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Lupus
The name "Lupus" is a latin word meaning "Wolf", given to the disease in the 18th century. The red skin lesions common to Discoid Lupus were thought to resemble the bite mark of a wolf, thus labeling it as such. Much later, the red facial rash known to Lupus was named the "Butterfly Rash", as it spreads across the bridge of the nose and onto both cheeks, often similar in appearance to butterfly wings. Thus, the Butterfly became the national symbol of Systemic Lupus. Interestingly enough, the butterfly is also known to symbolize freedom, transformation, and recovery. In this respect, the butterfly stands as a sign of hope to lupus patients everywhere. Due to the Latin meaning of the name, Lupus is still referred to as "The Wolf". Ironically, though the facial rash is considered to be the most common characteristic of SLE, and many physicians believe a patient must have had this rash to be diagnosed with Lupus, only about 30% of lupus patients ever develop this rash.
Systemic Lupus is an autoimmune disease, (meaning "against the self") which simply put, means the body's immune system gets overly-excited and starts reproducing like rabbits! Antibodies are created when none are needed. Instead of just wandering off to some dark, remote crevis, or hiding in the closet until needed, these mindless little warriors do what they are programmed to do:
Without an infection to ward-off, these tiny troopers invade healthy communities --
INFLAMMATION!!
Just like an infected tonsil or an open wound becomes red, swollen, tender, and very painful, lupus causes this same inflammatory process in healthy organs, tissues, joints, blood vessels, muscles, and entire body systems. SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) produces the greatest number of antibodies known to any disease, resulting in the widest variety of symptoms possible. There is absolutely no part of the body that cannot be affected by lupus.
You can certainly find plenty of Technical Information on SLE, so that's why I'm giving you my own personal version of this marvelous conditon in simple, easy-to-understand, common, everyday (did I omit any adjectives?) layman's terms. 
Well, that's easy to answer! Make something up! 
But Wait!! That's Not All!!
If you order now, during this special introductory offer, you will also receive a SURPRISE package of secondary conditions
Christmas? 
Not available to the general public, the limited edition of LUPUS BARBIE. Get yours today!!
Much later came my second wee-folk, "Robdog". He is a 7 year old male-beasty child; my mystical man-in-miniature -- an elf escaped from the Forest of Dreams, pretending to be a child. 
What a fantasy that was! Baby may be 18, but I'll match her against your 1st-Grader anytime!
This is the year that I have one graduating High School and the other just beginning his journey with First grade! I NOW realize that this was not a very good plan. As I'm sending one off to college, I will also be re-entering the world of Homeroom Mothers, baking cookies for the parties, and attending class trips. 
The vision which fills my mind today is not one of boastful confidence. I can just picture it now....
 
For now, home-life is just like a big ole circus, but I don't think anyone is paying attention. Take a quick peek through my window during the holidays and you'll see what I mean!
December is such a joyous month of the year. It never fails... I slip into my exhuberant world of temporary insanity around Christmas time, believing once again in the "magic" of the season. I envision the simple joys, the warmth and love of the prevailing spirit of generosity, the closeness and unity. I know how it's done. I've seen it on TV. With this vision dancing about in my head, each year I once again believe that I possess the power to create the perfect "Walton" holiday. There's just something about those little"snowies." 
 The morning we set up the tree and release the magic of the season, I am bouncing gleefully through the house, singing Christmas songs and making room for all the holiday decorations. My mind is filled with visions of tiny marshmallows melting atop a steaming cup of hot chocolate, thick, fuzzy socks warming my feet, and stringing pop corn while we all watch "Frosty the Snowman". I see my two precious children sitting at my sides, laughter in their glowing eyes and love-filled voices, excitedly joining me in the festive thrill. I picture our smiling faces as we sing Carols, our arms resting gently upon one another's shoulders, while the chestnuts are roasting.
  My heart is filled with warmth at the thought of our family carefully placing each special memorabilia from seasons passed, then sitting around the decorated tree to ooh and awe at the twinkling lights reflecting tiny glows from each shimmering ornament. 
But what's a mother to do?
~ by: Gayla L. Pledger ~ Miss Issy 
All copyrights to written material contained in these pages are owned by Gayla L. Pledger.
 Sometimes a mother just needs to get away for a while. You can take a vacation now, if you'd like. If you sail away, please click on your browser's BACK button to return here... I still have plenty more to show you!
If you plan to stop back by, let me know you're coming and we'll have a bar-b-que and play one of these favorite Lupus Party Games! Just look at the fun we can have...
  Kitchen ~~ OR ~~ Choose For Yourself:
a free homestead! 
Find wonderful free graphics
 If you would like to use this Background, you will find the complete set, along with many others at: Miss Issy's Background Boutique http://geocities.datacellar.net/Wellesley/Gazebo/6813/
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( © copyright-1998,1999 ) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED * IssyMissy HotSprings Community Leader * Miss Issy Wellesley Community Leader
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