Weds., May 3, 2006, Mena, Arkansas~

Dear Louisiana Sandusky in Tennessee~

I happened to find a copy of your book, "A Family Made Out Of Miracles And Rainbows", and I decided to write to you to tell you about my family.

I am a single mother of eight children, who range in age from six on up to sixteen-and-a-half, and they keep me plenty enough busy. My children are named Rohana Michelle (six), Regan Mira (seven), Edan Glory (eight), Isis Alexandra (nine), Ian Andrew (nine; he and Isis are twins), Felix Duchart (ten), Yanet Patricia Elena (thirteen), and finally D'ante' Patrick, who will be seventeen in July. All my children are disabled.

Rohana is moderately disabled with cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, but she can take care of her most basic needs. She does have some speech problems and learning difficulties, but she can pull her own weight. She is a very sweet and loving child with a killer smile and a doglike personality. Regan is deaf, but she is otherwise in fine health. She can talk some, but she mainly communicates via sign language. Edan is blind and uses a cane for getting around. Most of the time she does quite well. Isis and Ian both have autism (Ian more than Isis), and Felix has asthma and serious allergies. He also has sickle cell anemia that causes him extreme pain at times. Yanet has seizures and is mildly mentally disabled. As for D'ante', he is my star baby, my pride and joy. He has severe cerebral palsy and other health problems. He is profoundly mentally retarded and he requires much care around the clock. He is still a loving child who smiles and never lets things get to him. He is always happy and very rarely cries.

As for me, my name is Tommi Eschewiski, and I am a single parent to eight beautiful children from around the world. God gave me this calling, and once I started adopting children with special needs, I couldn't help but to fall in love with each and every one of them. I am a homemaker, but I get monies from the government for each of the children, so I am never lack for things I need, either for myself or my babies. I have lived in Arkansas all my life, and I love it here.

I was married, but my husband, Tim, was killed in a construction accident six years ago. I miss him still, but I know that he is looking out for me and my babies. I also have my Christian faith to sustain me when times get rough.

I do hope to hear from you. I have started reading your book, and I must say that eight children is nothing compared to the village you are raising, but it is gratifying to know that there are people willing to give of themselves and their time to make life better for children who are turly in need! You are an angel from above, and the world needs more people like you (and myself). I hope that God blesses  you, your husband, and each and every one of your Miracle Children! Take care, and I will be looking forward to your letter!

~With best regards, a new friend in Arkansas, Tommi Felicia Eshcewiski. :)