Thursday, March 31, 2011

GO WEST AND CONQUER!

I recently returned from a trip to Colorado to help out our nephew. Jon is fighting cancer (melanoma on top of his head). He had gone through two long bouts of chemo and he was ready for his first surgery. I made the trip out there to take care of Jon and his son Nicholas. I am happy to say that the surgery was a success in that the doctors feel they have removed the melanoma in its entirety and all the lymph nodes in his neck as well.

It was an interesting and memorable 5 days. It was my goal to get Jon back on his feet and keep his spirits optimistic after this surgery. He will be facing some reconstructive surgery for his head and 2 more bouts of chemo.

One of my favorite memories is when I was washing Jon's hair. He could not take a shower because of the drain in his neck (ok, admittedly he was a little Frankenstein-ish - but I do not have a weak stomach!) Jon's hair was caked with dried blood and it was driving him crazy. Now - how exaclty does a 5'2" little Italian Aunt wash the hair of her 6'4" nephew?? - PICTURE THIS: Jon laying across the kitchen counters with his head nestled in my hands over the kitchen sink - THAT'S HOW!! I will never forget how he looked at me and thanked me over and over for doing this for him....

I was also able to spend some quality time with my Great-Nephew, Nicholas. He is not quite 8 yrs. old and he just touched my heart.... I loved how he called me "Aunt Angela" the whole time! Since I got lost on my first solo trip to the grocery store, I took Nicholas with me on the second trip. I offered to pay him to get me there and back safely - AND HE DID!!

I loved cooking and fussing over my two nephews - clearly, this was something neither was used to - and they were both so grateful.

I know Jon was so thankful that I was there.... I wonder if he realizes how wonderful it made me feel to do this for them???

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Uncle Al

Everyone has a special Uncle - Mine is Uncle Al. At age 95(ish), he is now in the hospital suffering the effects of a couple strokes. It is so sad to see that this is the way he is spending the last stage of his life.

Uncle Al lives his life with no rules - except these few: In the Winter you drink Rye. Always red wine with dinner. In the summer, beer with lunch, then gin and tonic with a piece of FRESH LIME!

Everyone has some fond memory of Uncle Al - but I think he will most be remembered for his crazy expressions. Just to name a few:

Ball 4, Take a walk
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, over the fence is a home run
There are flowers on the wall
Hey kid, you look like Gina Lollabrigida - walking backwards
What a "maroon"
Wrong Way Corrigan
Rube Goldberg
I'll drink to that!
TO THE MOON!!
What's up, doc?
MY NERVES!!!
Win, Place and Show
Your Raspberry Pie
Next Case, 30 Days
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - and the Holy Ghost ran 4th
Frick and Frack
Flip and Flop
I've seen better heads on stale beer
Nicknames for people: Zelda, Mabel, Zeek, Horizontal, Pain-in-the-ass

When we were kids, he used to make huge "bonfires" in his back yard and give us each twigs to roast marshmallows.... He could curse like a sailor, but always excused himself by following up with a loud "OOPS" after the profanity left his mouth. He was different.... he was ours.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

quick update

Contractors have finally begun the reconstruction process (it's been 2 months since the fire). Will post before and after pix when it is complete.

I have come to realize that Mr. Wonderful and I can exist with just a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom - AND we are sharing that bedroom with 2 cats and 4 dogs most of the time. This is actually good news.... I had been worried about scaling down to a smaller house when I retire. Apparently, a 3 room apartment will more than suffice!!

All the kids have been busy on their own private quests:
Allison is getting her restaurant in tip top shape
Bobby is working hard and saving money
Michelle is waiting to hear about the mortgage they applied for
Little Michael is attempting to figure out his next step
Tricia is busy raising my beautiful granddaughters

As Robert Frost so profoundly said, "In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: IT GOES ON"...