Weds., April 5, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee, 6:09 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Aasha Singh~

I am so happy you want to apologize; it takes a very special person to do that.  Apologies or forgiveness for something you have done is often the first step in trying to move on with your life.  It is very difficult to do; many people have problems doing this.  I know; I've been where you are at many a time, too many to count.

I am sorry that your child had to suffer.  No child deserves to suffer or end up damaged somehow because of an accident or illness; children deserve to be happy and free of pain!  It had to be incredibly hard for you, especially since you were the one often left to care for your son while Manjeet was at work. 

It had to be hard to make the decision to put your son in an institution; sometimes, even with our best efforts, this often ends up being the case.  I am so sorry, but I am sure that in your situation, it was probably for the best.  Sanjeet will understand in his own special way that you were only looking out for him, and you were trying to save your family.  There is no harm in that.  You tried your best; that's all that should matter!

I felt the same way when Jodie first came to us at the age of three.  She was, in a way, like Sanjeet:  nonverbal, unable to do anything for herself.  Totally helpless.  She was born with brain damage; at the age of one and a half, she was diagnosed with spastic-quadriplegic cerebral palsy and profound mental retardation.  The diagnosis was like a bullet right between the eyes; however, when she came to us, we were more than ready to love her and raise her as our own.

Jodie is now happy, well, thriving.  She is eighteen years old now, a young adult, but barely so.  She still cannot walk or do much for herself; however, she can effectively communicate, and adores life.  She is in high school now, doing very well; we couldn't be more proud of her!

Jodie's brother, Todd, is the same way; in addition, he has breathing problems that require him to use oxygen.  He was born brain damaged as well.  He is in his twenties now, but requires a lot of care; he is a very loving young man with soft, deer-brown eyes, a killer smile, and a shock of wavy, medium-brown hair.  He is very good-looking; he is a regular lady killer:  the girls can't seem to stay away; they see him, and right away, they're smitten!  LOL

Todd doesn't talk with his voice; instead, he talks with his eyes, his face:  he has a lot to say, even without words!  He is very good at making his needs known!  He is a very smart young man!

There have been times where we had thought of putting Todd or Jodie into a group home, hospital, or institutional setting; however, we felt that this wouldn't be feasible, so we kept them here at home, with us, where they have thrived beautifully.  Jodie and Todd are a vital part of our family, and they are an important part of our community.  We cannot imagine our family without them, especially since they've both been with us for over ten years now!

It isn't easy to care for children requiring total care, but with God's help (and the help of other children, parents, even friends or other types of support), it can be done.  We're living proof of that.  No, our children Jodie and Todd are.  :)  We just put our faith and trust in the Lord, and let Him do the rest.  This is how we get (or have gotten) through the bad times in our life.

Aasha, is there anyone you can look to for assistance?  I am sure there are people listed in the phone book who can help; it doesn't hurt; the worst thing they could say is no; if they do, then don't give up trying.  Someone's bound to listen to you!  There is help out there, if you only know where to look!

Well, Aasha, I am going to go to work in less than an hour, so I'd best put this to bed.  I do hope to hear from you again soon; I will be most happy to answer any questions you may have!  Until then, please do take care of yourself, and know you and your family are in my prayers/thoughts!  God bless you!

~Sincerely, your new friend in Tennessee, Louie May Sandusky.

P.S.:  I do forgive you.  If Jesus forgave me, then I should be required to do the same.  After all, if I can't forgive others, then Jesus shouldn't forgive me!  :)

~Love, Louie.