Sunday, April 2, 2006, 8:11 p.m, D.S.T.~

Dear Ginger Elyse~

Thanks so much for writing; it was good to hear from you again! Hope this finds you well!

I will be sending you a picture of our family that was taken several months back (Christmas time; we went to the photography studio to have it done). That way, you can see what we all look like now. (I am the woman with all the wild, black hair and the big smile upon my face. :) ) Enjoy!

I don't like Johnny's being sick any better than you do, but he has already outlived doctor's predictions by eight years; he still continues to amaze and delight all who come in contact with him. Johnny is a living Miracle Child, and we plan to enjoy him as long as God allows it.

We rely on God to get him (and us) through the hard times. It isn't easy, not by a long shot, but God gives us the strength and courage to face every day, and He has given us such joy to get through the shadows of fear and death! That is the secret to getting through the hard times: our deep-set faith; I don't know how we could survive without it! :)

Well, the weather may get nasty in a while or so: we are currently under weather watches and already have had one round of storms go through (and more are on the way; they are currently in the Memphis area and are speeding this way at 50-60 m.p.h.). I hope we don't get anything in the way of damage; we may have to go to our shelter if the weather gets rough. Just keep us in your prayers; pray we make it through the next several hours! Hope the weather is a lot nicer (not to mention, calmer!) there in South Dakota!

We had a very nice day: we had a nice set of services this morning at church, and we did manage to get out the front door by seven a.m., where we went to Fire Mountain for a good, hearty breakfast. Of course, the poor staff didn't expect us to show up in the way we did, but they were still happy to accomodate us, and we had a good breakfast to get the ol' blood a flowin' and the ol' heart a pumpin'! We were still a little sleepy due to the time change, but there was a nice turnout at church, and the pastoral staff was quite pleased with the turnout. I hope you had a good day! :)

How do I deal with nasty pepple? By doing the best possible thing: ignoring them or walking away. Sure, the comments do hurt, but I try not to let them bother me and go on living my life the best way I can. I try to be a good example to people around me; it does not do any good to be rude or socially unacceptable, and besides, what I do is my own business, not for others to know unless I decide to do so!!

Well, I see lightning to the west, so that must mean the storms are coming. I hear they are nasty, and I hear that they mean business. Downtown Memphis is currently under a tornado warning, and we may be later on if the storms hold together (they are expected to weaken later on, but still--with severe weather on the move, you don't mess around!).

I will have to unplug the computer  until the all-clear is given and get the family to shelter if necessary. God bless you, and pray we make it through the next several hours or as long as this stupid tornado watch is in effect! (God, I hate severe weather season here in the South!!)

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May. :) (Tryin' to smile despite my fear of storms)