July 5, 2006, 11:16 a.m.~

Dear Gwendolynn (or may I call you "Gwen"?)~

Hello there! Thank you for your letter; it was so good to hear from you!

I am terribly sorry for not writing, but with our recent cruise to Mexico (it went splendidly, by the way; we both had a wonderful time!!), raising our ever-growing village LOL, trying to get little Vlademir settled into the family, the recent spate of festivals, and such, I have not been able to write as often. I hope you understand why I haven't answered your e-mail until now.

I am sorry if you don't get many visitors and are having a hard time coping with the (ongoing) pain/memories you are experiencing. That has got to be so hard!!

Gwen, do you mind if I pray for you? I don't know if you believe (in God); however, I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and I believe that He can provide relief for you. I hope you don't mind my asking;it would make me feel better than if I didn't ask! *grins*

Gwen, our cruise to Mexico was, as they say in that part of the world, muy bueno! :) The weather was fantastico, and you couldn't have asked for more perfect weather! It was sunny and hot, and we both worked on our tans; we are really dark now; we look like we just got back from a cruise! *grins*

We did not drink (by choice, never have, never will!), nor did we gamble at the casinos; but we had a lot of fun just the same. Both Bill and myself made many wonderful new friends, and there were people of all ages on that ship.

We romped on the beaches at both Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen, and we swam with dolphins, which was an interesting, enjoyable experience. We did think of the kids back home; but it was so nice being away from them--for a LITTLE while, at least! :) We didn't have to worry about kids hanging off of us, or their asking for our help/guidance every few seconds or worrying about getting them their meds or to various appointments/functions! It was wonderful to think about OUR needs for once, and not just the children's needs!

It was a pleasure to meet you at the Cajun festival/military celebration they had for the veterans. You seem like a personable young lady, and it was good to see you smiling for once, after all the pain/hardships you have had to endure for the past year or so. It was also good to see you at the celebration last night; you and Tyler were both having fun, and it made me feel good. The music, the (surprise) appearance of our President, the fireworks display, and all the other trappings that went along with the Nashville Fourth of July BLAST! made it all the more memorable, and we won't forget it for a long time to come!

Well, dear heart, I will let you go now. Vlademir is crying; have to see what is going on. I will write to you again soon, and I will also visit you at the VA hospital sometime this week. I don't know when that will be yet, but be expecting to see me sometime in the next few days! We can pick up where we left off! *giggle*

Take care, dear Gwen, and God bless you mightily! Know, too, you are in my prayers and thoughts! Hang in there, and never give up hope!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your new friend, Louie Sandusky. :)