This is the time when Christ rose and all the angels of Heaven rejoiced. The earth shook and the people were in awe.

The angels of Heaven are singing again. It has been a long period of lent, a long struggle. Let us all now rejoice. It is time for hope and relief. The time for fighting should come to an end. The time for fasting is over too. But praying must continue. And rejoicing is at hand.

Whenever it rains, it seems to pour in floods. Flooding tears and blood. The last days of the Holy Days have been filled with blood and tears. Please God, help us, help all that need help and who have ears to listen. And please, people now, come to your senses, pray, forgive, love and send each other signs of peace. Give to one another your trust, more forgiveness and hope in each other. What else can we do if we are going to stop the wars, the fighting, and the hatred?

The flute of the Andes, the bells of Tibet, the dance in China, the Native American peace pipe, the Temples in Israel, the prayers of the Hindi and the Muslim and the Christian and of God himself and of all people are asking us all to live in peace. Why can we not do it? Let us try harder.

The Great Turtle of the sea is coming to the surface for one long breath before he descends into the depths again. Then he shall swim across the ocean and blow out his breath to heal the other side. He will take in a great breath again and swim back to our shores and breathe out and in, again, giving all people and animals the healing breath of life. This is his constant work. He swims from ocean to ocean, from river to river, from pond to pond. He reaches every shore of the world and paddles to all of its islands over and over, breathing in and out, never stopping, carrying his message of peace in his steady, steady, steady way. Each time he heals us more. Let us take in his breath. May all people heal from pain. May all people feel the turtle’s healing powers. May all people live in peace. May all people love one another. Breathe in the peace, the joy, the hope and the love. Amen.

The first meeting of the Turtle Support Network was held on Saturday, March 16th at Bob and Ginny's. Although only six of us were present at this initial meeting, (Bob and Ginny, David Bird, Sarah Joslin, David Eggleton and Sue Coakley) I had an inner sense that many more were in attendance! Our focus was to begin weaving an ever-expanding circle of love and support around Bob and Ginny as they work through a very complex process of decision making. The conversation ranged from being very pragmatic and task oriented, to being very tender and filled (for me at least) with an unspoken awe at the complexities of life and the mystery of it all. Out of our discussions emerged two priorities: the need for an expanded healthcare team and for new housing. The meeting was followed by a delicious dinner prepared by Ginny and full of strange tales about a community known as Little Compton.

As you all know, one of the issues Bob and Ginny have struggled with is the lack of a clear diagnosis. The diagnostic label at this point is that Bob has a motor-neuron disease. As we talked, it became clearer that his current needs were not being met by meeting with Dr. Brown alone. We all agreed that a top priority was for Bob to have a stronger healthcare team in place. As you learned in the most recent Turtle Journal, Bob and Ginny did a great job of advocating for this and an appointment is already scheduled with a reconfigured healthcare team. Another issue to be prioritized is the issue of housing. Bob and Ginny's current home is not handicapped accessible and the two floors are already becoming problematic. Leads on several apartments were discussed and will be pursued. Any help anyone can offer with this would be greatly appreciated -especially leads on possible places.

There are many complex legal and financial issues looming. Ginny is already in touch with lawyers recommended by the ALS Association. Sue also offered to help with some of these issues. Sarah will work on gathering healthcare resources and work on a draft of an initial fundraising letter. (Bob's complex medical needs will require some expensive medical equipment, supplies and treatments that are not covered by insurance.) Because David Bird has a flexible work schedule, he offered to help with driving to medical appointments and will help organize the move to a new place.

At this point, the date for the next meeting has not been set, but stay tuned! Its membership, its focus and its format will shift and change as new information arises.

On Good Friday, Sue helped me with reviewing some of the lists Gin & I made and with some practical things around the house; the financial meeting with the lawyer (from Gin’s excellent notes), starting a fundraising account, and some long term flow charts (again, from Gin’s work). Sue put together a new office chair with wheels that we bought recently for me. It’s great. I can now wheel around my "office" (really it’s just the "yellow room") and from there to the bedroom... We still don’t have a date for our next meeting, but we are all working together on various projects through emails.

Mon. 4/1    -Gin’s Birthday –all day-
            -Dr. Amato appt., 9:00 a.m.
            -Resounding Joy sings for Gin! 7:30 p.m.
                   (and there will be cake, too)

Thurs. 4/4  -OT, MGH, 8:30 a.m.
            -Dr. MacCollin, MGH, 9:45 a.m.

Fri. 4/5    -Dr. von Zabern –Anthroposophic doc- in NH
                (bee venom therapy & rhythmic massage)

Tue. 4/9 -Brigham nerve & muscle Biopsies, 9:00 a.m.
                Dr. Amato, Brigham & Womens Hosp.

Wed. 4/10 -Evoked Response test, MGH, 9:00 a.m.

Fri. 4/12 -Noon dismissal at school: Begin Spring Break!

Sat. 4/13-4/20 New Mexico bound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(
            By invitation of our friends John & Jan Phillips.

One important test not yet scheduled, but likely to happen in the next two weeks: Spinal tap (also known as an "lp", which I just earned stands for lumbar puncture –that sounds fun!)

Gin has been sick the last few days and is resting so that she can cook up a fabulous Easter Dinner tonight. But as anyone who knows her will not be surprised, she worked up the energy to leave her sickbed last night to go out to eat! We went to dinner at Oleana, formerly Gin’s favorite restaurant, called Daddyo’s –now a new restaurant Gin has been wanting to try for a while. (The truth is she’s already been there, but offered me the opportunity to try it and take her again!) We had some really good French/Italian -with a dash of Middle-Eastern flavor- fish entrees and a great chocolate and creme fraiche dessert, for which I cannot remember the name, but will never forget the taste. Yummy! (These turtles still love their chocolate!)

That’s all from the turtles this time. Thanks again for all your prayers and support!