Weds., Aug. 20, 2008, Nashville, Tn., 5:10 a.m, D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louisiana here.  Not even five fiteen in the morning, and already Casa Sandusky is buzzing with activity. 

We are in the process of loading everyone in to the family vans; we are to be leaving shortly for our trip to Louisiana.  Hard to believe that it's nearly time for LeCajun; it snuck up on us when we weren't looking! LOL

Figured I'd write a quick one in here before I lock up, get the dogs (so our trusty neighbor can watch them while we're gone), and get into one of the vans (as I'm driving! LOL) [not necessarily in that order, mind you.  LOL]). 

Since I'm taking some time away from work, maybe I can clear my head, have some time to think (that is, when I'm not wrestlin' with kids, dealing with family, which will be hard to do).  I won't have so much time to think about Sikik (although I should; she is a friend, after all!), other stress-inducing things in my life.  Maybe this trip to Louisiana will do me a world of good; I can only hope that it will!

Heard from Mattaq, Sikik's brother; he told us Sikik is still hanging on tightly to life; she's still around, fighting the good fight.  No better, but no worse either; no news is good news, as they say.  I am sure he will e-mail me when that time does come, the time where she passes onto the next world.  I will be sad, but at least, for her, her pain/suffering will come to a merciful end; might as well try to accept it as best as I can.

The family is really looking forward to this trip to Louisiana.  To tell you the truth, so am I.  Each time we go to Louisiana, it's like returning home (and in a sense, we are).  We always run into someone we know, and have the best time there.  The Cajun music is like a tonic, a shot in the arm; it never fails to rejuvenate me or members of my family, especially when we're stressed out.

I'm happy to report that Ronee' is just about over her sinus infection.  The medicines she was given have done her a world of good; she feels more like herself.  She still has the lingering cough, but then she always has a cough; it's as natural to her as breathing (due, in part, to her asthma/allergies).  She's really looking forward to performing this weekend at LeCajun; I am sure she will do a marvelous job.

I hope she does, anyway.  *grins*

Johnathon had a great time at his MDA camp.  He got back a week ago this coming Friday, and he got sunburnt (nothing new there).  He's now over the sunburn; he's just peeling all over, itching terribly.  He really got cooked by the sun!  LOL Looked just like a lobster!  A lobster with white hair and glasses! LOLOLOL

Johnathon is looking forward to the tenth grade this coming school year; he didn't think he'd reach this point (to tell you the truth, neither did we).  That he is still here, alive, breathing (with help, but still breathing, nevertheless!), and functioning normally is nothing short of a miracle; any day he wakes up breathing and/or well is a gift from God, and we praise His goodness upon young Johnathon's life (and in ours, as He's allowed our son to live yet another day!).

Gemini is doing well with her gymnastics.  After we get back from Louisiana, she has a competition coming up.  Her first one as an elite gymnast.  She's excited about it, and so are we; however, we are also very nervous, because she will be competing against experienced gymnasts who have been in the field longer than she has, and some of them could very well be future Olympians.  We pray she does well; if she medals, great; if not, we will be there for her, every step (or back handspring or cartwheel) along the way! :)

Heard from Lightning in Colorado:  the family is well, and Jaimee (her oldest child with MD) is adjusting to life in a wheelchair, doing very well.  The kids are growing like weeds, and it's hard to believe that some of them are starting school; seems like only yesterday when they were tiny, crying babies.  Darnell is still in his law practice, doing very well at his job.  I am proud of them all!

Lightning sent me a pic of the grandkids, and all I could do was cry.  They are so beautiful!

Dwerlina is adjusting to life as a mama:  her little girl, Olivia Me'Lynn, is now over two years old, walking, talking, a miniature version of her mother.  She is absolutely beautiful!

Dwerlina is still working at Mulate's, but has put her schooling on hold until her daughter is a little older; she will then continue towards her master's degree in Cajun Music History/Folklore; she still wants to be a teacher, teach Cajun French to future generations of Cajuns, so the heritage doesn't die out.

Andre', her husband, meanwhile, is working on an offshore oil rig, so you know the family is comfortably well off.  I am so proud of them both, I could just cry!!

Jodie is facing some surgery in the near future:  in October, she will have some muscle tightness in her feet released; maybe that will stop her feet from curling under.  They cause her great pain; I feel sorry for her.  All I can do is hold her, try to rub her feet, so the cramping/pains wlll stop, as she cries pitiously. 

It's really a simple surgical procedure, but the thought of such a severely handicapped child going under the knife is always disconcerting:  you never know how well she will tolerate the anesthesia/surgery.  It's always a stressful time for us whenever Todd or Jodie go into surgery because their health, as a whole, is so fragile; so many things can happen when you least expect them to.

Ian and Isaiah, our two babies, are almost nine months old.  They are turning into miniature versions of their father, into everything, ever curious.  It's cute to watch them as they discover the world around them; however, it's also nerve wracking, as mama chases them, tries to keep them out of everything!  LOL  They are trying to pull themselves up; it probably won't be too long before they take their first tentative attempts at walking!

Then things will REALLY get interesting, folks! LOL

Well, Bill's hollering, so I'd best go now.  I will write in here again probably after we get back from LeCajun.  I will tell you about it next time.  Stay tuned for a full report!  LOL  Until next time, this is Louisiana signin' out of here!  Take care, and may God bless y'all mightily!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!! AAIIEE!!

~Love, your (Cajun) friend, Louie May. :D