February 19, 2009, Nashville, TN, 5:55 p.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Korrina Grace~

Howdy!  I just read your blog; when I saw it, I knew I had to write to you.  I hope you don't mind!

I remember meeting you at one of Reba McEntire's concerts a few years back.  You were the cute, giggly girl in that snazzy wheelchair, and you told me that Reba was your very favorite.  She is one of mine, too; however, I prefer Loretta Lynn.  I've loved Loretta Lynn ever since I could remember!

So you want to be a country/gospel singer.  How cool!  I have been singing since I was small; it's all I've ever known, and I enjoy singing for people!  I would love to be as well loved as Loretta Lynn, maybe even become a member of the Grand Ole Opry!

Reba is very sweet, too.  I've met her gobs of times (Loretta, too!); whenever they come to town, and I'm there, it's like a great big family reunion!  I really enjoy talking to the two of them!

Have you seen me perform?  If not, I hope you will get that chance.  I love singing country, Cajun, and gospel music most of all; but I also love doing pop/rock, even rap.  I'm very versatile; I want people to know that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to!  :)

It seems that I am successful (been on television a few times, have met many famous people); however, it's not as easy as it looks.  There's so much competition in the music world, and if you don't have "the goods", you might as well hang it up.  I know I am not "perfect" in people's eyes (my disability), but I am not my disability.  That should not matter!!  I am a singer with a disability, not a disabled singer!

People need to look past my canes (or crutches, or leg braces, whatever I use) and see me for me, not for what I am!  It's that simple!  They need to look at my abilities as a singer/musician, not for how I happen to look on the outside!  It's crazy!!

I would like to hear your demo.  If you need any encouragement, I will be more than happy to give it to you.  I've been singing since I was like two or so, playing instruments since I was a toddler (self-taught on fiddle, learned the others as I got older, as long as my health allowed it).  Speaking of instruments, do you play any?  If so, what?  What is your favorite?  My favorite is the Cajun accordion; it's part of my Cajun heritage, so it means a lot to me.

I hope you get to meet Loretta Lynn one day.  She is one of the nicest people in country music:  so unassuming, thinking of her fans first, even when she doesn't feel well (and when she does cancel on account of illness, she's very apologetic and isn't afraid to reschedule), and so talented!  She's still at it, even at nearly 74  years of age; she is a true living legend!!  She puts on a great show, and I've had the honor of singing with her several times; what an exciting experience!!

How long have you known Jesus as your personal Saviour?  I've known Him for nine years; it's incredible to see what He's brought me from, where He's taking me.  I am very blessed, and I hope that I can share the Message of Salvation during one of my shows.  I do a lot of "secular" music in my shows, but I always take time to do some gospel, to show people what the Lord's done in my life!  If I could see some people saved as a result of what I do, then it's worth everything!!

I don't know what I'd do without Jesus!  He's my bestest Friend in the whole, wide world!!  He's my everything!! :D

Korrina, I will be sending you a couple of my latest (autographed) pictures (as well as a few from "a few years back", so you can see how much I've changed! LOL), and I will be enclosing one of my CD's ("Little Dark-Eyed Cajun Girl"); I did that one when I was like, nine years old.  (I'm now sixteen; turned sixteen back in December, on Christmas Day!)  I hope to be recording another album soon; we're looking for a label now.  (The title track is one I'd written; I write some of my own music, and I also sing some of the good classic tunes.)  I hope you will enjoy what I am sending you!

If you're ever in Nashville, please look me up.  I will be more than happy to see you again.  You seem like a very smart young lady who knows what she wants in life.  That's a very good thing!  :)  I hope you get to see Loretta Lynn, and I hope you get to see one of my shows; I promise you will not be disappointed!

I hope to hear from you!  I'd really love to be your new friend!  Take care, and may God bless you mightily!  Good luck in your musical endeavors; I pray you will be successful!  Maybe one day I'll see YOU singing at the Grand Ole Opry!!

Cheers!  Laissez les bon temps rouler!!  Aiieee!!

Love, your friend in Nashville, Tennessee, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux.  :D