Thanks for thinking of me!

Contrary to popular belief, I am still here. My Dad passed away friday after a 12 year fight with cancer. The last few weeks before his death were pretty distressing, of course, and being the oldest daughter, a lot of the coordination of realatives, funeral arrangements, etc. fell to me. Besides, of course, a lot of sitting at his bedside and holding his and Mom's hand. As a result, I haven't really been near the internet for a while.

When his kidney failed and he entered the hospital, the CAT scan indicated the cancer had pretty much taken over. I'm glad he didn't know, because just a week before, he was "sword fighting" with my nefews using his canes (much to my Mom and Sister's distress and the boys' delight!) and planning on a weekend trip to my new house. Several surgeries, 3 rounds of chemo, radiation in various spots, and a whole pharmacy of drugs. He sure had a strong will to live and never took "no" for an answer. They've told him on several occations that he was supposed to be dead now, and he'd just laugh at the "specialists". I'm glad he didn't suffer long.

Anyway, so my house will soon be filled with out-of-towners, and so will my sister's and Mom's house. None of us are known as Great Housekeepers, so we are all madly cleaning our homes! Mom's been spending the nights at my sisters. After the funeral, my Mom's sisters (all retired) will be taking turns spending a few weeks with her - they are all crazy (in a good way), and I feel a pajama party in the making!

Well, still unemployed, but maybe that was by Someone's design, eh?

Take care, everyone. Meant so much to me to get Lisa's email checking up on me! Enjoying the blessings of so many wonderful memories of my Dad.

Love, Karla