If the Sonnens Went Bad

Would-be robber shoots himself in foot, gets stabbed, then arrested, police say.

Elizabeth and I had a laugh over that headline today.

“That would happen to us if we went bad,” I said.

Baby Steps

I am beginning to see progress. Baby steps, but steps in the right direction.

Until I am working full-time, I will be spending my days writing and submitting.

I began a story for Chicken Soup today.

Tomorrow we will go to LPHS to see if we can FINALLY get Lizzy’s schedule set up.

Kyle and I were at the hospital yesterday. That man means the world to me. Friday we get the results. He will be fine. I won’t allow anything else.

Orientation

Elizabeth and I went to Lincoln Park High School for her orientation this morning. We didn’t get very far. She’s not in the system yet. But the principal and counselor assured us that all would be well by the time that school starts.

Elizabeth has forbidden me to visit the school with her anymore. Apparently, she did not appreciate me recruiting a friend for her.

C’est la vie.

Good Day

Elizabeth and I kept busy this afternoon. We stumbled through Chicago until we finally reached the The Anti-Cruelty Society . I love it. It is a no-kill operation. But they do not provide boarding, which is what we are looking for.

After leaving the animal shelter, we went to good old Ed’s. This time our waiter really didn’t like us. It wasn’t just an act.

As always, Elizabeth was being coy with the camera.

Still hiding.

Aha! I got her! I used the old ‘pretending to look at the picture that I just took’ trick. (snicker, snicker)

As I said, we were at Ed Debevic’s restaurant,

home of the flying pig.

I mistakenly ordered Atomic Fries. Whoops. Big difference between those and Cheesy Fries with ranch dressing.

Thus I was forced to wear the dunce cap.

Better luck next time, Susan.

From there we went shopping for school clothes. It was a successful mission: pirate flip-flops!

John’s Twin

Today I saw a man in CVS who looked so similar to John that it was uncanny! Except for the fact that he was black. But really, he looked like my John Boy! He was tall and lanky. His face was quite similar to John’s. And he had the sweetest disposition. He was very friendly and well-mannered. And as Elizabeth noted, he was curious just like John Boy. His mannerisms were akin to John’s.

There was one big difference between John and this gentleman, though. The man that I saw in CVS was special. It was not severe mental retardation. Mild, I would guess.

I told him that he reminded Elizabeth and me of John. He said, “Well, thank you, pretty ladies. Have a nice summer. Have a nice everything. Once upon a time.”

I fell in love with him.

Elizabeth

I would do anything for my children. I considered writing that I would throw myself in front of a train, as a woman in Chicago reportedly flung herself in front of an on-coming train yesterday. But I digress, as usual. I would do anything for my children.

Elizabeth was all pumped for this move. She was adament about coming even after the big chaotic string of confusion. But thinking about it and living it are two different things. She was in tears last night. It broke my heart. I was ready to gather up our things and head for the train station right then, but she said that she still wanted to give it a try. She misses her siblings. She misses her friends. She misses her cat that returned home the night before we left. But most of all, she misses her dog, Isabella.

This morning she feels a bit  better, but is still nervous. I told her again that we can go back. She said that she really wants to stay and try school here. If she is still not comfortable after that, then she will say that she wants to return to Blue Springs.

I’ve got her back. Kyle’s got her back. Neither of us want her to hurt.

So for now, we wait.

Dear God, I love that child.

Pics Taken Today of John, Hannah, Elizabeth and me!

This is John doing his Ray Charles impression. I’m his backup singer.

To the right is a photo of Hannah, Susan and Elizabeth. We are contemplating the great mysteries of the universe.

Center: Susan Sonnen

Below: Susan and Hannah                                                            Below: Susan and Elizabeth: L for Love!

Brag Time

I am so very proud of my children. Literally, my chest swells with pride when I think of them.

As I mentioned earlier in the week, the boys have stepped up to the plate once again.

They do what needs to be done.

They do what is best for their family.

They did not learn these things from their father. In fact, he taught them the opposite. They figured it out on their own. They know the value of family. They honor their family. They love their family.

And my daughters, they are spirit and light. They are fighters. They are real women. Like their mother, if you knock them down, they will get right back up.

I am so very blessed.

Truly, no one is more blessed than I am. My children and I have been through numerous challenges, including a trauma of one of our own. Many people would expect me to be displeased with the way my life has proceeded. Not so. Think: do the people who have everything and want for nothing realize the strength that they possess? For that matter, can they really possess strength if they have never been tested?

I am blessed.

My children are my heart.

My Children and Poetry

Oh, happy day! Hannah asked me if I had a book of poetry that she could read. Boy, do I! I sent her Mary Oliver’s way this morning.

Hannah was working on a poem two nights ago. She hasn’t done that for awhile. I hope that she keeps up with it.

Lizzy writes poetry and fiction. She used to write a lot of fan fiction.

John writes poetry. I have some of his tucked away.

James wrote a poem in elementary school that was wonderful. Really! I need to find it because I want to frame it.

New Lizzy Photos

Elizabeth is only now realizing that she is beautiful. She has still not completely embraced that fact, but she will soon enough.