I wanted to give you a brief update on my visit to see Carter Phillips in Mobile, Al. I had been in contact with David Lenoir, Celeste brother seen her death. This is where Celeste lived when she left San Pedro after Hurricane Keith she and Carter lived in David’s house for about 6 months. David has temporary court appointed custody of Carter. I arranged the visit with David. He asked that I wait until he got home from work. I arrived at David’s house around 4:30 and introduced myself, but within a matter of minutes Carter and his cousins had kidnapped me back in to the playroom.
The Lenoir children are as follows: Steven age 7, (second grade), Mary age 10, (5th grade), Michael age 13, (8th grade), Kathleen age 16, and David Jr. age 18, college freshman at Mississippi State.
The four children were fighting for my attention. I felt very comfortable with them, as if I was visiting four of my own family members. Carter was glad to see me, but was not overly needy or clingy. He was excited to share with me that he is going to start the first grade next week in a private Catholic school.
After a private talk with David for about 30 minutes, he left to go to his evening job. I had pizza with the kids and David’s wife of twenty years, Eileen. Eileen took advantage of me being there and went out after dinner. I played with kids and we watched a video. I left the house around 10:30 PM while the boys were having a pillow fight. I just barely got Carter to say good-bye between pillow blows.
The next day I visited Frank Lenoir where Elaine is staying in Mobile but did not see Elaine for she was visiting her sister in Atlanta and I only talked to her by telephone. I also went to where Celeste was working, they all miss her very much.
I spend the second evening with Carter and the family. I felt good about the family environment Carter was in and David’s comment as to raising Carter. The permanent custody hearing will be mid Oct. Carter birthday is September 13; he will be 6 year old. Send mail Carter Phillips%
David & Eileen Le Noir, 251 McGregor Av S., Mobile, Al.36608 Telephone Home 251-304-0507, E-mail dlenoir@hotmail.com

Yours truly, Capt Tom

Thanks for the posting Tom. You know how much Timmy and I care. I'm gratified to hear Carter is adjusting fairly well considering the circumstances. We too miss Celeste. I saw a band in Austin recently that really got to me. The lead singer/acoustic guitar player was a doulble of Celeste, right down to the body language. I freaked and had to leave. Sorry you didn't get to talk to Elaine. I was hoping she would get custody of Carter. He loves the island and the island loves him. Especially you. Did you hear when Elaine is planning on coming home? Do you hve her E-Mail address? You can reach me at thespaz@btl.net. One love...