Thinking of Others

First, Happy Birthday Heather! My niece Heather turns 2 in a few days. Karen and Jamie are throwing a little birthday party this morning. We're very sorry we won't be able to make it. But we've been running ragged the past two-weeks, and the upcoming week will be no exception.

And Happy Birthday Karen! My sister will turn, ummm, well we won't divulge her age, but she moves up another year on March 6th.

Meanwhile my brother has left for a business trip to China. We wish him a safe and productive trip. And we look forward to his speedy return.

Maggie, my parents' dog, was buried yesterday on the hill alongside Shawnie and Casey. To all of those who are dog owners I do not have to explain the close attachment and bond that is formed between man and dog.

A new puppy is now gracing the grounds at Golf Road, a Bichon that had been injured and put back together by the local vet. My Mom may come off as a tough woman at times, and she is. But I know she's a big softie inside. When the vet offered her the puppy she could not turn it away. The dog is in rehab from its injuries and has special needs beyond your normal puppy.

On Barb's side of the family we've been fighting a few illnesses that we're monitoring very closely. Barb's grandmother has been under-the-weather for the past few weeks. Our prayers continue to be with her. She's a tough cookie.

And her Uncle Bill is staging his own fight against illness. We pray that he will continue to find the strength to recover.

Barb's Uncle Larry is in the midst of his fight against lung cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his wife Alice as they move through treatments, something we know way to much about.

Our prayers are also with Sheridan, Barb's second cousin, who recently learned that he has a cancer fight ahead as well.

With the support and love of the fantastic family and friends who surround us all we will get through these difficulties. And there's not much better therapy than a grinning two-year-old smearing birthday cake all over her face.