Monday, April 14, 2014, Nashville, TN., 5:14 p.m., C.D.T.~

Dear Journal~

I sit here, tears streaming down my face, trying not to think about tomorrow morning.  

Tomorrow is THE day, the day, that Michael leaves for Alaska.  I won't see him again until September, when I go to Alaska on my cruise; I will then come back home and finish the last of my packing before I join him for good.  We will be living in Fairbanks.

That is, if Michael can find a job and a place for us up there.  

Up to now, Michael and I have spent pratically every moment together.  Our love for each other has only grown since we got married and started our family.  I don't know how the boys will react to not having their daddy around; he's been a terrific father to our sons, Dillon and Dean, who will be 9 months old in two days.  Hard to believe that they are that old; seems like only yesterday when they were born (two months earlier than originally planned).

I knew this day would eventually come, but still ... it doesn't make it easy.  Michael has been a huge blessing in my life, and I love him dearly.  He and I have known each other ever since I was thirteen, when we met at that Cajun festival; it was love at first sight, and he'd been persuing me for several years before I said yes to our being together as girlfriend and boyfriend.

We then pladged our love for each other and got engaged right after we graduated college and got married in September of 2012 (it will be two years in September).  We've gone to Israel (last year) and other places (Louisiana, Texas, Ketnucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas).  Then I got pregnant with the boys around Christmas 2012 and became a mother on July 16, 2013.

Michael's been with me every step of he way.

So that is why I've been so teary.  Because this will be the first real time in our marriage since we've been apart from each other, and let's just say this: I'm not handling it very well.

In other news, my appearance at the Grand Ole Opry (on the 5th of April) went without a hitch.  I was a bundle of nerves, but I made it through my two songs (""Rocky Top" and "Love Is The Foundation") without incident other than a vibrato that was more pronounced than what it usually is.  LOL  It was great seeing Jimmy C. Newman, Bobby and Sonny Osborne, Connie Smith, and other friends again, and making new ones ("Rascal Flatts", Kacey Musgraves, and Hunter Hayes, who has grown up since I last saw him!!  He's now 20 or 21 and he's only gotten cuter! And more talented!!).

I also got a raise at work, which will help with the bills and the needs of our babies.  I was very happy about that.  I love working at Tennesee Medical Plaza!  My job is very fulfiling, and I love interacting with people!

Oh, I did hear from America's Got Talent: I'm to go to New York City in May, for my audition.  I'll try not to think about that ..... but knowing I will, especially as the date looms closer.  I hope I don't muck things up, like I've been known to do whenever I have had an important audition in times past  ....

My family is doing well; I know they will keep me sane when I face the days, weeks, and months ahead without Michael at my side.  But still it doesn't make it easy ..... Daddy's all recovered from his health scare he had earlier this year and Mama continues to do well at her job and at raising her village LOL.  I love my little sister, Loretta Lynn, with all my heart; she is two years old today and I will be going to their house to celebrate; we are throwing a surprise birthday party for her.  

For her birthday, I got Loretta a tricycle.  I know she will love it.  It's pink.

Speaking of Loretta, THE Loretta Lynn is having a birthday today.  She also had a procedure done on her eyes because she has glaucoma, but I have just heard that the procedure appears to have been a success, which is a huge relief on my mind (and I am sure hers).  She was having problems with her vision and when she went to the doctor, it was found out she has glaucoma.  But it was treatable in her case, and hopefully all will be well for her in the long run.  So just let me say this: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LORETTA LYNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (She's been my favorite female country singer since FOREVER!!)

Oh!!  I will be seeing Rion Paige in concert next month.  I got tickets!  I love her; she was on the X Factor USA earlier this year and she was in the top five before being eliminated.  I was hooked from the first note that came out of her mouth; she reminds me of myself in personality.  She has arthrogryposis which has affected her hands, elbows, and shoulders, but she has the voice of an angel.  I am a fan; I have her CD and I have already about worn it out!! LOL

Well, I hate to go, but Dean just clonked Dillon over the head with a toy car; now Dillon is screming his fool head off.  I will have to deal with two angry, screaming little boys.  *Sigh*  Motherhood is definitely NOT boring!  LOL  Until next time I write, take care and God bless; love y'all! Gotta eat and then on over to Maman and Daddy's place for Loretta's party!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Ronee' Le-Anne.  :)