And Men Are, That They Might Have Joy

It's so nice having Earl here. His family just moved to St. George but he still works in SLC so he stays here from Monday through Thursday. He has been taking Dad for walks every evening as the sun goes down. Dad is able to get fresh air, enjoy the beautiful sunsets, the gorgeous Utah mountains and the South Jordan Temple that is lit up at night. And we enjoy walking and talking together as a family.Mom's sweet friends Teena and Emma brought her some Filipino food for lunch the other day. The lunch menu included squid, fish heads, salmon and some other things that Mom really enjoyed (I'll have to take her word for it.) Salamat ladies!

Thanks to modern technology I have been able to connect with my family in Hawaii over the internet. Marley had her first hula performance and gave her first talk in primary and Cohen is now talking in sentences and jumping into the pool backwards. I am eternally grateful to my sister-in-law Alisha who flew to Hawaii to care for my children. I just know great blessings must be in store for her for her selfless service.

Dad's sweet nurses Mary Kay and Amy from the Huntsman Cancer Institute came to visit Dad yesterday. He stayed awake all day because he knew they were coming and didn't want to be asleep during their visit. He is no longer their patient yet they care about him so much they still want to check on him and tell him that they love him. We are so appreciative of such wonderful and compassionate people!

Dad is still resting most of the time. When he's awake I always ask him if he is happy. His answer is, "you bet!" He is happy. And so are we.

And after all, that's what really matters, right?

2 Ne 2:25 - "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

Sleep

Dad is at Alta View hospital getting platelets. Last week when they weighed him he was 183 lbs. Today he was down to 172. He was sleeping peacefully when we went to visit him and he only woke briefly enough to say, "hi baby" when I was talking to him.

When Mike went to visit him a couple hours ago, he said that Mom and Dad were both asleep in Dad's hospital bed. They are the sweetest, most adorable couple. It's so endearing to see how much they love each other.

The good thing about them going to the hospital is that Mom actually gets some sleep. At home she happily empties his catheter, changes his linens, dispenses his medications which are many, and feeds him, gets him dressed, etc. She rests from time to time during the night but she never really sleeps. So I'm hoping that tonight she will sleep.

And I'm hoping that Dad will get enough sleep that he will feel recharged and be ready to come home tomorrow with some fresh new jokes and some strong hugs and that those sparkling blue eyes that I wish I had inherited will be wide open.

Awake and Amazing

Dad has been sleeping a lot lately. But when he is awake he is either making us laugh with his witty one-liners, getting to know his new little dog, enjoying hugs and kisses from his kids and grandkids or even watching some TV.

Earlier this week, Dad woke up wanting to get out of bed. When I saw him trying to get up I asked where he was going. "To go downstairs and watch the news," he answered. I explained to him that he wasn't strong enough to walk and I didn't want to risk him falling. It breaks my heart to have to tell him he can't do something.

At this point, I am certain that if my dad really wants to do something, like walk, he will be able to do it. He has shown such determination and drive that I know I'll always think of him whenever I have to find courage or strength from within myself.

I hope his fight has encouraged you in the same way. Whether you're struggling to do one more rep in your workout and can't seem to find the strength, or whether you feel like hope is lost and you don't think you can go on; I hope you'll think of my dad's example and find that somehow you CAN.

Here he is sitting up on his bed. He doesn't have much physical strength to be able to do this, but with his mental strength and determination, he somehow finds the way. The man is amazing! And such an inspiration.

Over the Weekend

Friday night after everyone had gone to bed, Dad and I were still awake. I was able to get some precious one-on-one time with him.

I asked if he were strong enough to give me a hug and he said, "I always have enough strength for that!"

After a great big bear hug he said, "thanks for loving me so much." I told him it was pretty darn easy.

Since we didn't get a chance to have family prayers before everyone went to bed I asked Dad if he'd like to say them with me. He said he would and then asked me to please forgive him for not kneeling.

Robert arrived on Saturday afternoon and we were all so happy to see him. Especially Dad. After a long embrace Bob thanked Dad for holding on for him. Dad responded, "You are definitely worth sticking around for!"

Before Earl left for St. George he was able to take Dad for a ride in his Corvette. It was a struggle getting Dad into the car but after a long ride he returned to tell us it was well worth it!

On Saturday night Rhett and the boys came home with a new dog. Dad had been expressing a desire for a lap dog and he was happy to meet Shadow, the little Border Terrier, last night.

Dad has been very tired all day today. We've been trying to talk to him tonight but he is having a hard time responding to us right now. Mom is cuddled up next to him in his hospital bed and as always he is surrounded by people who love him.

I can only hope that one day when it's time for me to look back on my life, I will be surrounded by a family who loves and adores me. That my children will be there holding my hands and rubbing my feet. That the friends I've made along the way will check in to say hello and ask what they can do to help. And that when I tell tell them all thanks for loving me so much they will smile and say, "it's pretty darn easy."

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

Dad slept all day today. All day. He woke up momentarily for some medications and a few bites of food and he briefly opened one eye to look at me this afternoon but other than that, he slept and slept.

We talk to him while he's sleeping. We lay next to him, we give him hugs and kisses. Mom is always there by his side watching over him, making sure his oxygen is in correctly or wiping sweat off his brow.

But about an hour ago he woke up. It's these tender moments with him that we love so much. He jokes, he smiles, he laughs. He holds our hands, kisses and cuddles. It's moments like these that we will wait for all day.

Tonight his sweet Hailey (their first grandchild) was here by his side. He snuggled with her, kissed her and even tried to run his fingers through her hair. His fingers got stuck and we all laughed. So he offered to let Hailey run her fingers through his. Which she did. And we all laughed again.

We read scriptures together and then when it was time for family prayer we asked Dad who he would like to say it and he said he would.

Mom, Hailey, April and I were able to partake in the sweet spirit that was here as Dad said a humble prayer to our Heavenly Father tonight. Asking special blessings to be with those who are sick and those who need His comfort and offering sincere gratitude for the opportunity we have to be together with our family and those we love.

1 Nephi 1:20 - But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith...

God May Not Always Come When You Call...

But He will ALWAYS be on time.


I went to the hospital with Mom and Dad yesterday. Dad's platelets were low. Low is 115. Dad's were at 14. I witnessed what this looks like first hand.

He was admitted to his room around noon. By 2:00, his nose was bleeding; by 6:00, his shirt and sheets were covered in blood. The nurse started his transfusion at 9:00 PM.

Around 10:30, his nose was bleeding, his mouth was full of blood, the blood had dripped down and pooled in his neck and all over his sheets and I tried to clean him up. I used paper towel after paper towel but finally called the nurse for some help.

The nurse, her aid, my mom and I all worked to get the blood out of Dad's mustache and beard, out of his nose and his mouth.

Shortly thereafter, Dad was in a lot of pain because he was trying to go to the bathroom. His stomach was poking out on one side and it felt hard. My heart was breaking. I asked the nurse when they would be doing his soap suds enema and she said they wanted to wait until he had his platelets.

I gave my dad a big hug and kiss and left the hospital around 11:30. I never like leaving his side, especially when he is so weak and and hurting.

At around 1:45 AM my phone started ringing, I looked to see that it was my mom and panic settled over me. BUT it was Mom calling to tell me that our prayers had been answered. She was overjoyed because he had finally pooped! (She was especially grateful that this happened at the hospital so she didn't have to be the one cleaning up! Double blessings!)

She called me again around 2:00 AM just because she was so happy. She cried and said, "we tried everything, everything they could come up with and it wasn't until we asked everyone to 'pray for poop' that it finally happened. It's such a miracle! Please thank everyone for me!"

I just got off the phone with her again. They will be leaving the hospital in about half an hour. She said Dad looks much better and feels better but that he is very tired. She said that took a lot out of him (literally!). He is pooped out! (Sorry Dad)

Thank you all again for your prayers. They were answered! This is nothing short of a miracle and we all recognize that.

Alma 33:11 - And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou has been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy.

Pray for Poop! And Other Updates.

We will be leaving in a few minutes to IMHC so Dad can have a blood transfusion. He always feels much better after those. To those of you who faithfully donate blood to your local blood banks, THANK YOU! You truly do save lives!

Yesterday Dad woke up in the late afternoon and asked for his cane. We told him it was in the garage. He said he needed it because he wanted to go for a walk. Mom said she could take him for a walk in the wheelchair and he said, "that's a start!"

So we were able to take him outside to feel a cool breeze and see the sunshine.

As of right now it has been nearly a month since he has had a bowel movement. My sweet, conservative Daddy would be quite embarrassed if he knew I was advertising this to the world, but it's the most important thing right now. They've tried everything from enemas to shots and medications and laxatives. So far nothing is working. The nurse on Saturday didn't hear any bowel sounds in his stomach and assumed his colon was shutting down. But last night the nurse said she heard very active bowel sounds in all four chambers of his stomach! So now he just needs to go! So please help us help him and PRAY FOR
POOP!

****And please don't tell him I said that. He really would be horrified. This is a man who refuses to use public restrooms and considers any words to do with bodily functions as profanity.

Another Miraculous Sunday

It was a looooong night. We all camped out on the floor at Dad's bed with Mom on the couch. It almost felt like Christmas having us all together. Aunt Dena stayed up all night at Dad's bedside. She was there keeping an eye on Dad and making sure he had a cool washcloth on his head when he was warm. She finally went to bed at 5:00 this morning when Mom got up to be with Dad.

About an hour later Dad woke up. He woke up with a smile on his face but had pain in his mouth from his infected teeth. We gave him some of his morphine elixir and he slept a little more.

The nurse came back and was impressed with how well Mom has been taking care of Dad: on top of his medications and dressing his bed and etc. She was even more impressed with Dad. His stomach is a little softer and she heard some faint bowel sounds. It's not much. But we'll take anything we can get!

Early this afternoon he woke up alert and happy and full of life and energy.

Right about then our beloved Dr. Wells showed up. Dr. Wells was our dentist in Tooele. We all love and adore him. Dad has a sharp tooth that has been cutting his tongue. Mom called Dr. Wells and asked if she could file the tooth down with a fingernail file. Of course he said, "no, I have tools that can take care of that." And Mom replied that Dad couldn't drive, especially all the way to Tooele. Dr. Wells immediate response was, "Well I can!"

He arrived with tools and a smile that lights up the room (and not just because he's a dentist) He took great care of Dad and provided much needed relief to his aching mouth.

While Dad was still awake and alert, my dear friend Sara arrived with her camera. Sara is an incredible photographer (check out her website) and offered to take pictures of us with our handsome daddy. I texted her when Dad woke up to see if there were any time today that she could come over. She asked for our address and was here within 20 minutes!

She captured some priceless and precious moments of us with Dad. We can't express how grateful we are to her. We found out that she needed to be at another photo shoot but wanted to make sure to come here first for us.

We are so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people, quick to serve and be here at a moment's notice. Thank you so much! We have also been so touched by the beautiful words that have been expressed here. Mom has been reading them to Dad and they are both so grateful for all your kindness and support.

And we are especially grateful for each and every moment we have with our treasured Daddy. He is amazing and incredible. We are awed and inspired by his love for us and his tenacity to keep on fighting. His friend Jim Davis (a fellow Marine) called yesterday and asked how he was doing. Dad replied, "I'm hanging in there one nut, one bolt and one Semper Fi at a time!"

"Yes Drill Sergeant!"

Dad's Utah Marine Platoon reunion is today. Dad wishes he could go. He went about seven years ago and loved seeing the faces of the men he knew all those years ago.

Yesterday Dad's drill sergeant, Bill Robinson, drove up from New Mexico for the reunion. He heard Dad was sick so he and his wife stopped by the house to see him.

It was such a treat for us to meet him also. He told us some fun stories and Dad was awake and alert so they had a good visit.

He asked if there were a message Dad would like to send to the rest of the Platoon at the reunion. Dad told him to tell them that he loves them.

After we got Dad all settled into his new room upstairs, and after all the visitors left, he slept all day and all night but is awake now and eating lunch.

It's so nice for him to have the sun shining through the window and Mom has been busy organizing the new room, gardening in the front yard and keeping April's house clean.

From the Hospital

Karen, Mike and I are here with mom and dad at the hospital. He is receiving his first unit of blood right now. His nose is bleeding pretty badly and he is zoning in and out of dreamland. His dreams are very vivid. He just did a perfect salute and said it was an honor to have everyone here. We asked who he was saluting and he said, "The Marines."

Sometimes he dreams about silly things that don't make sense and other times he is convinced there is someone else in the room or we are somewhere else completely.

It's so hard to see him like this and even harder leaving him. I've been an arm's length away from him nearly every minute since I've arrived; even sleeping right next to Mom and Dad at night (just like I loved to when I was young--and let's be honest--even when I was not that young anymore). And tonight I will be in their big bed all by myself. I am anxiously waiting for Dad to stop bleeding, feel better and come home.

I'll definitely update when he gets home in the morning.

Rhett Taylor and the boys were able to see Grandpa in the hospital too

Karen and Peyton in Dad's hospital room. (We are wearing masks because Dad's white blood cell counts are low so he is susceptible to infection.)

At Alta View Hospital for Platelets

This morning Dad's mouth and nose have been pooling with blood. The spot on his cheek where his skin cancer was removed is bleeding too.

Mom called the hospice nurse and they are sending a transport unit to take Dad to Alta View Hospital where he will recieve two units of blood. He is very anxious for them to get here as the blood makes him very uncomfortable (phsysically and emotionally).

He and Mom will stay overnight and hopefully be back first thing tomorrow.

*****

OK, the transport just left with Mom and Dad. His nose was bleeding badly when he left but hopefully they can get this transfusion started right away so Dad will get feeling better.

The trip out to the van wiped him out (but THANK YOU PAUL MCKINNEY for coming to help get Dad up the stairs; there's NO WAY they could have done it without you!) but before they drove away he waved at me as I yelled for him to be strong.

I'm hoping to get to the hospital as soon as I can and I'll update when I know more.

Spread Sunshine all over the Place . . .

Sunday's trip to church took everything out of Dad. He slept all day yesterday. But this morning he was awake and alert again. Our cousin Samantha came over to say good-bye before returning to St. George and she told Dad she hated to see him like this.

He replied, "I know, but they say I have a good face!"

He has been in some pain today and feeling quite a bit nauseated; but he never complains. He fights through the pain and apologizes through the nausea. He always finds a way to make us laugh and never misses an opportunity to smile even if he's too tired to open his eyes.

"Gray skies are gonna clear up - put on a happy face/ Brush off the clouds and cheer up - put on a happy face/ Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy it's not your style/ You'll look so good that you'll be glad you decided to smile . . .Just put on a happy face!"

A Sunday Miracle

April and Rhett spoke in sacrament meeting today. Dad really wanted to be there especially since this was Rhett's first talk since being baptized a member of our church just five months ago. I was extremely concerned about him trying to leave especially after Friday's exhausting trip down the hallway. He had only gone about 30 feet by wheelchair and was so exhausted that he collapsed in Uncle Tim's arms and was gasping for breath for several minutes.

I thought a trip up the stairs into the car and all the way to church would be enough to overexert him completely.

I couldn't eat all morning and just kept praying for angels to be with him as he attempted to make it to church.

I truly believe my prayers were answered.

Mom got Dad dressed up nicely in his Filipino Barong and slacks and he asked to wear the war veteran ring that Rosie had recently given to him. He looked so handsome.

Earl came over and lifted Dad from his bed to his wheelchair then he and Paul with the help of Dad's brothers, Uncle Jay and Uncle Tim carried his wheelchair up the stairs. Earl lifted him again into the car.

As Mom was wheeling Dad into the church building, Dad leaned back to "steal a kiss" from his sweetheart. I couldn't help the tears of joy that filled my eyes as he entered the chapel. After Earl got him situated in the back row Dad called for him. Earl hurried back over to see what Dad needed and he simply said, "thank you."

I whispered to Dad that every person in that room loved him and had been praying for him.

It was a beautiful meeting. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house as April bore witness to the importance of temples and the sealing ordinances performed therein. Especially when she addressed Dad at the end of her talk saying: Dad, I am so grateful that you are here; not just here in church today but alive and with us. We will only be separated a short time and then be reunited once again because our family is forever!

Rhett gave an incredible talk about missionary work and his conversion to the gospel. He too addressed Mom and Dad saying, "and to my mother and father in law, the world's most amazing missionaries, who never preached to me out loud, who never made me feel like an outcast because of my unwillingness to conform, I strive to be more like you, you are the closest examples to Jesus in human form that I've known in this lifetime, and as I accept this new role as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I will always do my best to represent our faith just as you always have and still do."

We whisked Dad out of there during the closing hymn and got him safely back into his bed. He has been utterly wiped out all day. He finally just woke up about five minutes ago and remembers going to church today and hearing both their talks.

We are all so grateful for the prayers each of you have offered on our family's behalf. Thank you. I am especially grateful this Sabbath Day for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have felt His loving arms encirling me and my family especially this week and undeniably today as I witnessed this miracle during church. I know that our family can be together forever and that when we endure our trials with faith, greater blessings await us in this life and the life to come.

At Home with Dad

I arrived back home in Utah yesterday morning and my first order of business was to cuddle up next to Dad. He squeezed me as tight as he could manage and gave me about a dozen kisses. I stayed right there next to him for the rest of the day.

He has been very alert and able to have short conversations with me and had much more energy than I expected. We have laughed a little bit and cried a little bit but mostly we have just enjoyed being together.

Mom is an incredible nurse. He had a fever yesterday and she quickly provided Tylenol and a wet washcloth for his head. She checked his oxygen levels and when they were low she adjusted his gauge. At one point during the day he had a splitting headache and she was right there dimming the lights and offering comfort and aid.

Our family has been incredible as well. Dad's sister, Aunt Dena has been here right by Dad's side as well. And Uncle Tim came over yesterday to help us fix the computers and reset the internet. Thank you!

We are all so blessed to have such a loving, supportive family. We are getting visitors, emails and phone calls with well wishes. Even our family in the Philippines has reached out to let us know that Dad is in their thoughts and prayers as well.

Another shout-out must go to my wonderful husband who stayed home with my two children. He wanted me to be able to spend time with my parents and help out without distractions. And thank you to all the neighbors and friends back in Hawaii who have reached out to help him with the kids. Mahalo!

Thank you everyone for your continued love and support. I keep my parents updated with your words of love and encouragement and they are both so touched by your support.

Last night Mom, Aunt Dena and I all slept right next to Dad. I think he really enjoyed the "slumber party". And we all just had a good laugh as the three of us women tried lifting Dad to move him. We made it about 2 centimeters before we all collapsed laughing. Mom then tucked a towel underneath him to use as a lever and we tried again successfully. Dad laughed that the 69-year-old was the one with the guns! He's right. Mom is a superwoman.

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.

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.

Dear Family,

My dad hasn't been doing well for the past week or so. He has lost 10 lbs and has also lost his appetite and taste. Within the past month he has had 5 teeth pulled and needed another two root canals. The leukemia medication has caused his teeth to become very weak and they break easily. His mouth has been full of blood for the past few weeks. He also had a lesion taken off of his face that was found malignant but the dermatologist was sure that he got it all out. Today he went to his bi-monthly doctors appointment at the cancer institute and had a blood test only to find that his cancer is back. He will be going to St. Marks tomorrow afternoon for a blood transfusion because his platelets are very low again. There is not much they can do for him at this point. They will be taking him off all of his medications except for pain medications. There is also a medication that they can give him to prolong his life but Robert said that there are adverse side effects that may not be worth it to dad. Robert has a call in to dad's oncologist and he will call us to let us know what our options are. They have told us that he only has weeks left, he wants to continue to fight and do all that he can.

I told him tonight that I need him and he laughed and said "I need me too." Earl gave him a beautiful blessing tonight and we all had a good cry. He doesn't have a lot of energy lately but I know he appreciates reading your comments. He loves us all so much. Please keep him in your prayers. We may have more info tomorrow. I will email again after I talk to Robert.

I love and appreciate you all so much!

Love, Karen

Teeth and Skin

Either the cancer itself or the chemotherapy has caused Dad's teeth to rot and decay. But because Dad's dentist is in Tooele he hasn't been able to go for a long time because he is too weak to make that drive.

With the help of a loving and concerned Bishop and his wife, Dad was finally able to see a dentist and had five of his teeth pulled. Two more will have root canals.

The cancer doctor also recommended that Dad see a dermatologist about some cancerous spots on his face. Again thanks to the Bishop's sweet wife, Dad was able to find a dermatologist and have them removed.

He is still exercising every day and continues to amaze us with his strength and attitude.

Our family has been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful Christ-like people who have offered help and service at every opportunity.

We are filled with gratitude for all Dad's wonderful cheerleaders and supporters. Thank you!