A Good Day

I called dad this morning and asked how he's doing and his reply was, "I woke up so it must be a good day!" I'm so glad that he has such a great sense of humor throughout all of this.

This past week was very exhausting for him. He had two doctor appointments and two trips to the hospital. His blood transfusion took nearly 7 hours this time, which is longer than he likes to be gone for one day.

He usually has a lot more energy after his transfusions, so he was hoping to feel good enough on Thanksgiving to go to Earl and Tifiny's for dinner. By the time he got showered and ready to go, he was feeling to shaky and tired. They ended up not being able to join us but their sweet Relief Society President brought them both a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. They said they ate until they just couldn't eat any more. Rhett also brought them each a big plate from our dinner for them to eat later. I have to say though, it just wasn't the same without them. Even though the house was packed, it felt empty without them there.

Today I wanted to make them Sunday dinner, so I cooked a turkey all day long with stuffing and the works. Walking into their house this afternoon I went to open the door and SPLAT!!! I dropped the turkey all over the garage floor! I felt terrible! Mom had the table set so beautifully and dad was hungry and ready to eat but they were so optimistic, they weren't worried about it all all and kept telling me that dinner will be just fine, and it was. We salvaged whatever didn't touch the floor and we had more than enough for everyone that was here.

Well I think dad is doing pretty good considering his doctor told him 6 weeks ago that he only had 3 weeks to live. Even though he is extremely tired, he manages to exercise every morning (which is more than I can say for myself... and I'm not sick). Like I've said before, he is amazing!

I hope with each week that he continues to get better and better. Thanks again for all of your prayers and support.

Love, Karen

A Message for My Daddy, from your Baby Girl

Dear Dad,

Every memory I have of you and with you brings a smile to my face. Sometimes I was obnoxious, sometimes I was selfish and sometimes I was clueless. But you were always forgiving, always understanding and always loving. As I fondly reminisce about our wonderful father/daughter relationship, I realize and appreciate that I had the best childhood with the most wonderful, patient and kind daddy.

You were always proudly sitting in the audience with a tear in your eye every time I sang God bless America.

You always let me tag along as you went to Gary’s house to work on your computer.

You let me sleep next to you when you rested during the day while working graveyard.

When I came home and announced that one of the boys at school had asked me to go out with him, you told me to tell that boy I already had a boyfriend, my father.

You used to come to girl’s camp every year. I loved having you there with me and so did all the girls. You hiked with us, filmed our cheesy skits and songs, played the National Anthem at the crack of dawn and always helped us feel safe.

I remember that anytime you got new speakers or a new TV, you would test the sound by playing the opening scene of Top Gun full blast.

I was nervous on my baptism day, afraid that my toes would come out of the water and I’d have to go under again. So you stepped on my feet to make sure I'd stay put.

You said things like, “You make a better door than a window”, and “sounds like a personal problem” and “how about a knuckle sandwich?” and “humbug” after a long belch.

You’d always leave a dollar or two on the table so I could buy a snack at lunch.

You let me hold on as you took me for a ride on the three wheeler.

You made the best breakfasts when we went camping.

We had a daddy daughter date where we had to eat our dinner off household items instead of utensils. I remember you refusing to eat a donut off the handle of a brand new plunger.

You encouraged me to keep believing in Santa Claus.

You always made Christmas the best holiday in the world.

You came to my soccer games even though you hated soccer.

You drove me to St. George when I started college.

We had road trip traditions: beef jerky from Thompson’s and squeaky cheese from Delta.

You always filled my car with gas and checked the oil.

If I ever had a car problem, you would immediately drive the four hour trip to rescue me and fix my car in St. George.

You watched me drive away for california. And you checked in with me along the way following my progress on a map online.

You told me I could always come home.

You gave me a beautiful father’s blessing on my wedding day.

You drove to California on several occasions to visit me.

You were there when my children were born.

You introduced me to NCIS.

I am leaving tomorrow. I wouldn't be able to go all the way to Hawaii unless I knew you were doing well. You are strong, you are a fighter, you are a survivor! I know at this point it's all up to you. You have defied odds, you have proven doctors wrong, you have survived! And I know you will continue to fight.

As I get ready to leave, I savor your hug, I applaud your success and I fondly reflect on all these wonderful memories and the ones to come.

I love you so much Daddy. See you soon,

Diana

Thankful

I am so thankful that Dad has been responding well to the new treatment.

I am thankful for all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf.

I am thankful for an eternal family.

I am thankful to be able to give my dad hugs any time I want to.

I am thankful for the doctors and nurses and MOM for taking such good care of Dad.

I am thankful that my children have been able to spend the last month with their grandpa, grandma, cousins and aunts and uncles.

I am thankful for all of you who are reading this, who love my dad and wish the best for him and our family.

With a grateful heart (and a full belly--thanks Earl and Tifiny!) this Thanksgiving,

Diana

Happy Anniversary

Mom and Dad have been married 42 years today.

And are more in love now than ever before.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Faith, Love & Hope

This week dad went to see his oncologist and she was very happy with how well his body is taking to this new drug. Last week when he went in for blood tests, his white blood cells were off the charts high. This week when he went in they were very low, which means that his new chemo is killing the leukemia cells. This is great news and we hope it will continue to keep working and keep him with us for a very long time.

He had a platelet transfusion on Wednesday, which usually gives him a lot of energy but for some reason this week he has been even more tired than usual. They said that this could be a side effect from the chemo which is much better than nausea and dizziness. He said that it makes it harder to fight but that he is not done fighting! What an inspiration you are to all of us dad!

Thank you again to everyone for visiting or sending him notes or comments. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such love and support.

Love you all,

Karen

Amazing Man

Dad is feeling about the same today, tired, tired and more tired. He had a good weekend with lots of friends and family. Robert and Liz drove out from Iowa again and along with mom's Christmas decorations, Liz made it feel like the holidays with all of her yummy cooking! (Thank you Liz, I gained 6 lbs!) He was also able to make it to Earl and Tifiny's for one of their amazing Sunday dinners.


Robert also found out that dad has out-lived 90% of case studies, so GREAT JOB DAD!!! We are grateful that he has such a positive attitude and is fighting so hard. What a great example he is to us. We couldn't have asked for better parents and are grateful for our family and know that no matter what, Families Are Forever!


I just want to say I love you dad and you truly are one of my very best friends. You've always been there for me and I know that you would do anything for any of your children. You have been the best dad and I appreciate you more than you could ever imagine. Thanks for being you!


Love, Karen

Ode to our Veteran

First of all, Happy Veterans Day Dad! He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm and once he conquers this war with Leukemia, he'll be a triple war veteran. We love you dad! Thank you for your service to our country your fellow men and your family.

Three weeks ago dad was given three weeks to live, they said he would be on hospice and we thought we would be planning a funeral. We still understand that the circumstances are uncertain but at the same time we believe that with faith, hope and the power of positive thinking plus dad's fighting spirit, nothing is impossible.

He continues to amaze, impress and inspire us all. He had a blood transfusion on Wednesday so he's felt pretty good. We have all been keeping him company ALL DAY, EVERYDAY! The funny thing is, when we feel like we are wearing him down and go upstairs, my mom comes up and says "dad misses you, come back down" so we do until he falls asleep. Mom thinks it feels like the old days having us all around constantly. We have so much fun together and never get sick of one another. Mom has started decorating for Christmas because she and dad think that Christmas makes everyone feel happy. There is a wonderful atmosphere in their home.

Again we would like to thank all of you for your love and support. We appreciate all your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for his (and mom's) health and comfort.

Feel free to leave him a message, as he and my mom enjoy reading them together.

Love you all!

Karen

The Few, The Proud

Happy 235th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. We are so proud to have a father who is a warrior, a hero, a soldier and a FIGHTER! His fighting spirit continues to prove true through this battle against cancer.

Whenever this commercial comes on, Dad points to the screen and asks the grandkids, "Who is that?" And they reply, "Grandpa!"

Happy Birthday to the few and the proud.

Food and Festive

Last night I was afraid we wouldn't have enough food for everyone for dinner. And then Mom's Filipina friends, Teena and Emma showed up with pots of pansit and mungo beans and chicken cordon bleu and leche flan. Then Paul arrived with an enormous pot of homemade chicken & dumpling soup with homemade rolls from his sweet mother-in-law Dinah. Early this afternoon Julie Wait stopped by with two large tupperwares full of chili, a pan of cornbread, a platter of cheesecake and chips and dip. We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity. Especially since it can feel like Grand Central Station around here most days!

When Karen and I arrived today, Mom had decorated her house for the holidays. Christmas trees, lights and nativity scenes are adorning the house. The festive atmosphere certainly adds a warm and inviting spirit to their home.

Dad continues to be in high spirits and full of life. He shows no signs of slowing down and continually amazes us with his strength and attitude. In fact yesterday he told April that he would stick around for nine months if she would promise him a new baby granddaughter.

We love our inspiring Dad and we are so grateful for his example.

A Good Day

Dad was on his treatment for the second day today and he still seems to be handling it well. No nausea or swelling and he is in great spirits. In fact, he rode 14 miles today! Next time you're working out and you think you can't do another rep or another five minutes, think of my dad, I'm sure you'll find it in you.

He has been feeling exhausted for most of the day but that hasn't stopped him from hanging out with us, going for another ride in the Corvette with Earl today and even staying up past his usual bedtime to cheer the Jazz through double-overtime against the Clippers tonight.

I also want to point out how grateful we are to Rhett and April for graciously letting us take over their house. They are such wonderful and welcoming hosts: cleaning up messes, providing food and snacks, giving up beds (Rhett even slept in the camper recently!) and always happy to have us over. Thank you April and Rhett!

And thank you again to all the supporters out there reading this, checking in and sending love and prayers our way. Dad's friend and coworker Lee stopped by this morning with two boxes of doughnuts from Tooele's Nigh-Time Donuts. Another friend Al brought treats, ladies from the nieghborhood and ward have dropped of bread and cakes, Mikey, Travis and Charlotte brought a big bag of cookies, and loved ones continually stop by to visit and wish Dad well. We all really appreciate the outpouring of thoughtful gestures that we have received. Thank you all.

With Love.

More Cars, New Med and Family

Here is one of the pictures Earl mentioned in his previous post. This is the family in matching outfits made by Mom, in front of Dad's '68 Hemi Charger.

Earl picked up the car from the shop today and was able to take Dad for a short drive. They were both grinning ear to ear when they came home.

Dad started his new treatment today and so far so good. He has been super tired but other than that we haven't seen signs of bad side effects thus far (knock on wood!).

Uncle Jay and Aunt Vivian were here earlier today and our cousin Russ called to check in on Dad from North Dakota.

Most of the family was here tonight for dinner. Cute little Charlotte (Mike and Amy) was singing primary songs, chubby little Dexter (Paul and Sam) giving everyone smiles, snuggly tiny Peyton (Karen and Paul) was being passed around from Aunt to Uncle to Grandma and Grandpa, helpful Rhett Taylor (Rhett and April) happily accepting assignments to run errands and help with kiddos and sweet little Cohen (Diana and Conway) kept offering everyone kisses.

It's so wonderful to be surrounded by our fabulous family. I think we might overwhelm Dad from time to time, but he quietly closes his eyes as we talk and laugh around him. We are so grateful to be able to spend every minute possible with him.

BIG EARL, LITTLE EARL AND THEIR CAR

My dad is my best friend. We have always shared a love for cars. He is a Mopar man. The time we spent working on our cars when I was young are some of my fondest memories. If you could look at family pictures growing up, you would notice that we are all in front of one of Dad's cars, as they were as much a part of the family as anyone else. If we could, we would buy another 68 Hemi Charger. That is our dream car that we once had. Since a 68 Hemi Charger now costs more than a house, we will just fondly remember the sound of that Elephant engine sucking air from 8 barrels of carb and the distinct idle the Monster made. I loved to sit in the car and feel it shake. I dreamed of the day when I turned 16 and I would be the one behind the wheel. Little did I know that when I turned 16, my sweet dad would turn from Mr. Mopar to a Subaru lover. My dream was just that. About three years ago, Dad had a wonderful idea. He knew how much cars brought us together. I love talking cars with Dad. I could sit and talk forever about cars with my Dad. Dad's idea was a car for the two of us. We thought maybe another Mopar. Maybe a new Challenger. We were looking around and this beautiful Z06 Corvette caught our eye. We took it for a ride and we were now Corvette guys. This car was loud, powerful and freaking awesome. Dad could not get this car out of his mind, no matter what else we looked at. I had never really been that into Corvettes, but this was different. We had to have it. Though the car has been in the shop more than not, it is our car and it is the most beautiful Vette on the road. Dad added a little power to the girl. STS twin turbos! What! This thing is not only one of the most beautiful cars on the road, but one of the loudest, fastest cars on the road. I can hear Dad coming to visit from a mile away. I loved hearing him get on it when he pulled out onto the highway, then he would call me to ask me how it sounded. Oh, I love my dad. He knows how to make me smile. He is never concerned about himself. This car was his plan to bring us closer. It worked. We broke down in it a few weeks ago and it was great. I was with my dad and that is all that mattered. April had to rescue him because he didn't think he needed his oxygen. He didn't plan on being broken down in the middle of 90th South and I15 during rush hour. Today we watched as a tow truck hauled it off to Riverton Chevy, where it is in good hands. The guys there wanted to know how Dad is doing. One of the service managers almost cried when I told him about Dad. Everyone who knows my mom and dad can't help but love them. They treat everyone like gold. Anyway, I can't wait until my dad and our car are both out of the shop. I can't wait to go for a ride Dad. I want to be the one in the passenger seat. I love you Dad.

Rosie Cheeks

I just finished reading your comments to Dad. Again, thank you so much for your love and support, your prayers and concern and your faith and hope. Mom was just joking (at least I think she was joking) with Dad that she wanted to invite the Utah Jazz to visit him. He replied that he has so much support from people that he knows and loves that why would he need a visit from a stranger? So thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Are you ready to be inspired? Dad rode twelve miles on his bike today! That's one hour on the bike for a man who has been given the worst news a guy can get and just keeps fighting. I am in awe of his strength and fortitude.

He was given two paks of platelets yesterday so his cheeks are rosy today and he feels OK. He was also given a picc line yesterday. He is pretty tired today so hopefully he is able to rest.

Thank you again for checking in on him. We love you.

Rose Family

Dad is the oldest of 11 kids. Mom and Dad have 7 kids. Between us 7 there are 29 grandchildren. That's a lot of Roses!

So as you can imagine, we have had a house full. It can get pretty chaotic when we are all together and we always ask Dad if he wants us to leave or take the kids upstairs, but he likes having the family nearby. Sometimes he just closes his eyes and listens as we reminisce, tell jokes and laugh; other times he participates in the conversations. But he's always ready to give the kids hugs, hold them as they nap and share his treats. We love him so much and we are all so grateful for him and his love for our family. He and Mom are the glue that hold this amazing family together. We love each other so much and we love our Daddy and Grandpa!

Thank you for your continued thoughtfulness, prayers and concern. We will keep updating the blog so please keep checking and leaving comments. Dad and Mom read them together every night. My deepest and most sincere gratitude goes out to all of you who are reading this. Please know how appreciated you are.

Update

Mom and dad had a house full this weekend. It was so wonderful to have all of dad's siblings, children and grand children around him. Although it wears him out, I know that it makes him very happy to have such love and support. Thank you to everyone that came over, made dinners, brought treats etc. We love you all so much! Aunt Linda drove them to the oncologist today so we are all just here waiting for them to get back. Diana and Conway said that he looked great this morning. He was able to ride his bike and Diana was able to get some video of him while she interviewed him.

Thank you Uncle Warren and Aunt Gina for flying home from New Jersey to be with him. Diana and Conway and their kids are here from Hawaii, Bob and Liz and their kids are here from Iowa, Sara Garff and Julie Wait have been here making the best chili, clam chowder and spaghetti sauce, Jan brought over several dinners, Liz has been cooking and entertaining the kids. She conducted a family talent show last night which was really fun. Almost everyone participated. She had us sing the Marine Corp hymn as a tribute to dad and we were all in tears.

We have had a great time together watching all of our old home movies that dad so diligently took throughout our lives. We can't stop laughing at all of the phases of our hairstyles, clothing and dad's infamous ponytail!

I'm so grateful for my wonderful family and the life that I have been blessed with. I have the best parents in the entire world and appreciate their unconditional love and concern for all who know them.

Mom just called and said that dad is heading to St. Marks for a blood transfusion and an EKG and he'll have a platelets tomorrow as well as a picc line so they can draw blood each week.

Please keep him in your prayers and write him messages, as he checks them everyday. It's too exhausting for him to talk on the phone but he appreciates those who have tried to call.

Thanks again to all of you! We love you so much!

Love, Karen