Nashville, Tennessee, 10:44 a.m.,  C,S.T.,  January 26, 2011~

Dear Journal~

I never thought it would happen in a million years ...

My son, Johnathon, popped "The Question" to his long-time girlfriend, Rebekka (Cohen) after she came over to see us. 

And she said, 'Yes!'  That means I wll be gaining a new "daughter" (in-law)!!

Johnathon was extremely nervous as he worked up the courage to ask Rebekka if she would accept his hand in marriage, and when Rebekka said 'Yes!,' you could hear Johnathon shout for joy!

We all cried when we heard the announcement, but Rebekka (and Johnny) cried the hardest, I think.

To celebrate, we took the two young lovebirds out to eat at Outback Steakhouse: it was just the four of us.  The other children stayed home with my dad and his wife (my steop-mother).  We really enjoyed ourselves; we enjoyed having Rebekka with us.  

Rebekka is such a sweet, mild-mannered young lady who, like Johnny, her future husband, has been through so much.

She was in town to see her prosthetics specialist here in Nashville, had no idea Johnny was planning this.  Oh, they'd talked about marriage, but she didn't know how serious he was about it.

It was a huge surprise!!

Rebekka lives in Texas now, so she can be close to her best friend's family.  Her best friend is currently in a nursing home, where she is recovering from a massive stroke that left her severely brain damaged and paralyzed.  She came to Nashville because her best doctors are here, at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

Rebekka was so excited:  she said her new legs came in, and she showed them to us.  She couldn't stop talking for one second, and neither could Johnny.  You could see the joy in both their faces.

And then he popped the question.  It just made a good day better!!  

Rebekka was especially overjoyed because she said her doctors there at "Vandy" said there is a distinct possibility of her walking on her new legs and maybe even being able to dance.  So far, it hasn't been written down in stone, but the chance IS there.  All we can do is pray that this comes to pass.  Up to know, Rebekka has used her wheelchair exclusively.

I do wish that Johnny would have waited to ask Rebekka about marriage at least another year or so (Johnny just turned 18 last month, and Rebekka is only 16), but since Johnny has a fatal neuromuscular disorder (Duchenne's muscular dystrophy), this may end up being for the best:  there is no telling that Johnny will even be here at this time next year. 

In any event, we are extremely thrilled for him (and for Rebekka); this is one of the best things that could have possibly ever happened to them (or to us)!!

As long as Johnny is happy, then we, his parents, are happy, too.  We will support him (and his wife-to-be) in any way possible!

Now let the wedding plans commence!!.

Who knows?  There may be even more grandchildren in our future as Johnny and Rebekka start their family planning ... something to think about!! :)

Had to write this down ... I'm about to bust open with pride and joy!

Will write in here again soon.  Take care, everyone, and God bless you as much as he's blessed us!

Whoo-hooooooooo, a new daughter!  Thank You, God.

~ Louisiana.