You may think it strange of me to say that, to me, online relationships are real. I say this because time and time again, I get the attitude from people that just because you  haven't met someone face-to-face, it isn't a "real" friendship.

There are times when I really get along well with someone online, but when we try to bring it to the next level on the phone, we have difficulty holding a conversation. I consider those acquaintances.

Have you ever met a friend online that you instantly connect with? And when you talk to them on the phone, it's as if you've known each other all of your lives? And you only get closer?

That's how it is with Tracy (name changed) and me. She is 30, young enough to be my daughter, yet we "feel" more like sisters. We not only understand and communicate with each other on the same level, we love each other's kids and I even converse with ease with her husband on the phone (a rarity for me). Her eldest son is 7 months older than Dani and a high functioning autistic also. They are best friends. 

Here's the tragedy of it: Tracy is gravely ill. In her first marriage, she suffered a beating so severe (by her ex) that a part of her brain has been damaged beyond repair. Last year, she had a stroke and since then her health has been rapidly deteriorating. In short, her brain is dying. And so is she.

Tracy has asked me to attend her funeral - and raise her son after she dies. Michael, who was borne from her first marriage, cannot go to his father when she passes because his father molested him and is not allowed near him. The children are going through grief counseling, but Michael is not dealing well with the reality of his mother's demise.

It is a miracle to me that this woman loves and trusts me enough to ask me to raise her son. It equally amazes me that I love them enough to consider it. Who is to say that our connection is not real?

Please pray with me, not only for this tragic young family but to make what I feel could be the most serious decision of my life.

UPDATE: Dani and I are going to FL to visit Tracy and her family at the end of April (2011). I hope the visit goes well.

Hi Everyone.

The title is kind of self-explanatory, isn't it? Finals are the second week of December and I spend most of my "free" (ha ha) time studying. It's not just the grades; I really want to learn - and learn well.

Dani turned 9 a few weeks ago. She is so much improved. She bakes cakes, does chores, researches things on the Internet and has taught herself how to animate and upload videos. She's nearly the same height I am (4'10).

Nila is about to celebrate her first anniversary with Adam, her boyfriend. After she finishes high school, she wants to go to a trade school for a few years (auto mechanics!) and then college to become a mental health counselor. 

We live very simply now; I'm still unemployed and money is scarce. But G-D has been carrying us and even allowed us to find a halfway decent computer for $60. We have no cable, no cell phones and no extras but we have been healthy, have a roof over our heads and food to eat. We also have hope for the future and (best of all) we have Christ to see us through.

More later. xoxo