Emails & Updates...

Rather than bore you with MORE writing, I'm just going to post some recent emails I've beeen writing to and from my family and friends for a few weeks now. It'll update you without my having to write it all out again...so here goes....

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Hi Y'all! 4/25/05

I hope you're all doing FABULOUS and enjoying this great life and even greater health!

I have a website full of photos of me, and most of you have seen these pictures before...HOWEVER, some of you have not! AND, I just recently added BRAND NEW PHOTOS to each album! So...if you haven't taken a look in a while, please do when you have the time!

The Website is: www.picturetrail.com

Yesterday, it was my one and a half year Anniversary with Hugh, and we had SUCH a GREAT time! All I wanted for that was a photo shoot, so I got ALL dressed up and put on about two pounds of makeup (trust me, I do NOT wake up looking that good!) and had my honey take pictures of me! They came out so great that I created a brand new album for them with a password: it's called:

FANCY PICTURES

I have many other albums on there and they're ALL password protected! They albums are titled and the passwords to them are as followed:

MY ALBUM, MORE PIX, & AWARD SHOWS and XMAS are all:
NELLIE CAT:
MY HOMETOWN:
SISTERS:
FAMILY & FRIENDS:
LAS VEGAS:
TRAVELS:
ME & HUGH:
COOKING:
Please, take a look at the pictures of mine and Hugh's Anniversary this past weekend and especially the fancy pictures! They're fantastic!

Also, special thanks to my grandma Elizabeth for making BOTH dresses (or okay, most of the clothes I've ever worn) in the FANCY PICTURES album! The purple dress was my 16th Birthday dress and it's called my Lavender Cindarella Dress, it's my FAVORITEST dress EVER!!! And the green strapless dress was my 18th birthday dress! I call it Evergreen Elegance! Aren't they both SMASHING! Grama's a GODSEND and so incredibly talented with her sewing! Thanks Grama! I love you! :)

I'm all grown up, and thought you'd like to see how I look today!

I hope you enjoy the pics and feel free to write me ANYTIME!

Love & Hugs & Many Prayers & Blessings to all,
-Sarah Liz :)

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I wrote this email yesterday, to Lizette, Dylan's mom! I felt it was important that she know just how much she and Dylan mean and have meant to me. I hope she likes it and I hope it touched her heart! She and Dylan sure touched mine! Enjoy!

Dear Lizette, 4/25/05

I am sitting here emailing you as I am taking care of your precious son, Dylan.

I feel so bad for the poor little boy, he's sick as a dog....but he's still SO cute as a button! LOL!

I want you to know that I am going to miss both you and him so very, very much! I actually cried this weekend thinking about how starting next week, I won't be seeing him, or you, almost everyday!

While I am excited and grateful to have a new job lined up, I feel it's important that you know that having the privilage of taking care of Dylan has been one of the greatest things to ever happen to me in my entire life!!! I really mean that!

Having a 'real job' again has made me much more responsible, put everything back into perspective and shown me a new path in life; taking care of children. I always knew I was good with kids, but had it not been for you and Dylan, I would've never considered as a temporary career! I learned that I CAN take care of my own life, and care for someone else's too, and that being an adult, while still remaining a child at heart, is the best thing in life!

Dylan has taught me so very, very much; he brought me back to my own childhood and let me learn how to chill out and not take everything so damn seriously! He's taught me once again that children know WAY more than we do, and they often teach us way more than we teach them!

Dylan's smarts, intelligence, sense of humor, great compassionate heart, zest for life and his many talents are truly an inspiration to me and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment I've spent with him the last few months!

You are wonderful mother, a lot like my own; loving, caring, generous, and loyal. You're teaching him compassion, how to share, how to love, how to not take life too seriously and most of all, you're teaching him to really care about others-something that most kids don't know much about these days!

I'm not a parent, but if I ever become one, I hope to incorperate some of your "mom-ness" into my own! It's VERY obvious that you love that boy with everything that you are, and that is so very, very cool! The way Dylan talks about you and looks up to you and kisses and hugs you-that is so awesome! I see that you two are very close and will probably always remain so! It's nice to see a mother cherrish her child and the relationship they share! You're fair and funny and cool-not just as mom, but as a person too!

I'm really going to miss seeing Dylan's smiling face every day, watching him light up with excitement at a game won on his gameboy, or a fascination with science! I'm going to miss his complex explanations about how the world works....I'm going to miss giving him noogies on his blonde hair and seeing his bright blue eyes light up at a new movie!

I'm going to miss the cool conversations we shared about growing up, life, his beliefs, hopes, dreams and insights about the world! I'm going to miss him laughing at just about anything and forcing me to laugh at myself as well. I'm going to miss his off the wall remarks about dating and girls and boys!

And believe it or not, I'm going to miss slaving over his homework with him, because he wasn't the only one that learned from those assignments, I did tool. I got to brush up on my math skills, and as it turns out, I'm not that bad at 3rd grade math! LOL! I got to help him write a report on one of my favorite places on Earth-TN, and I again realized that I can still shell out a damn good report! LOL! I got to re-learn basic science skills and even started trying to remember geometry! That didn't work out so well, but hey, we can't all be wizzes at everything!

I hope and pray that as Dylan grows he doesn't forget me, because I'll never forget him. I hope that when he is an adult, and has kids of his own, he will tell them about the cool babysitter/nanny he had when he was nine! I hope that he's had half as much fun with me as I have had with him! I hope I have taught him a few things as well; like trying new things, some paitence, and positivity!

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me enough to care for Dylan for the last five months! I'm not a mother, but I can only imagine how hard it must be to choose someone to care for your child when you can't be there every single minute-that's a huge weight, and I am truly glad and blessed that you chose me! It has been one of the great honors of my life and I thank you for it!

I also want to thank you personally for your friendship and support! You have not just been my "boss," you have been my friend. Someone I could (and did) confide in, laugh with, and grow with! In getting to know Dylan, I got to know you-that is also quite a blessing in itself! You, Lizette, are one of the kindest, nicest, strongest, most loyal, understanding and funniest people I've ever known-not to mention one hell of a survivor-like me! Sharing these last few months with both you and Dylan have been a sheer joy!

Thank you for understanding the few times I was late or absent! Thank you for not bitching at me when I dragged Dylan across town so many times to run errands! Thank you for standing by me and backing me up when I felt it wasn't appropiate for Dylan to do, or not do, something! Thank you for trusting me and my judgement in the care of your son!

I love you Lizette, and I love Dylan, and I wish you and him, and all of your family, nothing but the absolute best in the years to come! I hope that we can keep in touch and that we all can remain friends!

Please know that I am here, and if you should ever need anything, Dylan related or not, please do not hesitate to call. Remember, I'll only be working for Jo Jo M-F 3:00-5:30 or 6pm.

On a sidenote, I am also glad to have known Carlos, and Ryan. Being around them and Dylan, all men (or boys!) has made me much more comfortable with men in general and has taught me that not ALL men are out to harm me. I need you to know that I never ONCE thought that either Dylan, Carlos or Ryan would EVER harm me. While I did probably mistake Ryan's friendliness for something more, I never believed in my heart that any harm would actually come to me at the hands of your family! You're a great person and I know you would not allow that. I'm glad that you also knew that I would NEVER harm you, Dylan or anyone else! Trust, respect and communication are the most important factors in any and all relationships; whether they be empolyers/employees, friendships or something else-I'm so glad and so thankful that all of us had all three of those components at all times! Please tell Carlos and Ryan that I also wish them the very best and thank them also for their friendships and support!

Once again Lizette, it has been my absolute privilage to take care of Dylan and get to know you! Through this 'job,' (the best and easiest I've ever had!) I've been blessed to add more amazing people and friendships to my life! I hope that I've enriched all of your lives and I hope that we can keep in touch!

Thanks again for everything!

Lots of Love & Gratitude,
-Sarah Liz Doan

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Babies, babies, EVERYWHERE! There's something in the water this year and last, we're definately havin' another baby boom! My best friend, Ellen, in Arkansas, is now a grandma and over the moon about it as she should be! Here's those emails! I can't believe I'm best friends with a grandma! LOL! She's so cool! Luv u Ellen! :)

CONGRATULATIONS GRANDMA ELLEN!!!! 4/17/05

I was thinking about this ALL week, hoping and praying that your 1st grandson would come into this world this week, happy, healthy and whole! I love the name too! I'm SO happy for you! You're gonna LOVE being a grandma, even though you look NOWHERE near like one!

Congratulations to Travis and Jackie, I'm sure they're very tired, very nervous and so FULL of LOVE and JOY they can't even explain it!

Congratulations again, it's been a great week here, all is well and everything went fine with the surgery!
I'll talk to you soon! I love you, you and yours are always in my prayers!

Lots of Love & Many Blessings,
Your Friend,
-Sarah Liz :)

Subject: BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 4/14/05
I'm somebody's Grandma!!!

That somebody is:

JACKSON TYLER LARISON

Born Thursday, April 14th, 20057:45 p.m. in Searcy, Arkansas.

He's 9 lbs, 9 oz, 20 3/4" long.

John Travis and Jacqueline are the proud parents.

When Travis called to tell me this evening, all I could think of waswhen HE was born, his sweet little face the first time I saw HIM.I'll be going to visit next weekend. Travis has promised me photos,pronto [snail mail]. Anyone who replies to this announcement will berewarded with pix next week.

Love to all,
Ellen

Without God, life doesn't make sense. Without communication, nothing works.

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Dad hasn't written me back yet, but he will, and we talk every single week now on the phone! It's such a blessing, I love my dad so much and we're finally appreciating eachother as we should! Both ways! Here's what I wrote him about the other day!

Hi Dad,

It's me, Sarah Elizabeth, your eldest daughter! Yeah, like you don't know! LOL! Anyhow, here's what I've been doing this week....

Aside from scouring the web for flight deals and information

I got a new job starting in July, when I return from Oregon. I have a woman with two girls ages 6 & 8 that lives here in my apartment complex. My last day with Dylan and Lizette is Wed. June 15th.....and then I'm on vacation until I come see YOU ALL!!! Which I'm SO excited about!!!!

I don't want to stay the entire three weeks up there, as I'm sure you can understand...it's a small space and since I only have three weeks of vacation I'd kinda like some of it to myself or to go see Grandma Elizabeth....anyhow, here's the plans I was thinking about, let me know ok......

The cheapest flight is..... and trust me, I LOOKED at EVERY search engine and airline website possible....

Southwest is even more expensive than this and so is America West, and everything else! These are also the the greatest and most convienant times possible for all of those concerned as far as I can see.

You wouldn't have to take Tuesday the 5th off to take me back to the airport-you could take me to the airport after work that night! Will you have July 4th off?

ALASKA AIRLINES Roundtrip:
Tuesday June21st- Tuesday, July 5th for $218.90

Departing Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 21st, 2005:
Leaving LAS VEGAS at 12:53pm arriving at PDX at 3:10pm
on flight #697 (Non-stop)

Departing Portland on Tuesday, July 5th, 2005:
Leaving PDX at 8:53pm, arriving at Las Vegas 11:08pm on flight
#600 (Non-stop)

My question is.. who's paying, are we splitting the cost? And, aside from the Blues Festival and the Rose Festival, what else did we have planned?

If you remember correctly we went to the Blues Fest back in 2003...so we've already done that and I would really like to focus on other things.....

Personally, I'd rather take a trip up to Seattle b/c I've never been there! How far is Seattle from Salem, OR? About 4 hours right? And would we ALL be going, or just you and me or you and me and Kim?

I'm really looking foward to hanging out with you, getting to know each other better and you getting to see me as an adult-if that's posssible-LOL! I think you'll be really proud of who I've become-I've grown so much as a woman, person AND as a Christian! I really love you dad and I want the two of us to plan something special just the two of us- father and 1st daughter together.....maybe the Rose Fest. or Seattle or just a meal out! I loved that cake place you took me to one night-that was YUMMY!

I would also like to plan something just for Kim and I to do together, just grown girls you know! And do you have any fun ideas in and around Salem that the younger girls and I could do, just the four of us?

Anyhow, like I said I'd rather go to Seattle and see the Rose Festival and hang out at the house with you, Kim and the girls! Please let me know what you think of all this and I will keep in touch also. I'll call you this weekend to talk more about it. I hope your'e doing well, feeling better and please give my love and hugs to EVERYONE-including yourself! I love you dad, I miss you and I'm so excited to see all of you!

Talk to you soon!

Lots of Love,
Your Eldest
-Sarah :)

P.S. Unforunately, I cannot make Missy's Wedding next month as I'm short on funds and need to save for my trip to YOUR place! Please give her and her fiancee' my best regards, well wishes and give EVERYONE there a hug from me! Love you!
-S

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Melanie H. is my friend in Canada, a real sweetheart! She's having a rough time w/ life as most are these days, here's what I wrote about her my own experience with depression, I sincerely hope it helped her. Geeze, I AM one BLESSED, LOVED person. Thank you God for ALL of these wonderful, amazing, loving and supportive people and friendships you have so graciously and generously given me! God Bless us ALL!!!

Hi Melanie, 4/13/05 I agree 110% with what Debbie said. We're all living tough and difficult lives and making the best of it isn't always possible. As much as I love life and have chosen to be happy TODAY, it was NOT always like that. I've had MAJOR bouts of depression and have spent many days and nights almost paralyzed with fear, doubt and depression. I've cried, ranted, raved, screamed and asked WHY? ahout a 100 times.....I think that after having gone through what I have and all the surgeries and physical limitations, it's easier to get depressed. On top of that there's real and normal life, you and I chatted about this last week. It's hard to find a balance between being you, and being the sick you, and being the healthy you and juggling it all. I'm not saying you're sick, I'm not either...what I am saying that you and I esepcially have kinda like two identities; our past illnesses, and our today physically healthy lives-finding a balance between the two is tough, I went through the same thing at about 19, so I've totally been there!Knowing that you too have been down the same road I'd say you and I are MORE prone to depression simply for those reasons.....plus, if you're constantly in physical pain with your hips or anything else, that's reason enough alone to be depressed. My advice is definately go see your family physician. Be open, honest and candid-YOU ARE NOT ALONE MELANIE, there are MILLIONS of people who suffer from depression and put off treatment unecessarily b/c they are embarrassed. There's NO reason to be embarassed and I so appreciate, commend and admire your honesty and willingness to come foward wtih it to all of us, your beloved Trisha Family-we all love you and care about you want only the best for you, the fact that you shared this shows that the problem is pretty serious...I first went on Anti-Depressants at the age of 15, shortly after a surgery that just became too much. I still take 30mg of Paxil every other day and probably will for the rest of my life....It IS SO MUCH BETTER TO GET HELP and take a pill once a day rather than to live with the depression, believe me, I've been there and I know.It DOES NOT make you weak or less strong or less grateful, getting help and taking the antidepressants was on of the best gifts I ever gave myself! No one is superwoman or superman, and life is rough-there are times it just sucks. And having something in your corner, as well as loved ones, and a lot of faith in God, to help get you through it helps more than you know! On a personal note, I would say that MEDITATION has helped me ALOT. No matter how busy or nuts my life gets, I make it a point to sit STLL, QUIET and SILENT (usually in the quiet of the mornings) and listen to my breathing and think positive, happy, cleansing thoughts. It does take a while to get good at it and get your mind to put itself at ease, but it CAN be done. Meditation has done wonders for me, and it's even been proven to be part of a healthy, lengthy lifestyle. It's good for your mind, body and especially your SOUL. It's a gift you give yourself and it cannot be underestimated. Also, talk to family and friends and me and the rest of us, talking about things really helps, even if it doesn't solve everything-it helps to get it out. And the journal is a GREAT idea. I have my blog and that helps me a lot. I make that a point in my life too!Taking time for you is ESSENTIAL, and it's NOT selfish or indulgent-we need it, we deserve it and without it, we'll have nothing left to give away to the world! Take care of yourself Melanie, see your Doctor, discuss your options and know that I'm ALWAYS here for you! You can email me anytime and I'll always write back! I love you girl and you have a wonderful, blessed life ahead of you, always in my prayers, talk to you soon!
Many Blessings,
-Sarah Liz

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Mr. (Mark) Towell and his lovely wife, Candace, are expecting their first child. It's probably already been born, it was due this past weekend and I am SO excited for them! They'd tried for a while and it's just joyful to know that someone who's been such a great influence and special part of my life for almost 8 years now is having their own child. Mr. Towell's a wonderful teacher, and I know that he and Candace will be AWESOME parents! They're both ready, I think, as much as you can be! LOL! I met Mr. Towell, yes I still call him that out of habbit and respect, back in 1997 when I was in 8th grade! He was my history teacher at Dillworth Middle School, and then my World History teahcer (THAT was the BEST, most FUN and COOLEST class ever, w/ him and Mrs. Pastore (Mrs. P) for English-IT ROCKED!) in 10th grade! I went on to TMCC, but Mr. T and have always kept in touch! He even called me from BELGIUM, Germany the day that I graduated HS to congratulate me! How cool is that! Anyhow, we've been in contact a lot lately...here's the emails....ENJOY!

Hi Mr. Towell, 4/20/05

That's great! Only four more days of peace! LOL! Just kidding, I know you're all excited and anxious I'm sure. I'm not a parent, but I am a Nanny and a Big Sister and the love I have for those children in my life is unmeasurable, so I'm sure the love you are gonna feel (and already do I'm sure) is just outstanding! I'm so excited and happy for you all! That's cool that you have a hunch it's a boy, I guess we'll find out! Yeah, I know you'll be busy and tired and running like the wind, but yes, please be sure to let me know what it is and when it was born and all that good stuff as soon as you can when you return to school! I hope all goes well with the labor and delivery and God Bless all of you as your venture into this incredible, joyous life long journey! Please give Candace my very best, I'll be praying for ALL of you! Best of luck Mr. Towell and thanks for always keeping in touch! Looking foward to hearing from you soon! Take care and try not to lose your mind! LOL! CONGRATULATIONS again!

Best Wishes Always,
Lots of Love & Prayers,
-Sarah :)

P.S. Don't feel obligated to write back until you get back to school after little Hamilton (or Aspen) is born! Hope you're all still decided on thsoe names! LOL! I'm not sure! Anyhow, GOOD LUCK!

Mark Towell wrote: 4/14/05
i'm great! the house is FINALLY done - yea! candice is doing well - just uncomfortable right now - but overall it's been a smooth pregnancy - the baby should be here any time - i'll let you know about it when i get back to the school next week - if the baby doesn't come by Saturday morning we are going in and the doctor will break her water and the baby will come Saturday - so that's exciting - i don't know how many days i'll take off yet - i have a hunch it's a boy too - we'll see if you and i are right! thank you for your love and prayers, best wishes always! God Bless! love, Mr. Towell

Sarah Liz Doan 04/12/05 11:21AM >>>Hi Mr. Towell,Thanks! I'm SO relieved that EVERYHING is fine! Thank you for your prayers! I appreciate them! I'm praying for you guys too!How are you? Getting the house done for the baby? How's Candance? I bet she's ready to get that little boy or girl out of her! I would be! I've been doing a lot of praying for all three of you-hoping that all will go well with the labor and delivery and that you and Candace will have a very healthy bundle of joy! Oh, by the way, not that it matters, but I personally have a hunch that it's a boy. I know this might sound funny but I swear I honestly dreamt about it a week or so ago. LOL! Ok, so maybe it's nuts, but hear me out....I dreamt that I was in Reno visiting family and friends and ran into you and Candace and that you two had had a baby boy. Do you have guys have any hunches? Preferance? I know, as long it's healthy, that's the most important thing-and either way you'll lboth love that little being more than you could possibly imagine! Anyhow, again, I hope all is going well and that you're truly enjoying this very special time in both of your lives! Once the baby is born, and I know what it is, I'll send a little gift, as I have your address! I don't want to send it now because I don't know which gender to buy for! LOL! But I think suprises are WONDERFUL! I'm SO happy for you guys, right on!I know you'll be very, very busy, and extremely really tired....But, when you return to work after the baby is born, PLEASE be sure to email me, or call me, and let me know what you had and its actual birthday! :) Give my love and prayers and well wishes to Candace as well!Thanks Mr. Towell for keeping in touch, you're great!Many Blessings,-Sarah Liz Doan :) sarahlizjudd@yahoo.com (702) 767-8393

Mark Towell wrote: yes, praise God! thank you for the update - and for all the love you bring to the worldi'm happy for you:-)mt>>> 4/12/05

Sarah Liz Doan 04/12/05 01:16AM >>>Hi Y'all,Everything went wonderfully today! The surgery was smooth and had absolutely NO compliactions, everyone was really nice and knew their stuff! Dr. Verni's great and the staff was really kind! I have NO STINT, NO NEW SCAR & NO FOLLOW UP SURGERY! I have a follow up appointment, but I'm free and clear! Now, we gotta figure out what's up with my gallstones, but hey, it's NOT my kidney-thank God!My right kidney is a little infected and swollen and so I'm no antibiotics, but everything turned out great! I was only out for 15 mins and I was in and outta there (the hospital) in just under the three hours! So, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of your prayers and love and support! I cannot tell you what it means to me to have each of you in my life; caring, shaping and loving who I am! Thanks so much, beyond words, really, it's quite humbling and very endearing to have this much love and support! Thank God for each of you everyday! Thanks again for you prayers! ALL IS WELL! Praise God!Lots of Love & Many Blessings,-Sarah Liz :)

Hi Mr. Towell! 3/21/05
Yes, GOD IS GRAND! Once I LET GO & LET GOD, everything improved! Admittedly, I'd rather not have another surgery, but this experience has taught me compassion and even more strength! Like I said, I've been through worse, and nothing's (bad or good) confirmed yet, but I'll be sure to let you know! :)
How are YOU? How's Candance? Are you sdoing the softball thing again this season? What about We The People? How many years have you been teaching now? How's the band and education going? Planning on any babies yet? I have a WHOLE new respect for mothers now that I take care of a child everyday, I do NOT know how mom's do it! They're absolute saints and angels! God Bless them-really! :)
So, are you majorly busy with school, when are y'all on Spring break? I'm coming up April, the 15th-18th, over a weekend, but if you're not busy for like a half an hour at some point Friday or Sat. or Sun. that weekend, maybe we could grab some coffee! I'd love to meet Candance!
Anyhow, yes, my fathers (BOTH of them, you're absolutely right!) are in my life and it couldn't be better!
Yes, you're stations and your fun and humor DO live on Mr. Towell, you're an absolutely wonderful teacher, mentor, example and friend!
I hope you have a great day too and keep in touch! Tell Candace hello and take care! Always in my prayers Mr. Towell, talk to you soon!
Many Blessings,
-Sarah :)

Mark Towell wrote: 3/18/05
hello! wow - i'm so happy for you! God is love - God is mercy, hope and faith - i'm so happy that he filled your heat in a time of need - He is there for those who seek - and i'm sure he is so happy to be living more closely with you - i'm really really happy for you - i hope you never lose this heightened passion for God's love - i hope it continues to shine through you to the people in your life - thank you so much for sharing it with me - and inspiring methat's cool the 40 questions are still alive in some way - i know some of the things i do here in class stay with people for a long time and sometimes they go away but resurface later - the fact that the stations activities continue to live in you shows the passion you poured into those days - thank you again for being such a great part of it - and helping to make that activity meaningful so... TWO fathers are more a part of your life now - your father on Earth and your father in Heaven :-)i have to go - but once again, i am so happy for you - and thank you for letting me experience it, to some extent, with you have a great day - i know you will--love,mr. towell>>>

Sarah Liz Doan 03/17/05 05:30PM >>>Hi Mr. Towell!Happy St. Patrick's Day & Happy Easter! How are you?! I hope you're doing as well as I am! I just wanted to write and tell you a few things. Do you remember five years ago when we did those stations? And that list of 40 questions we had to make up? Well, good news! I got A LOT of answers these past few weeks! I have gull stones and am possibly facing yet another surgery. But, hey, for once, it's something pretty common and normal and compared to what I've been through, it'll be a piece of cake. We're not sure yet whether surgery is definite, but I'll keep you posted! Anyhow, when I found out about all of this, I was absolutely devastated and hit a HUGE wall: emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I didn't get out of bed for about four days and just cried. I was so angry and upset....but THEN, I stayed up late one night just praying and talking very heavily with God. I got answers Mr. Towell, at the bottom of my rope, after almost ten years of anger, resentment, confusion and discontent, this peace just washed over me and I found myself! Things aren't perfect and they never will be, but I've NEVER been happier or more content or at such true peace in my entire life! I made a CONCIOUS decision to be happy and to realize that I have it all right now! "When," will never happen and "If' is a stupid game. We are given exactly what we absolutely need and there IS a reason for EVERYTHING! I now see my entire life with clear eyes and am no longer angry, resenetful or mad. I've forgiven my mother, grandmother and the men in my life for the mistakes they made. I've forgiven myself as well for the mistakes I've made, b/c I have made some. I've come to see there is a time and place for everything and everyone. I've always believed that, but now I know it for damn sure and am actually living it! I honestly wouldn't trade a moment of my life for anyone or anything, I am perfectly happy and content exactly where I am!I am still with Hugh, but he is no longer my WHOLE life and NOBODY is my identity (except God) and we're donig very well! Next month will be a year and a half! I can barely beleive it myself! Hugh's still awesome to me and we're still best friends and partners! I'm truly blessed to have him, and he is blessed to have me! :) I am a full time nanny now to to a nine year old boy named Dylan and I love my job! He's so bright and intelligent and wise! He's a great little boy and it's a privilage to take care of him! His mom and I get along great, and while I'm not sure if it's a career choice, right now, I wouldn't trade it for the world!!! :DMy father Joe is a part of my life now too. We talk a few times a week! It's great! I don't hate the world and I'm not angry at anyone! I know things will come in the future, but I'm not worried about them as I know that I am strong and able! I am so enjoying life to the fullest! I'm very busy, I've started cleaning the house weekly for mom (yes, me, cleaning!-and sort of enjoying it LOL!), I clean my room and bathroom and run my own errands. I grocery shop for the house (it's just mom and I again-thank God), and I have been going to alot of Dr's appts lately. But, as busy as I am, I'm loving EVERY minute of it! I've never been at such peace and so content. I just had to write and tell you about it and thank you for being a part of it. Because you are a part of it, I think you so often Mr. Towell and just wanted to write and say thank you for being a blessed and wonderful part of my life for over six years now! I hope that you're as happy as I am that you and Candace are doing well! Have a wonderful Easter and I hope to hear from you soon! Many Blessings Always,-Sarah Liz Doan :) P.S. I also got a new car: a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with two doors, a moonroof, automatic everything and CD Player! It's in MY name (my mama did co-sign) and I'm making the payments on it! It's not the Jetta I always wanted, but I LOVE IT! And it's ALL mine! I haven't had a car of my own since about oh, 17 years old! It's GREAT! Just had to mention it!!! :D

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Hi Claudia, 4/12/05 (CLAUDIA ABSOLUTELY ROCKS! SHE'S SOOOOOOO COOL!)

Thank you SO much for all of your prayers! I so appreciate them! And, thanks also for getting everyone else praying too-that means a lot and I love that you are so caring, loving and take the time to do that! Thanks!

I TOO am so grateful and happy that all went well, and I don't ever want to do it ever again! I've had ENOUGH! They did wait to put the IV 'till I was out but that meant that I had to take the mask to go to sleep-you KNOW how I hate that, I'm still smellin' it-GROSS!

But, the important thing is, I got through it, I'm here, healthy, and alive-and so happy and glad to be!

Please, keep in touch and take care of yourself, you're always in my prayers too Claudia, much love and hugs and many blessings to you always!

-Sarah Liz :) Cjmg321@aol.com wrote:
SarahLiz, my sweetie-pie....

I am so grateful and happy that all went well! Indeed, Thank God!! I took the liberty of sending your email to my circle of friends and family and loved ones to include you in their prayers....so you had praying people that you didn't even know!

You are such an inspiration to me, my dear, with your incredible grace and love facing such unknowns. Thankyou so much for keeping me in your blessed circle....you know you ALWAYS have a friend in me.

much love and blessings by the bushel,
Claudia

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