Louisiana is back in business, answering emails that came to her while she was in Greece for a wedding. She is more than happy to be back home.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005, 10:31, C.D.T.~
Dear Deidre~
Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me; it was very nice to hear from you!
I am so happy that you wanted to come up to me; but meeting new people is always hard, even for people who are used to having to be around strangers (like me). Sometimes I get uncomfortable around people I don't know, and I sometimes get tongue-tied; especially if I hear them talking behind their backs about me or my family or see them staring or pointing at me. But I try to ignore hateful (or hurtful) comments and try to "kill them with kindness", and that usually does the trick.
I had a letter yesterday from a woman in Indiana who was less than kind (she read my books, and she didn't like what I had written, and she also accused me of "exploiting" my kids), but I took time to write to her and answer the questions she had asked in her letter; I was very explanatory in my words, and I was not rude or unkind about it. Sure, some of the things that she had written were hurtful, akin to a slap in the face, but I was honest with her, and I told her just how things were and why I feel the way I do; and why we took in so many unwanted children into our home and hearts. I am awaiting her response, just to see what she says; I hope she writes back!
Thank you, too, for telling me about your children Raylee, Forrest, Dominick, and Sam; they sound like wonderful kids. I have seen you at church, but you always sit in the back, and you are always so quiet. I also have seen Forrest raise a fuss and you are having to take him out, a look of sheer humilation and embarrassment etched upon your face; but you are determined to try to raise your children the best way you can. I can tell that you are a very good mother to your kids. I can tell you are shy, and that is okay to be shy; not everyone can be an extrovert like yours truly! LOL Sometimes people say I am TOO extroverted, and they tell me that I must have diarrhea of the mouth because it seems that I am always talking! LOL
People say my letters are just like me: chatty, full of information (sometimes TOO much information, mind you!), and rambling; they go on forever, it seems. My letters are not only letters: some of them have turned into epic novels! LOL But that is okay; I just LOVE to write, and I love interacting with other families with adopted children (or even those who DON'T have children who are adopted!)!
I am glad you enjoyed both of my books. Reader satisfaction is always important to me, and I appreciate the support for what I have written. Besides talking, I also love to write, and writing my books were a big challenge, but in the end, I was pleased with what transpired, and so many people have enjoyed reading my story. I have also had people rip up my works and trash it, but I look at it this way: you can't please EVERYONE, and not everyone is going to like what I do or write. I can understand that, but sometimes negative criticism does hurt! Thank you for taking the time to read my books, and thank you for the positive feedback! It is very much appreciated!
I will tell you more about my family next time I write (that is, if I REMEMBER!). I enjoyed learning more about you, and your children, and I hope that one day you can come up and meet me; I would very much love to meet you, your husband, and your children!
God bless you, Deidre (now, is it Deidre, or is it DEIRDRE?); and again, thank you for writing to me. Hope to hear from you very soon!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend, Louisiana M. Sandusky (mama to 52 Miracle Children!). :D
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.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005, 10:31, C.D.T.~
