Thursday, July 23, 2009, Nashville, TN., 7:26 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

A very tired Louisiana Sandusky here.  Didn't get to bed until well past midnight; it's now nearly seven thirty.  Have only slept for (maybe) 3-4 hours.

Family is great; it's Kendra again.  Not so much Kendra, but Holly, her daughter.  Seems that Holly was doing wonderful:  in fact, she was due to be released from St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis on Friday (tomorrow); now it looks like that has been scrubbed.  Holly has been suffering from a raging fever, and has slipped into unconsciousness.  They don't know what's going on or if she is going to pull through; right now, things look pretty bad.

I have to call church, to let them know of this latest development, so they can cover Holly (and Kendra) in prayer.  Pastor Bilkey and several of the staff are in Africa, so the associate pastor, Pastor Jones, who is runnin' the show, will have to field the prayers as they come in.

They will be upset at the news; I know I was.  It seems that all I have done last night is cry.  The kids are upset too; they don't know Holly all that well yet, but they do know her well enough to where they are becoming good friends with her.

They already told me they will be making cards for her for when I go to see her at the hospital; I will take them to Kendra.

I haven't heard from Audrey regarding Rick; last I heard, he had been injured in an accident, but don't know much more than that.  I haven't heard from Audrey in at least a good month and a half.  I hope she is okay; I hope her family is okay!  I am getting most concerned about her!

In addition, I haven't heard from Sarah or seen Wayne at work.  I hope Wayne hasn't fallen ill again; that would be the last thing he needs, after all that he has been through already with his health!

I am off this weekend.  I am flying to Memphis in a few hours, so I can be with Kendra.  She needs me.  And I need to be there for her.  I hate leaving my own family like this, but Kendra is probably my best friend, and she is hurting; I want to be there for her, so she and Michael don't face this alone!  They need all the support they can get!

Bill and the children already know of my plans; they are okay with it*.  They understand.  I am taking the twins  (Ian and Isaiah) with me, so Bill doesn't have to wrangle with them, in addition to all of the other kids!  That would be cruel!  LOL  They are good little boys and are excellent little travelers!

Well, I am going to finish packing, call church, and then head over to the airport, so I can board my flight, which is at ten.  I will probably be in Memphis until sometime next week; hopefully Holly will improve and come home.  She is being prayed for now as I speak (write)!  Prayers are already winging their way up to God's ears; He hears all! 

Just keep her in your prayers; she could really use a (-nother) miracle about now!  Thank you in advance!  I will write when I get to St. Jude's or in a couple days, depending on what happens.  I will keep you posted!  God bless!

~Love, your friend, Louie.  :(

*I am not "abandoning" my kids, as many seem to think.  The older kids look out over the littler (or more disabled) ones, so all the responsibility doesn't fall on my husband or elderly parents, all, of whom, have their own health concerns.  They are very good with their brothers and sisters; they are responsible, practical children who know how to handle a situation (most of the time).  Thought I'd clarify that with you.

Talk to you in a few days or when I get back.

~L.