Another email exchange, as done by two good friends in distant states, is completed.
Friday, April 1, 2005, Alaska Time~
Dear Louie~
I could just sense the sadness dripping from your pen; yet, your letter exudes hope and healing in the face of mitigating circumstances. I am feeling a little better today, but living with lupus is a day-to-day thing: one day, I feel good, and the next day, I feel like I could just curl up and die. Sounds almost like your little girl, Ronee', whom, as you mentioned, is in the hospital with an arthritis flare. How is she doing today? I pray and hope she is feeling a lot better! Please tell her when you see her sometime today that we Kings here in Anchorage say hello, and we hope that she is feeling better! Thanks!
I enjoyed the picture of the pair of hands. That must look like your family, when the children hold hands. So wonderful to know that you take in children nobody else would otherwise want and give them the love, stability, and family that they needed! I can relate to this too, but nothing to the extent that you have. FIFTY, soon to be FIFTY-TWO children?? I just can't imagine that! HOW do you do it?? It's struggle enough with our brood; and here yours is twice the size of ours, yet it is obvious just by looking at the happy, shining faces of your Miracle Children just how well cared for they are, and they shine with such hope and promise! I don't know what you do to raise them so successfully, but I would love to learn your secrets! LOL And now you are about to add to your brood this weekend with two more...WOW! That is absolutely INCREDIBLE!
I read your inspiring story, and I was very impressed with the writing, the pictures, and the overall content of the book. We had a copy here at our state's library, and I read it in one sitting. It only took me a few hours to read the entire book, and by book's end, I was like, "WOW!" The book made me laugh in parts, yet in other parts, I was in tears as I read of the struggles of some of your children, and overall, I was inspired and filled with a sense of hope as I read of your Christian faith and how it governs the lives of your family, your husband, and yourself. It is obvious that God has blessed your family tremendously by giving you these children, and it is wonderful to see that you are so involved in their daily upbringing! I just wish more parents were like you or could follow your example; you could very easily teach them a thing or two about life...I just wish I had my own copy of "A Family Made out of Miracles and Rainbows: The Sandusky Family Story--A True Story of Love and International Adoption"! Do you know where I could get myself a copy?? I'd gladly pay you the cost of the book (plus shipping and handling charges)!
I am so sorry about the news of your friend, Sari in Finland. That is awful! I pray she finds the peace and hope that you have! I am glad that you are recovering well from surgery; that is a huge answer to prayer! God is so good, isn't He?? I will add Sari Annike Gustaffssenn to our prayer list at our church; that way, we can lift her up in prayer!
I was happy to learn of your daughter Ronee' 's success on "America's Most Talented Kids". Third place out of seven acts...hmmm, NOT bad, NOT bad AT all! She seems like such a happy little kid, and she sure does love to sing! God has blessed her as well, and I am so happy that I know her! I can now say, "I knew her when---"...Hope that she is feeling a lot better by the time you get this! Give her a (gentle) hug, and tell her that I hope she is out of the hospital soon!
The weather is cold and snowy today; but not too terribly so, nothing like what they have been having in Denver, Colorado. How is it there? Have the storms passed? I pray and hope you had no damage from the storms as they traversed across your area; I wish you nothing but sunny, drier weather for you guys!
Wasn't that sad that Terri Schiavo died yesterday? Maybe it is for the better, but I still think her skunk of a husband ought to be charged with her murder because he didn't do anything to help her (he stopped her therapy), and he also won't let HER parents go to THEIR OWN child's funeral! I think that stinks! I think the Schiavos ought to sue his a**, if you know what I mean! And the Pope isn't doing well either: very grave condition, worsening health; I suppose it shan't be too long before we hear that HE has passed! Such goings on in the world today; God help us all....How do you feel about this issue involving Terri Schiavo, knowing you have kids who are deemed "terminally ill" (Johnny) or "medically fragile" (Jodie, Todd, Ronee', etc.)? What would you do if one of your kids were in this predicament? Do you have a DNR order for them, or would you let doctors try to save them if their lives were in danger? I am just curious is all, I am sorry for butting in your personal affairs, but this case involving Terri Schiavo isn't over, I am afraid, and it has me steamed up BIG time!
Well, I must go now; I am crying too hard as I think about Terri Schiavo and the sad state of affairs that this case generated. Such a tragedy...I will write more later as soon as I can stop crying! I have been very moody ever since yesterday, and I wonder at times if I am going crazy...God bless you all, and enjoy your new Sri Lankan Miracles when they come to your home and family this weekend; I am so happy for you guys!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Alaska, Anna Arnette. :(
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
Let this coming of age story of a boy named Bean take you back to a simple time. Set in a small southern town in the 1960's, encircled by a river and gleaming white cotton fields.
Friday, April 1, 2005, Alaska Time~
