Just How Do You Handle This

July 10-11, 2009 — I have asked my children to come spend the weekend with Wanda and me. Given my health status and the uncertainty of the issues I wanted to talk with them face-to-face, to tell them what I know and how I feel, to tell them about my plan for addressing the issues, and to hear what they have to say. It is important to me that I am as clear as possible on all of it.

Well I got side tracked a bit and did not get this finished on the 10th. My oldest son and his wife arrived about 5 a.m. having driven all night from Arkansas. It's so good they are here. My other three children showed up at various times throughout the day. The laughter began last night and I know will continue on through the weekend.

Today some of Wanda's children and wives and husbands will be here. This is also important to me, for this affords the first opportunity for us all to get to know each other better.

So is this just about me? Certainly not! While I have made it clear to all that I intend to detail my situation as best as possible and leave no stone unturned, this is more about family being family. I seek no one's sympathy, but only an understanding and to appeal for their support. I really know I will have that support. And again, I don't mean the holding hand sort of support, but rather the sharing of ideas and thoughts, their own experiences, or experiences of others they know. This is how one gets through battles in life. No man is an island unto himself. Those that think that are fools.

So I look forward to this day and whatever it will bring. I look forward to the fun and the laughter. the beer and the wine, the hamburgers and hot dogs, and most of all I look forward to being with my family. Families are forever and that is what really matters!