Post Seventeen or Goodbyes

We buried Sgt. Dad's father today. He was an Army veteran so we had the color guard come and play taps and present a flag to his only daughter. Taps is the most melancholy sound ever! It's so sad to say goodbye. I wish I had spent more time with him, called him more often, his time was just too short. I suppose life is never really long enough with someone you love.
He died from smoking related cancer and of course Sgt. Dad still smokes. So I made some calculations and if Sgt Dad follows his father's path I only have 21 more years with him. I told him that just wasn't long enough and he needs to quit smoking! Sgt Dad's G'ma also passed from smoking related cancer. He promised to quit when we get to Alaska and I'm holding him to it! These first 20 years have gone by quickly and I want more than 21 more years with him! He's worried about weight gain as every time he has quit in the past he has gained 30+ pounds and being a career soldier he is required to stay fit. In Alaska our whole family can go to the gym together and keep his weight down (and the rest of ours too)!

Post Sixteen or Timing

Sgt Dad's Father passed early Thursday morning. What a blessing that Sgt Dad made it home in time to see his father before it was too late. He flew in from Korea landing at 1am Wednesday morning. I took him straight to the hospital as his father was already in hospice care and could receive visitors at any time. It was a good thing too because by midmorning Wednesday he was no longer in a position to communicate and we knew he was in his last days. I'm so glad they go to say their "I love yous".
The wake is Sunday and the funeral on Monday. I'm sorry he's gone and that the boys will not have his influence in their lives. I'm grateful for the assurance that he had his spiritual house in order and I believe we'll meet him again someday.
In the mean time, spring is arriving here in NY and my grass is green and Thursday morning a pair of Mallard ducks were enjoying my pool!
I think it's poetic as we say goodbye to one life that we are prepared to welcome another. Sgt Dad's oldest brother (who happens to be a Jr.) is expecting his second child in the next two weeks. My secret hope is that this one will be a boy and could be named after his father and grandfather, hence being D.R.S. the III. We'll see how sentimental they feel. ;-)

Post Fifteen or April Showers

Well, I have been quite busy this month. So much so, that I have not taken time to post a thing. We've had frequent snow showers this much, including snow for Easter Why couldn't we have had snow for Christmas when we wanted it?
Oldest son got to have his own vacation for Spring Break. Mom and Dad drove him on past Atlanta and dropped him off for a week with his friends. He had a great time and the other two boys enjoyed the break as well. I missed him but I think we all needed time apart.
In other, somber, news, Sgt Dad's father is not doing well and we believe we are down to his final weeks. We knew it was coming but with the reality here it's been tough. We have spent every evening at the hospital and it is taking a toll. The Red Cross has been notified and Sgt Dad will trek home from Korea in the next couple weeks. We just have to judge the timing. We want him home in time- not too late or too early. G'pa D is home now and stable. We are thankful for every good day!