On Monday morning, Mara had another biopsy. Another chunk of bone extracted, another bone marrow puncture. Never pleasant. The first time back in Amsterdam, before the deed, Mara found a way to summon her courage: “Paul, did you know that John McCain was a prisoner of war in Vietnam and tortured for years before being released. If he bore the suffering for so long then surely a little puncture can’t be that bad”. Ever since, before a biopsy or a puncture, I say: “Mar, think of John McCain.”The results will be shared with us in the coming days. I’m nervous and keep telling myself to think of the bigger picture. Let go of the fear. Mara will get her transplant. She will overcome this. She will live a full and happy and healthy life. For this reason alone, the results will be positive.
Every evening, back in the hospital, Mara finds little gifts hidden under her sheets. Somehow, they always come in pairs. Letters. We both get so very excited. Mara always shares and hands me one envelope while she rips open the other. We read out loud, exchange the cards and thoroughly examine both content and design. This mail brightens the dreaded moment of returning to the hospital. We forgot how much fun it is to receive real mail!
Dearest Friends. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTERS, CARDS, PHOTOS, STATUES. They are amazing. Please continue to send them. Mar (and I) get so much pleasure in receiving them. She’s out of touch with her “other world” and misses listening/reading what goes on in her friends’ lives. If you’re willing to be old fashioned and willing to cramp the muscles in your hand, then grab a pen, and write her a letter or a card or add pictures. She loves it!
As a reminder, the address:
D. Rossini C/o Osp. S.M. Della Misericordia Reparto Ematologia / Degenza (Cam. 9) 06132 S. Sisto - Perugia - Italia
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