Family, Friends, Caring Strangers...

I don't have the words, nor do I know where to even begin, to express how much love my family has felt from each and every one of you during this excruciatingly painful time. Thank you is not even close to being enough, but they are the only two words that I can think of, so, thank you.

There are SO many mentions that I need to make, and I am hoping that I don't miss anyone, because you all will never know the impact you have had on our family. There is no perfect place to start, and I don't have a list, you are all in my heart; Kenda Cartagena (and the entire crew of people that came together with her) Mary Robertson, and Bubbles Klee, three of my Mom's longtime, childhood friends, thank you for being there for her, and for absolutely everything that you have done, and will continue to do to help her through this stage of life. The men who are my Dad's friends, who stepped in and gave advice on the "confusing man things" that my Dad has going on, your knowledge is going to be needed for a long time to come, because Lord knows my Dad had a million things going on in two million different directions, so, thank you. Both of my boys, Logan, wow son, you are not a child anymore, and Lukas, you are are not a boy anymore. I could not be any more proud of how deeply you love your Grandma, and how you are willing to go to the ends of the earth for her (even in the middle of the night ha!) she loves you both, so much. Thank you boys, for showing me I'm doing something right. Kelly, my little sister, you have shown strength that is enviable. You have been rock solid and without you, I think we would all be a mess. Your husband (the best brother in law in the world I might mention), and my nephews and niece, their unwaivering support for not just you but for Mom, she is so very blessed and I know she knows it, you can see it in her eyes. Thank you all, for being the best of the best when it comes to family. I have to give a shout out to our little neighborhood hot spot, Ole State Line Bar (Aka White Tail Saloon). Over these past several weeks, my Mom has shed many tears in this little neighborhood business, and they have made her feel like family. They have allowed our whole family to sit and talk, eat, have a drink when needed. They have allowed all of the locals to keep up to date on my Dad, because of course, everyone knew Dad, after all, he lived on this little road for almost 76 years! Not only that, but on more than one evening, when things have been too busy, or too tiring to cook dinner, they have covered the tab on dinner take out. People, visit this establishment, they care about my Mom, and our entire family, so thank you Ole State Line Bar. Last but not least, every single person who has helped, in any and every way, including those who have chosen to stay in the background, thank you. Our family has felt you, and our lives are forever changed by your compassion.

My Dad did not want a formal funeral service, instead he wanted a Celebration of Life. As soon as plans are made, and details are worked out, the information for that will be shared.

This isn't goodbye Daddy, this is definitely see you later. You can rest now... I love you.