Hey, guys, it's me, Sheniqua. Just thought I'd let y'all know what's been goin' down with me since I last wrote.

I no longer live in Tennessee. I live in Texas now, in Dallas. I love it here: people so friendly, the weather much drier here (still hot as hell here, but hey, it's summertime in the Southland!), more job opportunities for people here than back home in Mississippi.

I'm currently enrolled in beauty school, workin' towards my license to become a professional hair stylist. It's challenging, hard at times, very hard, but I enjoy it, enjoy workin' with people, makin' 'em all purtified! :)

I have recovered from my injuries since being in Katrina--no real issues, thank the Lord! :) On occasion, though, the leg I had injured still pains me, and I limp. That's okay. Still walkin', so that's good! :) When it's really bad, I use a cane or crutch (the crutch on my worst days). Otherwise, I'm as good as gold! :)

Mama has since passed on, miss her very much. She died of a brain aneurysm; she went quick. (Hopefully without too much pain.) One minute, she talkin' to me, next minute, she grab her head, cry out, fall over. Called the squad, but it was too late. Lord, how I cried!! Dead before she hit the ground. Sad.

I try not to think too much about Katrina, but with her anniversary being observed, it's like relivin' the nightmare all over again. Can't deal. That's why I didn't watch the news or read the paper. Memories too fresh. Too painful. When I think of what Katrina did--I've cried so much, it's a wonder I have any tears left! I could create my own storm surge with all the tears I've shed.

I'm goin' to close now--crying again. Dammit, I hate this!

~Love, Sheniqua Williams.

*NEVER FORGET!*