So ends his suffering...

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

William Harvey "Slip" Rowe
1929 - 2008

At approximately 5:30 am on May 29 2008...I lost my dad.
He was, so I am told, very much at peace at the time of his passing. I am so thankful for that. I am thankful for the days before his death that I was able to tell him that I loved him and I am thankful that he nodded his head in comprehension. I know that he understood.
All of his children were able to see him at some point in the week before his passing. We were all able to spend the time we needed to and my mom spent many hours by his side in the three weeks he was in the hospital.
My dad left behind six children and their spouses. Eight grandchildren and a wife he loved for nearly fifty-seven years. He was seventy-nine. I am going to miss him terribly.

Just a Quick Up-date...

My Dad is very ill. He has been in the hospital for 10 days now. I really don't expect him to ever go home. Besides growing old and the fact that he has smoked for around 65 years and his heart is now starting to pay for it, we're not really sure what is wrong. His mind is going and he is talking a lot about his parents (They both have been gone since before I was born). The word "Alzheimer's" is starting to be used in conversations about him. It's not fair! He's my Dad! It's just not fair.

I am still going to the gym. That alone must be some kind of record for me. What's more is that I still love it! Flabbies are starting to disappear and I can actually see muscle taking it's place. Even better Mike tells me he can see it too. Bailey was captivated by my new bicep muscle. She's so funny.
Mike is also doing well with his workouts, although he lost about a weeks worth due to a slight case of the flu. We have been going together now that my personal training sessions are over and it's great to spend that time together.

OK...OK...The art room!!! No...it is not finished. (Sorry Jodi!) I take full responsibility for that and I feel terrible because Mike worked so hard to get it to this point. I just get so overwhelmed with all my regular everyday stuff that I have to do. Then all the stuff I want to do, like take photos and blog and stuff, that the idea of sitting alone in a room painting cabinets (oh...so many cabinets!) just makes it difficult to get my ass in gear to do it. I will make time for some of that this week as long as Dad's condition doesn't worsen.

Just so everyone knows...I am still following your blogs. I pop in and check out what's going on and pop back out again. I just haven't had time to comment so...

Jodi...OMG!!!! you're opening a store! YAY! Good for you. I am so excited for you. I'm sure that The Pink Tomato with be amazing and I hope I can talk my husband into taking a road trip someday. I would just love to check out the place and it would be so nice to meet you in person. =D

Tara...you have been making the most adorable cards! The watercolour technique you use is stunning. You are such a talented person.
=D

Jennifer...beautiful new LO's and your photos from your trip are awesome. Keep 'em coming. Your photography is brilliant! Glad you had a good time at DC. Maybe next time I'll join you.
=D

Laura...Happy Mother's Day sweetie! I hope everyone is feeling better now. I also hope your getting lots of use out of that new camera.
=D

To all you Moms...

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!
and to my mom...I love you. You're the best!