July 4th, 2009
Dear Journal,
Today was a good day. The Grays invited Mom and I to go to a fireworks display with them. I sat with Josh and Kelly. When the fireworks started Josh tried to hold my hand so I slapped his hand. He said he was just being friendly so I told him that I didn't like that kind of "friendly" and that if he wasn't careful I would have to stop being around him. So he went back to his old way of being friendly, which I like much better. Kelly just glared at him and told him to leave me alone. She's pretty mad at him for the way he treated Courtney.
Courtney has been spending a lot of time at my house. She's been with me nearly every day. I think that (whether I try to make it be this way or not) Courtney will creep into my heart and become very close. I'm scared. I don't want to learn to love her and then lose her like I did Carla. So I'm praying about it.
Kennedy

July 6th, 2009
Dear Journal,
Today was my first day to babysit for Mrs. Pederson. It went really well! The kids are so cute. :) Mrs. Pederson is a very patient lady. Her husband has Leukemia and he has to stay in bed all the time. He has oxygen tubes on, too. But he talked to me for a minute and thanked me for helping his wife. I'm going to pray that God will ease his pain.
Kennedy

July 7th, 2009
Dear Journal,
Today went well. I spent all day at the Pedersons. I'm pretty tired, but happy. :) The kids love me! And I'm so glad. I helped Mrs. Pederson make lunch and dinner. I really enjoyed cooking! I want to ask Mom if I can start helping her in the kitchen.
Kennedy

July 8th, 2009
Dear Journal,
Mr. Pederson was not doing very good today. He couldn't breath as well and his face was white, but he wouldn't let Mrs. Pederson take him to the ER. He said he was sure he would feel better tomorrow. I'm praying for him.
Kennedy

July 9th, 2009
Dear Journal,
While I was at the Pederson's today Mr. Pederson passed out. Mrs. Pederson stayed will him while I called 911. I was so scared!! When the ambulance got there Mrs. Pederson had to go with her husband to the hospital so I called Mom and she came to stay with me. We are going to stay here at the Pederson's until Mrs. Pederson can come back. I think it will be a few days.
Kennedy

July 19th, 2009
Dear Journal,
Mrs. Pederson called this morning and told Mom and I that her husband had passed away in the night. She said that she had known that it was coming for a while, but that she thought she still had a few more months. She's pretty broken down about it but she has the sweetest attitude of patience and trust. Even in the few days that I saw her caring for her husband I could feel the deep undercurrent of love and trust. She is an amazing woman. I'm feeling really awed by all this. I don't even feel like myself right now.
Kennedy