August 24, 2008, Nashville, Tennessee, 3:16 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Howdy, y'all!  Hopefully this finds  y'all well, happy:  me, I am doing great!  No, I'm doing better than great:  I'm doing fanTAStic!!

Since I last wrote (waaaaaaaaay back in January), much has happened to me.  I am now engaged to be married (getting married early next year).  I am still with Chuck, my beau, Chuck Grayson, who is one of the sweetest people I know.  I also have An'twon, my son, with me, and he's doing wonderful; he will start second grade in only a few weeks.  Doesn't let his spina bifida stop him in the least; he's a very determined little boy!

Chuck and I recently attended a retreat/class called Cleansing Stream; what an awesome, life-changing experience that was!  We've become closer to God, and past hurts that plagued us are now no longer a part of our life; we're free, happier, and richer in our relationship with our God, the Holy Father.  There were something like five classes, and then the retreat, where we prayed/encouraged one another.  It was incredibly moving!

I am still working at the store; happily, I am now the department manager of the cashiers!  I love the new challenges that my new job presents for me, and I am making more money, which helps out with the bills and our groceries (as well as the gas prices).  Chuck is still doing his cop work; I always worry about him when he's out in the field; my biggest worry, fear is of him getting shot or gravely injured (or even killed).

If anything were to happen to my honey, I don't think I'd ever forgive myself!  It would just devastate me!!

I really haven't travelled that much (been working, both of us; hard to get away!), haven't been able to afford it, not after bills, groceries, taking care of our disabled son, etc.  We're lucky if we're left with anything extra after medical expenses; that's the worst!! 

Also, my own medical expenses.  Have been sick on and off, even spent a month in the hospital (April through May); had a serious bone infection; was very sick, still not quite over it.  Am on the antibiotics; have to take them three times a day, without fail, plus see my doctor, Dr. Jagadish, every three months.  So far, I'm doing well; I pray this continues. 

Well, that's about all that's new with me.  I don't have much of an exciting life, as you can see.  It was more exciting when I was with Terry Leroi; but all that's behind me now; am not looking back.  God has some mighty big plans ahead for me, my life, and I don't want to mess things up if I can help it! LOL  I will write in here again; hopefully I won't wait for six months before I write in here again!! LOL 

Take care and may God bless you!

~Love, your friend, Jennifer Kaylin Steele (soon to be Jennifer Kaylin Grayson!!). :D