This is your mama speaking. I look at your little faces, and I feel nothing but a rush of love, compassion, and admiration for each and every one of you. You are God's Special Children, and He has blessed both your Daddy and me with your grace and presence.
Ronee', I look at you sitting at the computer, and I feel so proud of you. In just 9 short years, you have accomplished so much in your young life, and you have far exceeded the expectations of others. You have a gifted mind, and your intelligence and beauty never ceases to amaze me. You are a loving, caring individual, and I think you would make a terrific nurse, teacher, or counselor; you have a tender heart, and you are a sensitive little girl. Your talents are awe-inspiring, and in your own little way, you have blessed others and have led them to Jesus; and I don't know what I have done to deserve having such a remarkable young lady for a daughter.
And Johnny: my sweet, precious baby boy who is not so much a baby anymore--like your sister, you have overcome the greatest of odds, and you never cease to amaze me with your talents, your intelligence, your determination, and best of all, your courage. Yes, you may be dying, but never forget for a single minute that we love you, and we are so blessed that you are a part of our lives. You are our treasure, and you are all boy in light of all that you have been through in your short life. You are tougher than a lot of people give you credit for, and yet you get back into the fight whenever others or life itself threaten to knock you down. You are our version of "The Greatest": Muhammed Ali. May you NEVER lose that spunk, my beautiful Johnny!!
Jodie: I look at you sitting in your chair, and I feel nothing but pride when I gaze upon your fragile little body. You have such a bubbly personality, and you always seem to have a smile for us. You are also starting to verbalize; and we have so longed for that day when you finally could say the words you so wanted to say, but until recently, could not. Now you can say "Mama" and "Daddy", and a whole new world is starting to open for you. You are starting to express yourself, and we are so proud and awe-stricken! Doctors didn't place much in the way of hope for you, my Jodie; they said you would never be more than an infant in developmental terms; and in a lot of ways, you are like an infant, but you are growing into a beautiful young lady of 10. You have been healthier these past several years ever since you got the stomach tube put into your belly; you haven't been sick as often, and you are getting the needed nourishment to help you. And you make us smile when you laugh; your laughter is like music to our ears!!
And Enriquesa: you, too, are growing up; you are now nearly 4 years old, ready to start preschool in a few weeks. You are walking so well with your walker, and how you use your "hands" is nothing short of astounding; there is absolutely NOTHING you can't do! You are going to remain smaller than average throughout your life, but your spunk and spirit is far bigger; and you delight all who come to meet you. You are a champion giggler, and your hugs are so full of warmth; it is no wonder people love to hold you or give you hugs!! And you are such a little charmer; those nursery school boys are going to be, no doubt, smitten when they first set eyes upon you! Boys, be warned..Enriquesa is in town!! And she is there to stay!!
Roberto: my sweet little buddy with a rambunctious sort of personality!! You are also defying the odds; you are walking so well on your brand new red crutches; how hot they look!! And your speech and learning capabilities are steadily improving each and every day; how proud we are; you have certainly come a long way! Yes, people may not be ready to accept you because of your physical and mental handicaps, but we HAVE, and we are so blessed to have you as a part of our International Family. You have such a stubborn streak, and you are NOT to let the others get to you when they fling insults at you. You seem to let them slide off, and you continue on your merry way! This is what makes us love you so much, our little Mexican jumping bean! You are independent, and you are fun to be with; you always seem to find a way to make us laugh. And this is to where we owe you our thanks and our gratitude.
And to the other children: don't EVER feel, for a minute, that you are less important; because, as your mama, I am here to say that you are *NOT*!! You, too, are all precious and special, and we wouldn't be a family if it weren't for God blessing us with you all. You are all unique in your own right, and you are all special people who know how to tug at our heartstrings. I look at your shiny faces, and I get a lump in my throat because God has brought you all into your daddy's and my life; and if it weren't for Him we wouldn't even BE a FAMILY!!
I love each and every one of you, my precious angels from Heaven!!
MANY WARM HUGS AND MANY HEARTFELT THANKS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!
--MAMAN. xxxxooooxxxxoooo
And don't forget about ME!! I love youse guys, too--very much!!
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
A wicked Cajun Fairy named Robes Pierre entered the impenetrable Magical doll land of Sha Bebe. Queen Faustina, the ruler of the doll land, thought she had destroyed him, but he's back! Will the doll land survive his evil ways?
