Thursday, August 10, 2006, 3:38 p.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Neighbor Louie~

I hate to rain on your parade, but I have some terrible news. My oldest child, Opri Rabon, died this morning at six thirty. His kidney gave out, and he was just too weak--and much too sick--to survive on his own. He would have been fourteen next month.

As you can imagine, I am devastated. I knew the possibility of his dying was inevitable, but I didn't think it would come this soon! He had been through so much with his health, I guess I should have seen this coming; but a mother doesn't expect to outlive her child!

I have been crying all day, and I don't know what to do. I have to call his uncle and other relatives to let them know of his passing, and I also have to make funeral arrangements. His sister knows something is amiss, but I have been too busy--and much too scared--to tell her about Opri. I know when I do tell her she will be crushed.

Please keep me in your prayers. I am shattered with grief, and it is all I can to to keep from crying yet again. I am crying so much my face and eyes are swollen, and I can hardly see what I am writing down. Everything is a blur, and all I can think of is my dear Opri lying in a cold morgue, waiting for the funeral people to come take him to wherever we decide to where we will hold his funeral after we make the arrangements.

I would write more, but I can't. I am just too broken up. My only son is gone!!

Love, your next door neighbor, Maria Johnson. :( >tears<