Sunday, April 10, 2011

A tribute....to a very special grandmother

Today, my grandmother, Barbara Allen Stubblefield, joined the angels in heaven.  She was welcomed by some very special angels, my niece Ambre & my Dad.  These 3 individuals have helped shape me into the man I am today.  As I write this, in tears, the memories flash through my mind.  I knew this day was coming, but no matter how prepared I could be, I never believed it would so difficult. 

I have many good memories and she will always be in my heart.  I will miss her so very much & look forward to day when I can see her again.  Below are some pics that I hold close to my heart.

Mom with Gma & Bert

Shirley Mitchell & Gma


Gma & Mrs. Rhoad




Gma & Bert, many years ago.  She wore that dress to my wedding =)

Gma & Bert

Me & Gma Summer 2000 at the lake house

Gma & Bert at Don & Joanie's wedding

Gma & Bert at their 40th Anniversary Party

Gma & Me at their anniversary party

Gma & Kris...enjoying a moment

Gma =)

Gma on her bitrthday 2007

Gma Xmas 2005

Me & Gma 2010

Maui




Bert, Gma & My Dad


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Spring? Hopefully it's here.

On March 21st, I had back surgery (Lumbar Discectomy as Dr. Gruber would put it).  I was in the hospital over night & then went home to Trevor's to recouperate.  The first week, I pretty much slept all day, was up for dinner and then went back to bed.  The 2nd week I was up and about more...had my sutures out on that thursday & then helped with the Candlelighter Dinner Auction on April Fools Day.  This past monday, I returned to work, half time.  I am getting stronger each day, but still know there are lots of limits to what I can do, for a while....

I am very thankful for Trevor's patience....its not easy being a patient & especially not easy being the caregiver.  Stoli has been by my side through it all...know exactly when to put his cold nose on my arm...& when not to jump up.  Even Trevor's dogs have been especially careful around me.

Spring is finally hitting Spokane.  There are tulips & daffodills coming up in the yard (Trevor's, not mine...the snow has just melted off of mine).  I sit on the deck & watch the swollen Spokane River.  What a beautiful sight. 

My friend Anya gave birth this morning to a beautiful baby boy, Gage Michael.  Trevor & I attended her baby shower the saturday before my surgery...was so nice to see her in all her pregnant glory.  She was glowing....and I now cant wait to meet Gage.  Im sure he will just as special as his big sister is...Logan is one lucky little girl. 

As we usher in new life, one looks at those that are not doing as well also.  My grandmother continues to grow more tired & is now homebound.  Her 91yr old frame is frail unlike the woman I remember from my youth.  I just hope she is without pain & resting comfortably.

Well, better go for now....Below is a quote I stole from a friends caringbridge site that is going through cancer treatment....

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”