(((((Jan)))))) i had a stroke 2 years ago at the age of 33. i've been deaf and half-blind since birth. i so understand the stress of the entire matter.

talk to the red cross. fight, if you can. i'm in the middle of a battle with my insurance company for coverage of a treatment i so badly need and having been waiting for the last year for. i'm doing this, so i can continue to share myself with others, as i have plenty of years of my life left to live. as for your mom's situation, i understand the urgency to get j back home from iraq.

i want to commend you for picking up on the little things and "silent" things that were unspoken by your mom. many people don't pick up on those "signals." no wonder your mom's so terrified. i wish you and your mom the best.