August 31, 2007, Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear Audrey~

I acted very unprofessionally when I said what I did about Susie. As a mother myself (and as a nurse), I acted inappropriately. Now because of what I have done, it seems my world is unraveling. Maybe I deserve to be punished in any way possible.

I am sure your emotions are on heightened alert, what with the anniversary of Katrina. You are probably wondering if any of your friends back in Mississippi have returned home or if Biloxi is coming back to life. You are again dealing with the nightmares, the memories, the uncertainties. You are wondering if it can happen again--and if so, when and where.

I am reliving the memories, too; I also saw what Katrina did to Biloxi on a firsthand basis; and I haven't slept very well since, I'm afraid.

I not only think of you--I think of other Katrina-displaced people I have met: Sheniqua Williams, Katrina Ann Delchamps (Hammer), Antoine, Reynaldo, and Peaches Coleman, Shakespeare Jackson, others. I know that Kat Hammer has relocated to Alaska and has been married since May. I know that Antoine, Reynaldo, and Peaches have been adopted and are now living in Colorado, and I know that Sheniqua is going to school to become a licensed beautician in Dallas, Texas. I also know what's been going on with you.

Yet I haven't heard about Shakespeare Jackson; I met him in New Orleans last year when our church took clothes and other items to still-displaced Katrina victims, and he seemed to be a very personable young gentleman; yet it's as if he's disappeared off the face of the earth. Lord, I hope nothing's happened to him...

Thank you for telling me how you really feel about me. I also want to extend my thanks to Susie; she wrote me a very honest, open letter before she fell sick. It took an awful lot of courage on your part to say what you did. That is most admirable. I understand if you want to hesitate being  my friend; however, I am willing to give it another shot.

You may not believe this, Audrey, but you are important to me. Very important. So are Rick and the children. You have been through so much together, yet you remain forever joined, forever strong. Not many families can stick together during extended times of unbelievable tragedy. Lord knows we couldn't have had it not been for God's incredible grace, His unfailing mercy! I guess that makes us two of a kind, huh? :)

I just wanted to tell you that once this crisis passes with Susie, you are invited to come to a neighborhood block party (we are probably going to have it sometime in November if you are still here). It's at Centennial Park. It's being put on by the local Good Neighbors Club.

You are welcome to come for two days of fun, free food/drink, live music, and games for all ages! We would love to see you again, and I would love to make a concientious effort to try to repair the damage I've caused you. As I said in my previous letter, I am willing to let bygones be bygones, start anew, regarding our friendship. In fact, I am more'n willing to do this; it couldn't hurt to try---

Thank you for listening and reading. May God bless you and your family, and keep on hoping for that Miracle for Susie! I love you, and--I forgive you. I really, really do!

As always, your family is in my prayers, and Susie is especially so. Tell her hello, and tell her we love her and are pulling for her!  :)

~Regardez,

Your friend (?), Louie May Sandusky. :(

P.S.: Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend; if I DO come, I will have to use a wheelchair. No walking for me, doctor's orders. I may not stay long; get so tired nowadays, the twins are using my bladder as a weapon! LOL They are kicking me, and I'm afraid it's only gonna' get worse as the months go by and as the due date draws nigh. Oh, well, just as long as I can go, even if it is for a little while; it will be good for me to get out...I will let you know more as the date draws closer; we still have a few months to plan this thing out.

~Louie. :)