Weds., Jan. 23, 2008, 2:06 p.m., C.S.T., Nashville, TN~

Dear Journal~

Johnny here.

Sorry for not writing; just haven't been in the mood. Had surgery a few weeks ago, had to have a trache tube inserted in my throat; breathing really bad, so I had to have this done, so as to help me. Muscular dystrophy got a lot worse; was on a vent, but am now off it (thank God!). We do have a vent in case I need it, but so far I haven't had to use it.

Hope this continues. Have to take scads of antibiotics, breathing meds to keep my lungs clear, keep me from getting sick(er). Sill have to have therapy a million times a week, seems I'm always either at the doctor's office or the hospital for PT when I'm not at school. Very annoying!!

Feels funny not being able to talk. Am learning to talk with this thing in my throat; it's not as easy as it sounds. My voice comes out in a breathy whisper; people have to keep asking me to repeat what I said because they didn't hear me the first time. I figure if my brother Richard can talk with a trache tube in his throat, then by God, then so can I!!

My mood is pretty good, getting over with the breakup with Rebekkah. Maybe she's better without me. I keep hoping I'll find another girl to love, but so far, nobody's piqued my interest. Seems that they don't want to be bothered by the likes of me, rather discouraging.

I do have my pals though: Jose Varques, Spike, Kenton, others, so at least I'm not alone. When we don't have homework they come over to my house, we play video games, watch action movies, drink up all the soda pop in the house! LOL

My MD doctor says since my last battery of tests I haven't gotten any worse. I hope not; it's bad enough having to have this tube in my throat to help me breathe!!

And the suctioning--that's the worst!! It's very painful; when I have to have it done (several times a day), dad and one of my brothers or sisters have to hold my arms down so I don't smack mom while she's suctioning me! Yet when I have it done, I feel better, so I just have to learn to put up with it. It's still aggravating, though---

Ronee' had her hand surgery; bandages have come off, but her hands are covered with scars, and they still pain her at times; yet she can move them better. She will be glad when she will be able to fully use her hands again without screaming out in pain!

She's been one big grouch lately because she's had to have everything done for her; she's extremely independent; she hates having anyone to help her unless she asks for it first!

The weather has been snowy and cold: on MLK day (Monday, a holiday; we had no school), most everyone got into a rock-em, sock-em snowball fight. I didn't go outside (the cold air makes me cough more), but I did watch from the picture window in the livingroom, and I laughed til I nearly peed my pants! It was a lot of fun! I just wish I could have been out there with them, join in  on the fun!

We have about a foot of snow here; winter has definitely made herself known here. It's been cold just about everywhere, with only the southernmost parts of Texas and Florida enjoying warmer temperatures. More snow expected by this weekend.

Well, the school bus is due to come take us kids home; have to go to the bus stop so I don't miss the bus! Will write in here again soon; take care and God bless!

~Love, your pal, Johnny. :)

P.S.: When I try to talk, I sound just like "E.T." It's embarrassing!

~J.