June 2, 2013, Nashville, TN., 4:22 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  Sorry for writing again when I have been writing a lot lately, but I wanted to let y'all know that Johnny, Rebekka, and their caretakers are all safe and sound!  It's been nothing short of a miracle!

Thank the Lord that Johnny, Rebekka, and their caretakers were not hurt, but they took shelter at the OU campus and were stranded there the rest of the night; they couldn't get in touch with us until yesterday morning.  It was a very long night for many concerned; when I heard Bekka's sweet voice (and also the sweet voice of my son, Johnathon), all I could do was cry and praise the Lord.

Unfortunately, their place of residence was heavily damaged, not so much from the tornadic winds, per se, but from the flooding there in Norman and Oklahoma City.  They are now staying at the local YWCA, and the Red Cross is providing for their needs.  They will probably be "out of pocket" for a few months, until August or September, the way things look now.  They escaped with only the clothes upon their backs and a few personal possessions that were able to be salvaged.

Anh is still hospitalized; he suffered a broken arm and shoulder, a punctured lung, several cracked ribs, a concussion, and two black eyes.  He will be hurting for a while, but I'm just thankful that he wasn't killed when the winds blew his car off I-45.  He will be okay, but he will be out of commission for a while until he recovers from his injuries.

Thankfully the baby (Bella) and Thu were not hurt; but they took up residence at the campus (Oral Roberts University) until the danger had passed.

Not only that, but I found out that three chasers were killed in the El Reno, Oklahoma storm: veteran storm chasers Tim Samaras and his son, Paul, and a long time partner.  They were experienced and knew what they were doing, but they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time; unfortunately, they were killed.  So I know the storm chasing community must be reeling with the news of this tragedy.  

So many lives ripped apart or changed as the result of this bad weather pattern they've had to endure these past several weeks .... my heart bleeds for each and every victim represented and their family and friends .... while I celebrate the fact that my sons and their families are okay, others don't have that chance.  So my heart is very heavy with grief.

I talked to Ronee' last night; she is doing okay, but like me, she has been stressed with the weather pattern.  She was so relieved to hear that Anh and Johnny are okay.  She started her new job and she loves it; I am sure she will do well.  She is working as a receptionist for a doctor's office.  She started last week and is already catching on.  She came back to Nashville about two weeks ago; she and Michael brought a house not far from us; it's handicap-accessible, which is great for her.  It is a very nice house, rather reasonably priced, and perfect for a young couple just starting on their new lives post-college.  Now they get ready for their children, who will be due in October.  Ronee', as you know, is pregnant with twin boys.

I also wait for twin granddaughters.  I thought at first that Johnny and Rebekka were going to be parents to twin boys, but it was confirmed about a week and a half ago that Rebekka is carrying twin girls!  So I am very blessed!

Bill has applied for SSDI; his arthritis has worsened.  He is using his wheelchair now more often than the crutches and he may eventually end up needing surgery on his knees again.  He is in a lot of pain.  It hurts me to see him suffering like he is.  He is still working at Wal*Mart, but his hours have been cut and it's been a struggle.  Yet I know God will provide for all our needs; we just have to keep the faith!

My job is going well; working lots of extra hours in the ER or in MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit); have even done a few stints in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and even Orthopedics.  I am very tired, but I still love my job; I love the people I take care of, and I love my co-workers.

So that is the latest.  Not much, but enough to let y'all know what's been going on.  Just keep Anh, Thu, Bella, Rebekka, Johnny, Ronee', and Michael (and their unborn children) in your prayers; they could all really use a touch from God!  Also pray for Bill and that my job stands; I am always so scared that I will end up losing it!!  With all the cuts and layoffs and the nursing shortages across the country, I have great reason to be concerned!  Thanks and God bless; any prayers are always appreciated!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana May.  :(