Staying busy

Dad and Linda have enjoyed friends and family and even some "field trips" ... Some notes and pictures from Linda:

This first picture is Jerry's party. It was so good. The Born's have all been so wonderful -- many thanks to Jerry for hosting the great party. Also, their daily visits and support are helping Bill through many rough spots with great love and laughter. Bill has loved his visits to the farm and talking with the guys.


Joe Plezia organized a lunch for Bill with a great food (as always) and did all the cooking as well. Delicious, and a fun time celebrating Gene's birthday. We are so fortunate to have these great friends and it meant so much to Bill. We were going to go to Joe's, but Bill was not feeling real well so Joe packed everything up and we moved the gathering to Bill's deck and had a lovely afternoon.

This picture is from the Cushman (motor scooter) meeting with his great friend, buddy and the husband of his cousin Carol, Al Murphy -- or "Murph," as Bill calls him.

The next shots are from the zoo -- one of Bill pointing out his mother's name noted on a plaque from a donation he made for her and another of giraffes that Bill loves and has fed and petted many times. Over the years we have adopted many animals (gorillas, hippos, giraffes, wolves, tigers were some of his favorites) and love and support the zoo, especially enjoying all their educational programs.



It has not been easy for my Dad. The pictures tell one story; his daily experience tells another. He gets depressed and is mourning the loss of his prior life. He wants to do many things that he just cannot do right now. He's still incredibly frustrated with his communication difficulties. But in spite of all these challenges, he moves forward. He and Linda, as they always have, embrace life.

I have conversations with him on the phone and try to engage him in things to take his mind off the cancer -- the kids, cars, and just today: Ironman Wisconsin. Scott and I and the kids went downtown Madison yesterday evening to see uber-athletes compete in the 2.5-mile swim/112-mile bike/26-mile run that ended at the Capitol Square in downtown Madison. It was truly amazing to watch these Iron men and women cross the finish line. Dad was astounded as I told him about the race, and he kept saying, "Geez! Wow! No kidding!" He had a bunch of questions, and it felt like old times -- an easy conversation with my Pops. My Ironman.