Christmas Letter for 2014 and 2015

   Last Christmas, I couldn't seem to write a letter even after a full year of adjusting to Dale’s job loss and heart condition. We did drive back to Kansas/Missouri and visited all our family, which was a blessing. But on the return trip, our car was broken into overnight, and we lost thousands of dollars of possessions that we were taking back to Delaware. God wasn’t trying to ruin us completely... We were glad our family was unharmed, and the insurance money helped our budgeting. AirBnB also helped with a dozen different people renting our "basement apartment” in St. Joseph (whilst Angie was the “pool boy”). Finally, God surprised us in June by sending a family who wanted to rent our house. We moved (meaning the twins did all the work) to a rental house in north Wilmington with a dishwasher (!) and separate bedrooms (!) for the first time in Ben and David’s lives. Please excuse the USPS who doesn’t forward so well!

     Dale still has physical limitations which make him unable to accept the flying offer$ that come every month, but he was happy to find a new medication in September that decreased the negative side effects he has been battling. He helped me say goodbye to the 1996 Previa after 231,000 miles (LOL it lasted almost the whole 25 years of our marriage). He also handled multiple car repairs/trades/sales for Reid and twins and Father Benjamin. He has become killer at “Words with Friends” in between teaching simulator sessions at Flight Safety.

     I am still hosting international students as my part-time job. Both Johnson and Terry came back from last school year (sophomore and junior at Tatnall). While they were gone over the summer, we rotated through five other Chinese boys attending junior high camps or college (I've learned a great deal about the Communist Party in China). Basically, I cook and clean and chauffeur -- Love that dishwasher! We also welcomed five pilgrims for the Papal Visit to Philly (“Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.” -Pope Francis) and renewed our admiration for Catholic missionaries (like Jimmy Mitchell and Father Anthony). I increased my tutoring contracts now that I am not working for the Chinese placement office. During my busiest times, I have 70+ hours (7 days a week) and my slowest weeks have 25 hours (and only 5 days). I still like ACT better than SAT (given the upcoming changes).

     Reid served as Vice President at his fraternity, was Homecoming Chair (again), and attended all the good (and bad) sporting events at K-State. He is an executive officer for Sigma Alpha Pi and has a work-study job with the Professional Advantage Program at the College of Business. High hopes for another summer internship (thanks, Uncle Carey). We took him to Wall Street, Ground Zero, Times Square & Rockefeller Plaza this week.

     Ben and David continue online/homeschooling plus they took Sociology at community college. Next semester is World History (less liberal, I’m sure). They are having an amazing hockey season (beating the #10 and #12 teams in the country). They recently accepted a tender from the Janesville (Wisc) Jets, which is one of the best teams in the NAHL. This contract was a huge honor since each team has a limited number of offers they are allowed to extend. We are all holding our breath for the USHL draft in early May (that is the premier junior's league with the most college scholarships).

     Last, but certainly not least, is our joyful news of Megan Augusta and her wedding with Spencer Thomas Rusch in November. I have photos on Facebook and my WarmlyCandise blogspot, which pale in comparison to “the" perfectly grand affair. Sorry we couldn’t invite all our friends, but our hearts are still overwhelmed by the prayers, good wishes, lovely setting, extraordinary food, fun music, and all manner of blessings brought to us by this small but important extension of our family. Their charming house and prosperous jobs with Rubin/Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events are sure to make their way into future Christmas letters. 

     We all do well to keep a sense of humor in this world, and in this Year of Mercy, I pray you best wishes for a   

     Merry Christmas!  and a  Happy New Year!

Chesterton said: “I have little doubt that when St. George had killed the dragon he was heartily afraid of the princess.”   and  “What life and death may be to a turkey is not my business; but the soul of Scrooge and the body of Cratchit are my business.” 

The Wedding Ceremony (Part 2 of 4)

The morning rain turned into snow as we watched through the window from the Seven Gables Inn, where all the bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done. When the veil was finally added to Megan’s updo, we both got a little teary eyed! The first look was for Dale—meeting her at the bottom of the stairway. 

Then Spencer got his “First Look” on the patio, with all the bridal party peeking through the windows to see them exchange gifts (a hockey jersey is sentimental?! she wanted a Kate Spade "Mrs." bracelet?!).
The wedding began inside the chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph with beautiful prelude music by a violin and cello duo. The four bridesmaids (AGD sisters) wore long black gowns, and the ushers (her brothers) and groomsmen (Spencer’s childhood buddies) didn’t miss a cue. The interns from "Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events" brought programs with velvet ribbons, gold pew bows, and a basket of vintage handkerchiefs for tears of joy.

Here comes the Bride! Her dress by Vera Wang was complimented perfectly by a custom-made lace top and cathedral length veil. The readings and homily seemed especially meaningful for the couple, given the challenges of the past year. Their vows were sealed with a kiss and confirmed in the Eucharist with many Catholic relatives and friends.

Instead of rice or confetti, the exit was an exhilarating send-off with “Team Rusch” rally towels.

Wedding Anniversary

Twenty-four years ago, we said "for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health..."

Weekends are for Fun

Everyone with Facebook has already seen that Sniper got a haircut finally. On Father's Day.

 

Playmaker was braver, giving up his "hockey hair" for the recital of his big sister. He said he wanted a different look, and it definitely makes them both look so much older.

 Dorito is taking a summer vacation from shaving.

 In Delaware they call it "Separation Day" and celebrate with parade, free concert, colonial games, food vendors, and fireworks. Back home we call it "Flag Day" on June 14 (which is easy to remember as that is Aunt Denise's birthday).

Testing the First Group

Captain sat in with a class of seven other pilots this week. He will help teach the next group. Long days plus additional studying each night. Today was their closed-book exam to qualify for the type rating. Captain also had to take the test, since it's been a while since he trained on the Westwind. About 2:00, he called and reported he scored 100%. Just like riding a bicycle... I'm so PROUD of him!!

Starting off in Delaware

We used our time wisely this week while staying with Captain in Delaware and learning about Wilmington and its suburbs. The twins also did some homeschool in the mornings and took their resumes around in the afternoons. They went to 4-5 places for lifeguarding jobs (at country clubs and swimming pool associations). They were brave about cold calling, interviews, and they were both offered a job already! They can work full-time this summer at the outdoor pool at the University of Delaware (Newark campus), and the manager said he would use them this fall for the ice rink/skate school/concession stand indoors.
I also did a few interviews with tutoring centers. There was a great discrepancy in cost and quality among them, but I am pleased that "Back to Basics" can offer me steady hours right away this summer.

Cause for Alarm

Captain learned a trick with his defibrillator on his first week of work, and he laughed as he proceeded to show it to us today. He originally discovered it in the restroom, where he was adjusting the name badge on his shirt. It was a magnetic name badge (which is convenient, especially for women who don't appreciate having stick-pin holes in their garments later). However, it was closer than 6 inches to his device. Therefore the device sensed a magnet blocking its ability to defibrillate you, and set off a long-beep. Not too quiet. Not too loud. But a noticeable alarm. I wasn't laughing, but the twins thought it was cool.

Back in the Saddle

Today, my husband returned to work.
After 169 days, he is un-unemployed!

Learning New Tricks

Captain arrived in Wilmington this afternoon. For the visual learners, here is a map so you can see how close Wilmington is to the northern state lines and borders with Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Captain will working in the largest city in the state (approximate population 125,000). His office will be located at the New Castle County Airport. He will be less an hour from Philadelphia (east) and Baltimore (west). Less than two hours from Washington, D.C. and less than three hours from New York City.
Wilmington lies at the confluence of Brandywine Creek and the Christina River (named for a Swedish princess). The city was named by Thomas Penn after his friend the Earl of Wilmington, who was Britain's prime minister from 1742-43. Delaware was the first state in the USA. Dupont began manufacturing gunpowder here in 1802. During the Civil War, this Union state produced more iron ships than the rest of the country combined. In the 1980s, many financial institutions relocated here because of liberal credit card laws.
The capitol is Dover (where 41 representatives and 21 senators make up the General Assembly). The governor will be running for re-election in 2016 and one possible opponent is Beau Biden, the son of you-know-who. There is also a large Air Force base at Dover.
The state measures only 96 miles long and 5-35 miles wide. That is about the smae number of square miles as the Platte Purchase (six counties in NW Missouri where we currently live). The state lies between Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay. That is a lot of water. Where there's water, there are sure to be beaches, fishing, boating, etc.

Feast of the Annunciation

Nine months from now, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. Therefore, today we celebrate his actual incarnation with the whole Church. The Feast of the Annunciation is a cheerful message of new life and hope. The warmer, spring days are proof that the world will go on producing life and food for all creatures. What a blessing that there is this feast day in the midst of Lent. Right in the middle of chilly and frosty weather, we can think happier thoughts. There are pictures of the Virgin Mary and Angel Gabriel surrounding the altar and adorning our breakfast table at home.
This is also the day that Captain departs for his new job. It is a 2-day drive to Delaware, so he left early to get a good start. We have packed some small comforts along with the luggage into the back of his vehicle. He has several small bags--since we wanted him to be careful and abide by the weight restrictions for his left arm during the next two weeks. He called to admit that he said a few choice words as he drove by "that office" for the last time. He has remained charitable throughout his ordeal of unemployment. It is sad to let go and move on, even when you want to leave. Lent is about detachment. But the Redeemer is about the bigger picture.

Time Spent in Prayer

One of the better aspects of being back in Missouri is the continuation of our Holy Hour at Mir House of Prayer. This Tuesday, I was joined by my husband. We prayed the rosary together, and we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet separately. It is comforting to lean on the tradition and the words. I am realizing that trusting the Lord is a DEEP expression of love. Or vice versa. 

A few cards came in the mail, and a few meals have been delivered to our door. 

C.S. Lewis says: "When pain is to be borne... a little human sympathy helps more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all."

Together for the Ups and Downs

Captain is spending a little time this week saying his good-byes. It is just like him to show honor with a handshake. Those he respected already knew where they stood with this steady black-and-white gentleman.  In between the serious moments, we also have a little inside humor. Such as shared memories of Hobnobs and scones and tea. And wondering why airports call them "ramps" when they are flat.  I taught him what a "diatribe" is (literally), and he taught me about "mu"--an index for braking action on a run-way or ramp in snowy conditions.  Perfect for when I play "Words with Friends" on my iPad. Not that I would procrastinate finishing the income tax prep...

Road Trips Give Us a Break

The twins left yesterday for spring break with their Nashville youth group. A group of 10 guys from Fraternus are heading to a Catholic mission in the Appalachian Mountains to work repairing the homes of the poor. Sniper and Playmaker are excited for the daily mass and rosary, too. This will be a good Lenten retreat (as they will give up their cell phones for the entire week). Thanks to a few relatives who sponsored their expenses.
Dorito is driving down to Louisiana with a couple of Phi Kaps, who are visiting a P.A. school with Mason and then stopping at Galveston beach and Corpus Christi. He is planning to show the other two how to eat crawfish. Brotherhood is such a good way to celebrate time off from mid-terms.
Meggar is headed back to school now that her spring break has ended. She spent her time applying for "real" jobs and promoting her Mr & Mrs Wedding Events at churches and bridal shops.
Captain and I are plenty busy (in this quiet house) with the details about moving forward. It is difficult to let go of anger and resentment when "life" has been unfair and remains uncertain.

OHL Cup News

Only 20 teams are invited to the end-of-season showcase called the OHL Cup. The top AAA teams from Ontario Canada have to qualify, although there were also three Wild Cards and TPH Thunder was invited. The OHL sponsors the Cup for its final look at U15 Prospects before the draft. So it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this year for all 98 hockey players. Including my Sniper (Polar Bear) and Playmaker (Winger). Here is my report:
There were scouts watching from the upper bleachers. Quite a few. The rink was packed with spectators, too.

Overall, Thunder won two and lost two, so they just missed advancing to the quarter finals from round-robin play. Their second game was the worst they have ever played (no carbs at lunch), and Twin #1 got smashed into the boards by player who is considered to go #1 the draft from Toronto (Adam Mascherin of the Vaughan Kings named Greater Toronto Hockey League Player of the Year).

But the best game came yesterday afternoon against Whitby, who happened to be ranked #3 in Canada. Captain and I love it when the other team has fast skaters, because then our twins will skate and think faster. I heard they took their twin-telepathy into high gear with the other-David as their new linemate. My "Playmaker" scored in the first period to tie the game at 1-1. It was a sweetly feathered back-door pass from his brother that he hammered into the net.
Then Jakubowski scored and put Thunder up 2-1, but Whitby tied again right away.
Midway through the third period, the twins stepped up for a 2v1 breakaway. My "Sniper" pulled wide, and passed it over to "Playmaker" early in the offensive zone. Captain reminded me of the Tic-Tac-Toe passing they used to create with Dane. Similarly, these quick passes causes the defense to change from backchecking to forechecking. With perfect timing, Playmaker sent it quickly back to Sniper--right betweent the skates of the defenseman. With no chance to lay on the ice, the defenseman is out of ways to block the shot now. There's only Sniper against the goalie. He lifted it powerfully into the back of the net. His scoring was the go-ahead point. Thunder won this game 3-2 against Whitby, and most teams don't go home after a big win. But it was worth it.
Sniper was named MVP of the game by the coaches. An honor he should share with you-know-who. He was awarded an OHL duffle bag in this photo, and everyone claps their sticks on the ice to congratulate him. Do you think he will share the bag with his twin?! I'm happy how they gave a team effort.
An OHL radio announcer did a 5-minute interview with Sniper after the game. He said his favorite player is Vladamir Tarasenko (Blues rookie of the year in 2013).

Lenten Theology is Family Project

Our family is doing "The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible" with Jeff Cavins as a theology project. I did this series with Meggar (maybe in junior high) so I knew it was worthwhile. As a convert, Jeff Cavins is excited to explain the chronology of all the books of the Bible and I think that is a valuable lesson for Catholics too. He leads students to create their own 4-page timeline along the way. It is a stunning example of God's working all things together for good. And it visually shows the importance of each character in the story of salvation history. I'm happy that Captain is here for these lessons!

Living with ICD Device

The technician from Medtronics checked out Captain again before he left the hospital. Very smart fellow. Here is what his device looks like: defibrillator/pacemaker combo on the right. It is as thick as a cell phone and bigger than the pacemaker-only device on the left. The doctors can change the settings and ensure it is functioning properly if they simply set the mouse on Captain's chest.

The Doctor Will See You Now

Captain has been scheduled for his procedure:
Friday morning, March 7
at KU Med Center (Rainbow Blvd).
Captain will receive a pacemaker/defibrillator combination (called AED). The pacemaker will help with his mitral valve alignment, and the defibrillator will possibly save his life. This surgeon implanted the first defibrillator in Kansas City around 30 years ago and has had 100% success. Captain also was able to start the genetic blood testing to see which direction we go for testing our own children.
We also stopped at the other hospital on the way home to visit Gr. Don, who is still battling pneumonia.

The Final Verdict

Captain met with the heart specialist today at KU Med Center and was told his HCM condition is on the worse end of the scale. The genetic defect has caused his left ventrical to grow extra thick on the inside (not swelling per se) with cells that mimic scar tissue. This thickness creates higher pressure and loss of volume/flow. He also has some bundle branch blocks that are affecting him with irregular or faster heartbeats. The other symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and of course, possible sudden death. (Everyone has heard of the athletes who die suddenly*, because most people with HCM are not aware of their own condition.) The severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, so it will be important to have our children checked out soon for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. According to Aunt Charlotte, there are several men on the Kisker side of the family who died suddenly in their 50s including Gr. Elizabeth's grandfather, his brother, and a couple cousins.
For now, Captain is ready to be done with the 30-days of heart monitoring, especially because the four latex pads have irritated his skin to the point of bleeding. And the monitor bangs against his chest whenever he rolls over in his sleep... The only bad episode recorded by the monitor was on February 17, when Captain stood up suddenly to cheer at the hockey game and nearly fainted.
Dr. Mulhern is advising the implantation of a defibrillator (much like a pacemaker). He also put Captain on a prescription of beta blockers to thin his blood slightly (i.e. keep the heart from racing and getting out of control). We will go to the partner in the practice tomorrow to see about the surgery procedure. We were duly impressed with Mulhern and his staff and the hospital facility. Which was a reassurance in these uncertain times. Luckily, Captain has pushed back his starting date at Flight Safety International for another month to attend to these necessities.
*Quirky Facts: one basketball player with a defibrillator was denied a spot on the team at Wichita State, and another college Bball player had his defibrillator shock him during a game!

Being Heard

Captain doesn't get much sympathy, nor does he ask for much understanding. Yet he needs the support of people who care about him to get through this whole ordeal of unemployment and medical disability. So when the best man from our wedding called and insisted on getting together, I knew that would be the best medicine. Kenny and Darlene regaled us with stories all through dinner about politics, private schooling, and people from the little town where they and Captain grew up. Afterward we went to their house for dessert wine and Captain opened up about his predictament. It was a late evening (Captain was tired even though he had his regular nap) and it was so affirming to share his struggles with others who would keep him in prayer.

I Can Cook

To think that my husband will come home every night for supper after work.... nice! (except for hockey weekends and late-night simulator sessions, but still a new normal for us.)