A friend writes about what she likes about another.

I have a super-best friend in Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux-Sandusky. We've known each other since we were around six or so; we met at camp and hit it off. Been best friends ever since.

Ronee' and I are as different as night and day, one common denominator unites us. We both have JRA. We've both had surgery, know what it's like being in the hospital, both live with pain and take medication.  We both have to see the doctor on a regular basis.

Ronee' has had arthritis since age four (diagnosed at age five); I've had it since I was an infant; mine is much, much worse.

Ronee' is a lover of life: she gives it her all, and she has a very upbeat personality. She loves people: anywhere there's a crowd of people, she has to be right in the middle. :) She laughs often, tries to be an encourager to those who are hurting, and entertains people with a great big singing voice.

She is extremely talented: she's on her way to becoming a new country/Cajun music singer.

Her skills as a musician/vocalist make me smile; yet on the other hand they make me jealous because I have no musical talent whatsoever.

While I have blonde hair and brown eyes, and am on the heavy side, Ronee' has dark hair, dark eyes, and a naturally tan complexion. She is a bit short in stature, but makes up for it with her "go-get'em" nature. Complete opposites.

Ronee' teaches people to look beyond physical imperfection: when people see her, they see a young lady with a bubbly personality, her smile, the sparkle in her eyes. Not so much her disabilities. Ronee' walks with two canes (normally), but is temporarily on crutches due to a fall, where she broke her foot.

Ronee' is, as I've said, a bit short for her age and also has asthma/allergies, controlled with medication and avoiding allergens such as peanuts, bee stings, and penicillin. Those three things give her the most trouble.

People see a very pretty girl with thick, very curly black hair, huge black eyes, and a beautiful, deeply-dimpled smile. She makes people fortget of their problems when they come in contact with her.

This is the way she wants it. All she asks is for people to treat her normally, to see past the canes or crutches, and get to know the person inside--or behind them.

I've learned a lot about courage, faith, loyalty, and stubborness, perseverance, and a positive outlook through Ronee' Reaux.

She's gotten me through some very rough times, the worst bving the death of my father three and a half years ago, when he was killed while coming home from church. 

She has been my defender against kids who cruelly tease--my advocate, if you will. I have been getting out more, thanks to Ronee' 's head-long charge into life. I don't stay at home or feel sorry for myself as much.

I only hope that I can be as good of a friend as Ronee' Reaux has been to me.

Friends like Ronee' are hard to find. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. We are BFF!

~By Nicole.