Saturday, November 8, 2008, Nashville, TN, 10:32 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Mattie Wright in Georgia~

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me, comment on my books ("A Family Made Out Of Miracles And Rainbows" and "...And The Miracles Continue: The Sandusky Family Story, Continued"); I am glad you enjoyed them! 

Nothing is more pleasing to a writer of books than to hear praise regarding their works.  Thank you so much for the nice comments; they are very precious to me!  This is one reason I write:  to get my voice out there, to let people know that even with having children with special needs, raising them can be so rewarding/fulfilling!

I also want to let other parents of special needs children know that they aren't alone; I care for them, and I care what happens to them!

I also want people to know that there is help available for them if they know where to go or look.  We had to do this; others can do the same.  You will notice that in my second book, I listed some Web sites/organizations that can help regarding schooling, free (or reduced) medical care, parent support groups, or reputable adoption agencies if they are going to take that route.  I do hope that what I listed will be of most help to those who happen to catch it.

Your family sounds beautiful!  You will have to send me a piccy of the kids, also one of yourself and hubby.  I am enclosing a current picture of all of us (taken in our back yard); it may look a bit intimidating, but we're used to it by now! *Giggle*  We may be large, but we're in  many ways, a typical family.  We eat, we sleep, we pray, we laugh, we cry, just like anyone else.  We have our own problems, and we also have times of great joy, just like all families do!

It's gotten to the point to where we can't imagine the family without any of the children.  They've brought us so much, and we've tried to raise them as we saw fit.  They've turned out to be very good, bright kids, and Bill and I couldn't be prouder of them!

Now we have grandchildren to raise, and hopefully my daughters will continue the tradition of adoption.  There's so many children out there, as you said, who are in need of homes, family, or love, particularly those who have special needs.  The word needs to get out there, and if we can do it, then by God, so can anyone else who is willing to take the time or trouble to help a needy child!

It's not easy, as you and I both know, but with the right support or assistance, it can be done! :)

How do we raise our village? By sheer determination, grit, and a whole lot of prayer!  We also have help in the guise of our parents (my parents, anyway; Bill's parents are, unfortunately, both deceased), or the older kids still left at home take care of the littler (or more disabled) ones; so it all works out in the end.  Now you know.  We are also there as much as possible; if not, then we know we have reliable help; we needn't worry so much.

We don't go out but maybe once a week to eat (usually on Sundays; sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for lunch); we feel we've earned it after wrangling with kids all week.  Of course, the kids come with us; we aren't going to deny them a good meal or being out in the public eye; the world needs to be around people who are disabled, so they can learn to accept them and not to be made to feel so uncomfortable around them!

My kids don't like the comments or stares any better than we do, but if they don't get out, how are they going to experience life??  That's all I have to say about that!

They need to know that the world isn't made for them; they need to make something of themselves, even when the world isn't kind!  And by God, they've succeeded beautifully!

Bill and I have to work in order to provide for our kids.  If we are in a financial bind, then friends or our church family are more than willing to step up to the plate, offer assistance in any way they can, which is always greatly appreciated.  The kids also work (summer, they perform as a band; we play with them, too; we perform several weekends per month to bring extra money in), and in the summer, fall, and winter, they work at their usual jobs (some work at restaurants, some work at department stores, and some work at the Goodwill store). 

Soon, Ronee' and Johnny will join the working class:  they are planning to find jobs by the spring, and right now, Ronee' is taking driver's ed; doing very well.  She goes for her license next week; she's passed the written test with flying colors!  (We kid people to tell them to stay off the road because soon the Mad Cajun--Ronee'--will be driving! LOLOL)

Now you know how we get by.  It's not easy, but by God's grace, we've made it, and He continues to provide for us, each and every time!  We are indeed blessed! :)

How is the weather there in Conyers?  Here in Nashville it's sunny; we may get some weather by the start of next week; I pray not.  We've had more than our share of severe weather this year; I'm ready for it to all go away!!  I don't do tornadoes very well; never have, never will!  I also don't do hurricanes; have been in some mighty big ones (Camille and Andrew), been in the remnants of Katrina, Ike, Gustav, etc.

I was born in Louisiana; I know what hurricanes are like!! They're not very fun!!

I am sure that your being in Georgia, you've encountered a 'cane or two. 

We're getting the place ready for Thanksgiving:  our son, Anh, our daughters Lightning, Stephanie, Dwerlina, Barbara, Dianna, and Melizza will be coming home for the weekend.  We will also continue our Christmas shopping; we started that in August.  We have to, what with the size of our brood! LOL  We're also getting ready to celebrate  Ian and Isaiah's first birthday; they turn one year old on the 22nd of November.  It is going to be crazy, but we're used to crazy 'roun' these parts! LOL

Well, I am going to go; the kids are starting to rise; I hear noises from their bedrooms.  I'd best get their breakfasts/meds on the table, so they can eat, start their day off right!  I will write to you again soon; until then, this is Louisiana signing off!  Hope to hear from you; I enjoyed your letter!

God bless you mightily, and give your children (((HUGS))) and kisses from me and my gang in Tennessee!

~Love, your new friend, Louisiana Mayrah Sandusky. :D