May 22, 2006 (Monday), 11:05 a.m., D.S.T., Nashville, Tennessee~
Dear Wyndi Storm~
I am sorry for not wriring sooner, but I have been incredibly busy. Between working full time, trying to meet deadlines regarding my writing assignments, raising our ever-growing family, trying to respond to e-mails, and whatnot, it is a wonder why more people aren't annoyed with me.
I am writing, Wyndi, to let you know that I have been thinking of you (and Karla). How are the two of you doing? Is Karla's health any better, or has it gotten worse? Any word as to a possible match for a kidney donor for her? I have been praying for you guys, and I was wondering what was going on. I know it has been hard for you, and I am sorry to know that you are going through this.
I am writing, too, to let you know that we are adding to the family (no, I am NOT pregnant!). We are adopting a little seven-year-old Russian boy who has cerebral palsy. He is currently in an institution for handicapped children. He is in a wheelchair, and he cannot talk, according to the medical reports. He has red hair and blue eyes, and he is the cutest little guy! (I am enclosing a picture of him, so you can see what he looks like. Isn't he cute? His name is Vlademir Aleksander. :) )
Besides adopting little Vlademir (the adoption has been approved, by the way!), I have received word that my fourth book is to be published either later this year or in early 2007. It is a children's book about international/special-needs adoption, and it is geared for children ages 4 to 8. I am very excited about this; hopefully, there will be more books in my future! :)
I have had a trying few days. I have found out that one of my friend's daughters is in danger, and the other one was murdered. I also found out that Grand Ole Opry singer, Billy Walker, and his wife, Betty, were killed in an automobile accident yesterday morning in Alabama, and their grandson was critically injured. I have cried more the past few days than I have in a long time, and my spirits right now are sagging. I have called ChildHelp to report the missing child, and I am worried for her safety. She may have been kidnapped, and she may be getting sexually or physcally abused.
So now you know about me and what is new. How are things on your end? I hope you (and Karla) are doing well. The children here are doing splendidly, and we have recently gone to the Grand Ole Opry (twice) and to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in Louisiana. We have the CMA Music Festival (Fan Fair) to look forward to (that is in the middle of June), and a week later, Bill and myself will be celebrating our fifteenth wedding anniversary by taking a five-day cruise on the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival ship the Ecstacy. This is our first time to be going to Mexico, and Bill and myself are looking forward to it and having time away from the kiddies (it is only for five days, but it will be worth it! *grins*)!
Speaking of cruises, in October of 2006, the entire Sandusky family will be cruisin' to Alaska (again on Carnival; we are going on the ship Spirit). This will be our second trip to Alaska (we meaning Bill, myself, Ronee', and Barbara)--and the third time for Johnny--, but it will be the first time for the remainder of the children. :)
Well, Wyndi, this is all about all that is new on our end. I certainly hope that life has been treatin' you well. I have been thiinking about you admist all the worry, and I had been meaning to write; but things got out of hand. I hope you understand why I haven't written in so long.
Please write when you can, and God bless you always! Give Karla my love, and give her a hug and a kiss from me and tell her to drop me a line; I'd love to know how she is doing!
Again, Wyndi, I am sorry for the delay in answering your letter; please do forgive me.
Take care, and hope to hear from you (or Karla) soon!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May Sandusky (soon to be the mamma of *54* Miracles!). :)
