Up until 2008 my birthday was celebrated on January 1, the date I
entered this world. I still celebrate, because it is fun - especially
now that the younger nieces and nephews are old enough to enjoy it!
But, now I celebrate a second time every year. And, my second birthday
of the year is this Saturday.

Why? Because, this time just two years ago . . .
I was reminded what friendship is.
I learned what really matters.
I met some wonderful people.
My life was changed.

For, one year ago tonight I suddenly lost control of my life. I lost
Gandalf. I lost the past. But I found the future - and, more
importantly, I found the present.

It is hard to believe all that has transpired in the past two years.
I found that the ferret community really does help its own, and that
family is always there. As time passed, my head got clearer. And, I
thought it was clear after the wreck! lol I am sure I said and did
some really strange things.

I bought another vehicle - with your help - on my sister's birthday.
I couldn't take it with me to Alaska because of time constraints. She
wrecked it in January 2009. I once more had no car! I can laugh at the
irony now. I ended up getting another Exlporer last April. I moved to
Alaska - a place I had always wanted to visit. I hate the cold, but
have learned to tolerate the sub-zero temperatures. I have come to
appreciate that the poor are not all in foreign countries. I have a new
appreciation for those who live WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY out in the burbs.
And I understand more already about the land and man's relationship
to her. I wish you could all come visit - it is so amazing.

To those of you who contributed to my recovery - emotional, financial
or otherwise, thank you. Please be gentle with each other. You are
wonderful people and I am so glad you are a part of my life. For
everything, once more, thank you. To those new people who are a part
of my life and contribute to my growth, I am glad you are a part of
my life, too. For everything, than you. To those I have yet to meet,
I am so looking forward to it. I just can't wait!

Renee

-- 
Renee Downs
"Eventually we will realize that if we destroy the ecosystem we
 destroy ourselves." Jonas Salk
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart
It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who
gets the credit!
Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.)
http://www.ferretemergency.org

[Posted in FML 6691]