God has really held me in high favor.  Why else would I still be here and able to do many things, even despite having a fatal neuromuscular disorder that doctors told me would claim me when I was five?

I'm eighteen now, just turned.  Turned eighteen only two days ago.  So it looks like I have the last laugh on them.  HA!  I beat their stupid predictions by thirteen years, and right now, my MD has quieted to a dull roar.  Pray it stays that way, because right now, life is good for me!!

I have been enjoying the heck out of school.  Thinking of becoming a meteorologist, or maybe a storm chaser.  Classes are difficult at best, but I have a tutor who helps me sort out the more complicated subjects to where even I can understand them, and then, it's like a lightbulb turns on in my head! Click! I then get it, and I'm like, "D'oh!! I knew that all along!"  LOL

If my last several report cards are any indication, then college should be a breeze.  Made the honor roll, both times.  Very proud of myself for that one! :)

A's and B's.  ME.  Getting A's and B's in school!  Me, who has learning disabilities and physical issues.  Let's face it: I'm a college star!!  :)

DEAN'S LIST!!

My MD is behaving itself.  No real issues with my heart or breathing, but I do tire easily; have to rest a lot.  Sometimes in class, I'm doing everything I can not to drop things or fall asleep.  There's nothing more embarrassing than having to be shaken awake by one of my classmates because I was snoozing again!  Red face!!!! LOL   

Because I use a motorized wheelchair, it takes me longer to get from class to class, so I have an aide (also my tutor) who carries my books; it is just impossible for me to manage them because they are heavy, and I just don't have the strength anymore.  I also breathe with a respirator, and I have a trache.  Sometimes, I get embarrassed because people hear the hiss/click! of the ventilator, and I can feel their eyes staring at me.

I have my assistance dog, "Ginger", who acts as my arms and legs.  She retrieves dropped objects, walks beside me as I roll from place to place, and alerts people if I get into trouble with my seizures/heart/breathing (so far, nothing has happened, but she's there, just in case).  I feel so much better having her around because she's given me more in the way of freedom than I ever thought possible!

As I said, life is good.  I am currently discussion marriage plans with Rebekkah, who is my sweetie and soul mate.  It's something we've been doing for some time now.  Whoever thought that this would be possible??  While we might not be able to have children the natural way (due to our health problems), we still can have children by means of adoption; a family may very well be in our future if God allows it to happen.  Myself, I would like to have a boy and a girl; Rebekkah doesn't care, as long as the child/children are healthy.

Rebekkah is driving now.  I will never be able to drive because I'm just too weakened.  I find this troublesome; I'd rather go from place to place by myself instead of depending on others to take me.  It's a pain, but I'm living with it.  As long as I am still alive and not pushing daisies, than one more day is a gift from God, and I give thanks to Him every chance I get.  He's been so good to me.  It's only by His grace that I'm still here, continuing to beat the odds.

The other shoe will drop (eventually); there's no guarantees that my current state will continue.  I try not to think about that because as you can see, I have a full life, and everything I do is highly important to me.  I'd love to be a meteorologist on some big television station or bag a monster storm and save lives in the process.  That would just make life worth living, y'know??  Also to have a wife, maybe even a family.  Yes, that would be something if I could do something great!!

Right now, as I write this, I'm in my room, listening to the rain ticking off the roof; we're due to get some snow tonight (several inches), and maybe even more snow tomorrow.  I'm also on break from school; I go back next week (I stay here at home; one of my college classmates picks me up, then brings me back when school is done for the day).  I am enjoying it.  

I had a wonderful Christmas.  I got some new clothes, some new shoes and socks, money (money is always good! :) ), some gift certificates for Applebys, Olive Garden, and Golden Corral, some new cologne (including my favorite, Obsession!!), some new books on tape (since my eyes are not that good, I find this easier for me), and some other things.  It was good to see most of my brothers and sisters again, and it was good to spend time with my buddy, Ronee', who is getting ready to move to Louisiana in a few weeks (she will be going to college there; she will be going to the same school that mama went to when she was younger).

I want people to call me Johnny or Johnathon.  I want them to see the real me, not just focus on my health problems, even when they are so obvious. I am not my wheelchair, my vent, or my MD.  I am a human being with feelings, and I am trying like heck to make people see beyond my problems.  I want them to see that I am a person who has feelings, goals, dreams, too, and they aren't helping me reach them by focusing primarily on my problems.  That is probably my biggest problem that I face right now.  I just want people to make it easier for me.

Well, I am going to call it a night.  Going to see my doctor's tomorrow (regular check-up, nothing to worry about).  I also plan on spending time with Rebekkah if the weather isn't too nasty; if it is, I will have to cancel my appointment and make it for another day and stay inside.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Johnathon saying so long! God bless and have a great New Year!  Hope you all have the best New Year ever!

~Love, your friend, Johnathon.  :)