Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, 3:08 p.m., C.S.T., Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear Ellen Michelle~

Thanks for your letter; it was good to hear from you! I do hope that when you do get my books that you will enjoy them! Let me know when you get them!

How is the weather there in Pennsylvania? Is it raining? Here it is; it is also very cold out. We had snow yesterday afternoon and through the night, but it has changed over to rain, and it is a raw, miserable, grey, cold day out. Glad I am home; I just got home not even fifteen minutes ago!

The kids are due home anytime; they get home from school anytime from fifteen after to a quarter to four, so this letter will be rather short. I also have to decide what to make for dinner later. *Sigggh* A mother's work is never done!

In lieu of your questions, Ellen, yes, I am a registered nurse. I have been a registered nurse going on six/seven years, and I love it! Every day is a new adventure, and you never know what you will come up against! I love the feeling of helping people when they are sick or hurting; it makes me feel good to know I am helping others! Yes, having medical knowledge does help in raising kids with special needs; you are right about that! You never know when a child is coming down with the bug, or if they are going to end up getting hurt somehow or have breathing problems or even a seizure; it always helps to be prepared! I work in a (fairly) large metropolitan hospital here in Nashville, Nashville Memorial, and I usually work the day shift (6 a.m. until 2 p.m., but lately, I have been pulling lots of double or even night shifts). I don't mind; I can really use the money!

Raising a family of this size isn't cheap, that is for darn sure!! It is downright expensive!!

I work this weekend; I work every other weekend. I alternate with my nurses; that way, they can have a turn at having a weekend off, and we also rotate on holidays. One year I work Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July and am off Christmas while the following year, I am off Thanksgiving and July Fourth while I work on Christmas Day. I don't mind working holidays, really: we get double pay, and we get bonuses, too, which makes my job worth it! :)

I loved the picture of the little boy thinking; is that one of yours? He sure is cute! The picture I use is one I found on the Internet, but the one little girl on the bottom reminds me so much of Jodie when she was smaller! I do sometimes use pictures of my kids when I do my letters, but more often than not, I use pictures I find on the Internet I think would fit the letter!

Well, Ellen, the buses are arriving, so I must go now. Have to get the kids inside before they get wet (particularly the ones in wheelchairs or those who use walking aids, don't need them getting wet--or getting sick!). Take care, and God bless you always!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May Sandusky. :D