Wednesday, March 12, 2014, Nashville, TN., 1:25 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  Am going to write in here for a moment before I head out the door: I am clocking out of work earlier than normal today because I have a doctor's appointment (no worries, just a regular checkup; I am sure all will be well).  Hope y'all understand.

Well, it's been a little over a month since The Big Scare that Bill, my husband, gave to the family, but I am happy to report that he is doing a lot better.  He is sticking to his new diet/restriction plan, and when he went to the doctor's last week for his checkup, his blood pressure was lower, so the new medications are starting to work.  He's also cut back on his hours at work and is trying his best to keep his stress levels down.  (Easier said than done in this family!)

We have a new head of nursing in the burn ward at our hospital; she replaced Roberto Sormiento when he left to go to Alaska (he got a better offer up there; he couldn't pass it up, so he and his wife, M'buti, packed up their kids and their possessions and headed north), and she seems to be very good at what she does.  Her name is Matilda, and she is very nice.  I think she will do well at Nashville Memorial.  

Work has been going well.  Still pulling a lot of duty in eigher MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) or the ER, but I've also been working in Pediatrics some days.  I love working with the children and adolescents, but it hurts my heart when they are suffering or are very ill; still I try to help them as best as I possibly can.

I work anywhere from 40 to 80 a week (give or take).  When I come home, I want to crash, but knowing I can't, as I have kids (and a husband and mother-in-law) to take care of.  But it is all I know; I wouldn't trade the craziness for all the tea in China.  :)

The kids are doing well.  Johnny was in the hospital last month, but he's since recovered; he had become dehydrated and couldn't keep anything down.  I ended up watching Nava and Novia (their twin daughters and my grandbabies) for several days; of course, Gramma (me) spoiled 'em rotten! LOL).  They are such easy, good-natured babies!  Ronee' is still working hard and her husband, Michael, is getting ready to go to Alaska, to see if he can find work up there.  He'll remain there until Ronee' goes on her cruise in September; they'll meet up there and then, a month later, Ronee' will be joining him in Alaska for good.

Loretta has since settled in beautifully and is a regular little Sandusky.  She is learning English at a rapid rate and has since picked up a nice little attitude: everything is "NO!" and if she doesn't get her way, she'll throw a regular fit.  But other than that, she's no problem.  She's a typical little toddler.  :)

Anh and Thu are going to be parents again: Thu is pregnant with her second child; they already have one daughter, Bella Thu Grace, who is a little over a year old and has grown into a little beauty.  She looks just like her mama.  Her name suits her perfectly; and she is so smart!

So that means another grandbaby later this year!  :)

Ronee' is scheduled to sing at the Grand Ole Opry in April; she will be appearing on the 7:30 slot on Friday night.  She will be singing with Jimmy C. Newman and "Cajun Country", who are the headliners for that set.  It's been a little while since she last played there; of course, she is very excited and is really looking forward to it.

Ronee' also auditioned for America's Got Talent and they called, so she will possibly be going there, to New York City, in May to see if she has a chance at making it on the televised portion of the show.  So exciting things are ahead for her. Just pray that she will do well on both accounts!  Any and all prayers are always appreciated! :)

Johnny, as you know, is graduating from college in May with a degree in Meteorological Sciences.  He will then seek employment with a local televsion station and hopefully his dream of becoming an on-air meteorologist will become a reality.  Hopefully people will look past the obvious and see his talents for forecasting and predicting weather; Johnny has always been fascinated with "all things weather".  It's his passion.  Keep the prayers coming for Johnny too; they are welcome as well!

Barbara will be having her wedding in November, before Thanksgiving: she and her boyfriend, DeMarco, got engaged last year, and they have panned a fall wedding.  Time is really coming up quick for them!  DeMarco is originally from Jamaica and after they get married, Barbara and DeMarco are moving to Florida where they will start their lives together and hopefully start a family.  So more grandkids could be in the offing for Bill and myself!  Whee!!

Jodie was in the hospital back in January, right after the new year when she got pneumonia; for a while, I didn't think she'd make it, but she fought with all the tenacity of a tiger and she has recovered beautifully and hasn't had any more issues since.   I am praying that continues; it has really been a crazy winter for us!  It's no wonder Jodie got sick the way she did!  (As I write this, it's cold outside, with highs in the forties and a stiff northerly wind.  We could get an inch of snow tonight before temps rebound into the middle fifties so what snow we do get won't stick around that long.)

Well, it's time for me to head out the door; my appointment is in fifteen minutes.  YIKES!!  Will write more later; until then, this is Louisiana Sandusky saying so long; may God bless y'all as much as He's blessed me and my family!  Take care!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :)