Louisiana responds to a hurting friend in Alaska.

Sunday, May 7, 2006, 5:13 a.m., D.S.T. (in Louisiana, headed north)~

Dear Michael~

Thank you for your letter of the other day, and thank you for the picture of your son. You are right: he is a tiny one, but he is proving to be a little champion in his will to live! I pray he continues to do well!

Michael, I know it isn't easy when a child is sick or hurting, and you don't know the outcome; but God will get you through this. Just have the faith, and keep on praying! That is the key to getting through something like this; this is what I do whenever my own kids are sick (or my parents). He will take care of you; just believe and keep on believing that!!

How are you doing? How is Jenna doing? Is she feeling any better? I worry about her, and I know you worry about her, too. Tell her that she, you, and baby Mattaq are covered with prayer: there are people all over the world praying for his reocvery and for y'all's peace of mind!!

We are doing well; we are on our way back home. We were in Louisiana for a crawfish festival, and we decided to miss one day of it and head back. We are in Louisiana now, in our bus, and we are headed north towards home. We all had a wonderful time, and Bill and I are the only ones up. The kids are fast asleep, and so are my parents. It feels good on the ears to have silence reigning the air--for once! For me, silence is a virtue; it doesn't happen very much! LOL

How is the weather there in Alaska? Here it rained part of the time, but it didn't dampen our spirits as we partook in the festival activities! We heard a lot of great Cajun music, danced our socks off, and filled our bellies full of scrumptious Cajun food! We pigged out so much I don't think we will be able to eat for a week! LOL

Johnny and Ronee' performed last night: Ronee' was on stage for forty five minutes, and the audience loved her! She did a super job! As for Johnny, he performed too: he got to sing a few songs with Belton Richard and his band, "The Musical Aces", and he sang and played the accordion. He did a super job, too, and like Ronee', the audience loved him and showered him with much applause! I was as proud as any maman could be; my children did great!! :)

My other kids danced to the music, and even I did. I don't think I danced so much as I did last night; it's been a long time coming, and I really enjoyed myself! Aaaiiieee!! :)

Now we are looking forward to the CMA Festival (Fan Fair) for a week, and then--it's off to Mexico Way! *sigggh* That upcoming Mexican cruise has both Bill and I all dreamy-eyed! It is going to be sooo nice to be away from the children, even if it IS for one week! *gishhh*

Did we tell you that we are in the process of adopting again?  Yes, you heard right: a little boy, aged seven, from Russia, who is in desperate need of a family/home. His name is Vlademir Alesander, and he has pretty red hair and a charming smile! He has cerebral palsy and can't walk or talk, but he seems to be a personable little fellow! We will let you know what happens; keep us in your prayers and pray the adoption goes through!! We would love to add little "Vlady" to our family very much!!

Well, Bill's back is stiffening up (plus his sciatica is acting up), so I will take over the drviing.

Take care, Micheal, and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to get in contact with us! You know where to find us!

God bless you mightily, nad never give up hope! Mattaq is going to be fine; just believe that!!

All the best to you, Jenna, and Mattaq! I love and miss you guys!

(((HUGS))) As always, your friend in Tennessee (okay, now in Louisiana LOL), Louisiana Mayrah. :D