1993

November was a busy month. Win did over two score costumes for the Nutcracker Suite -- all without patterns. By November Courtney had recovered from her broken leg and was back to regular toddler mischief. Win had recovered from the miscarriage. Heather was out of therapy and had completed her support group and was thriving in kindergarten. It all came together to make a very busy month.

Earlier this year Win was made secretary for Relief Society. Steve is both an assistant scout master and the ward employment specialist. Win has served as secretary for Wichita Falls Right to Life and as the PTA Committee Chair for Legislation and Publications. Steve was on the founding board of the Wichita County Child Advocacy Center and the board for Parents Anonymous. The four building complex and walled multi-acre compound opened this summer. Steve also co-chairs the Red River Mediation Council, has spoken at several seminars, and continues to publish. Win serves on the Legal Auxiliary Board and produced this year's directory for them.

We have had some dear friends who really helped us make it through the year. The Prince, Warnock and Chaddick families have been kinder and more thoughtful than we could have ever dreamed. The Green family went beyond any expectation (they even gave us a boat big enough to take both families sailing). Our Bishop, Bishop John L. Elison has proven very dear. We were warned that following the funeral most people would abandon us quickly, but we have been blessed in how few proved callow or feckless. Steve's entire office group has been especially supportive and caring.

Our families and the Jefferson Elementary School community have all proven to be steady supports and caring. The teachers have taken extra time for us and for Heather. Andrea, Win's sister, invited us to Florida for Thanksgiving. Others have cared for us ahead of themselves in each holiday season. Their kindness and nurturing has really blessed us.

Jessica's death was so devastating to our entire family. To lose a child who had been so healthy, to lose her to no known cause, and to spend a month in intensive care units wondering and hoping, was draining and frustrating as well as painful. There is still no certain cause of death established. While our insurance covered the majority of the matter, because she took sick on Christmas and died in January we still have the remnants of two years of co-payments and deductibles on over $600,000.00 in medical bills. I look forward to the day we have paid the bills and can afford a headstone.

The entire time Jessica was in ICU she was conscious only briefly. Ron Velton gave her a stuffed beaver just before she came to and she was aware enough to see it and smile before she went back under. I see that beaver now and it reminds me of all the kindness and care shown us by so many strangers like the wonderful Burroughs family. So many did so much for us. It is impossible to list them all. We want everyone to know just how much we appreciate everything and every care.

Sincerely and with love,

The Marsh Family

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