Louisiana Sandusky hears from a woman in Hawai'i. The woman, a single parent, has adopted five children, most with special needs.
Thursday, April 26, 2007, Honolulu, Hawai'i~
Dear Ma'am~
Aloha from the Aloha State!
You do not know me, but I read your autobiography, and I felt led by the Lord to write to you. I hope you don't mind.
To give you a proper introduction, my name is Teresa Aine Nagasaki. I am 45 years old, and I have lived all my life here in Hawai'i. I was married, but I divorced my husband thirteen years ago, I have lived on my own ever since--that was, until two years ago, when the first of my five adopted children came to live with me.
I haven't looked back.
My children are not like most: all are disabled in one way or another. My children are all from China or Vietnam, and they range in age from thirteen down to two. Their names are Tiana Aurora (13), Grant Oahu (10), Hana Rikko (8), Devereaux Garrett (4), and the youngest, two-year-old Donovan Evan. Tiana, Grant, and Donnie came from Vietnam; the other two (Devereaux and Hana) came to me from Vietnam.
Tiana and Donnie both have cerebral palsy (Tiana is more affected than Donnie: she can't walk whereas Donnie can; he walks with the aid of a walker and braces on his legs). Grant is deaf and mute (he communicates with siga language), and Hana is blind (she uses a cane for mobility). As for Devereaux, he has spinal muscular atrophy; frankly I am surprised he has lived this long; doctors didn't give him much hope for him to live this long. (He came to us just about six months ago, and he is a very delightful little boy.) He is my newest child.
I am a home school instructor and mamma to my children. I am usually always home; if not, I am running kids to their medical appointments or doing the laundry or going to the store. I have my parents who live in Maui to help me on weekends, and during the week, neighbors come to help when I am feeling particularly stressed out. It's a wonderful arrangement.
You must be crazy to have adopted over five dozen children, but I guess if that is what God wanted you to do, I am glad you went for it. Not many people can handle that many children, and you must have the patience of a saint. Your children are all absolutely beautiful, and I have enjoyed getting to know them from your books ("A Family Made Out Of Miracles And Rainbows" and "...And The Miracles Continue"). They sound like such wonderful kids!
Which child was the most challenging to adopt, and why? Have you had any adoptions that failed? How did you react to the news? How do you handle people's stares or rude comments when you are out in public? What are some of the more exxiting situations you have faced as a mother and nurse? How do you manage to keep tabs on constant appointments, medical visits, emergency room runs, etc.? How do you handle the kids' sports or extra curricular activities? Do you ever take a break from all the whirlwind activity? If so, what do you do to wind down from a stressful day? That is what I'd like to know!
Well, Louisiana, I will let you go for now. I have to bathe little Devereaux: he is covered in flour, and he is a mess! LOL He looks like a tiny snowman! LOL Seems that little Donnie did this to him; he was probably bored! (Oh, the things kids do to get attanetion nowadays...LOL) God blews you and do write when you can; I hope to hear from you soon! Aloha!
Great write, enjoyed this much love your characters...reading about them is more interesting and entertaining than a soap! Loved this!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
This is another interesting family that is joining your ever growing list of pen pals...great write
love and peace, Carole
Reviewed by d. k
4/27/2007
Welcome Terri Anne!! I love how this character looks to seek advice from Louisiana, but then again, who wouldn't. I'd say she's learned through the many years with the countless children and their disabilities! It will be quite interesting getting to know this new character! Great work!
BRIGHT green print on white background a bit hard on the eyes, otherwise, a most heartwarming introduction of a new character and her family; I love the names you come up with! Well done!
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