Tuesday, April 1, 2008, Nashville, Tennessee, 2:21 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie Sandusky here.

Just got home from work; may be getting some storms later on tonight through tomorrow; they may get nasty, so I will make this rather short, shorter than usual.

I worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care ward today.  I took charge of two patients, including the little comatose boy who'd been in our unit for the past several weeks. 

Well, he's now awake, not talking, but responding to simple commands.  While it is good to see him awake, becoming more aware of his surroundings, it bothers me because he may have incurred some brain damage: he can't move his one side.

Doctors are thinking he may have suffered a stroke. There's no telling how bad it may have been until they do more tests.

It's a sad story because this little boy (he's eight) was found in the closet of his parent's home, unconscious and barely alive.  He's battled tooth and nail to get this far in his recovery; however, he faces weeks of physical/occupational (and possibly speech) therapy.

His parents are now in jail, where they are facing a number of charges, among them child neglect, abuse, and child endangerment.

Whenever I hear stories such as these, it makes my blood boil.  There's too much of that going on now as it is in today's world; why can't parents just learn to love, cherish their children?? 

I love my own children as though they'd been born to me.  They weren't (all but the last two), but they're MINE.  Forever.  I am responsible for their welfare, their well being, and I am not going to shirk my parental responsibilities, not even for a second!

Today at work wasn't too busy; the kids did keep me on my toes, especially Yee*, who was born with all sorts of medical problems, including an imperforate anus (he has a colostomy), no eyes, and malformed limbs.  He was in the ICU because he developed pneumonia, and he's had to be placed on a ventilator to help him breathe.  Things for him don't look too good at this time.  He tried to stop breathing; this is why he is now on the vent.

If Yee survives the night, I'll be very surprised.  I will have to lift him, his family, in my prayers, and will have to notify the prayer team at church, so they can pray for little Yee, too.

Yesterday, my sister who lives in Burleson, Texas, called; they had some scary weather move through yesterday: she saw a funnel cloud over her property, and it scared her halfway to pieces.  She said that the family spent part of the afternoon in their bathroom, where they waited out the storm.  No damage in Burleson, except, perhaps, for frayed nerves.

Sister said that the north Texas area may have another round of severe weather tomorrow and Thursday.  Wondermous.  Nice to know that becasue then it will probably more'n likely march THIS way!!  I will have to pray Psalm 91 on this area so God can protect us from the storms!

Today, however, is warm, temps in the eighties, rather humid.  A hint of things to come; perfect April Fool's weather.  The weather can change so rapidly here; it can go from winter one day to summer heat the next.  It's crazy!!

Well, the kids will be coming home from school within the hour, so I will go get their afternoon snacks ready; they will probably be starving after a long, hard day at school.  I am home alone with the babies (Isaiah, Ian, and Emir); they are now napping.  It's nice and peaceful here.  Bill's at work; he doesn't get off until eight tonight.  I will write again another time; take care and may God bless you mightily!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May. :)

*not child's real name.