Sunday, September 23, 2007, 9:43 p.m., D.S.T., Smyrna, Georgia~

Dear Louisiana, Bill, and family~

I just got a phone call from Kendra (Kent), and I am reeling, reeling in shock over what's happened to Johnny. What exactly occurred? Is Johnny going to be okay? Lord, I pray that he will be alright!

When did Johnny go into the hospital? The last time I know, Johnny was doing very well. Now I hear he's very sick, possibly dying. I just wish I knew what to do so I could help!

Louisiana, do know this: Johnny is in our prayers; we will be calling our pastor first thing tomorrow morning; that way, our church can pray for a miracle healing for Johnny!

Then if that wasn't bad enough, Kendra also informed me that Naomi Cohen's daughter Rebekkah Rachel and Audrey Callaway's daughter Susan are in the hospital too. Were they involved in some type of accident? When did they go to England? Last I knew, they were in California!

I tell you, life sure hasn't made any sense at all--none, whatsoever!

I do hear some good news (or is it just an auspicious rumor?). I heard you were pregnant. If you are, that is awesome! Congratulations, Louie! What are you having, and  when is the baby due? Let me know; I'm just dying for some juicy gossip!

Is it as dry there in Tennessee as it has been here in Georgia? We are in desperate need of rain; if y'all have any left over, please don't hesitate to send it our way!

On our end, we are doing better than y'all are at this time. Kip has gotten a promotion at his job; I am still busy with the homeschooling. Our kids are doing well except for M'Bute'. (Will explain in a moment.) As I said, I'm still homeschooling the children. Principal, teacher, nurse, counsellor: I do it all! LOL

M'Bute' has been sent to a different facility; we felt that where she was at, she was being denied the extra attention she needs. She was having more in the way of meltdowns, and she became increasingly violent. We were very disturbed to hear about it.

What changed our minds about where she was, was that she attempted to kill herself several times. She's just gotten too wild, too unpredictable, too out of control. She had become a danger to us, her brothers and sisters, and the people at the first facility. The new place she is at has the proper staff who can work with her problems. Slow progress is being made.

We would really appreciate your prayers.

The other children miss their sister, but the older ones understand that this is the best thing for her. We only have their safety in mind.

Bethlehem has adjusted well to her amputation; she has resumed just about all her normal activities. Her attitude is outstanding. She is a beacon of true courage to others who have faced or are going to face the same thing. She is incredible!

Well, Louie, I won't take much more of your time, so I will let you go now. Please give Bill my love, and the next time you see Johnny in the ICU, tell him we are praying for a miracle and that we love him, too.

God bless you and be with you during this difficult time.

~Love, your Georgia friend, Donna Sue Oliver. :(

P.S.: Write back when you can. I will be waiting.