What Have You Done?

What Have You Done?

by Judy Gates - Friday, 28 September 2018, 11:25 PM

For the third time today she called me to come back to her apartment. She had 'unprogrammed' the television remote again and was angry, threatening to leave her assisted living facility. I came in, slammed the door and went straight to the tv. Frustrated, I picked up the oversized remote, punched the keys and laid it down by her chair. I turned around and plopped down on the sofa. The soft, plush fabric under my fingers was almost calming. I rubbed it while I tried to not sound as frustrated as I felt when I talked to her.

She cut me off before sound came out of my mouth and proceeded to tell me how she was angry I tricked her into moving, took away her car and now she was going to walk out the door. She was not making eye contact but staring at the door and grinding the bridgework in her mouth. 

I looked around the room. It was a beautiful apartment for which I had bought almost all new furniture. I was envious in some ways. I looked at the picture of my dad and silently wondered what he would tell me to do. I could smell the popcorn from the game room down the hall which permeated the building every afternoon. It was making me hungry. I was thinking I could grab some on the way out. 

We sat quietly for a bit and I finally decided I would go. She started at the beginning again, yelling about her life situation. 'What have you done to me?' She did not understand why she couldn't live alone, why I was locking her up. She stood up as if she was going to walk out the door behind me, lost her balance and nearly tripped over her shoes which she had taken off after the last time I had come back. She sat back down, wringing her hands, lips tight. She never took her eyes off the door. 

It was clear there would be no way to resolve this mood. I walked over to her tv, turned on the weather channel so she could hear the music, kissed her on the cheek and left. Guilt and failure followed me home. I was crying at the  overwhelming hostility and anger from her. I called to check on her about an hour after I got home. She was playing BINGO

JLG 9.28.18

I Am an Author

The End.

Things I Learned on my Summer Vacation............

I gotta tell you, I have a great family and had a great time. I have not traveled for quite some time with the pure purpose of vacationing! Wow, I see why folks enjoy this. HA! Having spent the last many years with work, school and life it was a true blessing to enjoy the open road.

Because of the outrageous price of plane fare, I opted for a short flight and road trip. Wonderful idea. We saw things, stopped whenever we wanted, ate when we wanted, perfect. I got to see and share places from my childhood like Mt Rushmore, Wall Drug, the Farm, Plainview Academy, Corn Palace, Prehistoric dig, Cabela's, Fort Cody, Air and Space Museum, drive through Domino's and so much more. Good stuff.

Cody sang across the countryside while looking out the window. I don't believe in videos or books while driving as there is so much to see out the car window. Cousins and Auntie joined us at the farm for parade, food, games and lots of talk. We are a small but gabby bunch.

As we poured through old photo albums I learned I was named after a cat. True! My sister says that's not it at all, that the photo of mom holding two cats named Sally and Judy outside her first apartment was not the inspiration for my name. Sure. I think another sister would have been named Sally, just sayin.

Cody gots game! He is excellent at playing Fuzzy Peanut.  Well that's what they call it. It is a great game, lots of twists and turns based on your own inability to draw, or read. LOL Cody did great shaming some of the rest of us.

With a stack of paper equal to the number of players:
1. Write a word (object or character) turn the stack over and slide left
2. Turn over the stack look at the word then move it to the back of the stack
3. Draw the word turn the stack over and slide left
4. Look at the picture then move it to the back of the stack
5. Write the word for the picture you saw turn the stack over and slide left
Repeat this process until you get your stack back. Turn it over, move the page to the back. You should see your word. Now for the fun................
Lay the pages out in order starting with your word (should alternate word, pic, word, pic, etc) and let the fun begin.

Cody read all the words well, and his art was quite good out drawing many of the others at the table. A near XXX drawing was averted when he asked what the 'word' was. I told him I couldn't tell him. 'Is it a body part?" "NOOOOOO! Don't draw that!" "Ok." Phew!

Given enough days and gas in the rental car I can still find my way around Redfield. The Plainview Academy is still standing, still locked up, still full of books and still owned by Seventh Day Adventist Research Institute. I lived directly behind it in Redfield prior to moving to Phoenix. Would love to 'tour' but alas no open doors.....or windows:-) Not that we tried but we might have, just sayin.

I have a competitive family. This was very clear during the outside games with a rigorous bunch of discussion around rules, points scored or not scored for different things, and that whole points thing. I had to get a non-partisan reunion attendee to validate the scoring system and award the winning popper! OK, well Cody was on the winning team, but I had no control over how cute he is or how well he counts during croquet. Point is, CODY and MARSHA WIN!!! Enough said.

I still got the moves to snatch candy from children at the parade. Cody needed candy, I got him candy. He eventually got all in and did fairly well. But I still won the parade candy game. Cody shared his 'caught' red hat with a little cutie who gave him the doe eyes. Nice boy. I did not share my candy.

The ER is very efficient on the 4th of July in a small town. I am guessing the person who arrived in the room with flip flops, daisy duke shorts, a bandanna around her hair and party beads was indeed some medical person. No introduction, no ID badge, no frank alcohol on her breath, and definitely in a hurry. Glad no one was in labor. Sprained ankle, no drugs needed. We did score an ace wrap. Sweet.

I love old cemeteries and found some cool headstones in the tiny town of  St Lawrence. And if that wasn't enough Miller has MORE! No one enjoys a good epitaph like I do but the masonry and my imagination are very entertained by the smallest things. The very slippery mud road left me thinking about a horror movie where they are trapped in a cemetery. That might be MY movie, can't recall.

Pre-historic in Mitchell is 900 A.D. Not sure why, unless civilization did not occur in South Dakota until a millennium after Christ. Hmmmm Anyway, cool digs. LOL Saw the turrets being moved to place on top of the Corn Palace. That was new. And apparently it is taking about a harvest season for that to occur, that is the word from the local farmers. Very cool art created every year! And inside, could there be more? Why yes it was a treasure show; i.e. souvenirs, books, food, all corn themed and unnecessary. Yes Cody had to have it and yes, I bought it. Like you would have to ask!

I am in awe of being able to see miles away, smell manure, hear sounds other than cars and swearing in traffic to which South Dakotans say 'Whats that'? I love trees, open roads, driving with abandon and seeing family and friends! And Dad would have been pleased I inherited his skills for using a map, tracking miles per gallon at each refill and finding each landmark long enough to snap a picture and resume adventure.

We had dear friends wait very late for dessert, played with Ewan who we just met at his 2 year birthday and talked to Cuddles aka Aiden Daniel who arrived after we left and now shares birthday with big brother. I hope HE is not 2 before we meet. Sigh!! I think we all had a gas! And we were energized on that last leg when God showed us there is a Red Robin .....Yum in every state and a Dollar Tree to find that last minute 'something' Cody needed.

Finally, I love to travel! Did not know how much I missed a real road trip adventure. I had a gas and might have been chastised for walking too far, fast or to places not interesting to my travel companions a time or three. We used to take trips and had so many giggles and fun memories. It was great to make this one in the parent seat!

Advice: Just Do It! Live, Laugh, Play, Enjoy, Share, Stop, Look and Drink it All In! I love my life!!

What a Difference a Year Makes..................

I remember just last year my mother had fallen and ended up in Sun Grove Village CC. Worried about her hair appointment, not happy with her hair do and fairly certain she needed a new blouse. I am grateful for that opportunity to take care of her in those last months though at times she reminded me why children move away from home, some farther than others. LOL. She always had a quick wit and great sense of humor. She smiled often and really enjoyed her family, REALLY enjoyed her family. Not enough visits or pictures to keep her satisfied. Every time I walked through her room I would see different pictures taped up on the wall, her dresser or stacked by her bed. Her greatest desire was to get to 'touch' them all at least once. And we almost made it!! I think alot of that was related to her own early years. In the good old days, family lived and stayed close to home. But as she married and moved away she rarely got to see her family. The military life did not really suit living in one place. She missed that. And now in this modern era the grandchildren all moved away and married and had children......and she had to wait to meet them or missed them all together. There is something about touch, putting your eyes just once on your own family and enjoying the imagination of what your legacy will be. We are a musical, military, medical, mechanical, laser engineering, educating, dancing and farming kinda family with some still finding their first path or maybe starting the next one. We are decendants of a pilot and homemaker both completely invested in their children. I hope that we will pass on the things that were important to them and their character to those who come behind us. In the meantime, I am relishing my photos, stacks of them.

Amazing Brother

So I have this amazing brother. He is not perfect, just to be clear, being human and all. But he is loyal, honest, compassionate, dependable, funny, adventurous, a giant kid and all around the best brother ever. He just had a birthday, a big one!! Not the one that makes you legal to vote, drink or run for president. Not the one where you get black candles, lots of jokes or waterproof unders. No this was much bigger, SS kind.

He is going to have the option to work or not, put up with buerocracy or not, play golf or not. Great times ahead as he now can clutter his calendar with things he WANTS to do as opposed to being told to do. Awesome. I actually already have a list of things I want to do but am so young I am no where near being able to do them. This will be his starter list. After all, he will have loads of time to do all kinds of things when he decides it is the 'last' day. Sweet!

He can enjoy babies ( his and theirs) and hunt down family history, take four million more pictures we will never be able to organize, visit family (me, me, me) and travel around the globe. Maybe volunteer, so many great things to help with. Perhaps take up hiking, well after he has his hips and knees done. And painting, a peaceful thing he can do along with Bob Ross as he speaks so softly that your brook and trees are happy or have become Chinese New .year symbols if you drift off mid-episode. That's alright, you can watch them over and over.

I can't wait to see what he does on his next great adventure but I hope it is a blast and brings him joy. I had a great family growing up and I am so grateful we remain close today. Happy Birthday Big Brother!! Love you always.

Happy New Year

2015 is here and I am so grateful for the last few months. I would like to say I feel the winds changing........but I have learned that the breeze doesn't matter.

The loss of both parents has been more present over time for all of us I think When you are in the midst of 'living' you really take so many things for granted. It can be a simple thought that causes you to utter the words 'I should call......' Or seeing something that reminds you of them but then you are again aware they are gone. I miss them. They were always there, interested, supportive, constant approval. We never had cause to doubt we were their pride and joy. Every card or call we get confirms that when they we see or visit the folks they received an update and were shown pictures. I have nothing but happy thoughts. OK a couple crazy ones but I have put them in the dark. Lol! We were a very Leave it to Beaver or Brady Bunch family. Grateful.



Health is another thing you can't live 'well' without. I have spent the last few years with problems, the worst of which really came to a head Fathers Day 2013. A zillion tests, seriously I am certain I am fully radioactive, and crackin through as many bad or disinterested doctors I came to an orthopedist and a neurologist who listened. They each got to name some problems and so that must have been a good success for them and I have names for my problems which means I am not crazy. For those who disagree, a neurologist said so:-) I have autonomic polyneuropathy and POTS. My automatic functions don't do it well and my nerves send incorrect messages, such as to my feet and legs which to me 'feel' like I am standing on a frozen lake all the time. To you they feel as if they need a wax but lets not go there. POTS is not about cooking but a change in attitudes. Every time I bend over or stand up my heart runs a marathon. I was thinking I was glad some part of me can run but it is actually not good as it sucks up oxygen and wears me out. I learned that apparently oxygen is everything it is cracked up to be and I need medication. By keeping my heart rate regular I am no longer falling asleep during phone meetings.....I mean at the computer.....while others are talking....well you understand. And I no longer am constantly laying my head down and complaining of feeling as if I am going into a coma. As a side note, should I say "I feel like I am going into a coma!" Remind me to take my meds. Haha



As for the bones, found the broken hips. Well actually a pelvis fracture on the right and a hip fracture on the left and severe degenerative disease to the pelvis and spine. Over the course of a few months the right hip became very bad thus the total hip replacement. I am walking without cane or walker and no pain to the right hip. Yeah! Now we wait to see what and when other things will need replacement but I have not moved this well for a long time. Since I am the baby of the family it is imperative that I move better than my elders.....So very grateful.



Cody is a delight every moment. I can not get enough of this kid with a major personality. He is happy, positive, kind, quick to forgive and almost never angry. He is the first and last to pray with deep intercession that leads me to think he is Pentacostal and I call him Preacher. But for those of you reading he has probably prayed for you by name on any number of occasions. He has the gift of both excellent memory and stamina. He loves his training program and we are becoming accustomed to it. The folks are very nice and it seems well run. But it is not high school, you can't go back. Sigh. He is enjoying karate, dance, basketball, science, creative writing, reading, art, photography and socializing with new friends. He is even on the dance team who did their first performance at the ASU bball half time. They were so well received they have been asked back. Yeah!!! He seems very happy. In addition to his training program he is practicing to take his first exam for the Royal Ballet Academy of London. should he pass, he a tually earns college credit. and he keeps in contact with all his high school and ballet friends. So very blessed.



Rich continues his journey at Calvary Community Church as manager for maintenance. He has used all of his journeyman skills there from carpentry, construction, repair, organization, leadership and leg pulling to train conductor. 'All aboard!' He enjoys the people a lot. Of course he spends time perfecting his master craft....golf! He remains a scratch golfer and his worst day on the course may be 3 over par. I know I have told him to be quiet any number of times! Continued blessings.

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We are now also enjoying a new baby girl. Okay well she's not a baby really, though she is our brother and sister-in-laws baby .....of sorts. Ok she's 26 but 'cute as a button' according to Master Gates and he likes her so very much! Ahhhh he loves having his cousin to hang out with and so do we. We have seen her make a major life move to a BIG city, Phoenix, get a new job, new car, new apartment and new everything inside. And church and friends. Lots of new friends. She is almost as busy as me but I still got her whipped. And she was a lovely addition to the holidays along with our Grandma and Grandpa Art. Cody so enjoyed it all as did we.

We finished off the year with our annual "Silly String" Caper. Two years in a row we got Master Gates, but this year he planned and pulled off the perfect surprise. Awesome!
Not bad for a messed up 50 something year old who works full time, has Master Gates for a major busy son and a cute husband to live with. It is likely due to the fact that I don't sleep. Complete waste of time, or takes too much time or I just really don't have the time. Well you understand. So there it is 'The Story of My Life' .........I know I am a whole year behind popular but then I never was that popular. I am a throwback from the 70's. What can I say.

Passage of Time......................

It is often difficult to summarize life's events in the simple written word or even the verbal description of emotions. Life is fluid just as a tide or current where turbulence and the unexpected rock fish push you along at sometimes breakneck speeds. That has been the course of the past year really. Many things that have challenged me, but in the end I have remained on course, bruised and battered, but safe. Since last seen in print a few major life events have occurred.

Our wonderful son has turned 18. He is a man! He is wonderful, happy and enjoying every second of his life. He often reminds us to do the same. JOY!



He started his training program and is loving it. Several of his friends already go there so it was not a completely strange environment. He is developing his new routine and is focused on training to be a Red Power Ranger. That being said I have reminded him that all super heroes have a day job. He will decide what that will be this next year.

I turned 54! It is not bad. Of course I am not afraid of age or gray hair. I enjoy life and all of the many adventures that go with it. My favorite things are those who are on the road with me. I am SO blessed by family and friends. I can not begin to say how much pleasure I get but it is such that I can tell you I am rich beyond measure.

After a year of deteriorating health and advanced degenerative bone disease I received a new right total hip. How exciting. So of course I had to find the perfect walker (I already have a rockin? cane) then commit to getting it done. I was a bit nervous at brief moments but so ready to try something. At three weeks out today I am using only a cane and doing well for short periods without that! I drove for the first time today and no new paint so that is great. I find the biggest challenge in NOT limping as I no longer need to but have walked that way so long it is a HABIT! LOL I am already noticing a decrease in pain to my lower back and left hip so that is remarkable.

Finally, is the loss of my precious mother. She passed away September 4, 2014. She died very peacefully, very much like my father. I am only now beginning to process the very large gap that is there. It is as if you imagine a family dinner with those two seats empty at the table. And the number of times I catch myself thinking 'oh I should call mom' or 'wonder if dad has seen that'. Much like my limp, those are habits of life but I feel some that will not depart in this life time.

I wrote this bio about my mom and want to share it with you.

Della Ree Lightfoot was born in San Augustine Texas to William Bonnie Lightfoot and Lucy Jane Landrum. Her family relocated to Louisiana when she was young. Her father was a farmer who would get the family day started by making coffee. He would pour a cup he would share with his wife before going to the field. Della's mom had many talents she shared with her children, cooking, needlework and sewing to name a few. Della would share those gifts throughout her life with her family as she loved to cook, create beautiful wall hangings, afghans, quilts and clothing.



She met her future husband, Dale, while working in the local drugstore. He was stationed at the base and was so taken with her that he spent his free time taking a ferry, train and hike just to see her. When he flew back to propose she said yes! She had to travel to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota to marry her handsome military man. They started out in a basement apartment with a low ceiling and close quarters. They spent time dreaming of their future, saving pennies and beginning their family.



Della had three children, Linda, Dale Jr and Judy, who provided lots of fun and adventure for the years to come. She enjoyed being a mother, bowling, traveling, making a beautiful home and supporting the dreams of her children. Girl and Boy scouts, sports, music, road rallies, theater, you name it someone was involved in it. As each left for college and to start their own families she and Dale found time for adventures of their own. A couple of bus tours to places like Branson, Boston and Niagara Falls provided great memories. Treasure hunting in antique shops in small towns near their home and a lunch out in the local eatery was their favorite thing to do. They loved to spend time together.



Della was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She enjoyed everyone’s visits and keeping pictures all around her that she could look at over and over. She also took great pleasure in letters, conversations and visits with her extended family including nephews, nieces, cousins, siblings and many others. It would be her great joy to share about her family. In addition Dale and Della had lovely friends, who like family, stayed in contact and provided wonderful visits.



Della and Dale moved several times over their years, living in Texas, South Dakota a few times, California, Bermuda, Illinois, Virginia, Kansas and Arizona. Her last two years she lived in an assisted living community where she enjoyed the company of her neighbors and wonderful care providers. She was known for her hugs, kisses and kind words. The staff really looked forward to taking care of her.



She had great faith and confidence that not only was her life blessed by the Lord but her eternal life was secured by Christ at the cross. She prayed regularly for her family, friends and others that they would come to that same understanding and comfort. She enjoyed seeing her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren nieces and nephews this year. She had many happy memories as we have reminisced this summer. She “loves, loves, loves' you all and always prayed that God would keep you all safe.
And now her journey is complete. She passed away very peacefully. The door has opened as the glory of heaven embraced mom, renewing her mind and body, reuniting her with 'her Dale', father, mother, brothers, sisters and grandson. She is made whole her body free. So it is in an instant, she is set free, celebrating her victory! We love our family, grateful for every moment! It has been the most grand adventure!
Jude 24-25

August Upon Us

Hello!!!!!!!!

I lose track of time more lately, I am feeling it is because I need cheese or chocolate or sleep!! Anyway here it is:

Cody turns 18 Saturday aaaaaah! He is very excited. We completed the guardian process and were appointed as such. We had one thing to do when we left the courtroom which was done right away. We ARE Guardians!!!!

So after two months of waiting for start info from One Step, I got a response late Tuesday after several messages that the construction for the new campus had multiple delays. Meaning they never moved the40 students to the new campus in May making room for Cody, meaning NO room for Cody! A meeting today was supposed to yield a decision as to when they could make the move and I was supposed to be notified. I have yet to have any communication. What the end result is I have no place for Cody to go as he is 18!!! I will have to delay my surgery and ultimately use some of my leave to cover the gap until he is placed. I fortunately have a great boss who is very supportive.

And of course sweet mom is on Hospice for two weeks today. Better for her comfort. Her dementia is much more pronounced but she has a delightful countenance. That is great. She went for another followup today for her arm and they took the cast off. Hopefully it will not be too painful. SHE WAS GLAD TO GET RID OF THAT. While she is deteriorating I don't know what time is to be for her so we enjoy each visit.

Soooo all things considered,  I have moved my surgery back to September 29. No option really so I will see if I can add some therapy back in to manage pain until the big day. I was quite encouraged going to joint class. Only a couple of folks were as old as I feel. The rest were at least my age or younger. It helped my mind.

Rich is good. No changes or drama so that is nice. Looking forward to nice weather and golf. I don't think that is different :-) I might have some quiet time Sunday as Cody's Best Buddy is taking him to the movie! sweet


Well I hope you are doing well and enjoying a bit peace and quiet! Much love for now!


"You're the One That I Want" Signalong with Paul and Tina Sirimarco

Judy


Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Tablet

2014 Special Olympics - FOX 10 News

Arizona athletes to compete in 2014 Special Olympics - FOX 10 News | myfoxphoenix.com

Cody and his fantastic Unified Team are captured in this interview. Thank you to Tim Martin and Special Olympics for all of the support and opportunity for our kids.

2014 RSK Unified Cheer Competition

2014 RSK Unified Cheer

The Unexpected

We take life for granted very often. We wake up, we have coffee, we grumble at the store clerk, we laugh at Frasier, we vacuum, eat some supper and fall asleep in the chair. All in a days journey. We don't spend a lot of time in the reminiscing stage or in mourning, usually. We dream a little, plan and control what we can. Then suddenly we are forced to stop. Like a hard wall, the lights go off, we can no longer tell where we are and what is going on. Cancer. It is that word that puts paint to the romance of life. We are walking along, enjoying the view when suddenly we can not get our eyes focused. We can not keep our control, we are drifting. Our mind begins to spin, reeling with fear and anxiety about the unknown.

And so it begins. Mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer; Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, SLL, CLL. She has been challenged to wrap her arms around it all, but has recognized that it is not the destination but the process that has her concerned. And of course the issue of time. I always think that is the most interesting anxiety for a patient. Our days are numbered from the beginning, not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Yet as I mentioned, we really don't 'pay attention' until we are forced to face it head on.

Her life started out in the south, poor farmers who always had extra plates of food for those who would walk down the dead-end road on Sundays. The big treat was tamales her father would buy from migrant laborers in the field. She played basketball in high school but found work in the five and dime to be great fun. Of course she met a military man there and the rest was history. Life ended up full of travel, adventures and family fun. Laughing, card playing, bowling and great home made food. Of course Atari, airplane rides and antique shopping were standard fare as well.

As she moved into assisted living two years ago, she had some 'challenges' losing her freedom, her privacy,  independence, her car! But over time she has adjusted to the quieter life. Not to say she still doesn't enjoy a good trip to the mall or Walgreen's or absolutely anywhere someone will take her. But she has come to acceptance about so many things. So now we have a new barrier to her happiness in her daily living. But she is resilient, tough, strangely determined to get her arms around this next step.

So it is my privilege to spend the next.......?...........helping her stay 'in the game'. My niece gave me a shirt that mentions putting your big girl panties on and dealing with it. I wear it a lot now. After all I am THAT daughter, and I do get away with that. Usually. I am factual, practical and going to make her laugh when possible. I just need to train the rest of the crew at the home to take the ball and run when I am away.

When she needs it, I remind her we are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We are to wrestle our flesh, not let it take our joy. So many things in life to be grateful for. Every day we must remember, count the blessings, consider what great joy it is to serve the King and be sure of our forever home. And by all means, start the celebration here and now. Well, this is my goal, encouraging trust, hope, faith and joy for her days.

You could be a great support by prayer. And there is always a hug and a smile for any encouragement. She loves mail.....you know, paper, stamps. :-) I will update from time to time. And covet your friendship along the journey.

Jude 24-25

SUMMER.......So Glad I Made It!

Yes there were times I was not sure that it was meant to be. Summer I mean. Seemed as if it would never get here. So what on earth has happened since my last post. You remember, I was celebrating my brothers aging. I believe shortly there after I began to lose control of, well, my mind! I may very well be the baby, but oh baby, I may well be the first to go. Ha. So here is the update. When last we met, I was departing the Nebraska town of Gordon. Wonderful visit, never long enough, with my nephew Ethan and wife Sara. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my great nephew (Ewan.......shhhhh, I am not aloud to say his name).

As I headed toward Wyoming a great diversion was created by.........................

Yes indeed, a blizzard. April, and in four states. That is right, I threw a snowball in four states and it was never above 40 degrees. Folks, when I asked my son if he would rather live in the snow his quick reply was "Oh No mom, it is much better to be warm!" If this was a sermon it would be followed with a hearty AMEN!!! Yikes, I am truly an Arizonan. Ha.

Well, the trip took us to Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and back to Colorado. And I can tell you that while I laughed at Cody when he ran through the warm parking garage to hug our car, Flashy, I nearly joined him. Oh how we missed you Flashy! Home at last.

Then everything hit all at once:

Special Olympics Banquet - Our high school now provides athletic recognition and letters to participating athletes. COOL. Best Buddies, unified athletes and the Special Olympic participants were treated to a DVD of many accomplishments, video clips and speeches by their typical peers. Awesome.

Graduation - 1000 of our closest friends graduated this year. Seriously, 7 of Cody's close friends graduated this year. And the closer was a real tear jerker as the last classmate called forward, normally restricted to a wheelchair, was helped to stand and walk across the stage with his Best Buddy. The coliseum went wild. I love this school which in every way seeks to integrate and gain acceptance for our special kids as well.

Graduation Receptions - 1000 of our closest friends had receptions. We traveled to a lot of places and ate a lot of fruit and gluten free snacks we packed. Good times with friends.

We in the midst of this found out our dear friend, Miss Melinda, has breast cancer. She is one of Cody's favoritist people in the world. She works at UCP and has known him since day one. She has had surgery and now we wait to find out about the treatment plan. Lon road coming and she will need support, spiritual, emotional and financial, in the months to come. Fortunately her hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ her righteousness.....great song too, if you don't know it. An oldie but goodie!!!

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

So then lets see, my mother had another fall. Back to the ER then the doctor. She is having more trouble with  balance, and memory. It is the hardest part, watching your parents struggle. But her humor is good and her countenance has been strong. We have a new snappy red walker. It is quite the eye catcher.

Rich continues to work at Calvary Community Church. Train complete, he has moved on to benches and kiosks. His woodworking is so wonderful. I wish I had a shop and a shingle. He enjoys working with his team there. Good peeps!! Golf of course is his entertainment of choice. Scratch is not bad after all.

I continue to work for Banner Health. It is a great lot of fun as I enjoy the education build and design work and of course management. I have a great team. They are so 'in' to whatever they are asked to do. That is a rare quality indeed. I never have the complaints that I hear from other leaders. My team, they are a gift. And my partner in crime, Gayle, awesome!

There it is. You are caught up on the world of me:-)

And I hope to be back on schedule with keeping you informed and entertained.

I am off to the land of nod. And boy do I need it this week. :-)

TTFN.