Weds., Aug. 13, 2008, 3:48 a.m., Nashville, TN~

Dear Journal~

Wayne here.  Sorry if I haven't written; have had a lot happen to me over the course of the last year.  I hope you understand.

If it isn't my health (had a kidney transplant back in December of last year; still not quite over it; almost there, though! LOL, plus the demands of my SB), it's my family.  Oh, boy, do I have a FAMILY now!

Our newest son from Mexico, Xaviar, is here:  he is a sweet little imp with a mischevious personality; he's definitely all boy!!  He is learning English; he still feels more comfortable speaking Spanish, but we have to remind him to speak English now, that he is in America, and he usually listens.

Xaviar is cute:  short, straight, jet-black hair that sticks out in all directions, a round, brown face, huge black eyes that miss very little, and a voracious appetite.  He would probably eat us out of house and home if we let him.  LOL  He's quite a chubby little fellow, with a potbelly that could rival his old man's! LOLOLOL

Emma, Brooke, and Mwugu just love their little brother so much; they are always looking for ways to help him, want to be around him constantly; they won't give him a moment's peace, poor little guy!  As for Rheese, he could care less:  he's a baby; he's not really sure what to make of the newcomer; he tends to stay away, would rather spend time with mommy or me.

I am thankful that my family is healthy, that I am enjoying a spate of good health, that Audrey and her family continue to do well.  I pray this continues.  I am enjoying my time away from work; I wonder if my co-workers even think of me.  I know Louie does; she calls me on occasion; she has her own family, her own life, to worry about.

I've also heard from William Stryker and Winnie Brady; they sometimes pop over when they're off, to say hello, which I always appreciate.  Church friends stop in too, so I'm not lacking for anything.  Food, money, clothing, medicines, rides to and from my medical appointments:  whatever I need, my friends, my wife, are there for me.  It's been a huge blessing in my life.

I've been spending more time up, on my crutches, even ventured outside a little, walked about half a block last evening.  It was nice to get some fresh air for once instead of being holed up in that noisy house all summer long!  I am trying to get my exercise regimen revived; it's sometimes a struggle because I move a certain way, and sometimes I still get residual pain from where I had my kidney surgery/transplant. So I take it slow, one day at a time--have no choice.

Mamma's been busy trying to keep the kids from jumping on my stomach; she tells them that daddy's stomach is off limits, as he had surgery, and he's still recovering.  No kidding.  So far, they've been listening; if they were to jump on my stomach, they could unhinge everything the doctors tried to patch up.  That would not be good at all!!

Back to the hospital for meeeeeeeeeeeeee!! LOLOL

In a way, not having the kids jumping on me is rather nice:  I can kick back, read, write, do my business here at the house, enjoy my family, my church.  I go to church every Sunday (or try to, anyway); church has been nothing but a huge blessing in my life.  I've met so many wonderful people, and it's so nice to know that they rally around me whenever I'm sick or am in need of specific prayer.

Sundays are definitely my favorite day of the week.  I wish every day could be Sunday!! LOLOLOL

I love Wednesday nights, too:  more church time.  I don't always get to make it out there on Wednesdays, but I do go every Sunday, without fail. 

Wednesday nights at church is Bible study, then evening services at 7.  Sometimes we don't get out of there until 10 or 11; the spirit of the Lord can really get crankin' during some of our Wednesday night services!  It's always a joyful time in the Lord's presence!

Any other day during the week, I'm here.  If I'm not wrangling kids in my own awkward way (crutches make dandy pointers or gates, to try to corral runaway kids! LOLOL), I'm doing my bills, trying to catch up on the daily news, talking to friends (or arguing with salespeople on the phone), playing games on the computer when I can snatch a free moment's time, and just taking it easy.  I still have a bit to go before I am back to where I was prior to my kidney transplant last year.

Still have to remember to take it easy.  That's probably the hardest thing for me to do, as I've always been active--or was, until my kidneys went *pffffft!!*

Sittin' on my butt or going to my docs' appointments is probably the worst thing about my recovery.  I'd give anything to get in a serious round of golf again; how I miss being on the green, slicing and dicing!! *sigggghhhhh*

Well, I am getting stupid, getting sleepy again, so I am going to go back to bed, get some more sleep.  Take care; will write in here again when it's feasible.  God bless, and hope to write in here again; I know it's been a long time since you've heard from me last.

~Wayne.