This is the best thing that has ever happened to me?

Before I offend anyone. My Children, Wife and family are very special to me and I am not saying in any way that my tumor is better than you or the events that brought us together. However, this is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I have learned so many things in the past 2 months. The lessons have changed my life more than any of the fantastic books I have read, any work lesson or anything else.

My early lessons from Jeff Morgan, Tony Humphrey, Peter Kehayes and my Mother have led me down a path of development that has become routine. They all in their own ways taught me to invest in myself and give it to others. Share Knowledge. My mother taught me the invaluable lessons of how to treat and not judge others. People are the most valuable asset in our lives. Surround ourselves with people who are smarter than ourselves. The lessons go on and on and I think about these people everyday.

I am a cynic and can be sarcastic but have always tried to help the people I work with to get better. Teresa will tell you that I just want to feel loved. I think it is something that I have always wanted to feel. I am never satisfied with the amount of love that I feel.

Going through this experience has shown me just how much I am loved and how people really can be. The e-mails and calls...the encouragement from everywhere...financial support...I am really over whelmed with the love and energy that has been given to me and my family. It is unbelievable and has affected me in every way. I will approach my days with a different level of appreciation for the people in my life and will try to make a dent in repaying the lessons I have learned from this to all who I can impact. There is no way I can show how thankful I am and love you all back. I am so Lucky to be involved and linked to the people in my life and unfortunatly I may not of realized it had I not had this tumor.

Down the home stretch

I had no idea that when I went to bed last night that today would be an emotional day. However, when I woke up at 5am...I realized that in a week I am going to have brain surgery. I teared up in the shower and when I pulled into work at 6:15. I really had no idea that this could be a tough week. Lyn gave me a card that said she thought I was brave with a rock that said Bravery. I guess I am brave in that I have been able to work, smile, be a Dad and live like little is wrong...while I have an egg pressing on my brain stem. I look back at the past month and can't believe I am in the home stretch.

I have been wanting to write about all of the wonderful things I have learned from this tumor. It sounds like sarcasm but I really do think it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me...I will explain it tomorrow because I want to look back in a month and see if I have changed my mind.

Thanks Susan

Yesterday my head was killing me and Susan offered to work this Saturday for me. I am thankful that she offered as I felt horrible today. These headaches are getting old. I only have 4 more days of work before I am off. I am getting excited to see Timora and Ken in Memphis. This will be the 2nd time I have ever watched the Superbowl with Ken. The last time was 9 years ago. It was Superbowl XXXII between the Broncos and Packers. We had spent the day skiing on Mt Bachelor and went to a hole in the wall place that had an all you can eat spaghetti feast at half time (food came out at the 3rd quarter). It was an epic game...when John Elway got hit and did a helicopter into the end zone. Cathy was new to the family and had been enjoying a little of the northwest fermented juices and when we were driving home she kept saying she was hot. She took of layers till...well lets just say it was a memorable Superbowl that I will never forget.

My eye hurts

Today I have a serious headache. I am really enjoying American Idol. Wednesday I watched New York and had a rough time coming up with an accurate ranking due to falling asleep a couple of time during the show and I didn't record it.

I am done with all pre-doctor work...No more paperwork. No more giving blood. I have been cleared so the next stop is Memphis a week from Sunday. My doctors appointment went well yesterday...The doctor was kinda funny when addressing my high blood pressure (135/91) and cholesterol (225). He said "Don't worry about it you have much bigger issues to worry about". Lets take care of things in order and I guess the next stop is brain surgery.

In Atlanta I saw the best documentary that addressed racism and children. It was shot in 1970 and I would recommend seeing it. You can watch it at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html

I am sorry I didn't tell you about it 36 years ago I just saw it.

Have a great weekend.

I am going to be in big trouble today

I sat in my room on my computer and listening to my zune wide awake until 2:45am. I couldn't sleep or get comfortable. My class needs to be exciting or I am going to be very tired with my 3 hours of sleep. Today's theme is Coffee, Coffee and maybe mix in a Dew if I have to.

I may need to go see Juan Valdez this morning on my may to "Spirit of Diversity" class.

That's it Memphis?

I am in Atlanta again at a horrible hotel. I have a twin bed that takes up most of the room. Lyn and I went out to dinner and I am still full and we ate 4 hours ago. We watched American Idol and I was a little disappointed in Memphis...I thought there might be a few more disasters and a few more gems...My top 4 is:

1. Mr Head...looked like a fat devil.

2. The girl singing Aretha

3. Fidel Castro...

4. Blondie from Colliersville

Overall I think it is a good season so far. This morning Teresa got up with me at 6am after being up since 3:30 with Preston...We drank coffee and had a great chat for an hour and nine minutes while my car warmed up.

The surgery is coming fast all of a sudden. It was felt slow as molasses until this week. It is less than two weeks away. I have one more doctors appointment on Thursday and I give blood on Friday and I am officially ready. Lets get it done!!!

Timora the explora

Saturday we took Anthony and Preston to meet up with some friends that were bowling. There were lots of kids and the excitement of the bowling center. Anthony started out a little shy wanting to cling to Teresa or I for about 15 minutes...and then he was all in to it. He got to roll a couple of balls...with some help. Anna (4) and Tori (3) were standing with him talking "hi baby" and he tried to kiss Tori on her lips. They ran away. I am a Dad. A bonifide, for real, 100% Dad. I am so excited about the future of games, choir or D&D club...I really don't care I just love to see those boys happy. I am sure Teresa feels the same and the adventure together is special and I am going to enjoy it while it is happening.

Every morning at 8am Teresa and Anthony have been watching Dora and to watch Teresa yelling at Swiper or singing the map song is great. Anthony is getting into it almost as much as his Mom.

Every time I see Dora I think about Bowling with Brian and every week he would compare Timora to Dora. I really don't see the similarities...Dora doesn't drink coffee, she is tat less, she walks everywhere and this morning she was talking to frogs. However, I still think about my sister when I see Dora.

Enjoy your holiday...Championship Sunday!!!