Dear Friends, Greetings from St. Louis! I wanted to share a last post-stroke/post-surgery update regarding our daughter, Eva. The Ides of 2020 began for us December 30 when we were shocked to learn that our daughter Eva had a stroke, was in ICU, her left side paralyzed and unable to speak. Driving back to Pittsburgh from St Louis, we didn't know what her prognosis was. The stroke was caused by at 95% blockage of her right carotid artery which would need surgery as soon as possible but was postponed three times due to medical insurance issues. In retrospect, that was for the better, as I don't know how she could have coped with recovering from the stroke and surgery at the same time. We reached out to you, our friends and colleagues, asking for prayers, encouragement, support, and you responded graciously with your prayers, emails, thoughts, words of encouragement, lighted candles, and cards for Eva and also words of wisdom for how to navigate the medical and medical financial aid systems. Some of you shared medical issues that your own families were experiencing, and others of you have lost loved ones during this time, and so our prayers also went out to and continue to be with you. January through March I was commuting between Pittsburgh and St. Louis as Eva gradually but steadily, recovered from the stroke and surgery, I returned home in time to begin sheltering-in-place due to the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic which, all too soon, was followed by multiple manifestations of another pandemic in our country/world, racism and the killing of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and subsequent racial events leading to protests and demonstrations--the 60s deja vu all over again. Since then, both pandemics have alternately been grabbing news headlines and spotlights and changing the world and our everyday lives, suffering from the incredible illness and death toll and exacerbating already present racial and economic disparities. At the same time we have been in awe of the those on the front lines of both the medical, research, and essential needs battles, and also those who continue to be on the front lines working for racial justice and equality. During these months until June, Eva continued with doctors' appointments, scans, tests, neurological evaluations speech/physical/occupational therapy and home exercises. She is walking well--(not running yet), her speech is slightly slower but good but her voice lacks endurance for longer conversations. The use of her left hand has improved but is not yet 100% in sensitivity or functioning for which she is still having occupational therapy. Part of her self-therapy at home is getting back to playing the piano--challenging her left hand to cooperate. She is an avid reader but finds it difficult to read for long periods of time. Doctors say full recovery could take 12-18 months. The second week of July she returned to her job very part time, 2 hours/day, where she works at a child care learning center. The classroom she entered seemed strange as she was shocked that all of her décor had been removed from the walls due to disinfecting the rooms. So, as an imaginal educator, she started again with new décor and getting to know mostly new children wearing masks. Next week she will work 3 hours/day and will gradually increase her hours as her energy and stamina allow. Considering where she was in December, we are so grateful for the progress she has made and continues to make. And we are very grateful for the prayer and other support you have generously shared. Our prayers continue with all you during these uncertain times of the spreading coronavirus pandemic and addressing the continuing pandemic of racism/white supremacy. Take care, be well, and stay safe. Grapes and peas and blessings, Ellie (and Carleton, too :)elliestock@aol.com