2001 Christmas Letter
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Merry Christmas    

     How do we do justice to this year?  Not all milestones met were happily anticipated.  Margie's Dad, Howard Wood, died of a heart attack on May 31.  Eric's Mom, Muriel, died of a heart attack on November 13; she was in the process of leaving the hospital after her second heart attack (her first was eight years ago).  Both parents were vital members of the community and instrumental in their children's development.  They are remembered fondly, and we all have many stories to tell from their lives.  As we dwell on the good memories, we continue to build more memories in their absence.  Margie's Mom, Peggy, is just learning that she has metastatic cancer, possibly related to the uterine cancer she had eleven years ago. 

     Eric continues to practice medicine in Louisburg, home of the Louisburg Cider Mill and Chris Cakes.  He had his left knee replaced in February.  After months of not feeling fully recovered, and following a fall on both knees, he went to the orthopedic doctor with complaints of pain.  He has a torn ligament close to the replaced knee, and he now has a bone fragment floating in the good knee.  So he will again begin a year with knee surgery.  He is hoping for less pain so he can resume his biking.  A new hobby keeps him busy:  geocaching.  Catch his latest find on our website. 

     Margie continues at KU MED in respiratory therapy.  She was promoted to team leader, and she feels like it's all coming back.  There are fewer "holes" in her knowledge from her 20-year hiatus from therapy.  It was a busy year at KU; no summer lull this year, so she didn't do much else except go geocaching with Eric. 

     Alan is in his first senior year at KSU.  He has 1 1/2 -2 more senior years to go, we think.  He was accepted into the architectural engineering honor fraternity this fall.  He hopes to begin working on campus this break with the information services department.  At least one of his football teams is in a winning season, although he has wished for a few more wins for both the Wildcats and the Chiefs

     Daniel graduated from high school in May.  He continued to work this summer at the local vet as a kennel worker.  He is attending Johnson County Community College this fall and next spring, where he has a music scholarship.  He plays in the concert and jazz bands.  He then plans to attend Emporia State College.  He has taken up fencing, and is really enjoying the sparring.   He has joined Eric and Margie's bell choir, and he continues with the church orchestra.

     With the economic downtown, subsequent layoffs and the events of 9-11, we have decided that it is not a good year to sell a house, so we are here for now.  This year has strengthened our resolve to stay connected with family and friends, if only through e-mail and this Christmas letter.  May God bless you all.

edyck@kc.rr.com
mdyck@kc.rr.com
awdone@msn.com
deathstroyer22@kc.rr.com