One Year of Sadness

A year ago today my father was found by our good friend Cheryl resting peacefully at home. He passed away in bed from a heart condition that none of us knew about. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by. There has been so many changes to my life, and yet it still seems like Dad could just come right back and not even need an hour to catch up on what has happened over the past year. Mom has been so strong. I am in awe of how she has handled everything that has arisen in the last year. Time has not healed her pain, or mine, or Karen's. I don't think any of us will ever stop missing Dad. What have to keep focusing on is not letting our sadness get in the way of all the wonderful things ahead. I want to thank all my friends and family for their support over the last year, and in reality for the past 17 years of support since Dad was first diagnosed with his brain tumor. Please know that I can not express the depth of my gratitude for even the little things you all have done to help out "Earl's girls".
I am not doing anything special to commemorate today other than writing this post on my blog. Today will always be "special", but I don't see it as a day to dwell on our loss. Instead, I will honor my father by doing something he would want me to do: work hard toward my dreams and goals. By achieving them I am honoring his dedication to raising me to be a strong, intelligent, independent woman.

Hug your loved ones today, for you never know when they will not be there.

RIP George Carlin

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George Carlin

I never got to see him perform live. I wish I had. It was always on my "next time he comes around" list.

Wednesday

Tonight is the first night of softball, if it doesn't get rained out. I am still sore from our practice last Sunday afternoon. I can not recall the last time I swung a bat prior to Sunday....let's just say I was really rusty. Since I golf right handed, I couldn't even remember which way I like to swing (it turns out I am a natural left handed batter, but that I can make pretty good contact swinging righty). Is it bad that I am wishing for rain?????

This weekend will be an emotional roller-coaster for me. It is the first Father's Day without Dad, plus we have to attend a memorial service for one of Dad's best friends Jim Barron. Since the service is in Fargo, we also have to deal with other issues (like $4 gallon gas). Can't it just be Monday already!!!!!

Well, I better get to work. My summer student arrived a day early, so I have to look for stuff to keep her occupied today until Julia comes back tomorrow.....fun fun!

June already???

Time flies when you are busy. I have either been entertaining or working for the past three weeks straight. It is nice to know that I have been doing well at both. This week is the start of Matt's summer vacation. He is doing various odds and ends, but hopefully he can find a job of some sort. I am working 8-14 h. days, so coming home to a messy house will not make me a happy camper.

I am heading up the ND this weekend. Jim Barron's memorial service is on Sat. afternoon. Depending on what Karen decides, we may have some time in Fargo (or at the lake with Jenny). Karen spent last weekend in Kansas for a wedding. She wants to attend the memorial service, but also has TONS work work to do for her thesis. Matt and I are already going, so it doesn't matter if we have another rider.

Well, I better check on my DNA gel.