Thought I would write an update on what's been going on in our lives; it's been a long while since I last wrote in my journal.  Well, here goes nothing:

Lots to tell, lots of things going on in our lives.  Have been living in Pryor, Oklahoma, since Feb. of last year when a tornado obliberated our home; for a while, we stayed with friends until we could find a new place.  It was a very hard time for us; still is; we miss living in Ponca City.  We had a lot of friends there.

Eternity is now ten years old.  She will be going into the fifth grade at Pryor Elementary next month; she is very smart.  I am extremely proud of her; she soaks up new information like a sponge!  LOL

Eternity is walking exclusively on her crutches; she is very fast and sure.  Falls don't even slow her down; she wears her bruises or cuts like trophies.  I always worry about her when she has a spill; however, she always reassures me that she won't break.  And you know what?  She's absolutely right; she's one of the toughest kids I know!

She does use her wheelchair, but only for trips like to the zoo, fair, or mall.  Any other time, she's speedin' along the road or grass on her sticks.  LOL

Eternity loves to read; she's now discovered the "American Girl" series of books.  She absolutely digests them like her breakfast; she always has to have one or two of the books with her as she eats.  Her favorite character is Kit Kittridge, who is a little girl who lived during the Depression of the 1930's.

Eternity is writing poems and stories.  One of her most recent ones goes like this:

"Don't pity me, I'm just like you:

Brown hair and eyes of brightest blue.

Love to read, draw, dance, and sing,

Love to hear the church bells ring!

I'm disabled, but that's okay.

I'm still a girl; I want to play!

Let's be friends; let's have fun:

I want to be loved by everyone!"

She is good at poetry; she just has problems with her meter (rhythem of the poem).  :)

She also wrote a story about her best friend, Rowena, who happens to be our next door neighbor.  Rowena is 13, a few years older than my daughter; they are extremely close, almost like sisters.  Rowena has two brothers (both younger, ages 4 and 12).  Rowena and her family are Mexican immigrants; they are very sweet.  We just love them to death!

Her story won an award last year at school; she had to read it during one of the parent/teacher conferences.  She did an awesome job; we were so proud of her! 

She also got an award and a write up in our local paper.  We now call her the town celebrity.  :)

Her health hasn't been a problem since her surgery of last year; it's been nothing short of miraculous!  She has really grown into a happy, well-adjusted young lady!  I couldn't have asked for a better daughter; she is my world, my life, my everything!!

Well, I am going to go.  Church tomorrow.  We're going with our neighbors, to their church, for a visit.  Should be fun!  Have to get up early, get my daughter ready, then get myself ready, then be out the door by eight.  Mass starts at 9:00 sharp!  I will write in here again another day; please forgive me for not keeping y'all up to date in my journal; I've just haven't felt like writing since the tornado of last year! It really knocked the stuffin' out of both of us!

Until later, this is Cindy Lou Snyder signing off; take care and may God bless you always!  Good night!

~Love, your Oklahoma friend, Cindy, Eternity's mom.  :)