A Sad Day

It is a sad day today. We had to put Chester down. It was very hard to make this decision. We talked and talked but we felt it was the right thing to do. He was 15 years old or 74 years in human years. Chester was having problems with his kidneys but that was not the main problem at this time. He lost weight and was dehydrated. The vet was not sure what was going on and wanted to do all kinds of tests and x-rays to see if she could figure it out. One proposal of cost was near $600 just to find out what might be wrong. There was no guarantee they would know for sure. We were being told it could be cancer, or a digestive disease, or who knows what else. He was supposed to have ulcers in his stomach area and dental disease. He was sleeping most of the day and not active.

Dad took him to the vet, this afternoon, for the appointment. I stayed at home. I just couldn't do it again after Cali. It was hard for Dad too.

Chester lead a good life and was a good cat, ornery at times, but a good cat. He was also a big cat weighing as much as 17 pounds. We will miss him but we know he won't have to go through any pain now.

Change in Plans

You didn't think that our plans were going to be cut and dry did you? Of course not! The bid that Dad was going to Denver to work on, has been postponed a week. It is still happening but just causes us to change flight arrangements. The problem that now exists is whether to continue to go to Denver a week ahead of time or cancel that first week and start the trip all over again. Have I confused everyone?

We originally were flying to Denver, December 28-January 6. Dad would then fly again on January 9 to be in Washington DC until January 13. OK, now he doesn't really need to be in Denver until January 4 with the bid going in on January 13. He then flies into Washington DC on January 16 with his presentation on the 21st.

We could continue with our original flight to Denver but it would mean for us to stay there for 2 1/2 weeks. We would be able to visit with Jenn and the kids, plus Uncle Alan and Aunt Bonnie but once Dad goes to work on the bid on January 4, what do I do? Especially for the next week and a half? I could fly back home early by myself. I could just stay there. I also could not go altogether and Dad changes his flight to January 4-13 and then to Washington DC from January 16-21.

So many options. Nothing is ever easy. We will keep you posted.

Did we say we didn't want to travel?

We had every intention to stay around here for quite awhile with out doing any traveling. Well, that has gone by the way side. Dad and I will be flying to Denver on December 28 and be there until January 6. Dad is there for the VA Hospital bid. Most of those days he will be holed up with other estimators working on this bid and try to out due 4 other contractors.

The bid goes in on January 6 but there is also an interview process that Clark will have to go through too. This takes place in Washington DC. So, Dad will be flying to Washington on January 9 and have rehearsal with the team before they present themselves on the 12th. Dad will then leave on the 13th.

He wants to see Jon and Tony plus families on Sunday, January 10, as this will be the only day available to him to visit. He is concerned that this second trip may be too much for me as we would have just returned from Denver. Who know how I would feel? Do I go and visit one day and then spend 3 days in the hotel or stay at home and come and go as I want but miss Dad? I just wish we had more visiting time. Undecided because I want to see everybody. I also understand about not being able to do anything except watch TV or read magazines. It is OK for a while but could get real boring.

What to do, what to do!

Cat or a Dog

OK, Chester always sleeps on top of the chair but now Frankie? Did Chester teach him or did Frankie just learn by himself? I sometimes lose Frankie in the colors of the chair. He blends so well. I have to laugh at these two. At least they aren't fighting with one another.

Children as Adults

I have three grown children who have grown into wonderful adults. They have gone their own separate ways, ways that their parents have been surprised at their decisions. This makes the unique people that they are.

As parents, you still want the best for them. You have that desire to make any problem go away and make any hurt heal as fast as it can. A big hurt has happened over Thanksgiving that up to now is unresolved. We don't know the story except what has been told to us by the parties involved. Of course, each one has their take on the problem. Each one is hurt in some way. How do we help them?

We can't take sides. We know this is something that will get worked out but how long will this take? Has anyone taken the time to talk to one another in person and not by email or a blog? Are you so angry that you can't get past the hurt? Does anyone really know what has caused the hurt? Has it been something of a great crisis that it is unforgivable? Why don't you try and write a letter to each person and express your hurt? This has to be your hurt and not being accusing the other person of anything. For instance, "It hurt me when a decision was made without listening to my input." "I didn't understand why something was done." "Why can't you come to me to discuss something that you disagree with instead of shutting me out/off? I am hurt when this happens and I miss not being in touch."

After writing what you have to say, SIT down with one another, exchange the letters, read them and then discuss. No fighting! It just might surprise everyone how you feel about each other. Everyone has their own feelings and way of doing things. It is not always easy for people to get along. Just look at the wars we have. I know this is an extreme example but you should get my message. Right now, there is a small war going on between the 4 of you. Who is right, who will give a little, who wants peace, or how many causalities will it cause before it ends.

There is a brother that needs the other, if for no other reason than support. Work this out! It's Christmas... how can you go into this holiday with such a hate?