Sad Farewell

Once again, I hope you will all forgive my lack of attention. My father passed away late last week. As most of you will know, he had a number of health problems. While the event was not a surprise, what is surprising is how difficult it can be even when you think you are prepared.
This picture was taken on Christmas day. I didn't realize until this moment how much better he looked such a short time ago.

My father was a jokester even to the last, reaching out from his hospital bed last week to startle my sister Linda by slapping the paper she was reading. Then snickering - oh yeah. He was intelligent and independent. He didn't care about conventional rules, he preferred to make his own. I think my dear cousin Lisa said it best in her Facebook post, "Rest in Peace My Dear Uncle Sparky! You lived your life just the way YOU wanted to and had a lot of fun doing it! . . . "

I've received so many touching shows of support, it is overwhelming. It makes me realize how much a simple word, a hug or a phone call can make. We do those things without thinking, but take my word for it - it does matter, so much.

And once again, I find myself reminded of how blessed I am to have the sisters, cousins and aunts I love so well. I commented to one of my sisters that after being together nearly 24/7 this past week, I'm sure I will suffer some 'sister withdrawal'. Easily remedied, we decided. I'm looking ahead to better days. Of catching up on lots of levels. The two things which have occupied 80% of my attention (the wedding and my dad) are behind me now. It may take just a little time to clear my head but I'll be back soon. xoxo

Salute!

I want to take a moment on this special day to say thank you to all our servicemen and women who with noble hearts place themselves in harm's way each and every day to defend us and our blessed freedoms. A special recognition to some of those near and dear to my heart -- my cousin Joe Pattermann, US Navy; cousins Chris Scott and Elizabeth Kincaide Scott, US Air Force. For our veterans we have known, loved and lost -- including my great uncle Floyd Haas, an ace pilot who died in the skies over Belgium in WWII (yes MM, I will always remember). My uncles Fred Miller, David Miller, Joe Blazer. These and all our military are forever in my heart and prayers.

And then an update on my crazy life. I spent much of Monday in the ER with my father. He has suffered a heart attack and was airlifted to a cardio center. Once there it was determined that he has a 90% blockage but at this point other health issues (ie viability of kidneys and lungs) are such that surgery cannot be performed unless and until he sees some improvement in those areas. So the situation remains. Basically a wait-and-see scenario.

I think situations such as our family has experienced this fall give one great cause for reflection. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am acutely aware of how very grateful I am for my husband, my children, my sisters, my cousins (who are more like sisters) and my aunt (who is like a second mother). It has been a season of tears and hugs and tender moments. Of quiet and reflective conversations, renewing special and everlasting bonds. I don't know how any of us could be weathering all the storms that this fall has sent our way without each other.

God bless you all where ever you are today.