Saturday, July 25, 2009, Nashville, TN., 9:04 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Johnathon here.  Figured I'd write in here; been a while since you last heard from me.  Just wanted to let y'all know I am still kickin'! 

I haven't really had any (new) issues with my health, thank the Lord.  My girlfriend, on the other hand, has; she was in the hospital again last week.  Another blasted infection; we really thought she was going to kick the bucket; but by another miracle, she survived and is now home!!  :)

I wish I could say the same for Holly Kent.  She isn't doing very well.  Don't know what is going on, except to say last I heard, she was running a high fever and slipped into a coma.  Mama is with Kendra (Holly's mom) now in Memphis; don't expect mom back until sometime next week.  I really miss her when she isn't home!

Mama has called, but she hasn't really said anything, so no news is good news, I guess.  I pray that continues; we've been praying hard for the Kent family (as well as for Rebekkah)!

We are getting ready for school; school starts up the day after Labor Day in our part of the city.  We have some of our school supplies now; they're going on sale; in the next few weeks, prices will be slashed even more, so we will probably stock up, to make sure we have what we need by the time school starts.  I am not really looking forward to school, but after this year, I only have one year left, so maybe it's not so bad.  This year I will be a junior!!

And I have lived far long enough to almost realize one of my dreams:  to graduate from high school.  Not bad for a guy who wasn't expected to live past the age of five!  (Fooled those dumb doctors by 11 years; pray I live for another 11 years [and beyond that]!!)

Now I can focus on dream #2:  to find a girl and get married, perhaps start a family (in my case, adoption; don't want to pass my stupid MD to my son or daughter; there's a chance that could happen).  I have the girl; now we have to start thinking about marriage when we are old enough (and if God allows us to live that long).

We went to the military tribute they had for our troops last weekend; it was awesome!!  Fireworks.  Music.  Food (free, 'cause my granddaddy is a Veteran; all Vets and their families got to eat free!!).  Rides for the kids.  Contests.  Military flyovers.  Airshow.  It was wonderful, my friends, absolutely wonderful; I had a blast (no pun intended)!  The fireworks were out of this world; they were even better than Nashville's Red, White, and BOOM! Festival on the fourth of July!

I got to meet Dana Bowman, who is an Army Golden Knight without legs.  He jumps out of perfectly good working airplanes, spreading his message of "It's not the Disability; it's the Ability".  He was diving out of a plane one time, and he and another skydiver collided in mid air.  The other guy was killed; Dana survived, but in the accident, he lost both legs.  He's now a double amputee.  He's amazing!!

He was also very nice.  I had my piccy made with him and got his autograph.  He told me never to give up hope and keep on dreaming; maybe I'd see my dreams come true .  Oh, Lord, I hope so!!  I'd love to live long enough to get married and perhaps, see a cure for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases!  That would be awesome!!

Well, I hate to run off like this (if I could run, that is; I'm in an electric wheelchair, for gosh sakes!), but bed is calling me; I'm very tired.  We have to get up with the birds tomorrow; church.  I will write in here again soon; until then, please take care and continue to pray for me; I think that's what is keeping me going!  Also pray for my friend's daughter, pray she makes it through her latest crisis!  I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!  God bless and have a good night!

~Love, your friend, Johnathon Irwin-Allen Denver.  :)