December 26, 2013, Nashville, TN., 7:19 p.m., C.S.T.~
Dear Journal~
Hard to believe that I am 22 years old today!! The fact that I am even here still on this earth is nothing short of a miracle. Considering the fact that I was expected to die at the age of five, any day I wake up breathing and above ground is a gift from God, and I cherish every moment I have on this earth.
This is your friend, Johnathon, writing. Actually, my caretaker Jackie is typing this while I tell her what to write. Feeling weak today, but that's okay. I'm still here, and I'm still able to communicate and do what I have to do. I just have a different way of doing things, and I have to have help, but I am still happy. I have a beautiful wife, two lovely little girls, and a family who loves me. I'm also hurting quite a bit, but again, that's okay. At least I'm still alive TO feel the pain. Pain's not fun, but it's definitely much better than the alternative ....
My daughters, Neria and Nava, are almost two months old. Hard to believe that I am a parent. I just hope that I can be around to see them reach school age at least, but somehow I don't see that happening ... yet I mustn't worry about that ... just the fact that I got to see my dreams realized (finding a woman to love, marrying her, and giving her two daughters, going to college and pursuing a career in meteorology) is enough. I've done this and so much more. I am incredibly lucky, no, BLESSED, to be alive. God has done a wonder in me and my life, and I am eternally grateful to Him!
How was your Christmas? Ours was full of joy, chaos, and many blessings (not to mention, many presents). I got an MP4 player and a new computer (my big gifts); the computer was from my parents, and the MP4 player was from my darling wife. I got clothes, underwear, socks, shoes, cologne (Axe) (so I can smell good; it's my favorite!), money, gift cards to Half Price, Mardel's, Barnes And Noble, and Walden's Books, Golden Corral, and Olive Garden, and books to listen to (on tape). We got to help out yesterday at our church, feeding the homeless, poor, and Veterans of our community, and it was good to see (almost) everybody again.
Now it looks like our livingroom threw up, what with all the toys for the girls .... LOL They made out like bandits; Santa Claus was mighty good to our little family!
Today, for my birthday, I spent it at home with my family. After the chaos of yesterday and the past week, it was what I wanted. It was nice. I got some cards and more money in the mail from friends. Nice to know that people still think of me or care enough to make my life a little better.
Well, I hate to go, but it's about time for me to go to bed. I will have to have my caretakers do that. Besides, I am hurting pretty badly; muscle spasms. Part of my MD; it's something I have had to learn to live (and put up) with. I will write in here again soon; untll then, this is Johnathon saying so long and may God bless you always, as much as He's blessed us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year; may 2014 be your year!!
~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Johnathon. :)
