Billy had his surgery and it was successful. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for all the good wishes and e-mails. Things are not as simple as I would like them to be though, but I am letting life unfold one day at a time. Bill is going to stay over there in Malaysia until his body is ready for such a long flight back home. We do not know at this point how long it will take.
Something wonderful is that my brother Alex (the angel of our family) is flying to Malaysia in order to support Bill emotionally. Bill adores Alex. It's a very long trip but he should be there on Sunday. Right now Alex is here in LA with us (what a gift!). He had some problems with the flight booking (3 different flights to get to Malaysia) so he's spending the whole day with us.
Once home, it will take Bill a long time and lots of physio-therapy to recover his strength. Right now he's very weak and in pain. His foot hurts a lot as well as the rest of his body and his pelvis, which is traumatized. We haven't talked a lot over the phone because it's hard for him, but he promised that he's going to be OK.
(My desk, from where I wrote this post)
Again, all I can say is that I am extremely grateful that he survived this serious fall. 20 feet is about a 3rd floor. It is a real miracle that Billy is alive now. I want to thank whatever element made possible for him to survive (the fact that the ground was not concrete but wood, also that he had just gotten some new shoes with a lot of cushioning on the bottom (thanks a lot nike shoes), the position in which his body landed...)
In the middle of all the current events in my life, I cannot stop thinking about how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband who survived a big fall, I have a wonderful brother who is very sick but loves every minute of his life, I have my wonderful children, wonderful relatives and friends that genuinely care about us, I have my art and my garden and the joy of knowing that every day is a new day. I wake up in the morning knowing that every day brings a new opportunity for us to do something right, something good. And what I am doing right now is loving and appreciating all the things that I have and that includes you.
Peace and love to all.
And we will be fine over here no matter what.
Elsita








Oh Elsita, such a relief! My goodness, you've certainly had some challenges come your way in the recent past, but as always you are handling them with gratitude and grace - a wonderful and powerful example. I have been thinking about your brother and praying for him, as well as your niece and your entire family. I'll add Bill to the list now :) So so glad that he is in good hands and will be ok. Thank you for sharing so openly about all that you have been going through.
Much love,
Terry
Posted by: terry | August 27, 2010 at 04:59 PM
Oh I can´t believe it, some days ago I´ve read a post on his blog about his visit to Malaysia, I´m so sorry to read about his accident now... fortunately his surgery was succesful.
All my best wishes to you and your husband Elsita!!!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 27, 2010 at 05:26 PM
My best wishes to both you and Bill. You bring so much joy to so many people with your beautiful art and blogs, you deserve all the best. Send love and light and prayers.
Posted by: Charlotte Dixon | August 27, 2010 at 05:56 PM
It's so good to hear you spear like that.
Te mando mucha buena vibra y abrazos virtuales.
Posted by: Nahuatl Vargas | August 27, 2010 at 06:13 PM
I'm so happy to hear the surgery went well and he will soon have someone there to support him and keep up his spirits. I hope the same for you on the home front. Sometimes it's harder to be in your position. Helpless to do anything for your husband. Everything will be okay. I just know it. Take care of yourself. xoxo
Posted by: foo | August 27, 2010 at 09:36 PM
i've been thinking of you all and will continue to send all kinds of good vibes and great affection your way. xxx!
Posted by: susan | August 28, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Elsa, Strength to you both. Your wonderful hearts and spirits and wonderful connection will see you through this time. They shine though in both your blogs. :) Diane
Posted by: Diane | August 28, 2010 at 02:29 AM
Elsita--
I'm glad that your strong spirit has carried you through the bumps in the road of life! Sometimes we just don't understand why bad things happen to good people, we just have to plow ahead in life and keep counting our blessings. I consider you, your art, and your blogs a blessing! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Hugs---Janet
Posted by: Janet Goff | August 28, 2010 at 04:16 AM
I'm so happy that the surgery went well and that all of you are doing ok.
Hope you will have a weekend filled with peace.
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 28, 2010 at 04:36 AM
My thoughts are with you and Bill and your children. Blessings. Your post today was such good news!
Posted by: Nancy Gage | August 28, 2010 at 05:18 AM
Elsita,
I love your naturally positive attitude so much! You put such joy out into the world and I really believe that it changes people's lives. That same love and joy that you give to me, I am radiating back to you. I believe that Bill will heal quickly and with strength. I love you!
Posted by: Colleen | August 28, 2010 at 05:59 AM
like many of your friends above elsa I think what attracted us all to you and your blog was your optimistic spirit that reigns in all sorts of situations. You are greatly loved and I know Bill will be home soon and that his recovery will be aided by this.
Posted by: margie oomen | August 28, 2010 at 06:27 AM
((hugs)) You are such a wonderfully positive person! The world needs more Elsas :)
Safe travels for your brother, healing for your husband and brother.
Posted by: Mim | August 28, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Our dear Elsa,
So sorry to hear of Bill's accident. How horrible. He must be living right to have survived this terrible fall. You, Bill, and the children are in our thoughts and we are sending healing energy to all of you. Thank goodness Jamie will be going to be with Bill. Love and support to all of you, Mary and Joe
Posted by: Mary Molinaro | August 28, 2010 at 07:04 AM
Ooops, sorry I got your brother's name wrong...I meant Alex. Sorry. Love you. mary
Posted by: Mary Molinaro | August 28, 2010 at 07:07 AM
You're all in our thoughts and hopes.
Posted by: Frances | August 28, 2010 at 08:31 AM
It is so hard when a loved one is hurt and far away. So good that your brother can go and be with Bill. My best wishes go to all your family. Keep your spirits up.
Posted by: Janet | August 28, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Best wishes and hugs for you and Bill!
Posted by: Silvia | August 28, 2010 at 09:33 AM
I'm glad that Bill's surgery went well. I applaud your positive attitude, it makes life go so much easier. When bad things happen it helps one to focus on the really important things in life, our families and friends. Sending love and positive thoughts.
Posted by: Janet M | August 28, 2010 at 09:34 AM
I hope Bill gets well soon!!
Posted by: Lilly | August 28, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Having just gone through a total hip replacement, and the pain involved in that, I can only imagine, how he must be feeling. Day by day he will get stronger and be back to his old self. What a true blessing that he did survive, that is a very long fall! His guardian angle softened the blow :)
That is so nice that your brother can be with him to lift his spirits, which I'm sure he will. Big hugs from a fellow blogger, and admirer of your beautiful work and family.
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | August 28, 2010 at 01:18 PM
Continuing prayers and well wishes for Bill, Alex and for your whole family as you cope with life's challenges.
Posted by: Peggy Beck | August 28, 2010 at 05:27 PM
I'm glad to hear Bill is recovering well. Your strength and optimism are amazing. Peace to you.
Posted by: Rose | August 28, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Oh my! Elsa, this is so much for your family to bear. But it is great to hear that your husband is doing so well. Still sending prayers and hugs...
Posted by: jenny b harris | August 28, 2010 at 06:43 PM
Hello Dearest,
I am ever so pleased that Bill will be ok. What a series of unfortunate events!!! But it has to be said, that you are an inspiration for keeping the spirits high!
Yay for Alex being with you for a day. And thanks for the picture of a bit of your studio. I wanted to see your workspace for a long time!
Love,
Veronika
(Lalomino)
Posted by: Veronika / Lalomino | August 29, 2010 at 03:48 AM
Elsita! You are SO amazing! I love your attitude, and I am so happy that this event has had a happy ending for you both. Big HUG and lots of courage!
Posted by: unlikely nomad | August 29, 2010 at 01:57 PM
Elsa---Oh my! I am just back from a trip and catching up on my favorite blogs. What a great attitude you have! Of course, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's fall but so happy that he will be OK. You have certainly had more than your share of challenges but with your amazingly optimistic spirit, you will endure these hurdles. You are a inspiration to us all....
Much love and blessings-----Gina
Posted by: Gina Purlia Johnson | August 29, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Thanks for the inspiringing encouraging update!!
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!
Posted by: Flassie | August 30, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Bless you, Elsita. You have it all figured out.
Sending you so many more hugs and wishes for quick healing to Bill...
xoxoxoxo,
Kirsten
Posted by: kirsten | August 30, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Oh my goodness, I hope that Bill recovers quickly and that he will be able to come home to all of you soon. Landing on his heel from twenty feet is impressive; in fact, could you please ask him if he's part cat?
Sending healing thoughts across the Pacific Ocean to Malaysia!
Posted by: dutchbaby | August 30, 2010 at 05:35 PM
You are quite amazing :) All the best to you and Bill and your family. Best thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery for Bill.
Posted by: Sharon | August 30, 2010 at 05:36 PM
Dear Elsita, I am so sorry about Bill's accident. I am relieved to hear he is healing. And I am really impressed with your family and how loving and supportive they are to each other. That is such a treasure! Bless you and healing thoughts go out to your loved ones and to you to stay strong. XOXO Suzen
Posted by: Suzen | August 31, 2010 at 05:05 AM
Espero una pronta recuperacion de tu marido, que dificil debe haber sido para ti no poder estar alli en su intervencion. Me alegro de que todo haya salido bien y tambien te deseo que tu hermano se vaya recuperando.
Un abrazo
Posted by: Ana | August 31, 2010 at 05:23 AM
De veras Elsa que no sabes lo que me alegra que todo saliera bien.
Efectivamente hay que dar gracias todos los días a la vida por lo bueno que nos brinda y porque las personas a las que queremos estén vivas y disfrutar de ellas cada momento.
Espero que tu marido tenga un buen postoperatorio y puede volar pronto a tu lado y disfruteis juntos.
Te mando un beso gordo, gordo sin gluten.
Posted by: zerogluten | August 31, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Hi Elsita,
A long time that I had not come on your blog.
I am sad to learn Bill's accident.
Fortunately Bill's life is not in danger and the surgery was successfull.
Warm wishes to him and all of you !
All the best
Elsa
Posted by: Elsa FB | September 02, 2010 at 02:35 PM
I'm sending best wishes for Bill's speedy and complete recovery and for all of you to have the strength you need to get through this challenging time. It sounds like you are surrounded by wonderful supportive people.
Blessings,
Mindy
Posted by: Mindy | September 02, 2010 at 05:46 PM
Elsa! You are my inspiration:)
Posted by: kyndell | September 09, 2010 at 04:57 AM
I posted your beautiful flower dolls on my blog. I like all what you do. How much creativity and poetry in you ... thank you
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krisnataro/
Posted by: Kris Nataro | October 07, 2010 at 04:23 AM
I just found your blog today, and I am fascinated by your artwork, especially your paper cutting. I just wanted to let you know that the reason why your husband survived is because of our loving God. Things do not happen by chance or by luck, but under the control of a loving and faithful God. I would just like to say that Jesus loves you and your family, and I am happy that you are now with your husband and that he is recovering. You are blessed with a wonderful talent, a beautiful heart, and exceptional children. I look forward to seeing more from you. Love and blessings from an island girl from Guam!
Posted by: Cristina | February 07, 2011 at 08:20 PM