Death and Dying

It is difficult to be positive about this subject even when Newsweek voices the opinion that we Americans are all squeamish about discussing this topic and we avoid it when at all possible even when we realize dying is part of life. Luckily our family hasn’t had to deal with this subject much. Our Aunt Dorena brought the subject front and center this week when she disappeared from our lives but not at all from our thoughts. She set about to die according to a proper dying protocol. Actually she set the scene and planned the details just like she did everything in her life. There was no project too large for her to tackle.

Now you ask what you can do and suggesting Ron get a dog is a great idea. Taking him with you to the Galapagos is another great idea. Maybe we can come up with more. He is fortunate to have kids and grandkids to keep his life busy. And I’m sure Dorena left a to-do list on his desk.

We walked on Saturday to Defeat ALS and we earned $3,400 for research to help find a cure for this disease. Here is the only photo I took after everyone left for Spokane following Uncle Brice in a helicopter.
You can tell this small group looks kind of quiet. The official ALS photographer is sending more photos. I think Brice and Betty are doing well at home this week after Diana and Ken took turns spending time with them. Hopefully things are getting close to normal now.

This past weekend was busy with Lucas’ soccer game, a 3-D movie with the boys, the symphony and a few dinners out. Lucas even had time to put up Halloween decorations at Grandma’s. I think he really wants me to buy a large box with a screaming zombie inside yelling “Let me out!” but I’m positive I draw the line at that item.

Shizuo and I have been trying to have a conversation on Skype but I talk too fast and he just laughs and acts puzzled. He doesn’t have the former girlfriend and I haven’t asked if he has a new one yet. Mostly we’ve been discussing his trip to Viet Nam.

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are. Bernice Johnson Reagon

Bad Words

You can only hear them from naughty boys in school. Lucas is a good guy but he told us this mean kid called him a “Monkey Butt” on the playground so soon in the school year. I hope no one says anything is “stupid” as that word is really bad. Miles doesn’t say the bad words but he has a way of acting out the ‘b’ word by shaking it around in the swimming pool letting his bathing suit slide down. I spoke with Charlie the other day and he can tell the best stories about his boys and their conversations. Of course I’m certain Charlie embellishes his stories while mine are pure facts.

We are moving from summer right into Halloween. The giant Spirit of Halloween Superstore is now open so Lucas picked out this costume, tried it on, pronounced it very scary and now he’s ready. I hope this means no more trips to the Halloween store. Miles is much easier to please when it comes to costumes.

Your sister and husband are just back in town after their trip to Lake Louise in British Columbia. Larry is headed to Medford on a plane today while Nancy heads to Prosser tomorrow. At this time we are hoping Dorena will be able to attend but no matter where we will feel her determined spirit as we race to the finish line.

I still can’t hardly believe that Lincoln Park has fired all the docents after your 18 years of volunteer hours, leading groups, lecturing to students and guiding guests. You are so fond of all the animals and I know how you will miss them. Maybe their policy will change soon as they will never again have such dedication from volunteers.

My mom has made her last visit to the Rockwood Clinic as she complained for one hour while we were in the waiting room. When she arrived in the doctor’s office she continued to perseverate on going home and asking who was going to get her home. She seems to be content to sit in her recliner watching television and napping most of the day. She says hi to me and visits with a few sentences and then tells me to go home so she can sleep.

Your trip to the Galapagos sounds great. Are you making plans yet? And how does it now feel to be 68? Our one hour phone call was great so we are caught up with details for now.

Little Boys

They were everywhere this past weekend and ranged from 2 to 6 in age. The pool was a perfect way to keep them contained. Charlie came by one day with Colton and Taylor and gave us a short course in managing children's behavior. We all listened very attentively. Cyd’s high school friend brought her two over for a visit Sunday so along with Peyton, Walker, Lucas and Miles we were knee deep in boys. Walker always was awake no later than 6 a.m. so our day could begin nice and early.
I am tired, the house is a mess so therefore I sat down several times yesterday to eat 5 ice cream drumsticks. I feel much better now that it is the middle of the night. I’ll even send you a photo or two here.

Thanks for contributing to the ALS Walk. Nancy is on a money-raising roll starting yesterday. We are getting geared up for the walk and hope to have about 30 walkers in the Dorena’s Dynamos group.

Get ready for your birthday phone call on Sunday. I’ll keep this short so I can keep from repeating myself.