Nikki Leamouth

You may run into someone in sl that has an MSW and works as a counselor in rl. But verifying this would be almost impossible unless they wanted to give you personal rl contact info. Depending on the regulations where they practice, it may preclude them from giving any meaningful guidance. I'm an MD in rl working in my Trauma Residency. Being an MD in rl, it would be very risky, even with the anonymity of sl, to give any medical advice beyond things that you may already find on a site like WebMD. Personally, I would listen, possibly pass on what I know about a certain problem, then refer you there for more info and to you regular Dr for further examination and consultation. IMO, anything else would be irresponsible on my part. So I seriously doubt you will find a legitimate PhD or MD Therapist that would do anymore than that in sl. If for no other reasons than the possible attendant liability and risk of license. It is such an iffy thing where liability is concerned I will not even rp as a Dr in sl. If you feel you are in need, try contacting the Health Department in your jurisdiction. They may be able to provide you with the names of bona fide therapists in your area who will work with you on the basis of what you can afford. Or they may be able to point you to some support groups being supervised by a bona fide therapist. Good luck, and if you genuinely feel you need help by all means continue to seek it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm fortunate enough to be spending this time with my family and friends. But I have many friends in the US Military who are in dangerous places far away from home, some for the second or third time in as many years. This variation on Twas the night before Christ was written in 1986 by James Schmidt, LCpl-USMC. I'd like to dedicate it to my friends in the military, several of whom are SL members, using it to spend some time with friends and loved ones when they are away from home. Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give, And to see just who inside this home did live. As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges,awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight. Soon around the Nation, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines, like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye, and I dropped to my knees and I started to cry. He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, “Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps.” With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside. I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.” One look at my watch and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight. ============================================================ Merry Christmas to all the members of the US Armed Forces serving far away from their families and friends at this special time of year. But especially to my friends in "The Corps" in Afghanistan. I hope you return safely, and very, very soon. Your Honor and devotion to duty make me proud to be your friend. Semper Fi URAAAH! Nikki Leamouth-Lefevre (aka irl Nicole L*******, Lt USN - MC)