January 15, 2008 (have to keep reminding myself it's a new year!!), 6:42 p.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Wayne Wright here. Sorry for not writing; just haven't had the heart--or the time--to do so. I hope you understand.

My niece Susie Jackson Callaway has been having problems trying to get her meds straightened out; she's even tried to cut herself again, which troubles me. I don't know why she's stressing out; she at least has her family, her friends to get her through! I am deeply concerned about her!

Audrey has been trying to pull double duty as mother and counsellor; she has a housefull of kids, and I'm afraid she's working her way to a nervous breakdown if things don't settle down soon!

I am feeling better, but still am sick. Have another danged cold, am scheduled to see my kidney doctor, to see how my new kidney is functioning. I seem to be doing okay, but I'm on a whole regimen of new meds, and it's thrown my body out of whack. Am gaining weight, can't eat (nauseated), dizziness, tininnitis (ringing in the ears) are some of my more troubling symptoms. I am voiding again, and the color's vastly improved; so that I am not so worried about; it's all this other garbage I'm having to put up with!

Darned side effects!!!!

Sarah's kept you informed about my transplant. I was in the hospital for nearly three weeks; just got out right after Christmas. I am feeling stronger every day; don't seem to be in nearly as much pain; still I have to take it easy; can't do any heavy lifting. The kids (and Sarah) have been spoiling me rotten; they won't let me lift a finger!! LOL

I kind of like it though; it's nice to be taken care of like this! I am being treated like a king; a guy can get used to this! LOL

Now  that I'm back home my son Mwugu isn't acting so clingy. He's back to his normally cheerful self, and he has tried to be a big help to daddy--and to us.

The weather here has gotten colder: a blue norther has come howling through; they're predicting upwards to three inches of snow tonight. Great. May have to cancel my doctor's appointment tomorrow because it's hard for me to get out in my chair or on my crutches; will probably have to stay put. May have more snow tomorrow.

Well, Louisiana is trying to make amends with my sister. She and Audrey have been having an ongoing fight over trivial things; stupid things, really. She says Louisiana was being rude; Louisiana wasn't being rude; she was just being a concerned friend. I hope they settle their differences; it isn't good for her or for Louie--let alone me!!

It's no wonder my health has been the pits lately!! Worrying like this! NOT good!!

Well, Sarah wants to watch the premiere of "American Idol", so I'll go now. The girls are crazy about that show! (As for me, I can take it or leave it. Truthfully, I'd rather leave it! LOL) I want to have the computer ready, so the girls (and Sarah) can vote for their favorite contestants (though I don't think that starts up yet; I'll let them find that out by themselves! LOL). Take care and God bless!

~Wayne. :)