Daddy's Farewell

This picture is missing someone we loved very much. After a month long illness, Daddy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, 2/20/11 at 9:15 p.m. Daddy loved the Lord and was not afraid to die, but we will miss him very much. We were blessed to have the last month to talk about memories and to say our goodbyes. Mark and Mary were able to be here several days before his passing, and Mary, who is an RN, went into full Nurse Mary mode the last 36 hours of his life, giving loving care to him as he transitioned to his new life in Heaven with Jesus. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

We are so fortunate to have so many fantastic friends who have been there for us providing emotional support, food, cards, flowers, prayers, and just plain love.

As we adjust to life without the head of our family, we are reminded how precious life is and how important families are. Live life to the fullest and give your family members hugs and kisses every day.

Cousins Visit Clinton - Valentine's Day Celebration

Joe and Tom came in Friday afternoon from St. Louis/MU, joined by Amanda and Peyton later on - we enjoyed Pizza Glen pizza at Grandma and Grandpa's and a good visit. Saturday was a good family day at the the grandparents' house with pork chops and chocolate pie for lunch.

Peyton and Amanda spent the night with Grammy and Papa and enjoyed opening her Valentine's Day bag of goodies including the new apron she is wearing in the top picture - she helped Grammy make a chocolate pie and was quite helpful. We shopped on the square a little on Saturday morning. Peyton slept in her big girl bed at Grammy's and Papa's for the first time and is now potty trained and pacifier free! She is officially a really big girl. She still says she is having a "boy" out of her mommy's tummy.

Going to El Sambre for dinner - Amanda always enjoys hitting Pizza Glen and El Sambre on her visits to Clinton if possible. We missed seeing Chad this trip - he stayed home to prepare walls for painting soon.

Good to have every one home to visit with Grandpa during his last days before going to Heaven to live with Jesus. He is in no pain which is a blessing, but the jaundice is getting worse and worse due to the liver cancer - he is getting very tired. Has lost 80-100 pounds in the last few months. It is so sad to see my parents going through this. Mom is heartbroken, sad and scared. Daddy is doing pretty well considering the circumstances. He is thankful for 82 good years - 60 years with the love of his life, his children, grand-children and of course Peyton. He is a man of strong Faith which helps.

Nice to see the sun today - melt snow, melt.