" Happy Father's Day", Dad, " I Love You"

Sunday, June 21, 2009
0845 AM

Happy Father's Day to Darlene's and my fathers, we are both sorry we could not be with you today but we wanted to say thank you for all the years of "special" things that you have both done and given us. We hope you both have a very special day today and know that although we are not with you in person, you will be thought of many many times today. Thank you for being the great examples that you have been and given each of us that "little something" that makes each of us a little different and special in our own way. Happy Father's Day to you both.

This morning I find myself sitting on the deck of CareMeridian listening to the birds chirp and await the arrival of the sun. A little cool, I have dawned a light jacket, sipping a cup of French roast coffee, hearing the hustle and bustle of the traffic, people scurrying to get their Father's Day started.

It is so different here at CM, the total spirit of this place is about healing. From the design of the facility, the personable staff, to the placement of the building on the property. It all spells out "healing", "comfort" and as I type the word "peace" comes to mind.

All through the week as I worked at the school my boss told me that he noticed something different since Dar moved to CM. He said that I seemed more at "peace", more focused, able to keep my attention to projects that need to be taken care of. We are getting ready to start some major projects at the school of which I will be taking the role of project manager. He said that I seem more relaxed. Not as anxious as I have been over the last few months.

It’s true these observations are for the most part correct. I am better, and much of it has to do with where Dar is. The attention she is getting, the staff and re-hab she is receiving. It does make for more “peace” and “comfort”. I am so thankful Dar is at CM.

Yesterday was not one of Dar’s better days. Again I found her much to my dismay and frustration, with yet another low fever. When I arrived she was up in the activity room, in her chair but not her “perky” self. In fact it was the first time that I felt like Dar was not happy to see me. She was without a doubt not feeling well. I was able to make her laugh a little, we did go outside for some time and she enjoyed the sunshine and the breeze on her face but she just was not the Dar we know. Again I have to say that these low days have been far fewer that the good days, but I guess I sort of set myself up for disappointment when I just “expected’ her to be that perky, vibrant little lady she is.

It turns out that Dar probably has another UTI infection. A sample was sent out for culture late in the afternoon and we should have results in a couple 3 days. In the meantime I would imagine they would start Dar on something as per doctors orders.

I so look forward to seeing Dar this morning and hope she is feeling better.

Again I encourage those of you that would like to come down and see her to please not hesitate. She would love to see you.

Today is the NASCAR Sonoma 350 at Infinion Raceway. I would imagine it is going to be a zoo to try and get across the HWY 37 Bridge back to Vallejo. It is my plan to leave CM around 2:00pm when the race starts and sneak across the water. I am supposed to have a meeting with or “social worker” this morning around 10:30 and if all goes well and the “race gods” are with me I can “get out of Dodge” and beat feet it out of here and avoid the crazies.

Again, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there and I will post again during the day to let you know how Dar is today. Have a great day dads, and moms and know that Dar and I love and miss you all.

We so appreciate your prayers of support and acts of kindness. Dar received a few more cards from the “Red Hatters” and even the “pink ones” too. Thank you ladies, thank you Bertha at the Post at Office in Bangor, thank you Jen at Wal-Mart, thank you fellow Wal-Mart Associates, thank you will never be enough and I cannot name all, just know that we love all of our “supporters” with all our heart.

God Bless and have a Great Fathers Day,

Love,
Darlene and Danny

Post update,

12:25 hours

Dar is doing much better today, very tired after yesterday but has been with her speaking valve since shortly after my arrival. Happier than yesterday, but just laid back more than usual. Bout yesterday with fever took a toll. Speech therapist, Kaylinn very happy with Dar's ability to have the speaking valve on.

All in all a much better day for both Dar and myself, happy faters day to me. I am so blessed.

Danny