[LadyX]

So, Billie - today is The Paws That Refreshes??

[dixie sass]

groannnnnnnn

[LadyX]

I Care, Too, Billie - -

[Billie]

Good morning, Maggie! Yes, today "The Paws That Refreshes" :).....and it's raining cats and dogs! :)

[The Thin Man]

Sorry I missed your birthday party, LadyX. Wishing you another year of great joy and all the Spam you can eat!

[Dubya]

FYI

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2003 - Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch does not have
amnesia, according to a May 8 release from Walter Reed Army
Medical Center here. Instead, say her attending doctors, she has
no recollection of any events that may have occurred from the
start of the ambush until when she awoke in an Iraqi hospital.

Based on military debriefings and mental health evaluations she
has undergone, they believe the probability of her remembering
any events during that time period is very low, stated the
release.

"Amnesia is the loss of the ability to recall an event that's
been previously laid down in someone's mind," said Walter Reed
Army Dr. (Lt. Col.) Greg Argyros during a May 9 CNN interview.
"If you meet an individual or experience an event, a memory is
laid down in the brain and you're able to recall that, and that
is your memory. When you lose that memory, that is amnesia.

"There are events that occur when memory is not laid down," he
continued. He gave an example of patients under general
anesthesia having "no recollection whatsoever" of what took
place during their operation. He said that's "because no memory
is laid down."

Argyros said that Lynch had been "evaluated by a number of
mental health professionals and her medical team," people who
"have particular expertise in the evaluation of individuals who
have suffered war injuries."

He stated that "it is their opinion that it is very unlikely
that in the future she will recall any of those events."

"She is consistent in every question that she has answered in
response to that time period," Argyros emphasized. He said based
on findings from military and medical debriefings and other
sessions, "she has absolutely no recollection whatsoever" of the
events surrounding her capture and POW status.

The release stated Lynch continues to make steady progress since
arriving at Walter Reed April 12. She's healing at a
"satisfactory rate" with "no unexpected complications."
Currently, no more surgeries or procedures are planned.

The release also reported that Lynch's physical and occupational
therapy sessions have increased to twice daily.

"Occupational therapy helps her with activities of daily living,
such as combing her hair, brushing her teeth and other personal
hygiene matters," stated the release. "The physical therapy is
designed to help her increase her strength and flexibility."

Lynch spends her free time reading and writing e-mail, enjoying
letters and cards from well-wishers, and listening to music and
watch television, according to the hospital statement.

It also said "recent inaccurate reports of amnesia have resulted
in her explaining to friends and family that she is okay and
still the same Jessi."

"I don't want people to think I can't remember things," Lynch
reportedly said.

Officials have set no discharge date for Lynch. Hospital
officials want to "ensure she recovers properly," the release
stated. "Her doctors say that her terrific attitude toward
recovery is a valuable asset."