Bella's Butterfly Kisses: My letter to Santa

Saturday, December 22, 2012

My letter to Santa

Dear Santa, I know that I am a grown adult but I am still a child at heart that believes that Santa can make her wishes come true. My wish this year is something big that might take many elves to make. It may not be ready for this year but I will wait because this wish is so special. My wish for you Santa is that you could buid me a time machine. Not just any time machine but one that not only fits me, but that could fit all of the many bereaved parents that I have met along the way. Once this time machine transports me back to a time before loss, I will appreciate every moment that I am in. I will slow down what I am doing instead of trying to fit so much within a day. I will hold each hug with Bella a little longer, and put her to bed a little later. I would try to stop making her grow up so fast and allow her to be a baby for that much longer. I would tell her how loved she is that much more and spend more time just looking into her eyes. Well Santa I will wait until my Christmas wish comes true. Until then I will use the time machine that is in my mind.

3 comments:

Lucy said...: I'd give anything to make your wish come true. You, Frank and Bella have always had the most beautiful bond and I know that the connection is still as strong to this day. Your mind and heart together is so powerful and makes it possible for you to keep Isabella close to you always. Close your eyes and be calm, Bella is wrapping her arms around you right now.; December 22, 2012 at 10:35 PM
marisa said...: Thank Lucy,
You are right. She is closer than I know.

Love you Lu; December 23, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Gina said...: Lucy said it well. Isabella has you all wrapped up in her love and goodness. Keep that time machine wish going. Thinking of you and your family this Christmas and may the love of Jesus, embrace you, touch you and support you this Holy Christmas and 2013. xoxo; December 24, 2012 at 8:14 AM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case