Sunday, March 22, 2009, Nashville, TN., 8:17 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  I know I just wrote in here a few days back, but I had to write in here again to let you know what's been going on with us, in particular, my son, Johnathon.

As you know, Johnathon has Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.  Doctors didn't think he'd live to see the age of five.  He's now sixteen; he continues to defy the odds even now.  Yet people act like he's dying.  Well, he is, but he's not as bad off as most people think when they first see him.

Yes, Johnathon's lost a lot of weight.  Yes, his clothes hang on him.  Yes, he has a trache, and yes, he was recently in the hospital with congestive heart failure; however, he's rallied back, and seems to be gaining lost strength each and every day.  His heart issues seem to have lessened considerably, and he's starting to feel more like himself again, much to our relief.

Johnathon may be worse off than he was a year ago, but hang on.  Don't give up on him just  yet.  He still has an insatiable will to live, and his spirit remains as strong, as determined as ever.  He's still on fire for the Lord, and he's become quite the little harvester of souls!

He's also doing better emotionally:  having Rebekkah Cohen back in his life has been like medicine.  They are both talking to each other again, e-mailing each other at any possible time, just enjoying being together again.  Both seem to be each other's strongest ally, and it's a wonder what young life has done to the two of them!

I still don't like the thought of Johnathon having an incurable disease that will eventually kill him; however, to see him enjoying life has really been a boost not only to him or me, but the entire family.  Any day we have him in our life is enough to praise God for His goodness to us.

We don't know when Johnathon will die (we will be devastated when that happens), but we think about him going to Heaven, where he will leap out of that wheelchair, and probably challenge all of the angels to a foot race (in which he'd probably win!  LOL), or talk Jesus' ear off for hours.  LOL 

The worst thing that can happen is that Johnathon will be with Jesus. That doesn't sound bad; in fact, it sounds pretty darn good, considering what he's had to endure here on earth!

Okay.  On to other news, now that I've (hopefully) ended all of the speculations about Johnathon and his health.  Here goes:

Rebekkah Cohen and her family will be moving back here to Tennessee sometime in the next few months.  They will be living in a house a few blocks away from us.  It will be soo good to interact with them again; I've missed Naomi, Micah, and their kids like crazy!

And get this:  I heard from Audrey Callaway, of all people!  She actually called me the other day, and we talked like old friends, which about floored me!  And Susie is doing great in college; she even has a boyfriend, which shocked the stuffin' out of me!  I am so happy about this, I could cry with joy!

Now, I don't know if Wayne will reconcile with his sister, but I can always hope and pray for the two of them!  God is still in the miracle-making business!  :)

Our family is doing great:  nothing to complain or write about other than people's speculations about my son.  I will let you go now; I will write in here again soon.  Until then, this is Louie signing off!  Take care and may God bless you; continue to keep us in your prayers, especially Johnny!  We would greatly appreciate it!  Thanks in advance!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :D