Az Update

Dad and Mom have been keeping busy making some small repairs to their place in AZ. Dad had the remainder of a patch of skin cancer removed last Thursday. Mom says he has quite a few stitches but it is healing well. Although they didn't get the snow and ice Ohio did it hasn't been swimming weather there either. Here is the last update I received from Mom.

It got down to 28 degrees here at Monte Vista  Mesa , AZ last night. It hasn't been that cold since 1985. I have a picture of me by the frozen fountain. We planted a palm tree several days ago and it seems to be ok so far. We haven't checked the orange trees yet.

The Holidays and other things

Well, as you have probably noticed the updates have been few and far between. This is because Dad is doing so well and life is busy. [He is busy doing normal everyday things that don't make for exciting updates :)]

Dad and Mom took a trip to Arkansas in October to visit Sarah and Jared. They ended up staying longer than anticipated in Searcy because Jared was having some health problems. (Just like Sarah's freshman year car troubles, God had them where they were needed at the time! ) From Arkansas, they went to spend a while with Bill, Amanda and the girls and made a trip to Disney World.

They returned home the first weekend in November to find out that the water supply line to the ice maker had sprung a leak. The condo was flooded. All the carpet from the main bedroom and living area had to be removed and linoleum from the kitchen and bath as well. What should have been about a week's worth of work turned into 6 weeks due to insurance companies trying to decide who was going to pay what!! They finally got the work done only to discover the company had sent the wrong color carpet to the installers. They are still waiting for the right carpet to come in and be installed.

Since they were living with us for the six weeks their condo was waiting to be repaired, Thanksgiving festivities were at our home this year. All of our children were home with the exception of Sarah. Nathan brought his fiancee, Becca, home and Bill, Amanda and the girls were here. We forgot to get the camera out most of the weekend but here are a few shots.

This picture was taken Dec. 19. A group of us from church went caroling at the area nursing homes where some of our members are living. We think Dad is doing great! He continues to work out on the treadmill and with weights most days of the week. He keeps busy by being a Hospice volunteer.

On a sad note, Dad lost one of his sisters, Jane, in early Dec. We travelled to Galion for the funeral.

Dad and Mom were back in the condo by Christmas, so we had our traditional Christmas Eve there. This time all our children were home and Sarah brought her boyfriend, Daniel. Two days after Christmas, Nathan, Dad and Mom drove to Nashville. They spent the week there with Bill, Amanda and the girls. As I type this update they are boarding their flight to Phoenix. They are planning on staying in Arizona until the end of May when they will fly back to attend Nathan and Becca's June 3rd wedding.

Now, I think you are up-to-date. I will try to update as Mom sends me pictures from Arizona.

Happy Birthday !!!

Well, what a difference from last year at this time! In case you have forgotten this was Dad a year ago.

 He was in the hospital on his 70th birthday having just received his new liver and valve less than 4 weeks before. He was dehydrated and very weak.

This picture was taken in late September 2010 at a birthday party for my cousin's son, Jonathan.

He is looking great and feeling pretty well most of the time. He and Mom are headed out next week to visit Sarah and Jared at Harding University in Arkansas. They will drive to Tennessee to spend some time with Bill, Amanda and the girls and then it's off to Disney World!

One Year Transplantiversary!!

Yesterday was Dad's one year anniversary of his transplant. He went to Cleveland on Wednesday for his one year check-up. The doctors were very happy with how he is doing. He can now go for blood work once every three weeks and they said come back in 9 months. On the way to Cleveland Mom and Dad stopped to visit with a longtime friend- Clarice. It is the most recent picture of Dad. He is at a healthy weight now and goes to the gym every day to walk on the treadmill and lift weights.

 As we celebrate we realize that someone is remembering the family member that they lost a year ago. We are very thankful for the donor and his/her family that gave Dad this chance to live another year.

Washing the Car

I thought I'd add this photo Mom just sent me via cellphone. It is Dad helping Jared wash and clean out his car in preparation for leaving for college next week. Dad had already washed their car when he called Jared and said bring your car over and I'll help you clean it up. A year ago he could not have done one car let alone two. He would have been exhausted and out of breath. God certainly has blessed us this year !

And for those of you who haven't heard our latest news yet. Nathan and Becca are engaged !

A Sunday in June

All of us were in Findlay the last week of June. Bill And Amanda brought the girls up to spend a week with Poppy and Grandma, and Nathan and his girlfriend, Becca, came up for a friend's wedding. So Mom took advantage of the opportunity and had a friend at church take a picture of all of us.

Back row: Bill, Isaac, Jared, Mike, Nathan.
Middle row: Amanda, Emery Cate, Sarah, Me.
Front: Mom, Ellery Grace, and Dad


Dad continues to do well, he is still working at the pool. He and Mom will be driving the girls back to Tennessee this weekend and staying for a week or so. Ellery Grace will be celebrating her 6th birthday next week.

Happy Father's Day!

This photo was taken yesterday at church. Dad continues to do well. He seems to be enjoying his job at the city pool. He has had a few doctor's appointments but everything has came back good. Bill, Amanda and the girls are coming to Ohio for a few days.  Nathan and Becca will also be up for the weekend to attend a friend's wedding. It will be busy but Dad (and Mom) love having the family around.