February 12, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee, 6:40 p.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Rebekkah Rachel~

Howdy, sweetie-kins!  How are you??  I hope this finds y'all in fine shape!  Me, I have been busy, which explains the lengthy lapse in my response to your last two letters.  I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.

Physically, I have my good days and bad.  Some days, I can get around reasonably well; on others, I'm as weak as a newborn kitten.  Now, my MD hasn't gotten any worse, but it hasn't gotten any better either; I'm just hoping the other shoe doesn't drop for a long time to come.

I still have to get suctioned several times a day, plus have my stupid thumps (chest pounding therapy); this keeps my lungs clear as possible.  It's a pain; I hate it!!  Yet it's what keeps me going, among the love of family, friends, and my Lord and Saviour!

This is when I hate having a trache.  I sound like a croaking frog when I talk, and the suctioning is horrible; I hope you never have to go through it!  It feels like someone's trying to rip my throat clean off my neck!!  It's not fun at all!!

We did have some bad weather go through here yesterday afternoon; thankfully, no tornadoes reported here, but we did have to go into our shelter, as the tornado sirens sounded; we stayed in our shelter until the all-clear was given.  The tornado watch was to have gone on until six; it was cancelled two hours early, much to everyone's relief.

I wanted to watch the stormy skies; maman wouldn't let me.  Ronee', meanwhile, was being her usual chicken-hearted self:  she was crying, shaking all over like a little baby, screaming, "Make it stawwwwwwwwwwwwp!!"  She absolutely does NOT like storms at all!!

I feel sorry for the people who were hit in Oklahoma: at last count, nine people lost their lives, and dozens were hurt, some seriously.  I said some special prayers for them, and I will do so again tonight.

We didn't go to church tonight because the water pipe in the sanctuary busted, flooding it.  We may not go this weekend either, until the necessary repairs can be made.  So I can fool around all weekend, now that I've knocked my homework out of the way.  I didn't have much; I just hope the teachers don't pile extra work on us kids this weekend, or I'll be steamed!!  That always seems to be the way!!

Pastor Bilkey called maman earlier this afternoon to tell her; she was the one who told us.  I was not amused at the news!

Oh!!  Guess what!!  Next weekend, we are going to the Grand Ole Opry!!  We (Ronee' and myself) are performing there on Friday night, on the GooGoo portion of the show; Jimmy C. Newman and his band, "Cajun Country", are the main act for that part of the Opry.  We are his guests.  We are looking forward to it! 

And on Saturday, we are going to the Opry just to watch.  We haven't been to the Opry since October of last year; it will be great to go there again!  One never knows who will be there or who we will run into! 

It's always like a big family reunion every time we go there!  I just love going to the Grand Ole Opry!!

I know you did too, when you came to see us.  Remember how we took you there, and you got to meet your favorite singer, Reba??  I know you thought you died and went to Heaven!  To see the look of surprise on your face was too cool; I'll never forget it!  :)  I still have the picture on my dresser; every time I look at it I can't help but smile!

How is the weather there where you are at?  I hope you didn't get the bad weather we had yesterday.  I hope it was a lot calmer by the time it got to you.  I said a prayer that you didn't get the bad weather!

It sounds like you and your family are doing weonderful, as is Kendra Kent and her brood.  Good news all around; however, I was sorry to hear that Susie Callaway is acting weird again.  What exactly is her problem?  Isn't she taking her meds or going to her therapy sessions?  It sure sounds like it; I will have to pray that she comes to her senses before something terrible happens to her (or her family)!

That's great that you may be moving back to Nashville in the summer!  I hope and pray that this will happen; it will be great to see you any chance I can instead of just occasionally or by e-mail!  Or talking to you on the phone!  I miss you so much I can't stand it!!!!  I also hope that Karissa James will move here; she sounds like a wonderful gal!  It's great that she has a happy life, even with Lew Gerig disease (I can't spell it, and forget the medical name of it!  AGHH!! LOL)! 

I am also happy that you are dancing, even with being in a chair.  Well, as they say, "where there's a wheel, there's a way"!  *groans*  LOL

Just be careful with your prosthetic legs; don't need you going back into the hospital!  That's the LAST thing you need!!!!

Well, I am getting stupid, so I am going to go now.  I am going to watch a movie ("Cars" first, then maybe "Brother Bear"), then probably hit the sack once they're through.  I got up at five this morning; it's been a long day!  Take care, and may God bless you mightily!  I love you with all my heart!

(((HUGS))) and kissies~  As ever, your boy-toy, Johnathon.  :D

P.S.:  Before I forget, I sent you a Valentine's Day card in the mail!  Did you get it?? Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valentine girl!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX