table was set for the candles and another for snacks. The waitrons were all stars. A huge thank you to Casa del Sol for opening their restaurant and their hearts to us.</div>
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But I'm jumping the gun. Many friends braved the iffy weather and came dressed warmly and determined to do the short walk. We gathered opposite Casa del Sol where Laurette van der Merwe herded us together for a group photo. Getting everyone to face the camera and saying cheese at the same time is quite a challenge. Thank you for a marvelous selection of photographs once again and racing ahead and capturing some very special moments. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Group gathered before setting off on our walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfmY3K_UuoKAmU66Ijs9E_PPIQaZSSi_NbXyObXDYYkGLlnIRLqHIEn6tIKPaZXo0kNBdXNBvSCuRn2XBls28EwuNQplbwHic4ioWr7H3QZOzNCIuSnIsdJtnP7cJV5fbwKC-7fCuIVU/s1600/karin+fluffing+sonja+before+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfmY3K_UuoKAmU66Ijs9E_PPIQaZSSi_NbXyObXDYYkGLlnIRLqHIEn6tIKPaZXo0kNBdXNBvSCuRn2XBls28EwuNQplbwHic4ioWr7H3QZOzNCIuSnIsdJtnP7cJV5fbwKC-7fCuIVU/s640/karin+fluffing+sonja+before+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's fluff you up a bit!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Snug as a bug, with a huge grin and all set for the walk.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMKyX13Kbbb7vVxCrtiXOkjRqb8vsyTWhq1qG1GL4roxqQUPkC2tXyi6Le4DQSzS-34Vg3AYM1CfoE7PToSsg9YkSHwpu8KcZsJ5OxDrW7ZBSLiZkVivJb4LGtgXqeEkYKt0DrGPZ9bE/s1600/11063845_10153575816747040_1144178031506675061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMKyX13Kbbb7vVxCrtiXOkjRqb8vsyTWhq1qG1GL4roxqQUPkC2tXyi6Le4DQSzS-34Vg3AYM1CfoE7PToSsg9YkSHwpu8KcZsJ5OxDrW7ZBSLiZkVivJb4LGtgXqeEkYKt0DrGPZ9bE/s640/11063845_10153575816747040_1144178031506675061_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja with Johnny and Carer Lillian</td></tr>
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<i>"That anywhere I go</i></div>
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<i>I'm never lonely</i></div>
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<i>with her along who could be lonely</i></div>
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<i>I reach for her hand</i></div>
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<i>It's always there"</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm hallo from friend Susan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZwQNBzzZ1A8Ydw8AHVYbsNe99nJUg9KGxL84yd9TTqjFf3d6ZzTG5TMRM9paejrFbjKdAkJ6CJACF40vPy36WPOVEjtWxSk9P0k6L_-hKu8oWXN2ExBAYxwT2uXEP8JvsKuURj433zE/s1600/12075085_10153577115197040_4528143408636138159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZwQNBzzZ1A8Ydw8AHVYbsNe99nJUg9KGxL84yd9TTqjFf3d6ZzTG5TMRM9paejrFbjKdAkJ6CJACF40vPy36WPOVEjtWxSk9P0k6L_-hKu8oWXN2ExBAYxwT2uXEP8JvsKuURj433zE/s640/12075085_10153577115197040_4528143408636138159_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fancy seeing you here"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFs8fFlgnncU0u4A50wOGyZlj9YX4wJ_ciCFZJQ6Aj1LUOvHX11kXDWILQk0rLd_1sReXCPbdB5sIw4hopLcAupRiLqc7pX4EE3_My5A8CzKGFoKcJD339ECjkML4rVu8grdoXN9NzSA/s1600/marianne+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFs8fFlgnncU0u4A50wOGyZlj9YX4wJ_ciCFZJQ6Aj1LUOvHX11kXDWILQk0rLd_1sReXCPbdB5sIw4hopLcAupRiLqc7pX4EE3_My5A8CzKGFoKcJD339ECjkML4rVu8grdoXN9NzSA/s640/marianne+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy walkers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrblQaqR_osCMLV4pFnJzQ7F0PbPl7ASvYvV-Z5p2ThxA-IHBIaUqPSQXoEC1g9aOaTCLS_knt8SZuR1pJ4Zfg-iOwxZstVTxfZ6XOR-7v-GwXMDqDYrB8tjXwJWWCpZUcfYzYd-tFaA/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrblQaqR_osCMLV4pFnJzQ7F0PbPl7ASvYvV-Z5p2ThxA-IHBIaUqPSQXoEC1g9aOaTCLS_knt8SZuR1pJ4Zfg-iOwxZstVTxfZ6XOR-7v-GwXMDqDYrB8tjXwJWWCpZUcfYzYd-tFaA/s640/walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just keep walking</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKqDgyla9ZZYPmyccBUR6GMJu7sQ_O2GSVfGWZcXQfYAzzmrr4z30evBUG8IWyM8PENl5dOyUeB8lqPiRYWP-2Q1bxjP53HYtpM4Vi4a-js0BcIk-6qYJwZds-xbvmj7RLy2EXlz2pVA/s1600/walk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKqDgyla9ZZYPmyccBUR6GMJu7sQ_O2GSVfGWZcXQfYAzzmrr4z30evBUG8IWyM8PENl5dOyUeB8lqPiRYWP-2Q1bxjP53HYtpM4Vi4a-js0BcIk-6qYJwZds-xbvmj7RLy2EXlz2pVA/s640/walk1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibernian Towers where Casa del Sol is situated on the ground floor</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1f_TLVFWqNZkr6V-sx9pZ4yKQ3RFg3klQoZGapCdZZbfn8SfVTVax-9a76m8b_prUxtPYgjkxBAYpkRLtJOk1SE0HMYIjyG6Ih7FNsbJzUUcsj6eoHERO-qqfdh7ipDlRiI46nWI75o/s1600/walkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1f_TLVFWqNZkr6V-sx9pZ4yKQ3RFg3klQoZGapCdZZbfn8SfVTVax-9a76m8b_prUxtPYgjkxBAYpkRLtJOk1SE0HMYIjyG6Ih7FNsbJzUUcsj6eoHERO-qqfdh7ipDlRiI46nWI75o/s640/walkers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good looking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loyal friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly weds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominique with Sonja</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Everything good so far Sissi?'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X4lDRwGm8EdqYRKetugcffAHfT3o6DsgzObuSilUBzcbRkbyS_uUNTrZP8501WKQspLgWQtJZnG1xiI9ciEq_UCvMAfVXMuCA6hG-HIZVBeLB_sRoqP_IRH1m26tS48z5QmfxlGhVJw/s1600/zcleotilda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X4lDRwGm8EdqYRKetugcffAHfT3o6DsgzObuSilUBzcbRkbyS_uUNTrZP8501WKQspLgWQtJZnG1xiI9ciEq_UCvMAfVXMuCA6hG-HIZVBeLB_sRoqP_IRH1m26tS48z5QmfxlGhVJw/s640/zcleotilda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady with pink jacket was at school with Sonja and was the first time we saw her since 1973. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old friends, new friends, Family - all in support of this wonderful day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOvBtCcgbE_FT9D5hnEIYFTbvfpNk0dE2NqQ9tSMyf_4wp0H64jVEhv7eOO6T0XyRWmXTM2GCyriavdxQ4ZI5a7-VQU5Z7VaiWXiYz8ZybfyMScUGvX79BzhCiJzKrMM7wuCgJl1ck8c/s1600/zstillsmiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOvBtCcgbE_FT9D5hnEIYFTbvfpNk0dE2NqQ9tSMyf_4wp0H64jVEhv7eOO6T0XyRWmXTM2GCyriavdxQ4ZI5a7-VQU5Z7VaiWXiYz8ZybfyMScUGvX79BzhCiJzKrMM7wuCgJl1ck8c/s640/zstillsmiling.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling all the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7RKHJCZbP1hyphenhyphen1iT4JhY0Yy64bA5FQXXAwnYv547N6kazx1am0OV_b7s-0KL7oRX6RHC8hJ6x5Qh4WGLvtt04nbo8EFdTe6yEYGv4guzZ1ZKhyphenhyphenadPBSwoYrNpi-WZMR0mzS6WQxQcmIs/s1600/zstoppingtraffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7RKHJCZbP1hyphenhyphen1iT4JhY0Yy64bA5FQXXAwnYv547N6kazx1am0OV_b7s-0KL7oRX6RHC8hJ6x5Qh4WGLvtt04nbo8EFdTe6yEYGv4guzZ1ZKhyphenhyphenadPBSwoYrNpi-WZMR0mzS6WQxQcmIs/s640/zstoppingtraffic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping the traffic</td></tr>
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Finally arriving at Casa del Sol, they were ready for almost 70 of us. While coffee was being served to warm us up Hugh Holtzhausen made a welcoming speech. On behalf of Sonja he thanked the many people involved in Sonja's life. Special mention must be given to Johnny - he is such a loyal and dedicated husband. A special welcome was extended to Dominique Nass who came from Kwazulu Natal. Her brother died of MSA in March 2015. Liebet and Adel drove all the way from Pretoria. Liebet lost her mom to MSA. Linda Erlank came from Cape Town. She too lost her mom to MSA in March 2015. So there were four MSA families represented here in South Africa. </div>
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Dominique made a very touching speech and spoke about how MSA affected her brother Kevin and their family. When Kevin was still alive Dominique found this blog and came to Cape Town to meet Sonja. Unlike Sonja, Kevin had speech difficulties from early diagnosis. A selected group of friends received special training to help him with speech therapy and dedicated their time to spending time with him. These friends miss their buddy and these special times. Kevin was apparently touched and encouraged by the many positive messages and posts that Sonja shared on Facebook and on this blog. </div>
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Friends gathered around Sonja for brief chats and posing for photographs. Everyone chatted and laughed the morning away. Later everyone had the opportunity to light a candle.</div>
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All in all - the morning was a great success. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbldQ1yRSwlvDPVW_I0BUd6Upfcc-pKeR4IbNuoMAumvi7hxX8NSqNKrD0ryL299mZYx6FSbRZ8An_fr9uCeIQ8JTBDd_Igl07IOKXFro9T4TBWobP7coRs8DQJwDXX9WiE-MRgF98FOo/s1600/z2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbldQ1yRSwlvDPVW_I0BUd6Upfcc-pKeR4IbNuoMAumvi7hxX8NSqNKrD0ryL299mZYx6FSbRZ8An_fr9uCeIQ8JTBDd_Igl07IOKXFro9T4TBWobP7coRs8DQJwDXX9WiE-MRgF98FOo/s640/z2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugh welcoming and thanking everyone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cnNQsCuA4fMW9AFE7gFtZZre_3tV9cURSW_QxwLyRJejBbcR_xadqMfc64ygwnZlfm1nVb96T4uQTQpHtXnhjGxft2z4z2U25fMc6E9fPIdtr30EKqGcdKrJW7FZ319hmWo_nn9nfRs/s1600/11224534_10153577255337040_1924215495519639199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cnNQsCuA4fMW9AFE7gFtZZre_3tV9cURSW_QxwLyRJejBbcR_xadqMfc64ygwnZlfm1nVb96T4uQTQpHtXnhjGxft2z4z2U25fMc6E9fPIdtr30EKqGcdKrJW7FZ319hmWo_nn9nfRs/s640/11224534_10153577255337040_1924215495519639199_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liebet, Sonja and Adel</td></tr>
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"How long does it last</div>
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Can love be measured by the hours in a day"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDG3lwRyhQ-yM2hBWlc9wlk_psZWCi-t3wKKLsKF_dUZ9umXRH3_JvCm17ZFPV0QmBub3qvNSsYUjoeyEVVyjGnv1bz_v_x5qqdmM-tnzm2lLfOCQ2a4UE4xO3G3kyA9LgzcSwcp_oq0/s1600/12144805_10153577254332040_5259959746789939400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDG3lwRyhQ-yM2hBWlc9wlk_psZWCi-t3wKKLsKF_dUZ9umXRH3_JvCm17ZFPV0QmBub3qvNSsYUjoeyEVVyjGnv1bz_v_x5qqdmM-tnzm2lLfOCQ2a4UE4xO3G3kyA9LgzcSwcp_oq0/s640/12144805_10153577254332040_5259959746789939400_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends and Supporters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkQEh-92-igLWxf75ZbSWJis8SHmY3IeRlUGjlwx7TdODdjjZB9h09ErC1Pf17sE56pm-c0smDgl0quz_YZjEhz52vzmTh0t4IJr2fRBLMweCMr6imMcjvCbY5HDnv3lalRwQHz0DA34/s1600/karin+sonja+liebet+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkQEh-92-igLWxf75ZbSWJis8SHmY3IeRlUGjlwx7TdODdjjZB9h09ErC1Pf17sE56pm-c0smDgl0quz_YZjEhz52vzmTh0t4IJr2fRBLMweCMr6imMcjvCbY5HDnv3lalRwQHz0DA34/s640/karin+sonja+liebet+candles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solemn moment - light candles and remembering other departed MSA friends. What made this extra special was that loved ones of these MSA friends were with us this day. Liebet who lost her mum. Dominique who lost her brother Kevin. Linda who lost her mum Magda. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD9bbucL2OYpShw1_4j3s8GK1AaXjIWKwgnRwcq8UwrYbcP4nG8dwxV67b5PXCP8Ct8G4DfISBWhIEYGDQjcgY8NK9mgXygNU0wq_qaIKW8QjJ0w5iou_5AUnoBHGtDcpUeziMgdG3Ao/s1600/z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD9bbucL2OYpShw1_4j3s8GK1AaXjIWKwgnRwcq8UwrYbcP4nG8dwxV67b5PXCP8Ct8G4DfISBWhIEYGDQjcgY8NK9mgXygNU0wq_qaIKW8QjJ0w5iou_5AUnoBHGtDcpUeziMgdG3Ao/s640/z1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncTrGeSC6S69byYYVBm8xAsFE0RH5Is9xApFQwktVHEPBi8WAikdNsoeuhi8oMeMN_U4kNswwl9Ycq3nfvAlWJC0PUoTWNRSLUoPy7cAmasu_D3lGNzuZC8HOxpSjq9DhkEmLBCCU98M/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncTrGeSC6S69byYYVBm8xAsFE0RH5Is9xApFQwktVHEPBi8WAikdNsoeuhi8oMeMN_U4kNswwl9Ycq3nfvAlWJC0PUoTWNRSLUoPy7cAmasu_D3lGNzuZC8HOxpSjq9DhkEmLBCCU98M/s640/z3.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominique Nass sharing a special message with us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJt9aGSy0Zs_6rwTHqh3z0UfLI2kxQ-jA1D0zO3Ag-9RIPdzxoOHgedJ5H5hLKTHmpQoI43FoLAZahR_PUI4jLJIS69IuOf3Z6rW8Z7zG8VGiji3IwHgHA2_rken2hxOwhIWqt-WBzVg/s1600/z4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJt9aGSy0Zs_6rwTHqh3z0UfLI2kxQ-jA1D0zO3Ag-9RIPdzxoOHgedJ5H5hLKTHmpQoI43FoLAZahR_PUI4jLJIS69IuOf3Z6rW8Z7zG8VGiji3IwHgHA2_rken2hxOwhIWqt-WBzVg/s640/z4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A loving touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I have no answers now</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But this much I can say</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I know I'll need her 'till the stars all burn away"</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9zEQOatEnRn62_2Cgf5xButnwh9SqCcuTfQRhMJj6UC0RgLdJXQB_u3lxHCzs4WK5jJLncuNdwBXbXvraZndBLydY31IUzGS8ZS2gJ_MzkKRdMlL0J8vHSfdLaNdiNQHxlR7ZW2jD-w/s1600/z5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9zEQOatEnRn62_2Cgf5xButnwh9SqCcuTfQRhMJj6UC0RgLdJXQB_u3lxHCzs4WK5jJLncuNdwBXbXvraZndBLydY31IUzGS8ZS2gJ_MzkKRdMlL0J8vHSfdLaNdiNQHxlR7ZW2jD-w/s640/z5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Erlank (her mom Magda had MSA), Sonja, Liebet Jooste (her mum had MSA) and Dominique Nass (her brother Kevin had MSA). We met all of these ladies on separate occasions and today they all met each other. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"and she'll be there"</i><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8keH1QcTEg61uPm2lKvgPEqVWMYJoJy9AX4iDbOGY3_dHgA2vV5c_6DIcJNCvYjc2G18Y8Hlu_63k1GTEwdJL1UEFkyf9VozuaW8Zgd_TbU62YJHlBbwTwfPgKR8ePoBAC01CovFbpY/s1600/z6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8keH1QcTEg61uPm2lKvgPEqVWMYJoJy9AX4iDbOGY3_dHgA2vV5c_6DIcJNCvYjc2G18Y8Hlu_63k1GTEwdJL1UEFkyf9VozuaW8Zgd_TbU62YJHlBbwTwfPgKR8ePoBAC01CovFbpY/s640/z6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liebet with Sonja's Johnny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd0SES7thLqMrokAzKqHiOE_uTExr1XdqUhFA5ktmjZ-OWFo-dHAPYCyKHrp_LMSysQEvro7n07Y1l2yCEqq395fnvf58dZ-IyappVRq8A9fhj3Hv71F7kYeHS_yycmO3FoKWyqBh5XY/s1600/z7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd0SES7thLqMrokAzKqHiOE_uTExr1XdqUhFA5ktmjZ-OWFo-dHAPYCyKHrp_LMSysQEvro7n07Y1l2yCEqq395fnvf58dZ-IyappVRq8A9fhj3Hv71F7kYeHS_yycmO3FoKWyqBh5XY/s640/z7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the light and remembering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNUk7sWbZ-2ZY70ERxwSPpzV615v4zz3pKPZ13HswYdSX_i2NPsUkcUgrpXAffnKnZwUdI0c_3H49482yxPNyT_JoBMIBHc1N4m6kWNd67WE0ZvvMG0wpZ48ZNEbCOyIfZcrL-rYcBU/s1600/z8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNUk7sWbZ-2ZY70ERxwSPpzV615v4zz3pKPZ13HswYdSX_i2NPsUkcUgrpXAffnKnZwUdI0c_3H49482yxPNyT_JoBMIBHc1N4m6kWNd67WE0ZvvMG0wpZ48ZNEbCOyIfZcrL-rYcBU/s640/z8.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugs don't always need words</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"how long does it last</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>can love be measured by the hours in a day"</i></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjNwEzvhDdC3AyCfod4niffTzrGkvDk9FPAuwoFI-bOiM7kvQrbneROcjmPsQlUCltCDFyZS_BQTtcixmdEsL5swZxvOj-MX380VJ4u9DvYpwuaqP2KFMD0ofHFqesdRQPW2BhYWxF1Y/s1600/z9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjNwEzvhDdC3AyCfod4niffTzrGkvDk9FPAuwoFI-bOiM7kvQrbneROcjmPsQlUCltCDFyZS_BQTtcixmdEsL5swZxvOj-MX380VJ4u9DvYpwuaqP2KFMD0ofHFqesdRQPW2BhYWxF1Y/s640/z9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6ZjmmE2pULbdJavSXxm2na8sw_wrQNMjIXbT8S3y5696kpZ22PTFxQ-yF61voFPcJhcZ-cTzwx9SxT_2WpzuoNOuZke0D7FiJ2TyudVuOs_v9VwW0dYXDnR3KP4qAQ9R6AC28FHL0cg/s1600/z10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6ZjmmE2pULbdJavSXxm2na8sw_wrQNMjIXbT8S3y5696kpZ22PTFxQ-yF61voFPcJhcZ-cTzwx9SxT_2WpzuoNOuZke0D7FiJ2TyudVuOs_v9VwW0dYXDnR3KP4qAQ9R6AC28FHL0cg/s640/z10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing: - Karin, Anchen, carer Lillian and a very shy carer Ursula<br />
Sitting: Dominique, Marianne, Sonja and Susan<br />
Special word of thanks to Anchen, Marianne and Susan who helped enormously behind the scenes. Thanks girls<br />
Lillian and Ursula are Sonja's dedicated carers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPTU5AwYXzYcXXvHFS_1fW2UH355OD27e_C5w2Yw8nJ_UevkjQ9g5YF9XXBQvYciUZiGTbBvOf52RNXl0TQyWI5M3uuM385y3meNWjkZnaZU0zWSgphgPH7vZFAVB5e9YlbCXwmXwS_M/s1600/laurette+sonja+by+donna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPTU5AwYXzYcXXvHFS_1fW2UH355OD27e_C5w2Yw8nJ_UevkjQ9g5YF9XXBQvYciUZiGTbBvOf52RNXl0TQyWI5M3uuM385y3meNWjkZnaZU0zWSgphgPH7vZFAVB5e9YlbCXwmXwS_M/s640/laurette+sonja+by+donna.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four lovely girls that used to dance together, back in the day.<br />
Laurette vd Merwe at the back (our fabulous and ever willing photographer)<br />
with Marianne Groenewald, Sonja and Lorraine Weil<br />
( photo by Donna Barnes)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVqarOiDAgCu3ZXQsYs-nLzpQ-sM0kjkkHuNpI8LKALnOVdxmcOggz4zzW4jnZxfVKDCQMcnlzLiq99uVKq7NJOs8Ide_FMP-eelawjYMuDf-rMHw1-6mqFUc01RJwmGtNGXQYC9acLQ/s1600/z11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVqarOiDAgCu3ZXQsYs-nLzpQ-sM0kjkkHuNpI8LKALnOVdxmcOggz4zzW4jnZxfVKDCQMcnlzLiq99uVKq7NJOs8Ide_FMP-eelawjYMuDf-rMHw1-6mqFUc01RJwmGtNGXQYC9acLQ/s640/z11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The staff of Casa del Sol with Sonja<br />
Ashley (next to Sonja) and her team - you guys rocked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Later that evening Hugh and I spent time with Johnny and Sonja and we lit the traditional candles.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
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<br />
As the day came to an end it became time to reflect on this day, World MSA Awareness Day 3 October 2015 and the purpose of it all. I quote Sonja's own words 2 years ago which was read out then.<br />
<br />
"<br />
<ol start="1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ultimately we hope that awareness will lead to funding for research to find a cure for the disease.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can testify to the lack of knowledge of this disease in the medical and care professions. Awareness and dissemination of information can lead to better service to patients and better understanding and treatment of their unique problems.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
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<ol start="3" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As patients we feel less hopeless and helpless when we are actively involved and contributing towards a more positive outcome for the disease.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ol>
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<ol start="4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also hope that our awareness campaigns will draw the attention of South African patients to join us. These bonds with other patients and their families strengthen us and enable us to form a more united front. I pray that we will one day be strong enough to form an organisation for the support so desperately needed by MSA patients and their families."</span></i></li>
</ol>
<div>
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Great success has been achieved with regards to no 4. Because of Sonja's relentless and selfless efforts to reach out to other patients and carers, despite her own deteriorating limitations, special bonds have been formed. I could see it in the eyes of Liebet, Dominique and Linda when they met Sonja and now also each other. There was an immediate bond of true understanding and love. <br />
<br />
Sonja's loving and dedicated care by Johnny and her carers, in my opinion, are factors that enable her to stay positive and motivated to continue to reach out. Two years ago the heading of the blog she was able to still write herself said: <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.co.za/2013/10/a-candle-loses-nothing-by-lighting.html" target="_blank">"A candle loses nothing by lighting another"</a><br />
<br />
Little does she realize that she herself has become the candle whose light will never die but continue to spread. <br />
<br />
I am blessed to call her my friend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsr6NvylgH14A1RU08aQtwfCHJ96vbyEy6C8mXy_I15Et0sJdqeGKRP27aSo-7BYiLIBjWFyTJi6mELLs-3sTrmqn4YByrodKA99oe8e-u_vEvEbuwIoyVzV2WXSPiNvcfXEh9HQStDA/s1600/sonja+karin+evening+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsr6NvylgH14A1RU08aQtwfCHJ96vbyEy6C8mXy_I15Et0sJdqeGKRP27aSo-7BYiLIBjWFyTJi6mELLs-3sTrmqn4YByrodKA99oe8e-u_vEvEbuwIoyVzV2WXSPiNvcfXEh9HQStDA/s640/sonja+karin+evening+candles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired but content. The end to a perfect day. </td></tr>
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<i>I have no answers now</i></div>
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<i>But this much I can say</i></div>
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<i>I know I'll need her 'till the stars all burn away</i></div>
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<i>And she'll be there'</i><br />
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Thanks to my dear and loyal friend, <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a>, for most of the beautiful photos on this blog, love Sonja<br />
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Two patients from Alberton, Sharon Boshoff and Linda du Toit van Heerden organised a walk there, this their team.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon and her daughters with stunning candle display</td></tr>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-32537376524668463952015-07-20T02:39:00.000-07:002017-01-10T07:59:42.745-08:00MSA - THE LOST LAYERS OF CIPOLLINA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Al mio caro Cipollone</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There once was a lady who frequently went
to the gym. She was a fitness and health fanatic. A man of Italian descent
chatted to her, he told her he was training to walk the Camino Santiago in
Spain. Being a hiker herself, this sparked her interest. The man intended his Camino
to be a religious pilgrimage, but If he touched on religious matters, the lady
would warily eye him, she was there for a workout, not for a sermon. At
that stage she and her family had stopped going to church, and her faith had started
to wane.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The man, who was 69 years old, wrote a book
about his 800 kilometre pilgrimage when he returned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With time their friendship grew.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By the time the lady was diagnosed with an incurable
degenerative disease, Multiple System Atrophy, she realized only God could walk
her through this fire. Her friend, a sage, became one of her spiritual advisers. They
soon discovered they share a love for the same music, and had similar life
philosophies. When he told her about his interesting family history during
World War 11, she said he had as many interesting layers as an onion.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He said he would call her Cipollina (little onion), and said from then on she should address him as Cipollone (big onion). And that is what we</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">called each other to this day.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Cipollina started losing her layers.
First she lost the layers of dancer, gym instructor, and hiker.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OSBravlI4QEXNOPERZUd7q_zDddtRmWw0F9YlA-wQGMnrbBiLc1QyJ4CO7k6xDZlRcibro5CK5g1D9tQuWtdkATrpKEFh7aXFWl7jNFa2G_MDnAi2bA3wImSi2Z3ctpqmfaKe5T3N9xz/s1600/Walvis+Roete+2007+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OSBravlI4QEXNOPERZUd7q_zDddtRmWw0F9YlA-wQGMnrbBiLc1QyJ4CO7k6xDZlRcibro5CK5g1D9tQuWtdkATrpKEFh7aXFWl7jNFa2G_MDnAi2bA3wImSi2Z3ctpqmfaKe5T3N9xz/s640/Walvis+Roete+2007+058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Whale trail 2007</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As time went by
Cipollina became less proficient at housekeeping. The hostess who loved to cook
and bake disappeared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The Cipollina who was interested in current affairs died
when she lost the ability to page through the newspaper. When her boys come to
visit, this Cipollina can no longer treat them with baked goods or special
dishes, they have to cook for her now. Gone was Cipollina the gardener, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25615Nvf_uo-2il9G6M95wSxILE1nlax-CLdVvIziTty89cYT89Nt7R6xS7fEH_w55LiTRodLBb9KYDl9-dQgsw7Gadi09nOeKYmHm4LLI8Vk6Co8XkPFpdaWWWks2k7xBZJrkWySUeKt/s1600/IMGP0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25615Nvf_uo-2il9G6M95wSxILE1nlax-CLdVvIziTty89cYT89Nt7R6xS7fEH_w55LiTRodLBb9KYDl9-dQgsw7Gadi09nOeKYmHm4LLI8Vk6Co8XkPFpdaWWWks2k7xBZJrkWySUeKt/s640/IMGP0366.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the Cipollina who was the planner and traveller to faraway places, went with her.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXOD7-C1QsDt0SP-Q2aBkef3b8J-cLFHjBXv4Y5EnxbxtAA6UotXkzIoCCp3t0NnICwfp1ep8lewH9cdwFmSlGZrCU5L_ioECoiT1fLMKhYGn6Ib-80dWx10NygRffi5nWPRNPOrymJQq/s1600/IMGP0710trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXOD7-C1QsDt0SP-Q2aBkef3b8J-cLFHjBXv4Y5EnxbxtAA6UotXkzIoCCp3t0NnICwfp1ep8lewH9cdwFmSlGZrCU5L_ioECoiT1fLMKhYGn6Ib-80dWx10NygRffi5nWPRNPOrymJQq/s640/IMGP0710trim.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epupa Falls, Kunene river, on the northern border of Namibia</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where Cipollina took care of others in the past, carers now take care of
her of every need. Her curriculum vitae is blank. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stripped from all protective layers, with no more social titles, she asks;"Is my life worth anything?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her Heavenly Father answers" I paid for you with my
Son, therefore your life has inestimable value my child."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 6:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"You were bought at a price."</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-80654196965097441942015-06-16T08:28:00.000-07:002017-01-10T08:00:31.537-08:00INNER GARDEN - MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I recently read 'The Secret Garden' I
was enthralled by the idea of such a garden. In fact, I then remembered that my
brother and I had discovered a secret garden when we were little. Hidden behind
the row houses opposite our childhood home, we it discovered it by accident.
Through hole in the fence we ventured inquisitively through dense trees that
opened into what, to child like eyes seemed like magical faerie world.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Groomed to perfection, it was the grass table and chairs that first drew our attention. Held together by chicken wire with trimmed lawn growing through the wire, I felt like Alice
in Wonderland as I sat down on the chairs for an imaginary cup of tea. Taking
in the peaceful surroundings, we were so enthralled that by the time we noticed
the owner, it was to late to escape. She
turned out to be a friendly old lady, and invited us to come visit her garden
any time we felt like it. Although she was not able to keep the garden in the
beautifully groomed condition it once was, we had our wedding photos taken
there years later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqzreubsiUrb3FCAylhAGH5TGT-UwXLD3dpwlkgaOXUJEjwgMM4fjdEF9P7JN8GQmslWP3j2XQ01YPD59gbNAptM1UjRgv_arGdlXdOs_nPzDvawL1bxCCau11iouP4RUaAHbSouB5ia6/s1600/Copy+of+troufoto+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqzreubsiUrb3FCAylhAGH5TGT-UwXLD3dpwlkgaOXUJEjwgMM4fjdEF9P7JN8GQmslWP3j2XQ01YPD59gbNAptM1UjRgv_arGdlXdOs_nPzDvawL1bxCCau11iouP4RUaAHbSouB5ia6/s400/Copy+of+troufoto+-+Copy.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1974</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Multiple System Atrophy is causing constant
degeneration, and I have to face the fact that <a href="http://brainblogger.com/2015/02/06/locked-in-syndrome-consciously-voiceless-and-paralyzed/" target="_blank">'Locked in Syndrome '</a>might be in my future. Although this might happen any time soon, I need time to prepare myself, to create a space I would like to be in.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Walled in my inability to communicate, my
inner space will be a garden where I can spend time with God.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shall weed out all prejudice and keep an eye on racism to make
sure it doesn't grow back. The ugly, tree called Impatience will have to go, it
blocks the sun and nothing grows under it. I'll order truckloads of Patience to
fertilise the garden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will sow tiny mustard seeds of faith and
watch it grow into a tree big enough so
the birds of the air come build their nests in its branches. Instead of the
thorn bush the cypress will come up, instead of the nettle the myrtle will come
up. It will be a memorial to the Lord, an everlasting sign that will not be cut
off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bushes of love will be nurtured to flower abundantly, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There will be plenty of forget-me-nots;</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forget not to be thankful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forget not find to be joyful</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forget not God's gift of grace to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forget not the Lord loves me just as I am.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shall sow plenty seeds as according to St
Francis of Assisi in his peace prayer; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Where there is hatred, let me sow
love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where there is injury, pardon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where there is doubt, faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is despair, hope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where there is darkness, light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where there is sadness, joy"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope to see plenty of the plants I
admire, those that seed themselves in the paving and cement, and bloom despite their
adverse conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At peace I will bask in the warm glow of my
Heavenly Father's glorious love and grace, and just be, knowing that is all He
ever expected anything more than that from me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaiah 30:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"In quietness and trust is your
strength"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurerette</a> </span>kindly allowed access to her vast library of beautiful photos. Thank you my friend, I ap<span style="font-family: inherit;"> preciate</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image of forget-me-nots from the internet.</span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-58925774526635196742015-04-16T06:14:00.000-07:002017-01-10T08:03:33.857-08:00A CONVERSATION WITH GOD = MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My body shudders with spasms. This has been going on for days. Struck down by what the neurologist diagnosed as<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystonia" target="_blank"> Dystonia</a>. The prescribed medication seem ineffective to control the current attack. I am disappointed. Johnny, who took the day off to take me out to lunch, now we will have to cancel our reservation. This was going to be the celebration of our 41st anniversary.<br />
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Desperate, I decide to self-medicate and use something that seemed to help before. An hour later I struggle to keep my eyes open. Without the necessary concentration levels to read, I lie in front of the television, going in and out of a dream-like state. My nervous system seem to suffer a sensory overload, the daylight is too bright, even with closed eyes. I'm aware of Johnny hopping through the sport channels.<br />
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Any loud noises from the television, brings on another vicious attack. My legs kick out in a spasm over which I have no control for a couple of seconds, but I remain fully aware during the disagreeable duration.<br />
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Clawing my way to peer over the edge of awareness, I remember that day this drug seemed to help, instantly wide awake, I realise it couldn't have been the drug, or it would have helped now. I smile: "That was you God! You knew that was a big day for me, You took care of me whilst I thought it was the drug. I get it Lord. I only need to ask and trust you. You care, even about the little details of my life. Thank you Lord." God is silent. I imagine Him smiling at my epiphany.<br />
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The next morning I awoke without any spasms. I check with Johnny if I really saw an elephant on television break away from its mahout, to go on a rampage killing several and injury about two dozen. He says; "yes". I check with him whether I really saw a flock of seagulls flew into race horses at full speed, causing the horses to buck, leaving buck a field of dead and injured jockeys in their wake. He says; "yes". It wasn't a drug infused dream. It was real.<br />
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Psalm 37: 5<br />
Commit your way to the Lord,<br />
Trust in Him, and He will do this<br />
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Matthew 21:22<br />
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer<br />
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-60419344937390859302015-02-16T03:38:00.000-08:002017-01-10T08:15:51.641-08:00APPOINTMENTS WITH THE NEUROLOGIST> UROLOGIST> OPTHALMOLOGIST - MSA SOUTH AFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had to cancel the June appointment with the neurologist because it was no longer possible to transfer from the wheelchair to a car seat. Thankfully we had been able to acquire another vehicle and had it modified by local engineering company, <a href="http://www.easydrivewc.co.za/" target="_blank">Easy Drive,</a> for direct access with for a wheelchair via ramp. With some branding, the "SISSI BISSI" now also acts as a tool to create awareness for MSA. My new wheelchair can tilt to put me in a more comfortable position when Pisa syndrome causes me to lean like the famous tower. As I now flop forward as well, the name Twin Towers syndrome come to mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was the 12th of December, more than a year since my last appointment, when I was wheeled into the neurologist consulting rooms. Despite the constant degeneration, I had seen the GP only once in 2014 and that for a flu vaccination. I wonder if it's just luck, or due to the expert advice from my health consultant and dear friend, Prof Nola Dippenaar from <a href="http://www.healthinsight.co.za/www/" target="_blank">Health Insight</a>. She gave me some sound health advice and recommended some supplements, which I take daily without fail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we recently went to the bank to give Johnny power of attorney over my accounts, two bank officials came out to car to check if I was compos mentis, and wanted me to sign the document. I gave it my best shot, but the result looked like the effort of an inept pre-schooler. I can't write any longer, but thankfully there is technology to help with some of my short comings.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dBLvNPqs_K0obIxKWq1idMPUTs5HKBsahOS1WpIItdl9omk6qBy5jY0dLKLogy1TGCTavMdjX4lCidZ7sYSniFKVyRxih89Mz20bUKSYNHbeN1QRW63YOPx3_4B1N90dLF626bVH7wxw/s1600/10885251_10152897806467040_1454979537895627891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dBLvNPqs_K0obIxKWq1idMPUTs5HKBsahOS1WpIItdl9omk6qBy5jY0dLKLogy1TGCTavMdjX4lCidZ7sYSniFKVyRxih89Mz20bUKSYNHbeN1QRW63YOPx3_4B1N90dLF626bVH7wxw/s1600/10885251_10152897806467040_1454979537895627891_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> When my old technology cell phone broke, we replaced it this double duty tablet which I use in a reclined position to write.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It had been two years since I've lost the ability to walk, the cause being <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebellar_ataxia" target="_blank">cellebelar ataxia.</a> This ataxia has been slowly claiming the use of my hands during the past year. The left hand curls inwards in a spasm like a broken wing, and is practically unusable. The right hand is still okay. I need more help with everything I do. Some menial tasks, for example, taking the lid off a lipstick and turning it out, have become impossible, so when you see me dressed up sitting in my chair, know that it takes the best part of two hours and the help of my devoted carers to get me there. A second carer joined the team in December since Johnny has hurt his back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had increasing trouble with constipation, which always results in urinary retention. The neurologist recommend using gliserine suppositories twice weekly as a regular regime, but a tip from a friend had me try another option; a cocktail of Fybogel and Movicol twice weekly takes care of the problem currently. For the rest of the week I take Fybogel only. This solution came by experimenting, and I suspect we'll have to be adjusted the recipe in the future. I wonder at what stage this lack of bowel movement can be called <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis" target="_blank">gastroparesis</a>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I complained about my deteriorating</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">eyesight and dry eyes, and asked for a referral to an opthalm</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ologist. He thought it was time to see a urologist. So off I went with referals to both, but determined to enjoy the holidays with my family first. My son Loubi had taken me to consultation, and my other sonChris and Lukasz were expected soon. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left back;Chris,Loubser,Lukasz,and Lilian,with Johnny and me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was with some trepidation Johnny and I left for the appointment with the urologist, wondering if he would expect me to transfer to his table to be scanned, or expect me to produce a urine sample impromtu. But the most difficult part of that appointment was negotiating wheelchair around the tight corners into his rooms. Because the wheelchair can tilt, he was able to scan both the bladder and the kidneys in the chair. He was happy with both. After questioning on my medications, he suggested I change two; he declared the antidepressant, prescribed by the pain specialist the previous year, unsuitable as it interferes with the working of the smooth bladder muscles. He changed me back to the one I previously used, the one that gives me the appetite of a race horse and makes me sleep like a dog, unfortunately the little movement I have left is that of a sloth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He was concerned that the medication I take to alleviate incontinence was worsening urinary retention, but with my promise that I'll inform him if it worsens, he prescribed another more suitable medication for incontinence. Frankly at this point I prefer dealing with the retention problem rather than the incontinence one. Taking ample fluids seem to help. My last fear was dispelled when he handed me a sample jar, saying that patients sometimes have urinary tract infections without any symptoms. The sample was taken to his rooms and test results were negative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At the opthalmologist Johnny had to help me transfer to his chair with all the opthalmic paraphernalia. I'm sure Bach's music playing in his rooms must have had calming effect on me. Besides needing new spectacles, he said that MSA had affected my eyelids <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162368.php" target="_blank">(more ataxia)</a>, causing them to wink less often and incomplete, resulting in dry eyes. The layer of tears act as a lens, and without it, not only vision is comprised, but ulcers form on the cornea. He prescribed drops to use 4x per day, and a 'thicker' drop (higher viscosity) for use at bedtime. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two weeks later I woke up with a headache and cold fever. After struggling with urinary retention the previous evening, I immediately suspected it was a urinary tract infection. As it was Sunday, I sent Johnny to GP's rooms with a urine sample and my suspicion was confirmed; my first UTÌ since my diagnosis in September 2010.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The maintenance of the temporary vehicle of my soul seem to be a full time job, the dentist is next on my list.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 Cor 5:1 </span></i></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-indent: 25px;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. </span></i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you to my dear friend<a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank"> Laurette van der Merwe</a> for capturing the most precious memories in my life. All my love.</i></span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-71464953240096858832015-01-12T08:16:00.001-08:002017-01-10T08:16:42.183-08:00THROUGH THE FIRE- MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY IN SOUTH AFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I
dedicate this blog to my friends, Ermanno Aiello, Paul Barnard, and Hugh
Holtzhausen, whom have given me spiritual guidance since my diagnosis. Thank
you for keeping me in your prayers.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am using
the photos of my talented friend,<a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank"> Laurette</a> van der Merwe, to tell my story.
Thank you Laurette for giving me the freedom to choose from your vast library
of beautiful photos.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some words are mine, most are directly from His Word. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the 16th
of April 2011 a controlled fire got out of hand in the wind and very quickly
was blown out of control. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After
being diagnosed with MSA on 6 September 2010 I became overwhelmed by fear. There was
no getting away from this consuming fire of MSA. No treatment, no cure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm
116:3</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">The cords of death entangled me, </span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB">the anguish of the grave came over me; </span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB">I was overcome by distress and sorrow.</span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our beautiful
valley was filled with dark clouds of suffocating smoke. Windows and doors had
to be closed for the soot that rained
down for days. It looked like an end of the world scene; Armageddon had
arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My life
was full of darkness, I was without hope. In that first year my prayer was
mostly a desperate plea; <b><i>“Please help me God.” <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jonah
2:2</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. </span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB">From deep in the realm of the dead I called
for help, and You listened to my cry</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 John
1:5</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God is Light; in Him there is no darkness
at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some animals
tried to flee from the fire to safety.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where
would I find a safe place to hide?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm
32:7</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">You are my hiding place; You will protect
me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Firefighting
units from all over were called in to help control the fire, which was
threatening properties and farms. The sound of water-carrying helicopters was
heard for days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who
would come to rescue me? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>2
Timothy 4:18</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord will rescue me from every evil
attack and will bring me safely to His Heavenly Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many
areas were gutted by the fire. Especially our beautiful indigenous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fynbos" target="_blank">fynbos</a> on the slopes of our mountain in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The reserve had been a
favourite place since my teenage years. A group of us used to cycle there to sit
and chat in the shade of the trees. When our boys were small, we often walked
with them, and when they tired, they would hitch a ride on their Dad's shoulders.
As adults they walked ahead of their ever lagging Mom up there. Seeing our beloved
mountain reserve engulfed by fire was heart breaking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where would I find the courage to rise out of the ashes of my life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where would life lead from here?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Deutronomony
31:6</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Be
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them </i>(MSA)<i>, for
the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God had
taken my hand long before I became aware of Him, to walk with me through the
fire. He does so every day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Isaiah
43:2b</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you walk through the fire, you will
not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Out of
the burnt landscape of my life l was reborn. As on the mountain, signs of
new growth began to appear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>2 Corinthians
5:17</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new Creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had found
hope again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 Peter
1:3</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through
His promises I found peace in the knowledge that I am in His care.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Matthew
6:26-30 abbreviated </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>26: Look at the birds of the air; they do
not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much more valuable than they?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">30: If that is how God clothes the grass of
the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He
not much more clothe you—you of little faith? <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spring
came, and on the 28th of October of that year Laurette and I had the privilege
to travel up the mountain with two conservationists of the reserve in their
Landy. I was amazed that they had <a href="http://www.fynboshub.co.za/fynbos-and-fire/" target="_blank">welcomed the fire</a>. It not only rid the veld
of dead and bushy growth, <b><i>some seeds, in fact, need the heat of a fire
to germinate. </i></b>The veld had recovered and flowers, especially my
favourite Watsonias, were in full bloom. A most glorious sight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My
trust is in Him, who knows what He has planned for my life.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jeremiah
29:11</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>2
Corinthians 5:1</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For we know that if the earthly tent we
live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven,
not built by human hands.</span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Living
fearlessly is a joy.</span></span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-60398230508829709982014-11-06T03:14:00.000-08:002017-01-10T08:27:14.245-08:00MY PILGRIMAGE - MSA IN SOUTH AFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dedicated to my friends and loved ones, and my MSA </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">buddies.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phooto by Sissi Karin Holtzhausen</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The road is difficult, full of hills and valleys, a desolate desert
where many sorrows lurk. I have been
privileged to meet many fellow travellers on this road of adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Some have gone ahead. They have dug wells where I can quench
my thirst (for knowledge). They have planted oases (of wisdom) where I find
peace and momentary rest. They are precious jewels who pave my way with wisdom-arrows
to point me in the right direction.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyXf3t1i5PxtUcS_M-AQKOBndimmhZG8Qhx5hoDNc1J8Tw5Q7g0ycD_K5f3PeiTDjrOrU1N7lI5El7W0G_Z3IsuuzeLSqewqV02goRWEobIPGOdSYzhPJ0lg6D0TabXX4DIGwy5bXWzzh/s1600/DSC00556+(2)%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyXf3t1i5PxtUcS_M-AQKOBndimmhZG8Qhx5hoDNc1J8Tw5Q7g0ycD_K5f3PeiTDjrOrU1N7lI5El7W0G_Z3IsuuzeLSqewqV02goRWEobIPGOdSYzhPJ0lg6D0TabXX4DIGwy5bXWzzh/s1600/DSC00556+(2)%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by my dear friend Susan on the Camino in 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They inspire me with the courage with which
they travel along the precipitous ledges. With the endurance of rock climbers,
they hang on the rocks despite the depth of the valley lurking below. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Some have travelled the road of adversity with a family member,
a friend. They console me with kindness that comes from a deeper understanding.
Loyal friends are supportive angels (surely sent by God) on my pilgrimage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I get hope from those who cope despite being severely
challenged. They give me hope that we too will make it through the darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Some provide me with breathtaking opportunities of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjYJWajVxzN0eK1k7SxpT7fBSLMCGFGOgS0mbjd-_eU8UdaY0XMoZ58iVyQkABNRZjrrr4vWaTBOLID4QfbvGe4QehH2-Fj-ZtyBEoac5JWvcz1YdT9UditavTA1QF5SR0DrD-8iAWYeR/s1600/10628255_1537359753144458_5492359431449140939_n+-+Copy+(2)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjYJWajVxzN0eK1k7SxpT7fBSLMCGFGOgS0mbjd-_eU8UdaY0XMoZ58iVyQkABNRZjrrr4vWaTBOLID4QfbvGe4QehH2-Fj-ZtyBEoac5JWvcz1YdT9UditavTA1QF5SR0DrD-8iAWYeR/s1600/10628255_1537359753144458_5492359431449140939_n+-+Copy+(2)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The currant cover of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.for.MSA" target="_blank">Art for MSA</a> by Liebet Marie Jooste.The art on this page inspires me and is a continual source of joy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzkdZ5zNyJLcmPPCozNwDNkI5vjbX5DhacGRwOSbk6s6ub3XTfoVrOnyarttGSn92wtNbgCnjRiSiRINxjUhc0O-o-WPEdwAoK_9cnvETN60862pbK39T7T3cZqtaA4Vaa-hYLi3X9XfJ/s1600/2014-09-23+16+08+01+(3)%2B-%2BCopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzkdZ5zNyJLcmPPCozNwDNkI5vjbX5DhacGRwOSbk6s6ub3XTfoVrOnyarttGSn92wtNbgCnjRiSiRINxjUhc0O-o-WPEdwAoK_9cnvETN60862pbK39T7T3cZqtaA4Vaa-hYLi3X9XfJ/s1600/2014-09-23+16+08+01+(3)%2B-%2BCopy.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting amongst the flowers on a joy-filled outing with Sissi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through this pilgrimage I have been purified of judgement. I
have walked the way of forgiveness. In the dark valleys I grow upward towards
The Light. I have found a place the hide
from the storms; a safe Rock.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From a momentary height I glimpse the Life-giving river that wend
its way ahead. I turn around to see the many turns, hills, and valleys of the
road that brought me here. Those hills seem small and distant. This is a
pilgrimage. The valley of darkness is a temporary place. Not my final destination. I press on towards
The Eternal Life-giving river ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">2 Cor 4:
16-18</span></i><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are
being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving
for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on
what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what
is unseen is eternal.</span></i></span></h2>
</div>
</div>
MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-3008638941993312902014-10-12T12:43:00.000-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.732-08:00TOGETHER WE CAN - MSA Awareness - Walk or Cycle & light a Candle for MSA - 3 October 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The recent <a href="http://world-msa-day.org/World-MSA-Day/WALK_-_CYCLE_for_MSA..html" target="_blank">Walk or Cycle & Light a candle for MSA,</a> 3 October 2014, took place for the fourth time at Strand beach, in South Africa. Below is Sonja's speech which she asked Hugh to read on her behalf, adding a few thoughts of his own. But let's start with a picture - things always start well with a great picture I reckon. Here we all are, ready to set off with Sonja on our 4th Walk for MSA - here in South Africa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqM5hRZdXf1ei8pM_2ki76TqPvX0d44KahdizQkish_Fv4lGcP6ZQigyQNvFwbnLXTKdlRODxvgKQHSZMMtM3QlSWbRY2VDmoN6faj6q3q-lkHrt3liM98Noyf2qzBnwL-AHH4Kf-ljI/s1600/msa+group+2+casa+del+sol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqM5hRZdXf1ei8pM_2ki76TqPvX0d44KahdizQkish_Fv4lGcP6ZQigyQNvFwbnLXTKdlRODxvgKQHSZMMtM3QlSWbRY2VDmoN6faj6q3q-lkHrt3liM98Noyf2qzBnwL-AHH4Kf-ljI/s1600/msa+group+2+casa+del+sol.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 - 3 October. 4th MSA Walk for MSA Awareness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sonja's speech:</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">TOGETHER WE CAN</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Because my left leg tends to
out-perform me when I speak in public, I let my friend, Hugh Holtzhausen,
introduce himself and thank him for reading my speech on my
behalf.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hugh says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Hi everybody and welcome.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>I would just like to open with a short prayer.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Dear Lord,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>We thank you for this wonderful day and we thank you that you
have brought us all safely together here today.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>We thank you for the blessing of Sonja as she ministers her faith and positive attitude to all of us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>We ask that Sonja can lean on you as you guide her to fulfil
the plans you have for her till Your will is done.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>We pray this in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Every year it is my pleasure to present Sonja’ words to all of
you.</i></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Everytime I read Sonjas’ blog or her speech I choke up so be
prepared for some pauses while I collect myself again. </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But please do not mistake my emotion for sorrow for Sonja. It is sorrow for you and me that take life and movement so much for granted and who complain about such petty things when compared to what Sonja and all sufferers of M.S.A. and other debilitating diseases have to go through. </i></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sonja's speech continues:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A warm welcome and thank you to all
who came out to support us today. How we have grown in numbers from our first
humble effort in 2011! Numbers are however of no consequence when measured
against those who have become our friends over the years. Thank you to the McDonalds, the other MSA family here in
the Strand, who honour us with their support every year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This year we extended the invitation to others
with rare disorders. It thus gives me great pleasure to welcome the following
special guests; Nanette Fourie and her husband Neil Malan. Nanette has Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome, and this brave lady is one of the artists who
contributed to our project, Art for MSA. I know how difficult it must have been for
you to get here, and therefore
appreciate it that you found a way to roll along with us today. Thank you.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the fourth year we are
blessed to reach out and hold hands with others across the globe through this
action on international MSA Day, called; <b><i>Walk or Cycle & light a Candle for MSA</i></b><i> </i>. This affords us an incredible sense
of oneness with patients and their families around the world. The aim today is
to, together with others worldwide, cover the distance around the globe. The
Belgium lady, Ritje Schouppe-Moons, </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">who started this awareness project, has the following quote on her
website;</span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Lau Tzu.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe all steps taken today will
eventually lead, not only to better understanding of such disorders, but
eventually to the ultimate goal; </span><b style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">a cure
for MSA and similar disorders.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As if being diagnosed with a rare
disease is not enough, those fortunate to have medical insurance soon find
themselves coming up against a wall created by law and misused as a loop hole
medical aids; our rare conditions are not on the list of chronic conditions, and
therefore we cannot get any of our very necessary medication registered as
chronic. This leads to frustration when you most need their support. I believe
in this country I only hope is for all of those with rare disorders to form a
united front to get the law changed. This is the reason I extended today’s
invitation to others with rare conditions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have little chance to achieve
anything by myself, but with the united help of my friends, and your friends,
and their friends, who knows what we can achieve! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A recent big birthday, as well
the fact the it is now four years since my diagnosis, caused me to reflect on
the last couple of years to see not only the struggle, but also the many blessings
it brought. I praise and thank the Lord, whose plan is always best.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thank my Sissi, Karin
Holtzhausen, for organising this event, and my friend Susan Albertyn for all
her help. <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a>, I thank you for recording my life through your beautiful
photography. Thank you to my husband Johnny, my loyal wingman. This disorder is
not mine alone, but has become his and my family’s too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thank you to the staff
of </span></span><a href="http://www.casa-del-sol.co.za/" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Casa del Sol</a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> for once again hosting our event. Thank you to Johan Cillie of </span></span><a href="http://www.easydrivewc.co.za/index.html" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Easy Drive</a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Western Cape for the great job done on my wheelchair accessible
vehicle. Without the SissiBissi I </span></span><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">wouldn't</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> be here today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many friends of friends here today. People whom I’ve
never met. Please come and introduce yourself if you’d like to and tell me what
inspired you to support us today. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions about MS<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">A</span>; I am, through God, more than my physical
failing body.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You are invited to come and light a candle for all patients worldwide
as well as those who have lost their
battle in the past. To make admin easier for the staff here, we’ll send
our tin around for coffee money , and Johnny will settle the account. Karin
also organised some cake, so please help yourself. It us our thank you treat to you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you, once again, for your support. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfEpMQrU3n0dbfBv63tvfoIa28dsr3ZxywTWH09j-PgZ5KGlqRG7od7ybzLG6mvYattewVQG6IaEZHFFq4EhK2e2KanGNi0fGLHN9s4xxpGTxvGpZE8ABFLsyHlUOQ2t8w1jA48AsVq0/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfEpMQrU3n0dbfBv63tvfoIa28dsr3ZxywTWH09j-PgZ5KGlqRG7od7ybzLG6mvYattewVQG6IaEZHFFq4EhK2e2KanGNi0fGLHN9s4xxpGTxvGpZE8ABFLsyHlUOQ2t8w1jA48AsVq0/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0027.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the walk. More photo's lower down</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Karin continues with blog article, reflecting on the day:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was, yet again, another good day. Every year we stand amazed at the people that arrive to support Sonja and this year was no exception. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Four years ago, on 20 September 2011 I composed a little email which Sonja and I sent to friends. It began like this:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Monday, October 3, 2011. 10.00 am – 12.00 pm. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">On this day it is World MSA Day - Light a Candle / </span><span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204); color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Walk</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> a Mile.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Most of you know that my friend Sonja van Rhyn has a rare and incurable condition called MSA and we have created a page and a blog as part of an awareness campaign.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">I'm talking Sonja for a </span><span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204); color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">walk</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> along </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204); color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Strand</span><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Beach</span><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> on World MSA day. Would you care to join us?"</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">We nervously joked with each other - what if nobody came? In the rest of the world MSA Awareness campaigns were huge, well supported and recognized far and wide. In South Africa if you typed in Multiple System Atrophy even google shrugged its shoulders. Perhaps Sonja can remember better than me why we pursued - because at times we felt a little silly waving this unknown flag of awareness. Why should we carry on? Questions and doubt threatened to cloud our enthusiasm. What if we look crazy? What if it's just the two of us? What if it rains? What if it flops? What if, what if, what if? With all these doubts dominating our thoughts, I have no idea why we carried on but I'm certainly glad we did. Anyway - we walked our first walk, about 30 altogether.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">We have come a long way since then. Although we were about between 60 and 70 (here in the Strand) this year - we had another group walking in Gauteng as well as another in Kwa-zulu Natal - bringing our numbers to over a 100.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Numbers are important - but in my opinion this is by no means a true reflection number-wise of who have been reached over the past four years and I would not be able to give you a proper figure at all. What I CAN tell you with certainty though, is that we probably have no idea how many hundreds of people have been reached and touched in some way or other, since these humble beginnings of awareness. Sonja's blog post after last year's walk, perhaps has the perfect caption to explain the reason for this growth: "a candle loses nothing by lighting another".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">This growth in awareness has not been due to money, publicity or bold advertising. To come back to the likeness of the candle; like one single candle lighting another, which in turn lights another, which then lights another and so on, and eventually shifting from a glimmering glow to continued illumination - slowly but surely - MSA awareness has grown and will continue to grow in South Africa and world wide. So also will our hopes and dreams continue to grow with that illumination to find a cure for Multiple System Atrophy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Four years later, it's 3rd October once again. We were still riding the wave of the <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2014/09/kwela-kyknet-multiple-system-atrophy-on.html" target="_blank">TV program with Kwêla</a> which was aired the week before. In our opinion this has been an absolute highlight for MSA awareness in this country. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja, Karin with Johnny (TV Presenter for Kwêla) and the crew of Homebrew Films during the filming of the program.<br />
(Note Lillian peeping into the corner left of photo) :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Less than a week later, another highlight - our annual walk at Strand beach. </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Familiar faces, friends, old and new, gathered for this event that had now become a tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;">A strong south-easterly wind set the scene for the the first group who set off punctually at 9.15 on the first leg of the walk.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group 1 all smiles - gathering with Karin (2nd from right kneeling) before setting off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braving the strong south-easter - Group 1 set of on the first leg of the walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurry along! Jogging to catch up with the first group</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, behind the scenes. The staff of </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/casadelsolstrand" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Casa del Sol </a><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;">reported for duty earlier than usual to get things ready for us. Ashley, the new manager, proved her worth by attending to all the umpteenth requests that were hurled at her. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;">"Tables for candles; A table for the cake; 4 Jugs of juices - no make it 6; Coffee - only one coffee machine?; Make tea; Arrange emergency access in case wheelchairs / scooters don't fit through the turnstile glass entrance; Clear emergency access passages; Reserve parking for the SissiBissi; Arrange seating for 80 or 90 people - cozily; and get that darn wind to die down ...."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px; text-align: justify;">All this they did for us, in record time, with a smile - for the fourth time. Thank you Casa del Sol - you went more than the extra mile!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">The second group, including Sonja, arrived. More hugs and smiles as we got together with the first group that now returned to join us on the second leg of the walk. The wind abated a little before we all set off along the Strand beach </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">front - a lot of us sporting red T-shirts which had somehow became our signature colour for this day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Let's continue with photo's for the rest of the story. Thank you for reading this. By doing so, you too have become part of our dream to keep the candles of hope burning - burning for a cure for MSA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Please share our blog and our dream with someone today.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja arrived and waited for supporters to arrive - young to not so young</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja meeting new friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering of second group before setting off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting with friends - old and new</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The converted SissiBissi spreads the word whenever we go out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWKe6f_dN6fGb9b_LpqAoQJy7b1sN3zGa9MtFbvTH5FxC2rX1XQ8V2-u8TeyUzWitgLODarp-ZtDUNShe5KBsmlQLJwowFQdLJfSSVYSl1ePMNCjr3nTf7Xr5xCQA7T1VekB2zCgQjUQ/s1600/msa+group+2+casa+del+sol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWKe6f_dN6fGb9b_LpqAoQJy7b1sN3zGa9MtFbvTH5FxC2rX1XQ8V2-u8TeyUzWitgLODarp-ZtDUNShe5KBsmlQLJwowFQdLJfSSVYSl1ePMNCjr3nTf7Xr5xCQA7T1VekB2zCgQjUQ/s1600/msa+group+2+casa+del+sol.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group 1 and Group 2 before the second leg of our walk (Johnny kneeling next to Sonja and Susan kneeling next to Karin)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a_U4o7Ak2zGPdA2NLRQe4UGEla91Bf-LsL8HLaqYtu9i4TKA3Nm5t99MBdLsX6ziZK0PEXjnyewq3Z28SP3zIG1v0ts6UaTVazCcKlp5k1xuLVN8ub90hEgzhbOElPAyfZLRldc_X3E/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a_U4o7Ak2zGPdA2NLRQe4UGEla91Bf-LsL8HLaqYtu9i4TKA3Nm5t99MBdLsX6ziZK0PEXjnyewq3Z28SP3zIG1v0ts6UaTVazCcKlp5k1xuLVN8ub90hEgzhbOElPAyfZLRldc_X3E/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0026.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends took turns to wheel Sonja along</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP3Rt4fAUBfwGM7oKIfEQfPaklcLOIbWpS1i2tSM-7jBazlMLWN9HPSVx8B8lPD55rabX5TRzeSWx38stfH543pGw-fSBM6g1XL7sRMg6uDJqh_wx1KdtMCBuQwYMC75polRqb5f8fIs/s1600/20141003_104046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP3Rt4fAUBfwGM7oKIfEQfPaklcLOIbWpS1i2tSM-7jBazlMLWN9HPSVx8B8lPD55rabX5TRzeSWx38stfH543pGw-fSBM6g1XL7sRMg6uDJqh_wx1KdtMCBuQwYMC75polRqb5f8fIs/s1600/20141003_104046.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja, Geraldene and Jacqui behind the palm leaf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa3H53fWyr0n84PoVNP_CCbDye_RsX_bpWPew3HiEbWRVW1vvJ9YMMNdoIdX7_whvmOlXYRYrwfv7892wLJRHutIE91L3R5by83NrzYtYdcGrFGJkVkNZ7l_-sf3pBhK4oGqsZ98k_vs/s1600/group+2+msa+strand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa3H53fWyr0n84PoVNP_CCbDye_RsX_bpWPew3HiEbWRVW1vvJ9YMMNdoIdX7_whvmOlXYRYrwfv7892wLJRHutIE91L3R5by83NrzYtYdcGrFGJkVkNZ7l_-sf3pBhK4oGqsZ98k_vs/s1600/group+2+msa+strand.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the people in the photo walking for MSA Awareness</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHXzHS_9nEeTsg9jniwlHuKhT1Ze67ZEq75lWZkQm_XBNU0ogn7R6Y5z1IkcsPR6OSghU-zRgbZv4oNQfSBNCMp3iWX4xoR6graTF12oc9fcnuM6YEKfA9CtGTXep5zCIfRu9K-2VbAo/s1600/charlene+camino+walkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHXzHS_9nEeTsg9jniwlHuKhT1Ze67ZEq75lWZkQm_XBNU0ogn7R6Y5z1IkcsPR6OSghU-zRgbZv4oNQfSBNCMp3iWX4xoR6graTF12oc9fcnuM6YEKfA9CtGTXep5zCIfRu9K-2VbAo/s1600/charlene+camino+walkers.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6TbaFbXP270EeZYYshZxVIHuGOcOMJ2q5njd6ubTPR1ejbAxmADowwe1oSV8QqyvBpoKtuWqQHwD7Wlmiu3aE0yTsrMvZaTxGBLu8lpq5NrJq3CzW1Z0jxiiFzGfC9KH2h7cDHOXQPw/s1600/charlene+laurette+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6TbaFbXP270EeZYYshZxVIHuGOcOMJ2q5njd6ubTPR1ejbAxmADowwe1oSV8QqyvBpoKtuWqQHwD7Wlmiu3aE0yTsrMvZaTxGBLu8lpq5NrJq3CzW1Z0jxiiFzGfC9KH2h7cDHOXQPw/s1600/charlene+laurette+wall.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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If you see the name Laurette on a photo - that's the illusive photographer on the wall bravely trying to herd the walkers together for a group photo. Thank you once again Laurette - you do so much more than is expected. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxVCz1_74-zsVcgZDSBKlcUupa6q2lCf4PgXe1dtTdwPSEZ3vfj_wVLXLFBoFhs2muTUv1dxt0DqFVcMTTNZLSlkfuPyrXTUzGFowdl32t2yhi2HK3oRJuQBB809SgipKhvGhUZobixs/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxVCz1_74-zsVcgZDSBKlcUupa6q2lCf4PgXe1dtTdwPSEZ3vfj_wVLXLFBoFhs2muTUv1dxt0DqFVcMTTNZLSlkfuPyrXTUzGFowdl32t2yhi2HK3oRJuQBB809SgipKhvGhUZobixs/s1600/IMG-20141003-WA0014.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLY7vdzUt_oEHbsn2Vfo_jB_95c6aS7fVZAPVnzKY0FqDUnqiOynWkshhFehx-C0zdVg3tKzdr_l7MHEPXnMPV-mK5BYWlxsp1LwA9osXBf8sF3HFYWTwqpHa9TQVolDXc8d8NzlkpfI/s1600/msa+end+of+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLY7vdzUt_oEHbsn2Vfo_jB_95c6aS7fVZAPVnzKY0FqDUnqiOynWkshhFehx-C0zdVg3tKzdr_l7MHEPXnMPV-mK5BYWlxsp1LwA9osXBf8sF3HFYWTwqpHa9TQVolDXc8d8NzlkpfI/s1600/msa+end+of+walk.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk completed </td></tr>
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The walk completed, we gathered at Casa del Sol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMIhyZ8siA1fEWvn4iC7hG7PxWA6PvQLXPgSxrInhz7y6aluyrgFrIO2fDxirGXDyIN-zmHE_mGGJ8QKLepqOJIlGOmcjJhi2xizdtmIWbIFE915EqCqbdFmnYYk-rFEZt91UgOLBO4M/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+group+casa+speech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMIhyZ8siA1fEWvn4iC7hG7PxWA6PvQLXPgSxrInhz7y6aluyrgFrIO2fDxirGXDyIN-zmHE_mGGJ8QKLepqOJIlGOmcjJhi2xizdtmIWbIFE915EqCqbdFmnYYk-rFEZt91UgOLBO4M/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+group+casa+speech.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attentively listening while Hugh's talking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LdOGbZ_rTEPB43PNA3_Ek-5FCmxQFIfon8Iifm_c3jhYNDFDm5iCjNd8Jka4hYgoHeAIz55wihED8dT1HIe5906WneBvKQ1tFqtM_Xmq9r04hyvrCVv__vnM1aOm9haQAeRB-2c9A0E/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+group+casa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LdOGbZ_rTEPB43PNA3_Ek-5FCmxQFIfon8Iifm_c3jhYNDFDm5iCjNd8Jka4hYgoHeAIz55wihED8dT1HIe5906WneBvKQ1tFqtM_Xmq9r04hyvrCVv__vnM1aOm9haQAeRB-2c9A0E/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+group+casa.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicYzWTw2ddmZYapnIU_ORHHv0rqs2q_xlEYdXsZZfIGAGPBjusKe6T-yTO1Bt-B8VE791_Z5nkhAIGwqCA_uA3wJmY3IDYvUf4Rc3i1il6sreBPu-2a7kQLK1IjN7xgbh48MnX-To7-s/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+mcdonald+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicYzWTw2ddmZYapnIU_ORHHv0rqs2q_xlEYdXsZZfIGAGPBjusKe6T-yTO1Bt-B8VE791_Z5nkhAIGwqCA_uA3wJmY3IDYvUf4Rc3i1il6sreBPu-2a7kQLK1IjN7xgbh48MnX-To7-s/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+mcdonald+family.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loyal supporters<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr85D15-slH4SA2tlNKO_IecyMoiUqey1HKWuk5j2_HXCtG31hMhMnsZwcPepMVEtqtaX2ODUuWwx8seLaIUNyb2thnJhjOf6kdbmUQU7TtJCErU0rzzafgo0EckZhAHFyHY-u-Y5y-RY/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+emilene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr85D15-slH4SA2tlNKO_IecyMoiUqey1HKWuk5j2_HXCtG31hMhMnsZwcPepMVEtqtaX2ODUuWwx8seLaIUNyb2thnJhjOf6kdbmUQU7TtJCErU0rzzafgo0EckZhAHFyHY-u-Y5y-RY/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+emilene.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcopUzE8fvbg5ZqWc_Hj8srbfh2v2YykS6gJPOMcaMyZlLBx4J8lbhqgqSDZZud6YxrXIQ1tbSy1Bz3h_EQNwlpD7Noj6YMylMncV3-FId8R9ow0HpPIZPx9PxtLCz15mHp30nJpk2d4/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+ermanno+sonja+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcopUzE8fvbg5ZqWc_Hj8srbfh2v2YykS6gJPOMcaMyZlLBx4J8lbhqgqSDZZud6YxrXIQ1tbSy1Bz3h_EQNwlpD7Noj6YMylMncV3-FId8R9ow0HpPIZPx9PxtLCz15mHp30nJpk2d4/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+ermanno+sonja+kiss.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend Ermanno sharing a moment with Sonja</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N_sP8BUDMaBxWbcPEKgRzyGC50LUJUn-ZjPe3UHwBFcYEQqH9jWEqOizCSXEvQgBI71OReyQntCE8Qm_dQ1q1wzGKuMTrtruI2ZNK9YhN98DSTVXX1wmgE2wYNyJHll7A7zsVM9Zn6Y/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+sonja+johnny+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N_sP8BUDMaBxWbcPEKgRzyGC50LUJUn-ZjPe3UHwBFcYEQqH9jWEqOizCSXEvQgBI71OReyQntCE8Qm_dQ1q1wzGKuMTrtruI2ZNK9YhN98DSTVXX1wmgE2wYNyJHll7A7zsVM9Zn6Y/s1600/2014+msa+laurette+sonja+johnny+hands.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A carer, a companion, a confidante, a husband, a provider - Sonja with her Johnny</td></tr>
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Lighting the candles<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq2wHEM1fslvzadjvSswY-hivdQ5heApY7QUI-ystXaUY4vuAA3d60jFOTnJBmII28EGj5Dfgcr2LCB3MC5uJVDHV6JYEpbO9vZ7AAfJmz4XIOVC3fC7f5ngF_1WMEguBQqulGWVQ3Ds/s1600/20141003_114051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq2wHEM1fslvzadjvSswY-hivdQ5heApY7QUI-ystXaUY4vuAA3d60jFOTnJBmII28EGj5Dfgcr2LCB3MC5uJVDHV6JYEpbO9vZ7AAfJmz4XIOVC3fC7f5ngF_1WMEguBQqulGWVQ3Ds/s1600/20141003_114051.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candles lit for the many MSA friends - past and present. Johnny, Sonja & Karin</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7yG56pfaYKF-eNAzgAm8sKz81OVo6fzS8BN5yMOuA4W78ztveaY3RpZ5m71BikHJjXTuTLFbjlSLcXQJA0yoKgDqGMWEdY33ZuzAv9RteEPeLiZ0MG7fM1zANytCw35Eq_5EU7mdeuE/s1600/10712866_10152767871594510_2652047460738130647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7yG56pfaYKF-eNAzgAm8sKz81OVo6fzS8BN5yMOuA4W78ztveaY3RpZ5m71BikHJjXTuTLFbjlSLcXQJA0yoKgDqGMWEdY33ZuzAv9RteEPeLiZ0MG7fM1zANytCw35Eq_5EU7mdeuE/s1600/10712866_10152767871594510_2652047460738130647_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi196Y_xntszBumCkHHJIzD2q9upreHa966lmTfO86dvp89JM_QylUIZBQACLzvfW7iEfAyNKSLWwUgJAxnpbOqxidxgmiN48e3Plob7c5oTPExwSpFgWNGIxKvH7wqpunPApGFyIFlu1g/s1600/msa+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi196Y_xntszBumCkHHJIzD2q9upreHa966lmTfO86dvp89JM_QylUIZBQACLzvfW7iEfAyNKSLWwUgJAxnpbOqxidxgmiN48e3Plob7c5oTPExwSpFgWNGIxKvH7wqpunPApGFyIFlu1g/s1600/msa+cake.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Wendy for the beautiful cake</td></tr>
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Much later, in the evening, many candles were lit at Sonja's home with a few close friends at her side. The perfect end to a perfect day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky8epqhR8Tbc4Mo06GDe6Z3-bXxz9JyktsFDa_0I0WAhxxlyb3vGGIjHSDDKhiuHGru6kXMs_rgqZ3-lHaNmFirCXfjrnITP1c9B8oqGSbb0e1IiYRBlMK8Q5ZEewi-X5LuCYcJ7iw5Q/s1600/msa+candles+sonja+susan+karin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky8epqhR8Tbc4Mo06GDe6Z3-bXxz9JyktsFDa_0I0WAhxxlyb3vGGIjHSDDKhiuHGru6kXMs_rgqZ3-lHaNmFirCXfjrnITP1c9B8oqGSbb0e1IiYRBlMK8Q5ZEewi-X5LuCYcJ7iw5Q/s1600/msa+candles+sonja+susan+karin.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candles - we lit many candles</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeZe1QRZEW1VjzhlYMHtz9ZoINuPVVa87QA4-y4z_XHxFEkf1DoqC5HWMTpGQr2-UgCrL_yaJJxwx8mfZYc_Ft0p-gZAhHH5yckDuda8Jgx5jNpvHgRY3HtqmiGuZE0vNmMgLkehhguM/s1600/msa+candles+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeZe1QRZEW1VjzhlYMHtz9ZoINuPVVa87QA4-y4z_XHxFEkf1DoqC5HWMTpGQr2-UgCrL_yaJJxwx8mfZYc_Ft0p-gZAhHH5yckDuda8Jgx5jNpvHgRY3HtqmiGuZE0vNmMgLkehhguM/s1600/msa+candles+4.jpg" height="242" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year two other groups also hosted walks. In Kwazulu Natal MSA patient Kevin Dowling and his family gathered for a walk. In Gauteng Liebet Jooste also walked with family and friends in memory of her late mum, Marie who passed away last year. Well done</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWfLx1NKngLXfefu-GMOkoEQG0TAM_UQwzILpxU27hPjZubg156YFOKKZS-NNKDWYBsUAO-foipmIudEhaltqia37DcEguxpDdwK8Wo7Fr9ySmUwS0IfYjr0jAUZCg4aSSBbgdFot1Wg/s1600/Kevin+Dowling+and+supporters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWfLx1NKngLXfefu-GMOkoEQG0TAM_UQwzILpxU27hPjZubg156YFOKKZS-NNKDWYBsUAO-foipmIudEhaltqia37DcEguxpDdwK8Wo7Fr9ySmUwS0IfYjr0jAUZCg4aSSBbgdFot1Wg/s1600/Kevin+Dowling+and+supporters.jpg" height="640" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Dowling of KZN with family and friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-6omxPRv6gN2-nts6Oytvwtu8CivG-G-azMuEKSCQDp-c5GfndBuyAqGHMu7XfzJudJC1mONla1-UVB4jhSejv2r03oa-5zuwFb3i5uWkyEHBJQ_B8ffAoZftZUwxJnBlztZS9MZpok/s1600/Liebet+and+supporters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-6omxPRv6gN2-nts6Oytvwtu8CivG-G-azMuEKSCQDp-c5GfndBuyAqGHMu7XfzJudJC1mONla1-UVB4jhSejv2r03oa-5zuwFb3i5uWkyEHBJQ_B8ffAoZftZUwxJnBlztZS9MZpok/s1600/Liebet+and+supporters.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liebet Jooste (centre black shorts, red top with cheeky tummy peeking out) with family and friends,<br />
walking in memory of her mum Marie who passed away last year</td></tr>
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Thank you to friends and family far and wide who shared their photo's of candles they had lit for Sonja and friends with MSA. It means so much. Here are a few.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyjeKTLNRcLOyLcAqLQ8vnrGlL5fZmvICojnva0Zgp4CzRY9gGc3W48m7-6WPWdbS9uK3KGmHaizq28e1aHylgaphCtlz6mRZmzp5rzli1oXIDA7XOZITCC0UahDt5SKFTh6qqzXK8Sw/s1600/candles+by+laurette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyjeKTLNRcLOyLcAqLQ8vnrGlL5fZmvICojnva0Zgp4CzRY9gGc3W48m7-6WPWdbS9uK3KGmHaizq28e1aHylgaphCtlz6mRZmzp5rzli1oXIDA7XOZITCC0UahDt5SKFTh6qqzXK8Sw/s1600/candles+by+laurette.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candles for MSA</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxi_Y7HgE-LDKaGtTVa0iwgWL2VVLYUgJzV6tlyOZOrXrsSMkXkrUZe0wNk-HwrUejrFhzxIY1XZujwgRfpyI-U1UXlGr8jPSpr1gyPOweP1PMZRwk5mF_xJvXAFohxyXBR69UO0EI4o/s1600/1013607_10152767872634510_3352614114849431973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxi_Y7HgE-LDKaGtTVa0iwgWL2VVLYUgJzV6tlyOZOrXrsSMkXkrUZe0wNk-HwrUejrFhzxIY1XZujwgRfpyI-U1UXlGr8jPSpr1gyPOweP1PMZRwk5mF_xJvXAFohxyXBR69UO0EI4o/s1600/1013607_10152767872634510_3352614114849431973_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew0qsF8TIJ08gyAMVWb85b5DTkH3ZV2HnakXs1Me46VtiYg23QPlZRPCP_XsUMqYwdVLi_jsLTV2YEdex1RIqIdB_6rWHmc7-n1MQEPCUJMutAYWQgEuZy6ipSUAqEwGlwYPyR_O-d4o/s1600/1453533_10203447154512902_7425215818143580974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew0qsF8TIJ08gyAMVWb85b5DTkH3ZV2HnakXs1Me46VtiYg23QPlZRPCP_XsUMqYwdVLi_jsLTV2YEdex1RIqIdB_6rWHmc7-n1MQEPCUJMutAYWQgEuZy6ipSUAqEwGlwYPyR_O-d4o/s1600/1453533_10203447154512902_7425215818143580974_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5DogFyOWrY3pAdmCwtghCtITS382B2orcjQ7Oa7kQatILchgY4yJIgIancoiPwUMzDtSCcuCHTrLFknf702THdl4QOl3vIKWTt6AChAEND0q2pN5mzLdCJVheVhcHj5Y9Vj390rhNYM/s1600/1618416_10152767874064510_8761761800330287970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5DogFyOWrY3pAdmCwtghCtITS382B2orcjQ7Oa7kQatILchgY4yJIgIancoiPwUMzDtSCcuCHTrLFknf702THdl4QOl3vIKWTt6AChAEND0q2pN5mzLdCJVheVhcHj5Y9Vj390rhNYM/s1600/1618416_10152767874064510_8761761800330287970_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Its better to light one candle than to curse the darkness' - Chinese proverb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FweC2us0qGW_pUhpZEFPbZ0wkzeYtoDh7Kd_jrIRmRQmM1baDMc8FcqT5NzwfficKTQuM9LOrZaaRLFDiz-gmnePXbvVEbwJnZRs5K7pFKVVOT7cLFtXMUvAUlD0IaanmaGjJ8w0CSc/s1600/1970444_10152767871409510_330802480056441933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FweC2us0qGW_pUhpZEFPbZ0wkzeYtoDh7Kd_jrIRmRQmM1baDMc8FcqT5NzwfficKTQuM9LOrZaaRLFDiz-gmnePXbvVEbwJnZRs5K7pFKVVOT7cLFtXMUvAUlD0IaanmaGjJ8w0CSc/s1600/1970444_10152767871409510_330802480056441933_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it' - Margaret Fuller</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gu5MqeH86Iw498rxGR8JeG5DKr2A9yXq7_kunBpzf_a1BqR3zSEv6DxOons1ma8NZokuuYSh2AdNZ39kCjMnb_TgHjm8OVCDf9E8v6VwpbwQwhl6AqpDM5hIi3VSp0LuYePWDBAOBzU/s1600/10351467_10152767874494510_2565030463708910571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gu5MqeH86Iw498rxGR8JeG5DKr2A9yXq7_kunBpzf_a1BqR3zSEv6DxOons1ma8NZokuuYSh2AdNZ39kCjMnb_TgHjm8OVCDf9E8v6VwpbwQwhl6AqpDM5hIi3VSp0LuYePWDBAOBzU/s1600/10351467_10152767874494510_2565030463708910571_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ...'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OSPPXknSTB1nxJ7YfnjDrKvgg8X-CiHFXl86r1GfJX1QJxaHtnF9XZ7o67_rPYjSJPTVaxyNXvkJeRSv0HzXzOzJ_vSskp8DuhwTTFt1VP351Nw3wG8WrCUjmn8Z7gzkrO2LDpWtDuo/s1600/10411146_10152767874179510_6813715590891576221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OSPPXknSTB1nxJ7YfnjDrKvgg8X-CiHFXl86r1GfJX1QJxaHtnF9XZ7o67_rPYjSJPTVaxyNXvkJeRSv0HzXzOzJ_vSskp8DuhwTTFt1VP351Nw3wG8WrCUjmn8Z7gzkrO2LDpWtDuo/s1600/10411146_10152767874179510_6813715590891576221_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the darkness you may be experiencing cannot dim the light of a single candle </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxjRmxAZOP1H75RQ75bHqvQWxjaE7iVhPNWNtHO742M9TMoyA49z4u38TJA39pqJ7Dk_8ZVhdHbti3FU0TZ6-binKkfInZCQo7AaqhyphenhyphenWxRuTL3FGlTxPspsqurr31Yl_szDP5ZaGiB8A/s1600/10612956_10152701445082040_5570479825746076666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxjRmxAZOP1H75RQ75bHqvQWxjaE7iVhPNWNtHO742M9TMoyA49z4u38TJA39pqJ7Dk_8ZVhdHbti3FU0TZ6-binKkfInZCQo7AaqhyphenhyphenWxRuTL3FGlTxPspsqurr31Yl_szDP5ZaGiB8A/s1600/10612956_10152701445082040_5570479825746076666_n.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-candle-loses-nothing-by-lighting.html?utm_source=BP_recent" target="_blank">'A candle loses nothing by lighting another</a> candle' - James Heller</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa6flECs1ajsW5jebiCTPfggggn9kljbQlFfVGwXD3tDf53yb-cBAFyVptgybHPwqIuFAWbs2gR96TiU8loiukcRPTsyJp_W2FrR4PZg6ymLv3USfi0Tc_5GB-92Sn-_FOIr0wkZ8txA/s1600/10703655_10152327004412274_5207047560130451265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa6flECs1ajsW5jebiCTPfggggn9kljbQlFfVGwXD3tDf53yb-cBAFyVptgybHPwqIuFAWbs2gR96TiU8loiukcRPTsyJp_W2FrR4PZg6ymLv3USfi0Tc_5GB-92Sn-_FOIr0wkZ8txA/s1600/10703655_10152327004412274_5207047560130451265_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” Anne Frank</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHx5trm9qiwm_dgJHH8sdQ6vLrIEl4JWWfw7dvmyI_we8YpsCYvPYtuE99Cmxmavamjn3sWpqjEBnuqyNC_91mA8sf3U-sDT4yQd_F8x99CIU8KqZMAVb4lbKXtFPlms_3eYavTtE5rg/s1600/estellle+le+roux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHx5trm9qiwm_dgJHH8sdQ6vLrIEl4JWWfw7dvmyI_we8YpsCYvPYtuE99Cmxmavamjn3sWpqjEBnuqyNC_91mA8sf3U-sDT4yQd_F8x99CIU8KqZMAVb4lbKXtFPlms_3eYavTtE5rg/s1600/estellle+le+roux.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness - Eleanor Rooseveldt</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg2a7qN4Q30n3sLxPZ2koq1U_Ho8kCScdVOXSpam5G8qqxMTsb5h7tfU3CpG8rkAm94qg5Awfk08q_6YQHP2dQ6h6V7EfwSS8fIYU1CpWXnOgwZCqn2IIcQOFADndsQw8TIP-YeaSwqE/s1600/liebet+candle+request.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg2a7qN4Q30n3sLxPZ2koq1U_Ho8kCScdVOXSpam5G8qqxMTsb5h7tfU3CpG8rkAm94qg5Awfk08q_6YQHP2dQ6h6V7EfwSS8fIYU1CpWXnOgwZCqn2IIcQOFADndsQw8TIP-YeaSwqE/s1600/liebet+candle+request.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liebet's artwork on the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.for.MSA" target="_blank"> MSA Art Page</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKWPcIF-VLQSiApUjbsI7jMVoj_G9R9k91DtxlS8K9up2lcs-mjg8y3V10MLhZCd44LBHot0Q5CTqfvV-NTvmdblxu4HR7ciueZNppm8yRHa17beAp6st0shq2rp-AXLWVZiEy-EZ44E/s1600/msa+candle+with+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKWPcIF-VLQSiApUjbsI7jMVoj_G9R9k91DtxlS8K9up2lcs-mjg8y3V10MLhZCd44LBHot0Q5CTqfvV-NTvmdblxu4HR7ciueZNppm8yRHa17beAp6st0shq2rp-AXLWVZiEy-EZ44E/s1600/msa+candle+with+badge.jpg" height="602" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Karin</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><i>PS Most of the photographs used are by Laurette and myself. However, I have pinched a few from a friend or two to add here. Forgive me for not informing you about this in advance - I have strong a feeling you won't object, but if you do - invite me for coffee so I can convince you anyway. </i></span>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-63219935481807416532014-09-06T08:13:00.001-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.775-08:00KWêLA & KYKNET - MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY ON SATV<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Karin says: In case this is your very first visit to this blog - we write about MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) and my lifelong friend Sonja van Rhyn's journey with this illness. On the link <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/p/donations-for-research.html" target="_blank">Karin Says</a> I mention that most of the blog articles here have been written by Sonja herself, but that a little bit more help is needed now and then, hence this article written by me. (This of course gives me the freedom to say things that Sonja is reluctant to - *evil grin*). Before I carry on - do pop into our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MSA-Multiple-System-Atrophy-South-Africa/278167328865814?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and stay in touch by liking / bookmarking it.</div>
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There are no official organisations in South Africa yet for MSA. There is no research done here either - yet. Should you search for Multiple System Atrophy South Africa, the chances are that you will probably end up right here, which are both good and bad. Good - well that's obvious and bad - because it shows how little there has been documented in this Country. </div>
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When Sonja was diagnosed 4 years ago, no material was available locally and we started knocking on international MSA doors - be it reluctantly - to know more. We gingerly created <a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a> as well as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MSA-Multiple-System-Atrophy-South-Africa/278167328865814?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> - walking or rather stumbling onto unknown territory. MSA was a mysterious and scary subject, one which Sonja and I often tried to shut our minds to, only to be jolted continuously and rather rudely sometimes, to plunge deeper into this abyss. The international MSA public platforms have been of tremendous support for our humble attempts to create awareness. Sonja has managed to shared her story thus far with factual honesty, creating a colourful tapestry of her life before and after being diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy.</div>
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Throughout the blog you'll see that over time we have managed to spread awareness, especially in South Africa. We've managed to establish contact and reach out to patients, carers and loved ones - all affected by MSA. We have been privileged to meet a few in person, communicated with many through social media and been deeply affected by everyone's stories. </div>
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of MSA - we have seen and felt it all. The best of course is the Good. There really is just SO much good. We have seen such kindness, compassion and tenderness displayed by the many friends that have crossed our paths. Old friendships have been rekindled and contributes greatly to make her days worthy and bearable. </div>
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The Bad and the Ugly have many faces., e.g. physical deterioration which could include loss of speech; difficulty swallowing; inability to stand and walk; unable to dress yourself; no longer able to hold a pen to write a card or cutting your own food. There's many more we know. Let's focus on the Good. </div>
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Awareness. Earlier this year Sonja initiated a place where MSA patients, carers and friends could share any kind of art. With a lot of help from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Liebet.Marie.Jooste?fref=ts" target="_blank">Liebet Jooste</a> (who lost her mum last year to MSA and since become a dear young friend) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.for.MSA?fref=ts" target="_blank">Art for MSA</a> was created. This page has brought delight and inspiration to many - all over the world. It has been and still is such a unique way to continue our quest for awareness and been a positive and inspirational page to many.</div>
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In a roundabout way, this has led to a local TV station approaching us for an interview with Sonja, Liebet and myself yesterday. To say that we were thrilled, ecstatic and petrified at the same time would probably explain what all we felt. What a fantastic opportunity to get the voice of MSA in South Africa heard.</div>
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<a href="http://www.homebrewfilms.co.za/?m=1" target="_blank">Homebrew Films</a>, a film crew for <a href="http://kyknet.dstv.com/category/programme/kwela/" target="_blank">Kwêla</a> (part of South African DSTV Kyknet channel) spent the day with us this week, 4 September 2014, a day and date that will hopefully contribute greatly to putting MSA in South Africa in the much deserved limelight. </div>
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From early in the morning, there was a lot of scurrying in the van Rhyn household. Special mention need to go to Lillian for getting Sonja and the house ready. Johnny (Sonja's husband), as always, the absolute stalwart in the background, whose loyal and devoted support to Sonja I cannot describe in a few words here, got everything else ready in record time. His constant, continuous, everywhere and all over the place presence is phenomenal - every single day, day after day.</div>
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It was lights, camera and action the whole day long. The Director, Werner Hefer, and his team guided and chided us into our interviews. They were patient, kind and simply bloody marvelous - each and everyone of them. <a href="http://kyknet.dstv.com/2014/04/03/johnny-davids/" target="_blank">Johnny Davids</a> was such a trooper and was the perfect person to do the interviews. Sonja was Miss Cool Cucumber and despite a jumpy leg handled all the questions with ease. (So proud of you Sissi - you did great!)</div>
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The various takes and shots took place from various angles and places. So much paraphernalia were dragged around all over the place all the time! Reflecting sheets; bright lights that could light up a township; tracks to wheelie a camera on a tripod for wide angled shots; big black boxes with wires, gadgets and stuff - lots and lots of stuff. We laughed a lot, had coffee a few times, had a few retakes because of inconsiderate barking dogs (the neighbours') - not Maggie and Milo the resident Jack Russels - they were good as gold, that one annoying Hadeda with its loud nasal call and the inconsiderate business nearby who stepped up the grinding noises. </div>
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After a reasonable break and more coffee, cookies and snacks, the gadgets and paraphernalia were packed up for the next scene, setting off to the beach in the long-awaited SissiBissi - the vehicle that we waited for so long to be customized to transport Sonja around. Talk about timing - this was completed less than 48 hours earlier. This in itself is another highlight - for Sonja to be able to go out again since April earlier this year. (It became impossible for her to transfer from a wheelchair to a car - hence the hunt and subsequent acquisition of a suitable car to be customized).</div>
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We set off for the short drive to the beach where the last interviews were shot. Now we hold our breath that the all this hard work can be edited to be included in a Kwêla program soon. We can't wait. Keep a watch on our Facebook page - well update it there as soon as we know.</div>
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Here are a few 'Behind the Scenes' photo's of this truly great day. </div>
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Thank you again to this great team for this day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENXs7X_WQv9OszduXk44o90EZPC0hxWXE9p8hYU-_ong3st0e0ppei_dh_3GTtGdlrI74Tc7N6GzK7KnmocMd1Zl9fjn9BtXx2Q6kIYk-lAREa35K7u-eZ8fzGtHHQKEVR6XUzZbMxZ8/s1600/20140904_112804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENXs7X_WQv9OszduXk44o90EZPC0hxWXE9p8hYU-_ong3st0e0ppei_dh_3GTtGdlrI74Tc7N6GzK7KnmocMd1Zl9fjn9BtXx2Q6kIYk-lAREa35K7u-eZ8fzGtHHQKEVR6XUzZbMxZ8/s1600/20140904_112804.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day with Homebrew Films and Kwêla</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGJw3FhyphenhyphenaTM2J2dcmMu0c1zCxgCSbTtyKVQQ-lUZaa4t0eawwk4zXPO5RlLJiuKR0oD1C4nDXu4e8fT4aaZ-wGa3Y3QJZpr4ynd2S36EYqSJK1bST_FvhKtVvtJHmz3qwC94wydUrT_I/s1600/20140904_130124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGJw3FhyphenhyphenaTM2J2dcmMu0c1zCxgCSbTtyKVQQ-lUZaa4t0eawwk4zXPO5RlLJiuKR0oD1C4nDXu4e8fT4aaZ-wGa3Y3QJZpr4ynd2S36EYqSJK1bST_FvhKtVvtJHmz3qwC94wydUrT_I/s1600/20140904_130124.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to get the light right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fz-W-gHUfe8NWIO0D3AspykZg6-tAttJBIgh57sUkjeMU-YBgxwO69HDObcYRShqMKcK13JXNqEs282YArrIlRxcNNspe2wp6Jvd2cfDIPD1rT_9TS_6J_lONfQU2r2SD-YETzg2iM8/s1600/20140904_130011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fz-W-gHUfe8NWIO0D3AspykZg6-tAttJBIgh57sUkjeMU-YBgxwO69HDObcYRShqMKcK13JXNqEs282YArrIlRxcNNspe2wp6Jvd2cfDIPD1rT_9TS_6J_lONfQU2r2SD-YETzg2iM8/s1600/20140904_130011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja, Karin and Johnny Davids. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXApH6rhd0PmdBxB1uRLF2zUqjtzdGRPy8fBRFum2A-hVtBypUlNrrN2NsW10nCq74ZpoXNzng2olrUIyKCJYGAQOiM90zZYjUgm6ylfNiYBaYdekYNA_gfXo6aq6hxOs4lL9SGXqraY/s1600/20140904_130142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXApH6rhd0PmdBxB1uRLF2zUqjtzdGRPy8fBRFum2A-hVtBypUlNrrN2NsW10nCq74ZpoXNzng2olrUIyKCJYGAQOiM90zZYjUgm6ylfNiYBaYdekYNA_gfXo6aq6hxOs4lL9SGXqraY/s1600/20140904_130142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lP5LAfeAmaUZrL1rudn4VkggVegRV8KNKlC9Oah9m7FVLQrzqPph3mo5VgHuGLj83KQz1iu7DJVnWoQ_mtDbDcoBTTHZSJwS9Ti7gHOyQfpLP46wV2RFj-jsJgA9f5wozwrSci59YHk/s1600/20140904_130207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lP5LAfeAmaUZrL1rudn4VkggVegRV8KNKlC9Oah9m7FVLQrzqPph3mo5VgHuGLj83KQz1iu7DJVnWoQ_mtDbDcoBTTHZSJwS9Ti7gHOyQfpLP46wV2RFj-jsJgA9f5wozwrSci59YHk/s1600/20140904_130207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liebet Jooste and Werner Hefer </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQL3rVwlwd0kNlB4enzJUsI3VrPYHGVeAkrgFYqCcAkQCpWua6j0mdvg-VBaVMdScnmIQ9xGire2v5H9h-t3OszMRGP7KZLaNsGhPM6vdtDZAB305WHNUZWXBdw1YD_OjbwQfqk_sRg4/s1600/20140904_130350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQL3rVwlwd0kNlB4enzJUsI3VrPYHGVeAkrgFYqCcAkQCpWua6j0mdvg-VBaVMdScnmIQ9xGire2v5H9h-t3OszMRGP7KZLaNsGhPM6vdtDZAB305WHNUZWXBdw1YD_OjbwQfqk_sRg4/s1600/20140904_130350.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sissi fluffing up Sissi </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcL5qk5n6fI4hmm2zE-tZSsYHslR8PTJ6c03-rDRizkxTQy0qZAzepyoEbu-Ou54WJTKocW4vFO7dM9SIxwFYkBhzY6Rw3hZZ8635sOCIhjG66dsO51gobgeRlcUvwgVwIFFFWqKhuAs/s1600/20140904_130632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcL5qk5n6fI4hmm2zE-tZSsYHslR8PTJ6c03-rDRizkxTQy0qZAzepyoEbu-Ou54WJTKocW4vFO7dM9SIxwFYkBhzY6Rw3hZZ8635sOCIhjG66dsO51gobgeRlcUvwgVwIFFFWqKhuAs/s1600/20140904_130632.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Werner - patient Director </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5vPEzCFNxDFhchd8PgSaHxSTZFJFlke5duG81GATGZW4W7RdgfeEHdU78b_PIp-CyX38eJT7Bbl_AQ2zkEBIu08IpZmGmCORC8ayIGeQ4RFb1xHhzHSuFJHLi4wrzrChwPEZKzFER1k/s1600/20140904_130652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5vPEzCFNxDFhchd8PgSaHxSTZFJFlke5duG81GATGZW4W7RdgfeEHdU78b_PIp-CyX38eJT7Bbl_AQ2zkEBIu08IpZmGmCORC8ayIGeQ4RFb1xHhzHSuFJHLi4wrzrChwPEZKzFER1k/s1600/20140904_130652.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the tree to get that lighting right!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIuPPNIt6ZZNHyrIG_0w7iAeNVRGx8_58VCxnQxrF8AkH0c-uVVPdy6aTcbcprs0w5DiPC9JjrqidJeOw-g0XTjkn4FGXgQBUKoNND5E_cjdJTBqrL4k7p7ZQXWeRseg7vjJILnFNdRI/s1600/20140904_133153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIuPPNIt6ZZNHyrIG_0w7iAeNVRGx8_58VCxnQxrF8AkH0c-uVVPdy6aTcbcprs0w5DiPC9JjrqidJeOw-g0XTjkn4FGXgQBUKoNND5E_cjdJTBqrL4k7p7ZQXWeRseg7vjJILnFNdRI/s1600/20140904_133153.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny Davids interviewing Sonja. Cameras rolling. Werner getting a close-up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3GxD1lxhbNfZMyzq0V3OGkx9nqAW1bhM50bvSSrnlJMTOm1ElDk-FlCf8Q4l6QDBD2NhjBRETfAAC0cmWwmhVCiiK27MyBWiVJfjm_CuZJQ8S9KxdtU81QS9kICHoOeCW-LDsELNU_U/s1600/kwela+group+garden+johnny+johnny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3GxD1lxhbNfZMyzq0V3OGkx9nqAW1bhM50bvSSrnlJMTOm1ElDk-FlCf8Q4l6QDBD2NhjBRETfAAC0cmWwmhVCiiK27MyBWiVJfjm_CuZJQ8S9KxdtU81QS9kICHoOeCW-LDsELNU_U/s1600/kwela+group+garden+johnny+johnny.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja's Johnny, Karin, Johnny Davids, Lillian with Sonja. Werner and Liebet in background</td></tr>
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And then we got ready for the next scene - to the beach in the SissiBissi.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_51LLLXRVY0HkUIHlZkbXn7n6aJd7JMLzXstlIB0wqKGvHpwM5TAqt8mLqcv7Fl0wHUqsjXIlRYeMBYW2XspSGBIX8sjVGG_rKTejG_JB2aURGySpXqVVuWtqtL2lokwXOy5YM8ROdI/s1600/20140903_185145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_51LLLXRVY0HkUIHlZkbXn7n6aJd7JMLzXstlIB0wqKGvHpwM5TAqt8mLqcv7Fl0wHUqsjXIlRYeMBYW2XspSGBIX8sjVGG_rKTejG_JB2aURGySpXqVVuWtqtL2lokwXOy5YM8ROdI/s1600/20140903_185145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The SissiBissi was delivered less than 48 hours ago<br />
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<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjpowTeePTSkFbNfZ2HOZ-ZQV90i2ZfjO4cObH3Whxgq_-dIwmSNfab6_18DPLtdolaVslNcX24ngp6z4DaWZI7oKVdGAQqG3xJJgvyuCkCVtdGJqoUeyH-U8Nk5GL_2SGIJ3UCE4EoU/s1600/kwela+sissibissi+johnny+wheel+sonja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjpowTeePTSkFbNfZ2HOZ-ZQV90i2ZfjO4cObH3Whxgq_-dIwmSNfab6_18DPLtdolaVslNcX24ngp6z4DaWZI7oKVdGAQqG3xJJgvyuCkCVtdGJqoUeyH-U8Nk5GL_2SGIJ3UCE4EoU/s1600/kwela+sissibissi+johnny+wheel+sonja.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Johnny pushing Sonja into the customized car for the first time (photo taken the day before on our maiden voyage with the SissiBissi)<br />
<div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCMzn2SAiREzThJCDwdNnheNqZp5A5kBvDlK5w07EsFNvCol93FDFfis4busVPXyZ7aAu0tLfQZD2uC99UiO5bCAPVQJo8km6kJzFMidu1hBQv2BsdB2aLY5loXEr4MohA2tomFGV24o/s1600/20140904_154611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCMzn2SAiREzThJCDwdNnheNqZp5A5kBvDlK5w07EsFNvCol93FDFfis4busVPXyZ7aAu0tLfQZD2uC99UiO5bCAPVQJo8km6kJzFMidu1hBQv2BsdB2aLY5loXEr4MohA2tomFGV24o/s1600/20140904_154611.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then to the beach - Voju - one of the camera crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUWcQ0PSoPmB2_tsmxaPPPW_UqNkgCDzGhgj3YVPfJBDGS8Ow-K6SxPWBVDFxxGaSXSG84OYFX0hj54FUIdl0bd5GRI4hG_A8Sx3_PevjqV40YfjNZDg5se-3Q6ydEkQUm3Dr6U3RERs/s1600/20140904_154826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUWcQ0PSoPmB2_tsmxaPPPW_UqNkgCDzGhgj3YVPfJBDGS8Ow-K6SxPWBVDFxxGaSXSG84OYFX0hj54FUIdl0bd5GRI4hG_A8Sx3_PevjqV40YfjNZDg5se-3Q6ydEkQUm3Dr6U3RERs/s1600/20140904_154826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Strand Beach. Liebet pushing Sonja towards crew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIowwPVKYqVdI0TSbmPWNMvQa_PnBaI1s0yTtVDXI0ReReJHQt5hyphenhyphenSxtC1jO3qjfypb2RPp03nVV_b-jOnGlDsMHZ7cNyapQ5IbmHSJIYBs5gReu9MyGMpDQxbj0aHTiHI-2OinGe62Ws/s1600/20140904_155310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIowwPVKYqVdI0TSbmPWNMvQa_PnBaI1s0yTtVDXI0ReReJHQt5hyphenhyphenSxtC1jO3qjfypb2RPp03nVV_b-jOnGlDsMHZ7cNyapQ5IbmHSJIYBs5gReu9MyGMpDQxbj0aHTiHI-2OinGe62Ws/s1600/20140904_155310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjust shields and gadgets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xfTF_rAsd3HKQn3Hw1zUvqYdyv_lCG8XGzLpvjC6hLX-EewQ2ysN9wOdY0dvilgaw4RLvkdx64U0yr_ungD07mu7-JsPxwmet7bAHr_G0aPC9TyG1IrSRVLPa5PSkOfCHMSdN-l8n0E/s1600/20140904_155542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xfTF_rAsd3HKQn3Hw1zUvqYdyv_lCG8XGzLpvjC6hLX-EewQ2ysN9wOdY0dvilgaw4RLvkdx64U0yr_ungD07mu7-JsPxwmet7bAHr_G0aPC9TyG1IrSRVLPa5PSkOfCHMSdN-l8n0E/s1600/20140904_155542.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interview with Sonja and Liebet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8qw5ejuXDSC4nRbv88gADDVJaq8Oz3JfF8O2agaqXEBONDc05ZtDig7it05xHWzJcQSd8YHACBBUbYpvSaPRO4JA7FK9wwp5BTko02giuqirf7-J60CITBRn9PuTXzG8dUSsMpNuNw/s1600/20140904_160547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8qw5ejuXDSC4nRbv88gADDVJaq8Oz3JfF8O2agaqXEBONDc05ZtDig7it05xHWzJcQSd8YHACBBUbYpvSaPRO4JA7FK9wwp5BTko02giuqirf7-J60CITBRn9PuTXzG8dUSsMpNuNw/s1600/20140904_160547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCT9tCxENvqr80yL1H3RS5O-KxSF9KKCL0qERd2Y4zjP26wHG2LL1AbG28RvR2yjoEXjMGJL5REeAA_IuL1MtrIS4Oo2HsHhMEWCL0XZb2At95P46KT77abu5Q6onMMdcYt5PWHIz-pE/s1600/20140904_162248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCT9tCxENvqr80yL1H3RS5O-KxSF9KKCL0qERd2Y4zjP26wHG2LL1AbG28RvR2yjoEXjMGJL5REeAA_IuL1MtrIS4Oo2HsHhMEWCL0XZb2At95P46KT77abu5Q6onMMdcYt5PWHIz-pE/s1600/20140904_162248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And its a Wrap!<br />
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And so we came to the end of a long eventful day. The crew hugged and waved us goodbye. Johnny, Sonja and I settled into deep chairs with a well-deserved whiskey, vodka and brandy - separately of course. Our heads were spinning (from the day not the alcohol), our minds and our hearts full and content. It really was a good day. Earlier I mentioned the Good, the Bad and the Ugly - the Good just multiplied.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHn3u0EIXTCeY7rezq1SiRLRsKix2zZDr4BtguGigMH1wCjclL_8Xcwt5Si-MDQGBHsXVW-I4plTD7dhzu-sKUxO1sIgo59L6VR7B3JMLhqoRXJnL5Tk4LwvJ1rOZTlZcum3BpThsuWc/s1600/2014-09-03+15.25.24.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHn3u0EIXTCeY7rezq1SiRLRsKix2zZDr4BtguGigMH1wCjclL_8Xcwt5Si-MDQGBHsXVW-I4plTD7dhzu-sKUxO1sIgo59L6VR7B3JMLhqoRXJnL5Tk4LwvJ1rOZTlZcum3BpThsuWc/s1600/2014-09-03+15.25.24.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">It was a great day. Look out for us in the SissiBissi! (Photo from day before on our maiden voyage). Shaky picture due to elation.<br />
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PS - Give three toots should you drive past us - we'll reciprocate with three as well. <br />
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The Youtube Clip of this day that was televised<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T-7qQW8fJ4E/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-7qQW8fJ4E?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Karinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629511831619593414noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-37091124017045741962014-08-20T05:28:00.000-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.738-08:00A LIFE WORTH LIVING?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0aKnE3h0M-eUtHegI-DCvGeVp-EzofhVqTWbtJe0XgDNmOF8WYcIrAcUHM6vATm5NAOJNw1FlT0YFZmziHrvmqGiuDZDSjfEyeeJAB4PtTS6RUJOZTtP44vkGGIGIKsK9Y57sH29eTo1/s1600/Trisa+bbaai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ytzbci2nEJejklC46Tpn-VFW_UIUsaFBsYDCKKav-cE_UIztot7SU9JNa8TSmgPVH3IcSO-SuKi2Bq7jt6Bpw4idRTxh3p0V37FNHIUwG76IDShH6S0VwYOM3VVx0TPbBC0ixOLg0La/s1600/Trisa+bbaai-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ytzbci2nEJejklC46Tpn-VFW_UIUsaFBsYDCKKav-cE_UIztot7SU9JNa8TSmgPVH3IcSO-SuKi2Bq7jt6Bpw4idRTxh3p0V37FNHIUwG76IDShH6S0VwYOM3VVx0TPbBC0ixOLg0La/s1600/Trisa+bbaai-001.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After recently
reading an autobiography by a lady who had MS who applied to the court the
change the law to suit her need of assisted suicide by her partner, many
lingering questions came to the fore.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the
first things I did after being diagnosed was to make a <a href="http://www.livingwill.co.za/document.htm" target="_blank">LIVING WILL</a>. I was
determined to remain in control to the end. After living with MSA for almost four
years, and having lost control over some bodily functions, ever teetering on the
abyss of losing more, I wonder how
much control I really have? Where does my and the doctor’s will stop, and God’s
will begin? What medical procedures are justified in this disorder that has no
cure?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I feel
my life has purpose and meaning currently, how will I feel if pain takes over, I'm
hopelessly bed bound, and I'm unable to speak? Will my life have any worth
then? How does one measure life’s worth? By the love my family and
friends? What if I become an unbearable
burden? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When friends
come for a barbecue we discuss some these issues, but we found no real answers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do know
this; I love my nearest and dearest too much and could not put them through anything
that would cause them agony.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God answered
me the very next morning through His Word, in this exact order:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Kings 22:5New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 3:5New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Trust in the Lord with
all your heart<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and lean not on your
own understanding”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James 1:5New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">“If any of you lacks
wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 6:34New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Therefore do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 28:20New International
Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And surely I am with
you always, to the very end of the age.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 58:11New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The Lord will guide
you always”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 4:16New International Version
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ And so we know and
rely on the love God has for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My trust is
in Him who loves me boundlessly. He is in control, always. If I lose my speech,
I’ll still be able to talk to Him and consult Him first in all matters. My Almighty Father will find a way to answer
me, and guide me through all the storms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thank you Trisa Hugo for permitting me to use your photo</span></span></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-76827508643127219662014-07-21T00:08:00.000-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.797-08:00LET CREATION PRAISE THE LORD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cape is well known for its stormy winters. Today is one
of those windy days, the nemesis of many an umbrella, turning them spikes
up to leave you unprotected against the driving rains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being cooped up here since my
last (catastrophic but somewhat humorous) outing on 6 April I have to find the pretty in my days. Today
it comes from the beautiful memories of the many trips we were fortunate to
undertake. I remember our travels, no longer with longing to be in such places, but with joy look back on every phase of my life. I have peace in my heart that I'm on a different journey now that brings it's own blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">With the words of</span> <b><i>St Francis</i></b> I praise the Lord for the
privilege of seeing the beauty of His creation from many locations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“Be praised, my Lord, with all Your creatures,</i></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKyOLnPIVZRDea3eMRTn39VAOGrqVzTTy-dEket9UdxYWT1if3Ea6xIvow5I08meKZVcKkm0HiPVGVAq2acQDJwW__0IFiUJyGMOyCfPnXdjny4vbFa-NpJdTVgijNKsxtYMxSLq645KP/s1600/IMGtrim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKyOLnPIVZRDea3eMRTn39VAOGrqVzTTy-dEket9UdxYWT1if3Ea6xIvow5I08meKZVcKkm0HiPVGVAq2acQDJwW__0IFiUJyGMOyCfPnXdjny4vbFa-NpJdTVgijNKsxtYMxSLq645KP/s1600/IMGtrim.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chang Mai in Thailand 2000</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friendly ground squirrel at Twee Rivieren, Kgalagadi National Park<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic with the birds, Kgalagadi National park </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheetah, Kamanjab, Namibia 2000</td></tr>
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Especially Brother Sun,<br />By whom You bring us the day and who brings us the light;<br />Fair is he and shines with a very great splendour.</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy8J_n0kQHaGJIjw8ChOhwb409uEilXnZFDvkC4Kp6d6jsrq0BbGa-YrwO9TIRdyX8oopMH-cTu3RJHETZZzhzXKAXKBcaagldIhCSfmE6lJuAU098UzctWH-gUGsaPdtQ-YcZF9FoUaB/s1600/IMG_0562+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy8J_n0kQHaGJIjw8ChOhwb409uEilXnZFDvkC4Kp6d6jsrq0BbGa-YrwO9TIRdyX8oopMH-cTu3RJHETZZzhzXKAXKBcaagldIhCSfmE6lJuAU098UzctWH-gUGsaPdtQ-YcZF9FoUaB/s1600/IMG_0562+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kruger National Park 2008<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watsonias on Helderberg mountain 2011. My friend <a href="http://laurettesphotography.yolasite.com/" target="_blank">Laurette</a> accompanied me on the drive up the mountain and took this photo of the sun bursting through the clouds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny on a sand dune at sunrise, <a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=sossusvlei&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=hEjKU6zbL8Gv7AbR9YD4Dg&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Sossusvlei</a>, Namibia 2000<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset, Nhambavale, Mocambique 2005.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Gonnemanskraal on the West Coast<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Namibia 2006</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canola field on a cloudy day in Switzerland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj2ZqW9e3Isrm3u1E-g560O0GaZR2ZQftZgEPkW3HhxaaVTDJaZf5C-NzxYJtiWjjV8Hrkf7-dRnygLiQKXCM8Bi1G3Hv1arDwVBx0worYlKOuZPy7c9Ywe9p9QvucBnJSOgmzVB1iLyK/s1600/IMG_1166+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj2ZqW9e3Isrm3u1E-g560O0GaZR2ZQftZgEPkW3HhxaaVTDJaZf5C-NzxYJtiWjjV8Hrkf7-dRnygLiQKXCM8Bi1G3Hv1arDwVBx0worYlKOuZPy7c9Ywe9p9QvucBnJSOgmzVB1iLyK/s1600/IMG_1166+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twee Rivieren, Kgalagadi National Park 2009. This was our last trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLBXc4CnviORiANj5kGelUCi6hep7lRT0_EUjAgfd0OP5hNnMS2ocdcQ7evnlR_yPO7iFKsCAaufM8zr2twLy4xTN-odL1ydGLYZOzxtwjwlqX-QittKm_LNxz25XqqkUSFCaklEACGwC/s1600/IMG_0206ADJUST+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLBXc4CnviORiANj5kGelUCi6hep7lRT0_EUjAgfd0OP5hNnMS2ocdcQ7evnlR_yPO7iFKsCAaufM8zr2twLy4xTN-odL1ydGLYZOzxtwjwlqX-QittKm_LNxz25XqqkUSFCaklEACGwC/s1600/IMG_0206ADJUST+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowy day in Herisau, Switzerland<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, </i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>who is very useful and humble and precious and clean.</i></b></span></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epupa Falls, Kunene river, Northern Namibia 2006</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Life adrift' on the <a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=brienzersee&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=itfIU_vPOqSu7AbcnIH4Dg&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Brienzersee, Switzerland</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Be praised my Lord for Brother Fire, through whom You give
us light in </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>darkness, and he is bright and pleasant and very mighty and
strong<span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></i></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xjLRRx82Mu9BBXCedlC2Lbvw6BawxzZYZ0Uexa5i5Rt2Y3pMtG0EhZM21yvkGixo23GLfK5AialjYuneVhck1NFR2MBRG1ZsqKqBdfBz6XP9wurE9hpYg8oA8LaHb9k1xwoSGYr0odNK/s1600/IMG_1238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xjLRRx82Mu9BBXCedlC2Lbvw6BawxzZYZ0Uexa5i5Rt2Y3pMtG0EhZM21yvkGixo23GLfK5AialjYuneVhck1NFR2MBRG1ZsqKqBdfBz6XP9wurE9hpYg8oA8LaHb9k1xwoSGYr0odNK/s1600/IMG_1238.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing view from bedroom window of the chalet at <a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=tankwa+karoo&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SEvKU4PyJ-HR7AbXi4H4Aw&ved=0CFgQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Tankwa Karoo</a> National Park<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuJZgGJ0BBvFS-3wAif_cSiyju68_aw9CeHOj1DfAZ-7aVtTh2f7QmdJNq8Y0TNvWOqt5zJcXZ7k0r8ek0OoeDzaT4PwMnMUUSxzxJYE8mfFXCB-s3OOTYZrFjV_Cb_0DWU_tDktaeaqU/s1600/IMG_1226+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuJZgGJ0BBvFS-3wAif_cSiyju68_aw9CeHOj1DfAZ-7aVtTh2f7QmdJNq8Y0TNvWOqt5zJcXZ7k0r8ek0OoeDzaT4PwMnMUUSxzxJYE8mfFXCB-s3OOTYZrFjV_Cb_0DWU_tDktaeaqU/s1600/IMG_1226+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny with a rainbow in the background at <a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=augrabies+falls&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=9EvKU93DNaLB7AaD0YCYDg&sqi=2&ved=0CFYQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Augrabies</a> 2009.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadLGBJ8nQX4sL5ef3tP1y_p5GZjT65z2ebQ_FtjQOml-CZIiWiV67q55SvZXQl5MaDZGQuf2DpZmF-WDMfKO3s9WL-9WLvuSCnHJ8-Zl-HVRUU_7HnGZVmPk44E_uoZOYOEP2nsAPCT6H/s1600/IMG_1288+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadLGBJ8nQX4sL5ef3tP1y_p5GZjT65z2ebQ_FtjQOml-CZIiWiV67q55SvZXQl5MaDZGQuf2DpZmF-WDMfKO3s9WL-9WLvuSCnHJ8-Zl-HVRUU_7HnGZVmPk44E_uoZOYOEP2nsAPCT6H/s1600/IMG_1288+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tankwa Karoo National Park 2009</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Mother Earth, who
sustains us and</span></i></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>keep us, and brings forth fruits and flowers of
many colours and leaves.</i></span></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lJ9U7e77OnqXe2Kq33UvfnSDbQQ8drLCUSjL6mF8KTZ-8U08KnGqfUwmsmQsNm53OgJSeLcsCtuxsMVh3g_sNXGSDqm7rEZwVmcWuRV-0z6NrwHaMlzR5TzFqKrOMvKAtx-2tLSPJ9V/s1600/IMG_1300+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lJ9U7e77OnqXe2Kq33UvfnSDbQQ8drLCUSjL6mF8KTZ-8U08KnGqfUwmsmQsNm53OgJSeLcsCtuxsMVh3g_sNXGSDqm7rEZwVmcWuRV-0z6NrwHaMlzR5TzFqKrOMvKAtx-2tLSPJ9V/s1600/IMG_1300+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=biedouw+valley&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=8UzKU_73Hs-f7Ab27YCoCg&ved=0CEUQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Biedouw Valley</a> 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5VGnCglZGXN9K4xKVRmFjIymy7RtxhsSXb5DjDz8pAbBhhvn4e6thzBkXAl2Afd7QFH6Gk_DfoUtNhVSe4iXkkSwgiByxhCCNiF-Usnv8dfOAL_6ANoSuU_NNS5cHI7ow4gPljV-D5_f/s1600/IMG_1311+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5VGnCglZGXN9K4xKVRmFjIymy7RtxhsSXb5DjDz8pAbBhhvn4e6thzBkXAl2Afd7QFH6Gk_DfoUtNhVSe4iXkkSwgiByxhCCNiF-Usnv8dfOAL_6ANoSuU_NNS5cHI7ow4gPljV-D5_f/s1600/IMG_1311+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=namakwaland+blomme&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ek3KU53KDePF7AbBoYHoBQ&ved=0CDsQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Namakwaland</a> 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIkmc6Cvn5cBPHfmYneNM4JcJj7VlQa9_1nPWuv2Lsz7OTUG13j2RHgto5wmxFGZq5AguKVEVQYERvkTHCZoSsmdqnGJmm0DEhaC0cEeWzVQ6ZRtEmEsrQLl3cF8u8BlmiXbUIavxTZ22/s1600/60+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+(2)+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIkmc6Cvn5cBPHfmYneNM4JcJj7VlQa9_1nPWuv2Lsz7OTUG13j2RHgto5wmxFGZq5AguKVEVQYERvkTHCZoSsmdqnGJmm0DEhaC0cEeWzVQ6ZRtEmEsrQLl3cF8u8BlmiXbUIavxTZ22/s1600/60+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+(2)+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=interlaken&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4FPKU8-LGrCB7QbuxICwAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDYQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Interlaken</a>, Switzerland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.co.za/search?q=nieuwoudtville+flowers&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=klTKU43YL_Hb7AaZiYGQBQ&ved=0CFcQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=659" target="_blank">Nieuwoudtville</a> Aug 2008<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Praise and bless my Lord, and thank Him,</i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And serve Him with great humility."</i></span></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigenous flowers on the Whale Trail 2007, most of them photographed by my friend Susan Albertyn.</td></tr>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-74869351444889289782014-06-14T06:24:00.000-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.795-08:00FOR IT IS IN THE GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emilene spotted this 'heart stone' spotted on the Camino</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 2012 I have been blessed by
friends walking the Camino for MSA every year. That year there were five of
them (Emilene Ferreira, Eddie Waring, Susan Albertyn, Gerda de Villiers, and
Esther Nieder-Heitmann), mostly in three different locations simultaneously.
Keeping track of them, with my friend Ermanno Aiello’s on his Camino
experience, ‘Forever a Pilgrim’, in one hand, and my pc on my lap, gave me much joy back then. Someone who read my blogs remarked that he thought I
actually walked the Camino myself. In the wonderful spirit of the Camino,
friends were made, some of whom remained in our lives. I became so good at
following them that I even predicted when their paths would cross!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2013 Emilene walked a part of
Camino as a guide (tour guide being her profession). Our MSA tag and bracelet, once
again, travelled with her. The Camino magic led to a personal blessing for me; a
donation towards my medical costs from a contact made on that tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year my friends <a href="http://walkingfortheark.blogspot.com.es/" target="_blank">Emilene Ferreira</a> and Eddie Waring are, once again, creating awareness for MSA on their
1000 km (621 miles) pilgrimage from Seville to Santiago (South to North) in
Spain. This route of the Camino is known as the Via de la Plata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emilene with her husband Oscar who </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Eddie at a sign post 1100 km from Finisterre</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a fast walker, Eddie has
long ago left Emilene in his dust. The lady is braving it out there on
own, and I suspect, as this is her nature, making friends, and sharing my MSA story
with all who ask about my photo hanging on her backpack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our tag,with the poppy logo on the reverse side, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emilene's heart was, however, big
enough to take on another worthy cause. She is also walking to raise funds for <a href="http://theark.org.za/" target="_blank">TheArk City of Refuge</a> in Cape Town, South Africa. When Emilene visited this home
for the destitute some time ago, she published an album of photos on facebook.
The plight of these people touched my heart, especially a photo of a plastic
garden chair converted into a wheelchair. This evidence of people with special
needs having to make do with what is available (in a most ingenious manner),
made me sad. Life is difficult enough for the disabled. Having been blessed
with so much more than them, I wondered what I could do for them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emilene with a group of residents of The Ark</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My abilities have degenerated
since 2012, and I am no longer able to follow the daily progress of Emilene and
Eddie so closely or blog about it regularly. As always, I much prefer to
concentrate on what I can do. I’ve been granted this opportunity to support
Emilene and help the people of The Ark by making a small donation of R50. I
pray with the hope that it will inspire others to do so as well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Donate on Behalf of the Pilgrimage:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Name: The Ark City of Refuge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bank: Absa Blue Route-Tokai<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acc: 4059131113<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Branch Code: 631209<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reference Nr: Walk Spain 2014</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where there is hatred, let me sow love;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where there is injury, pardon;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where there is doubt, faith;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where there is despair, hope;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where there is darkness, light;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where there is sadness, joy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O, Divine Master,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to be understood as to understand;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to be loved as to love;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">FOR IT IS IN THE GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE</span></i><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St Francis of Assisi</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memories from the Via de la Plata...</span></i></div>
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MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699391806070605117.post-89183822931316542852014-06-01T15:58:00.002-07:002017-01-09T13:14:25.811-08:00HOPE - IN A SISSI - MOBILE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Sonja says:</span> </span><br />
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I recently read these beautiful words by Emily Dickinson;<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Hope” is the thing
with feathers -<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>That perches in the
soul -<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And sings the tune
without the words -<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And never stops - at
all” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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How true they are. After writing <a href="http://www.msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/2014/04/our-defeats-nurture-our-dreams.html" target="_blank">OUR DEFEATS NURTURE OUR DREAMS,</a> I didn't have much hope that my dream, a wheelchair accessible car, would
happen soon. I, however, was proved wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My husband, Johnny and Sissi’s husband Hugh, had a chat with
the engineer/owner of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.easydrivewc.co.za/" target="_blank">EASY DRIVE WESTERN CAPE</a></span> to suggest a cheaper option than
his preferred, but more expensive, choice. He agreed to work on this cheaper
option, and that my new<a href="http://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/products/breezy/manual-wheelchairs/relax-2.aspx" target="_blank"> BREEZY</a> wheelchair, which can tilt for comfort, had
suitable wheels for his lock-in system.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Hugh began the hunt for a suitable car, and one was soon found in Mossel Bay. Hugh and Sissi decided to take a road trip to go and investigate.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Karin says:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://msainsouthafricawithsonja.blogspot.com/p/donations-for-research.html" target="_blank">As explained a few days ago</a>, Sonja and I agreed that the time has come for me to assist with blogging and the perfect topic of the moment is the recent development with the purchasing of another vehicle. My style of blogging is perhaps a little more casual than Sonja's, but as the old people would say, 'a change is as good as a holiday' and I sort of think she's not going to fire me (wicked little grin). </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>So, without further ado, let me take you on a little excursion to Mossel Bay, where Hugh and I set off to, to go and see whether the car was suitable and hopefully return with it.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I blog with pictures - and this time is no different. Pictures of fleeting moments trigger words and emotions within me, helping me to express myself. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Being a passenger, my hands were free to snap photo's as we drove, constantly with Sonja on my mind and in my heart - in that special place in my existence where she has come to dwell. My heart was laden; heavy because I knew she would never make this journey again, knew and felt how much she would have loved to have done this trip herself. As the shutter made that familiar 'ca-chink' sound, it echoed in my head - 'cachink' - as if in a lightbulb moment. To the sound of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aae_RHRptRg&feature=kp" style="background-color: #eeeeee;" target="_blank">Looking out my Back Door by Creedence Clearwater Revival</a>, I shared a few pics with Sonja </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and with our Facebook friends</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Cheerful responses appeared virtually straight away from friends all over. The laden feeling in my heart shifted as I merrily clicked away, sharing them and watching the messages of love pouring out on our mission. I knew Sonja would be watching closely from her pc and her phone. </i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sky was brighter, the road not too busy and the scenery very obliging. God took out one of his best brushes for this day - I could feel His blessing on our trip. (PS most photo's taken through windows in transit).</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>These are a few of the images I shared. </i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMh5F5HyBZ4co38Box9j-M15Lj4ZDYZWOuEqw0I_TXWtBQkpwk4yhyphenhyphenXV9KM310mZSUN2ScvSymEIeRQGt78qZybPWKN9D1uZFSkN0x7HbXNEy0fjx7iWzBw9lEQMRGoAEm85c9GQL9-M/s1600/20140507_150218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMh5F5HyBZ4co38Box9j-M15Lj4ZDYZWOuEqw0I_TXWtBQkpwk4yhyphenhyphenXV9KM310mZSUN2ScvSymEIeRQGt78qZybPWKN9D1uZFSkN0x7HbXNEy0fjx7iWzBw9lEQMRGoAEm85c9GQL9-M/s1600/20140507_150218.JPG" height="361" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.houwhoekinn.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Houw Hoek Inn Hotel</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span> </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">below the Freeway dating back to 1770</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJqiM5svG-n1WaDZ40JoMpUyUG_6xHSpE2c_JAQC1-VH2qVZHgMarqbWn2h1VcK1HF1M4uTpk6Z8uzmV8QFF02K82JoIu3Q1bjUExYiHTy2vdR2qrRFKCXG7YXvZiz1WLOEgMSy-hGX8/s1600/20140507_151419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJqiM5svG-n1WaDZ40JoMpUyUG_6xHSpE2c_JAQC1-VH2qVZHgMarqbWn2h1VcK1HF1M4uTpk6Z8uzmV8QFF02K82JoIu3Q1bjUExYiHTy2vdR2qrRFKCXG7YXvZiz1WLOEgMSy-hGX8/s1600/20140507_151419.JPG" height="361" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course these farmers knew I needed a photo of them and they planned to be here right at this moment when we whizzed by. (See hazy reflections on window?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSY4d4SDUk7lZx2VeKBFgACHBEwr5ZgWaxxFlqK2Yyt8XUnBic8LKJXSIuLgKtRMV67MDcL-dnCIEGAOrlOhYimVbAZnI6e3J_HEdL-JVLK6Pirpmkn9TdU1D6DPagLyePn8BlHUjBhs/s1600/20140507_151540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSY4d4SDUk7lZx2VeKBFgACHBEwr5ZgWaxxFlqK2Yyt8XUnBic8LKJXSIuLgKtRMV67MDcL-dnCIEGAOrlOhYimVbAZnI6e3J_HEdL-JVLK6Pirpmkn9TdU1D6DPagLyePn8BlHUjBhs/s1600/20140507_151540.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing <a href="http://www.overberg.co.za/content/view/18/27/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Caledon</span></a>. Its the beginning of winter - after harvesting time, hence the brown lands. Note the wind turbines on the hill on the right. <a href="http://www.biothermenergy.com/dassieklip" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dassieklip wind energy</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWaXAj5NS-fy7dpfPFGs5A0L8Wnb_sOvsGdwYc5MZJLiUWeZW5lwp8sB-qZAL9eI-U-OLsAYT_UNY8VnFwx7cspWmqM4n80UMNFe23eE1g2ghZ_pKCL0aeK_dm2V2jKl8qbNrFqaL_sw/s1600/20140507_153347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWaXAj5NS-fy7dpfPFGs5A0L8Wnb_sOvsGdwYc5MZJLiUWeZW5lwp8sB-qZAL9eI-U-OLsAYT_UNY8VnFwx7cspWmqM4n80UMNFe23eE1g2ghZ_pKCL0aeK_dm2V2jKl8qbNrFqaL_sw/s1600/20140507_153347.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tranquil landscapes of the <a href="http://www.overberg.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Overberg</span></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzfkd9WoP2J3PC15h7fS9MLhr4ezU0WolM14q0jzfJfHWRAIWo5ckZdN71Su7VKsSYTDhxNcCERxZS4WjCfByC08bkTxXPqKhyphenhyphenjIPI-5YVgLa6tVqJ49AghHRmfiMlTvjzLyX0ot3zxY/s1600/20140507_154253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzfkd9WoP2J3PC15h7fS9MLhr4ezU0WolM14q0jzfJfHWRAIWo5ckZdN71Su7VKsSYTDhxNcCERxZS4WjCfByC08bkTxXPqKhyphenhyphenjIPI-5YVgLa6tVqJ49AghHRmfiMlTvjzLyX0ot3zxY/s1600/20140507_154253.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ1Vwcnd3nAZ62CcqRq24U_51MyEg_cXEGO64zVGQ6tQWiSPb8I2ZtnDfkQfpaXNPLYj-VBmUsd3gLjGYcRJWwLNu10GMiiUHb25hyUAFRVwd2eUNZFVq76Jln5nTE9WLc7p7bC21ffk/s1600/20140507_154648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ1Vwcnd3nAZ62CcqRq24U_51MyEg_cXEGO64zVGQ6tQWiSPb8I2ZtnDfkQfpaXNPLYj-VBmUsd3gLjGYcRJWwLNu10GMiiUHb25hyUAFRVwd2eUNZFVq76Jln5nTE9WLc7p7bC21ffk/s1600/20140507_154648.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 May - Sporting thumbstains (it was National Voting day in South Africa) and our MSA bands.<br />
Thumbs up in anticipation for a successful mission and the road ahead</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7bPxpIxUk1YJRIfNE3WdKFgFLuY5r2lh2NZMuCTwVbBdi4MOz1hxvUkj7WEBJVEQnlzmZej-CElhTbdLXvnQoBwpcRW2IG9M8OaMF4lUrRmtBM3d_sr75MDfVxHb_Xu09OKpEMqhRbQ/s1600/20140507_155650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7bPxpIxUk1YJRIfNE3WdKFgFLuY5r2lh2NZMuCTwVbBdi4MOz1hxvUkj7WEBJVEQnlzmZej-CElhTbdLXvnQoBwpcRW2IG9M8OaMF4lUrRmtBM3d_sr75MDfVxHb_Xu09OKpEMqhRbQ/s1600/20140507_155650.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the way, the landscape changed to green. Trees frozen on the horizon for photo. Ca-chink!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFRikE8T2WtRnVvdpxMTqAQhhIP8fUkQI4lS1OG9NUsYE0wlBjcQoQmLPKpXow1DQvjiaYAKdGyh50wBkFFexIywYR612eFYy_zJDaluTgkf8SiLrBQSX5YA9BbnDt3r60rNOH-Bq72o/s1600/20140507_160436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFRikE8T2WtRnVvdpxMTqAQhhIP8fUkQI4lS1OG9NUsYE0wlBjcQoQmLPKpXow1DQvjiaYAKdGyh50wBkFFexIywYR612eFYy_zJDaluTgkf8SiLrBQSX5YA9BbnDt3r60rNOH-Bq72o/s1600/20140507_160436.JPG" height="215" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am amazed at how clear the photo's were considering we were travelling at 120 km per hour. Ca-chink.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWpXSSI14QDRJAyND46LPO9Fm1o6R3dF2tFOYGl_NHx2GqZAT4t97IjuWtKSBK7vzM-ufQkpohAXDDByO8jxFsjC9dNfIvKjaRz-ImvbouMias78q8VeZTAvAtrsGsooVBfwZzWjT4as/s1600/20140507_160443-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWpXSSI14QDRJAyND46LPO9Fm1o6R3dF2tFOYGl_NHx2GqZAT4t97IjuWtKSBK7vzM-ufQkpohAXDDByO8jxFsjC9dNfIvKjaRz-ImvbouMias78q8VeZTAvAtrsGsooVBfwZzWjT4as/s1600/20140507_160443-001.JPG" height="256" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere on the way there - I wish I could remember where exactly now :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FOfC0wtxe6ZLihC2YBMV3wVw4kCKglF8psoSUlhsi-zWDN7ESNl13NaHA22hZeuoLJSWEqRODfmx683SYFbZ6J4CsAc8V90pA82vN2RRSimbUY-zIB3PPvURcRd5cciYrgDIHUBcQ2I/s1600/20140507_160509(0).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FOfC0wtxe6ZLihC2YBMV3wVw4kCKglF8psoSUlhsi-zWDN7ESNl13NaHA22hZeuoLJSWEqRODfmx683SYFbZ6J4CsAc8V90pA82vN2RRSimbUY-zIB3PPvURcRd5cciYrgDIHUBcQ2I/s1600/20140507_160509(0).JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charmed by forgotten little old houses - this one obliged close to the roadside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9rnDv9yeDA9MlCht_iqC-jr45l1vf8iQVTg5yeyT9YrvR6YBPvPRJaXbpBRSk-SI3XGOcHYed524FjXbintfttjyTtW0T1lx1beOAQpQElm-TdnQrmiOBBmr_00fiTnMGDROXXttjw/s1600/20140507_161715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9rnDv9yeDA9MlCht_iqC-jr45l1vf8iQVTg5yeyT9YrvR6YBPvPRJaXbpBRSk-SI3XGOcHYed524FjXbintfttjyTtW0T1lx1beOAQpQElm-TdnQrmiOBBmr_00fiTnMGDROXXttjw/s1600/20140507_161715.JPG" height="288" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a signboard Kluitjieskraal </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnOG5eiJBUZTNIs8iKv7ccNuvoMwiT_HiAtEThxvGVd_w9ZHp0Yuq3C8LR36IzHYcFQX1HeJ1CMJEY2FjJPXAZ-hFYaTjtHXyagTE_3qCo6OrdJUuHMj0_5kXZiG82B1jfYCY5T3-pw/s1600/20140507_161722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnOG5eiJBUZTNIs8iKv7ccNuvoMwiT_HiAtEThxvGVd_w9ZHp0Yuq3C8LR36IzHYcFQX1HeJ1CMJEY2FjJPXAZ-hFYaTjtHXyagTE_3qCo6OrdJUuHMj0_5kXZiG82B1jfYCY5T3-pw/s1600/20140507_161722.JPG" height="180" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kluitjieskraalriver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTTQ9zxNFNz_w5dwQ-97DeFfAjSVfXlsIbn0l9UU7t2pA85DhOD0B2wt5_SJewntwhweGbtn1uqT58f8-gWTtOCz_Q_KYU_l0DnZJPDIdf6JXTFdqPNifKkezjbbLhmtl9CBu0CLUlvk/s1600/20140507_162629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTTQ9zxNFNz_w5dwQ-97DeFfAjSVfXlsIbn0l9UU7t2pA85DhOD0B2wt5_SJewntwhweGbtn1uqT58f8-gWTtOCz_Q_KYU_l0DnZJPDIdf6JXTFdqPNifKkezjbbLhmtl9CBu0CLUlvk/s1600/20140507_162629.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picturesque town of <a href="http://www.swellendam.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Swellendam</span></a> is the third oldest in South Africa</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FgR6ZoArwmhgNI_S6oO4jDVXM2kie7j76-MQHToqxzDFgn0qdn_HHsPDMgqfT_m_UNS1hVkqbntvkYevsMeP9H6HaHssDlVbXNkRJdr4WcmrRPnAxT3hEW1Pk6qmLkjUsLGIAsu7_dY/s1600/20140507_163037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FgR6ZoArwmhgNI_S6oO4jDVXM2kie7j76-MQHToqxzDFgn0qdn_HHsPDMgqfT_m_UNS1hVkqbntvkYevsMeP9H6HaHssDlVbXNkRJdr4WcmrRPnAxT3hEW1Pk6qmLkjUsLGIAsu7_dY/s1600/20140507_163037.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Majestic mountains, pine forests and green fields. Our beautiful countryside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7DIHBU31C4iE-z8iuuJDoPZ59qbXFcItdfQbBgydgFCxX8g6GdyLp2GmC-9LZentUE5XhWjW45RL1bK4TuTon_5eQgCU543JgVgooBlKfxAhLnORgaeV9BtwSCYULW9ZojfG8qgDJWY/s1600/20140507_164256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7DIHBU31C4iE-z8iuuJDoPZ59qbXFcItdfQbBgydgFCxX8g6GdyLp2GmC-9LZentUE5XhWjW45RL1bK4TuTon_5eQgCU543JgVgooBlKfxAhLnORgaeV9BtwSCYULW9ZojfG8qgDJWY/s1600/20140507_164256.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mIB2U2aQQivXkOPttnUfit1AhJKj0SfnXvmQQ2uLL1hdQQ-TLx_TUoAWScvqWuCY1QcTAws2c269k_YcQkBC_mXw8cQ4Vgm18nq-AUvFcYTO0S5hfhYJwyQ27pd9cwBD_kSuaQpJ7_4/s1600/20140507_164432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mIB2U2aQQivXkOPttnUfit1AhJKj0SfnXvmQQ2uLL1hdQQ-TLx_TUoAWScvqWuCY1QcTAws2c269k_YcQkBC_mXw8cQ4Vgm18nq-AUvFcYTO0S5hfhYJwyQ27pd9cwBD_kSuaQpJ7_4/s1600/20140507_164432.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers at work</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhiXkrtnMSl4oNTcOPGU8QadEcxhR7YNrx1pfyZBc_6HUPNrZA2o0X8wkxyjzTOANjfd6JrnIjuV5Qrp4mEF5Q_o57SbxeHetHbO2FxlFsvGQoWAXjdb09VZvqGXsf6Wa8lQgDglFTn4/s1600/20140507_165244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhiXkrtnMSl4oNTcOPGU8QadEcxhR7YNrx1pfyZBc_6HUPNrZA2o0X8wkxyjzTOANjfd6JrnIjuV5Qrp4mEF5Q_o57SbxeHetHbO2FxlFsvGQoWAXjdb09VZvqGXsf6Wa8lQgDglFTn4/s1600/20140507_165244.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The countryside was exceptionally beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0qCgjZ_iGIH9UsgoLBEmrpD5GVuSLfJTTG1wiThSkwEia_CN1hTCPCFPt53xuAhRK_fwVE95_ubSnonRJOKabdKdXjfsNziqEjt4H5Jvod_Z9V7_MAJrqQxs9NoCUBdOggDurq_HCyU/s1600/20140507_171155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0qCgjZ_iGIH9UsgoLBEmrpD5GVuSLfJTTG1wiThSkwEia_CN1hTCPCFPt53xuAhRK_fwVE95_ubSnonRJOKabdKdXjfsNziqEjt4H5Jvod_Z9V7_MAJrqQxs9NoCUBdOggDurq_HCyU/s1600/20140507_171155.JPG" height="280" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork scenery at the foot of Sleeping Beauty - the mountain landmark at <a href="http://www.riversdale.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Riversdale</span></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29c0ZXKY8e2XR9YhbgAmf5VSkZ0Q77mqPy26nn3ndHm1qHVPhAvbAj1BZWI-drsqi1DjyThmbUWmVxjusqDaDxL7FOtK2VUWL7OvHd_54lHFle3MtqE052e7bj2_ugq0b6QI6ifm2cDo/s1600/20140508_091718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29c0ZXKY8e2XR9YhbgAmf5VSkZ0Q77mqPy26nn3ndHm1qHVPhAvbAj1BZWI-drsqi1DjyThmbUWmVxjusqDaDxL7FOtK2VUWL7OvHd_54lHFle3MtqE052e7bj2_ugq0b6QI6ifm2cDo/s1600/20140508_091718.JPG" height="342" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #666666;">Aloe with its outstanding healing and rejuvenating characteristics is unique in the concentration of its active ingredients and the versatility of its application. Harvested in </span><a href="http://www.places.co.za/html/albertinia.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Albertinia</span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHry8xeqg5Lye6_7kT0i8sYTFt_T64m2PmPWHit4IgGoST6-EyYFaRuE_7dNIfSnAp7OGHJe6Rod07GJjSTuws4Re1OUv4rqwRu-6cpjJo9afGXbk44UIBuIcwNgJ74J3NEFmAfW4kLA/s1600/20140508_091813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHry8xeqg5Lye6_7kT0i8sYTFt_T64m2PmPWHit4IgGoST6-EyYFaRuE_7dNIfSnAp7OGHJe6Rod07GJjSTuws4Re1OUv4rqwRu-6cpjJo9afGXbk44UIBuIcwNgJ74J3NEFmAfW4kLA/s1600/20140508_091813.JPG" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">52 kms to Mossel Bay, our destination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVEk4T7ItYWanpYUymTVFxv16Ug8tj8XEUpfyaMTs3GY6eAGHvoIsPaEs1YF4usjU4OWOpoX5nl1trkmiwFkgDvEhWE2XdfgxdMmTK2mu_CsSurzFnGc0ro2Lfxm79ucOiCdlcaz1PgM/s1600/20140508_092034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVEk4T7ItYWanpYUymTVFxv16Ug8tj8XEUpfyaMTs3GY6eAGHvoIsPaEs1YF4usjU4OWOpoX5nl1trkmiwFkgDvEhWE2XdfgxdMmTK2mu_CsSurzFnGc0ro2Lfxm79ucOiCdlcaz1PgM/s1600/20140508_092034.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the Big Five at <a href="http://www.grgamelodge.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Garden Route Game Lodge</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgsH-cf_v-hHT1_b2EJZrdpoHpYngB1byUfEu_G4x4mp-YGQEDa_O-sSjZh4JxIp_1fPph1xYqZTebjN-a7PzjIQAH-v-JUYtXWt9LjQfhIlQ2k5sBanHxw21mSIQlcfyycyBOQ2OveU/s1600/20140508_092101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgsH-cf_v-hHT1_b2EJZrdpoHpYngB1byUfEu_G4x4mp-YGQEDa_O-sSjZh4JxIp_1fPph1xYqZTebjN-a7PzjIQAH-v-JUYtXWt9LjQfhIlQ2k5sBanHxw21mSIQlcfyycyBOQ2OveU/s1600/20140508_092101.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even better looking if you click to open fullscreen</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDA5tDVS0-eBKmoMJl_GKU8wd1FlkHxHRtEQEi4Q3YtX9vg0Z0W_hQkWQEOvP9TCzCotFbhCmnDqzKvaREPfbRHEafCqsbZ0JvOwFfU5x7ssC7QIlfII1CInL3XMqzygUkHPzqwW2tLw/s1600/20140508_094527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDA5tDVS0-eBKmoMJl_GKU8wd1FlkHxHRtEQEi4Q3YtX9vg0Z0W_hQkWQEOvP9TCzCotFbhCmnDqzKvaREPfbRHEafCqsbZ0JvOwFfU5x7ssC7QIlfII1CInL3XMqzygUkHPzqwW2tLw/s1600/20140508_094527.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.offshore-technology.com/projects/mossel/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Mossgass</span></a> - Refinery near Mossel Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE4CY6XkMKWZpBh9ShKGRmD2WWgI9998FVZBDtwBRbVHlTWI5txyE7XSPT9OlfoZ89Nlz5aqmF79cW2vaExEP3M_k8xTkap8XZ1vW4Pzqbh4LgKkBacaZc1jTEjJaGuqL1pzFGj8snzI/s1600/20140508_095028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE4CY6XkMKWZpBh9ShKGRmD2WWgI9998FVZBDtwBRbVHlTWI5txyE7XSPT9OlfoZ89Nlz5aqmF79cW2vaExEP3M_k8xTkap8XZ1vW4Pzqbh4LgKkBacaZc1jTEjJaGuqL1pzFGj8snzI/s1600/20140508_095028.JPG" height="246" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love and light - all along the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTajs0iZ34KZf9RbfFBNhJiQuo3WZ-T5MOGlBcJCDej_67AooLPhJQDTuHKNP26SjgWiM9ncxTP4N2h5kfrDSjSi5Mlci813CVBN-AYrPsxGVYH2BvSu4ha8JMzRAxUXeypWOxQiCe2g/s1600/20140508_100049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTajs0iZ34KZf9RbfFBNhJiQuo3WZ-T5MOGlBcJCDej_67AooLPhJQDTuHKNP26SjgWiM9ncxTP4N2h5kfrDSjSi5Mlci813CVBN-AYrPsxGVYH2BvSu4ha8JMzRAxUXeypWOxQiCe2g/s1600/20140508_100049.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church that caught my eye - almost there. A fleeting silent prayer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Within moments we were there and the negotiations and inspection began. The sun shone warmly on it all.</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzJuvX1RVy6VWtulk0aUnMjJKjBD_d0aRUfuk8MyL1mUEavFi8n70H7MZc9WLaLW_ZPXU20tGEU6D87XJ7e1BpY6tjyFekY5ESaoLdGDHWzSTgJiBmPN88NotlgHY0snVZuyHjWCQwTc/s1600/20140508_101937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzJuvX1RVy6VWtulk0aUnMjJKjBD_d0aRUfuk8MyL1mUEavFi8n70H7MZc9WLaLW_ZPXU20tGEU6D87XJ7e1BpY6tjyFekY5ESaoLdGDHWzSTgJiBmPN88NotlgHY0snVZuyHjWCQwTc/s1600/20140508_101937.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is. Kangoo being inspected before test drive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P_3juzAQSZ9RDW0mBthZwjMhcYXEFx7S5XdGFyDPkEOfe53jV2pm9QBGKGCOAQwZ6CDbwFaFZ7zS5qXEZUrN5jywjV_psr2SkyKuClartlGGqtthRDFNlxOQ2AocoTcsL5Iyo2oDCIk/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P_3juzAQSZ9RDW0mBthZwjMhcYXEFx7S5XdGFyDPkEOfe53jV2pm9QBGKGCOAQwZ6CDbwFaFZ7zS5qXEZUrN5jywjV_psr2SkyKuClartlGGqtthRDFNlxOQ2AocoTcsL5Iyo2oDCIk/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satisfied after test drive. The green light phoned through to Sonja and Johnny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDvp1nTDzDjex6aipD4RZMrao6YcmtS8daCb34Sd3ziDNdsF0a3qrho4Q_9dAWWy4h1wvLz87_QMdFwEeVCcznAOLuQ2IFtM__oKgd6nsTkP9QT96ujw2ZK_hdKCGqzjvxOCrLxwkyhw/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDvp1nTDzDjex6aipD4RZMrao6YcmtS8daCb34Sd3ziDNdsF0a3qrho4Q_9dAWWy4h1wvLz87_QMdFwEeVCcznAOLuQ2IFtM__oKgd6nsTkP9QT96ujw2ZK_hdKCGqzjvxOCrLxwkyhw/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waves at The Point at <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.visitmosselbay.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Mossel Bay</span></a> </span>was patient</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0640ySp0q8jagHGZDCBXz-sgP-LPc76Zz7yqENUJZMGBRtpUf1JwJL4qIpuC2Tsh0CW5aYmqdoGCXuXIyA8Yd2KIbQrlDsYe-mN8vL_acaCLC4Go6GvPlOo3srMPl0deirIgKoqTT4sg/s1600/IMG_6540-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0640ySp0q8jagHGZDCBXz-sgP-LPc76Zz7yqENUJZMGBRtpUf1JwJL4qIpuC2Tsh0CW5aYmqdoGCXuXIyA8Yd2KIbQrlDsYe-mN8vL_acaCLC4Go6GvPlOo3srMPl0deirIgKoqTT4sg/s1600/IMG_6540-001.JPG" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the decision was finally made, we meandered into town to find Faffa (now previous owner of the Kangoo), to clinche the deal. We found him in his shop, called <a href="http://townshipangels.co.za/" target="_blank">Township Angels</a>. This is an endeavour that he and his partner is passionate about - creating bright and colourful art pieces and using the skills of previously disadvantaged individuals to express themselves creatively. These are a few of the images that grabbed my attention immediately. Final seal of approval? I think so. I will soon be writing a dedicated article on my personal blog, <a href="http://findingprettyagain.blogspot.com/">findingprettyagain.blogspot.com</a> about this wonderful project they are involved in with lots of photo's. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In parting Faffa undertook to pay for any necessary repairs done that would be revealed upon the roadworthy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaFQ8MbQFrH7g42848IXS8OLJojSfvDVCVgREja0TotihAgmQiT78TjtcvGf3v40JqQ1wnUQWo8xOt6wacSzXrcNLliKkxnCxJrE-vciAx2_DBGvf62H94xz_QWlvT64qckAhJxQhUtY/s1600/township+angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaFQ8MbQFrH7g42848IXS8OLJojSfvDVCVgREja0TotihAgmQiT78TjtcvGf3v40JqQ1wnUQWo8xOt6wacSzXrcNLliKkxnCxJrE-vciAx2_DBGvf62H94xz_QWlvT64qckAhJxQhUtY/s1600/township+angels.jpg" height="220" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgOW1FKt7h_Xcec3FgTX-CoqHDWqwZjioGlvn6ub9GVlq1daxJspwuONg0hNbNnaXMNi0T7KNIkgPCXn10fBZKME-tGtt6Yd33bWAHWgRmDZ7e-pxhCUIE706XuA4YyfuyRoZI_cnzUs/s1600/hugh+faffa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgOW1FKt7h_Xcec3FgTX-CoqHDWqwZjioGlvn6ub9GVlq1daxJspwuONg0hNbNnaXMNi0T7KNIkgPCXn10fBZKME-tGtt6Yd33bWAHWgRmDZ7e-pxhCUIE706XuA4YyfuyRoZI_cnzUs/s1600/hugh+faffa.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaking on the deal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: justify;">We returned home with two cars. Because I was now driving the one car, I could no longer go happy snapping along the way. My heart was light and everything felt so good. I knew and felt God's blessing on it all when He painted this picture of light streaming brilliantly through the clouds. I did pull over to take these.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ojOjCm4b0V9V3Aw3-KyRztG5r9BYG9JDCC3NpQUM6reeJMVPXQzLSMRim4R3hjG4v0ACIhRRxA3sO-S0J7-rgZ_iWpA3XSR4FwPDEOAPJRHvXzISsTT1IegQHJix6j5dlgRZCfhoQQ/s1600/20140509_150001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ojOjCm4b0V9V3Aw3-KyRztG5r9BYG9JDCC3NpQUM6reeJMVPXQzLSMRim4R3hjG4v0ACIhRRxA3sO-S0J7-rgZ_iWpA3XSR4FwPDEOAPJRHvXzISsTT1IegQHJix6j5dlgRZCfhoQQ/s1600/20140509_150001.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love and light </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBEYMsKWbnFLWM2pUvFLZfEa_kIKCPusutOfjdKd6ZRsQsHqQiaEeRkyXizcQeBX_vR2McrB_OePGbzJMwEVdg35Bf47TxQuygoouO_6s14bgjiDn4UgHvH8I5V3Ju75VsrYDUo0y98/s1600/20140509_152842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBEYMsKWbnFLWM2pUvFLZfEa_kIKCPusutOfjdKd6ZRsQsHqQiaEeRkyXizcQeBX_vR2McrB_OePGbzJMwEVdg35Bf47TxQuygoouO_6s14bgjiDn4UgHvH8I5V3Ju75VsrYDUo0y98/s1600/20140509_152842.JPG" height="214" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love and light followed me home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdf8nNK5Dc3HNplNnafvQE-o4ONVNcwEvEBU21YC1RrZ0Obh3HCVA4mVUg3qSro5HfGSVLRnGurc7JyU5YqNjRQogyjbOP-iOIPTOA3G-lBmp4Om8S6r5euSifTUu78zDrvKMRmxrMXY/s1600/20140509_153954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdf8nNK5Dc3HNplNnafvQE-o4ONVNcwEvEBU21YC1RrZ0Obh3HCVA4mVUg3qSro5HfGSVLRnGurc7JyU5YqNjRQogyjbOP-iOIPTOA3G-lBmp4Om8S6r5euSifTUu78zDrvKMRmxrMXY/s1600/20140509_153954.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And as a final blessing, He left us a rainbow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Sonja continues: </span>A deal was made and they soon returned with my 'new' car, a Renault Kangoo, which was renamed the Sissi-Mobile, after Karin and my self’s nickname for each
other. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Hugh then organised the 3<sup>rd</sup> hand Renault Kangoo
(Sissi-Mobile) to be put through the road-worthy test, and Johnny had it
licensed and fitted the number plates.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The next step, the advertising and sale of my Honda Jazz,
was done in two days; it was bought by a dear friend of ours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDjVv29OGfzViR2SNsq5qw-6Du-WsuilqI83pz0whrISGr9DkAMk3TmRg3uV4FylUO_hI86iJVwYUurtyS1Esb8B-gaB2mpbe8XsmI0LcyrggSfzHHnhL75MM_cy2tEhR6GJig_TRqBA/s1600/ermanno+jazz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDjVv29OGfzViR2SNsq5qw-6Du-WsuilqI83pz0whrISGr9DkAMk3TmRg3uV4FylUO_hI86iJVwYUurtyS1Esb8B-gaB2mpbe8XsmI0LcyrggSfzHHnhL75MM_cy2tEhR6GJig_TRqBA/s1600/ermanno+jazz.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ermanno, our very dear friend, is now the proud new owner of the Honda Jazz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After everything
is wrapped up, the car will go to the engineer by the middle of June to undergo
the necessary conversions. Johan Cillie promised the work will be done by
mid-September. Hope, however, perches in my soul and sings a most beautiful tune.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Psalm 28:7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"The Lord is my
strength and my shield;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i> my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>My heart leaps for
joy,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i> and with my song I praise him."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you to our dear friends, Sissi and Hugh Holtzhausen,
for all the effort you put to make my dream come true. You are a blessing in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
MSA with Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05681493500292056373noreply@blogger.com6