The journey is complete...

Dad is home.

In the last few days we know how desperately he yearned to be with his Heavenly Father and we can only imagine the rejoicing that's taking place at his arrival.

Our hearts are heavy and saddened at not having Dad with us anymore, but we are comforted knowing that he is safe at home.

Many blessings to you all who have prayed me through this difficult time. Mom has been Dad's care taker for the last two years and these last few weeks have definitely taking a toll on her. Please lift her up in prayer - that she may rest. That she may heal. That as she grieves, she feels the love and prayers of those around her.

Still with us...

Thank you all for the many e-mails and comments about my daddy. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by my whole family.


We had a very nice christmas in my parent's den. Daddy knew it was Christmas and even managed one "Merry Christmas" for everyone. He told us he enjoyed the sounds of the day and that he had really enjoyed the Midnight Mass we had on TV for him Christmas Eve.


Despite our sadness, we were able to celebrate the twin's first Christmas home. They did a great job opening presents and played with each toys for hours before they moved on to the next present! Christmas lasted ALL day long!


And I am so proud of Mason and Evan. As teenagers, it could have been a very difficult day for them as they were in "new" territory both with their Grandfather's condition as well as the focus being "off" of them for the first time in many Christmas's as everyone watched the twins. However, they came through like the remarkable young men we know them to be. They were sweet, loving and caring and we couldn't have asked for a better day!


We continue to pray with my father. He enjoys having the bible read to him. And with the incredible help of Hospice, we are trying to keep him as comfortable as possible.


I will leave you with some photos of our day.

Austin and Logan with Grandma and Aunt Patsy:

All my boys: Mason, Evan, Logan and Austin!

Merry Christmas!

Walking Daddy Home....

God is calling my father home. It's his time.

We're not ready.

We are so grateful to God who gave us two years, when the doctors gave us 6 weeks. We are so thankful to God who gave Dad a remarkable, an amazing quality of life these past two years. I am humbled that God allowed Dad to meet his grandbabies, that God graced us with these last 5 months with nothing but happiness since the twins have arrived home. Dad has fallen completely in love with them. And they adore their "Gr-Da-da-Da-da-Da."

On Oct 26th, Dad's brain tumor had shrunk by 30%. We had gotten used to Dad being the Walking Miracle. Nobody ever expected to see him at his next doctor's appointment. And everytime he returned, the doctor's just shook their heads and said, "We don't know how."

But we knew. God had His own plans for Dad. And that included, for whatever glorious reason, for Dad to get to bask in the love of his grandbabies. And for my babies to get to know and enjoy their Grandfather.

Thanksgiving, just three short weeks after we got the news about the tumor shrinkage, we were devastated to learn that the original brain tumor site had "exploded." The cancer was running rampant throughout his brain.

God was calling.

My father has faced his death several times now. He has never questioned God. He has given thanks for a beautiful life, a beautiful family. He has always wanted more time, but gave that up to God in the very beginning and trusted in Him.

I am so thankful. I am devastated. I am fine and then I am crying at the check out counter at Target. I am fine and then I am pulling over the car because I am balling.

Two weeks ago Dad was still up and about. Still joking. Still laughing. One week ago, we brought Dad home from the hospital with the help of Hospice. He loved having the twins climb up and over the railings. They snuggled on him daily and gave him kisses and chanted "Gr-Da-da-Da-Da-da."

By Monday, Dad could no longer get up. Two days ago, he stopped eating and drinking. I think he sees heaven sometimes. He cries and tells us how much he loves God. He tells us he's never seen such beautiful things and such beautiful people.

I am honored to sit at his side and take him as far on his journey as we can. Forgive me, I don't have the energy to re-read and proof my entry and I know I'm all over the place. But now, all of the "coincidences" of late seem to have a new meaning. To remind me of the fullness of time, that everything happens when it should. And I am at peace. And I am comforted.

I ask that you all pray for my father. Pray to keep the pain at bay. To please pray for my family also, to give us extra strength in our weakened state.

God gave us His only son. And we celebrate that miraculous birth at Christmastime. Let us not forget that Jesus gave us the ultimate gift of everlasting life. And because of that, we can truly celebrate Dad's homecoming at this special time of year.

Then and Now.....

Or rather, now and then...

I'm not a big "Christmas Sweater" kinda gal. But when I got an e-mail special for $8.99, I couldn't resist. So, these sweaters just arrived in the mail late last week and they wore them to church on Sunday (yesterday).

Last night, as we were sitting in my parents den, I suddenly grabbed Gary and said, "Look! Almost exactly a year ago, in the hotel room....do you remember?" It took a moment, but his face lit up with a smile when he did remember!

Here they were last night, Dec 16th, 2007:

Tee Hee Hee! And here they were last year in the hotel room on Day 3 of our first visit trip,

Dec 15th, 2006:

They've changed places, but Logan is wearing Red both seasons and Austin is wearing Green!

I can't believe how much they've changed. I can't believe how completely they have filled my life! I just love them to pieces. I can't believe what a remarkable season of memories and gifts we're having this year. In the midst of pain and loss (which I'm just not quite ready to blog about yet), our spirits are constantly being lifted by the love and the spirit of life that these two little guys have brought to us all in just 5 short months since being home!