Happy 4th of July!

These last few weeks have been very interesting. We have had many disappointments and some encouraging things going on.

My dad is not doing well at all. He's been in the hospital with another stroke and was told that he could no longer live on his own. Which is something Mike and I have felt for quite awhile. He was living in a joined duplex with another family from our church, but since her husband passed away a year ago, things haven't been very good. He was placed at Manor Care last week. I told Mike he won't be here much longer. The last place my dad ever wanted to go was a nursing home. I think he felt so much guilt and shame because he couldn't take care of my mom any longer and he knew that she hated being at the nursing home. Dad is very confused--partially from dementia and partially from the strokes and since his second stroke, his balance has been much worse. He got extremely ill and was unresponsive yesterday at the nursing home so they took him to the hospital. They're not sure what happened, but they're going to keep him there for a few days. His POA said that he has told them not to resuscitate him. I need to sit and talk with Sherrianne, how do you begin to prepare your daughter for her grandpa's death? She's had people who were "close" die, but this is grandpa. She was only 2 when my mom died, so she doesn't remember her, just from the pictures and what we talk about.

Last week we had to tell Mike's mom that we would not be able to go out east in September. That was a real disappointment. We love going to the beach but right now that is not something that fits into our budget. A 22 hour drive at $4 a gallon, just isn't happening. In addition we have Sherrianne's surgery to consider and Mike's new company. I just haven't felt like we should be going. I can't put my finger on it, but I know there was a huge weight lifted after Mike talked with his mom. We're hoping that she'll come out instead.

Mike's brother Jason is moving his ex-wife and girls out here to Ames on the 14th of July and then he'll be here sometime in September or October. This has been so hard to go through with him. You just really feel so helpless that's when all you can do is pray. Selfishly, we're happy Jason will be closer to us--we have missed him a lot. We enjoy spending time with him.

Monday, I start my new life. My dear friend and doctor, finally laid it on the line with me about my weight. I've known for a LONG time I've needed to lose weight, but I think you're always looking for someone with "authority" to tell you. So Monday starts the journey. I'm honestly very mixed about the whole thing. I know it will be a positive thing in my life, but I really hate exercising. Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality--most of you would probably agree with that!! LOL!

We have had a friendship rekindled that had been damaged by lies from an outside party. It has been so enjoyable to renew that friendship and enjoy the times together. Laughing and making memories are some really awesome things.

Finally, remember today and everyday to thank someone you know who has helped our country continue to be free. Whether the served during war time or not, they have all done something to continue to America the land of the free. I'm honored to be a daughter and wife of a veteran. Thanks dad and Mike for your contribution to our freedom.

Have a great 4th weekend!

Love to all!