Weds., April 19, 2006, Nashville, Tn., U.S.A.~

Dear Hiroko Tashita~

Ohaiyo! Thank you for writing; it was a pleasant surprise to get your letter today in my inbox!

I was equally surprised to hear that you got a copy of my book. Small coincidence: Bitta Magnussen so happens to b eone of my friends too; she and I have been writing back and forth for a few months, but she didn't mention about a woman in Japan! However, I am glad to make your acquaintance!

To tell you a little about myself, Hiroko, I have been married to my husband (Bill) for nearly 15 years now (it will be in June), and we did have three children of our own; unfortunately, all died (two while still tiny babies). Once we got over the initial grief, Bill saw that I was depressed and wanted children of my own, so he and I decided to try adoption. First came a little boy from Germany, then a little girl from Louisiana; after that the kids just kept--coming--and they still continue TO come! LOL Now we are the parents to an incredible 53 children, most of them with special needs, and now we can't imagine our lives being any other way! :)

You sound like you have your hands full. However, seven children is nothing compared to MY crew! LOL Try handling fifty three children! It is chaotic at best, but I know of nothing else, and it has been fun! :) My kids are all Gifts from God, and they have brought us much joy!!

Onc of my children (Gemini, who is now fourteen, nearly fifteen) was born in Japan; she was born of Chiness and Japanese parentage, and she came to us when she was only three years old. She has now grown into a beautiful young lady with extraordinary talents in music and in sports, and she continues to amaze people with her skills! She is very intelligent, and she has made life fun!

I know a little Japanese (thanks in light to Gemini), but not much. I am glad that you are learning English. I know it is hard for you. I speak a little of several different languages (Spanish, Russian, Bosnian, Romanian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.), but my mother tongues are French and English (I grew up speaking both). I find learning new languages exciting and fun, and I enjoy learning about new lands/cultures!

I have been fortunate to have seen some of the world (Sri Lanka, England, Greece, Italy, etc.), and I have been on one cruise (am looking forward to taking two more, one in June--wedding anniversary gift to us! *grins*--and the other in October, when we will be making a return trip to Alaska; that one will have the entire family in tow). I love to travel, and some day I hope to go to China, Japan, or even Africa, perhaps. That would be so fascinating! :)

I am a nurse: I work at a hospital not far from where we live, and my husband works at a department store, where he is a greeter. I am a full-time parent, and that job is a neverneding one. :)

In addition, I am a full-time writer: I have four books now to my credit, and there may be more in the future if God sees to it. I love to write; always have, always will! :)

My kids come from all over the world: Japan, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, China, Sri Lanka, India, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Iran, Italy, Bosnia, Romania, Russia, and Africa. The majority of them have disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy, varying degrees of mental retardation, learning disabilities, vision/hearing/speech impairments, scars from burns, congenital dwarfism or amputeeism, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and arthritis, to name a few; but they are our kids first, and their disabilities shouldn't matter!

My kids range in age from two on up to nearly 24, and all but six live at home. Four live out of state, the other two live at an apartment complex for adults with disabilities not far from our place. In the fall, more kids will spread their wings and fly off to new adventures.

I hope the weather gets better for you, Hiroko. It sounds like the kids are wired. LOL But seven kids is nothing: try raising 53! LOL I thrive on the edge of chaos and insanity; it's what I am used to, and it's something that I wouldn't trade for all the gold in the world! LOL The kids are my life, and I cannot imagine my world without any of them!!

Well, Hiroko, I am cooking supper, and I am also doing laundry. I do hope to hear from you again soon; take care, and again, thanks for writing and for the nice comments regarding my book!

God bless you, Hiroko. Until next time, Sayonara!

(((HUGS))) and love, a new friend in America, Louisiana Mayrah Sandusky (mama to 53 Miracles, most with special needs). :)

Send me a picture of your kids; I would love to see what they look like! I will be sending you some of mine as soon as I can get the time to get them developed! LOL

~Louie. :D