I've got some sad news. My grandfather passed away this morning. They lived near Springfield Missouri for many years after retiring, and I was only able to visit them a couple of times in the past 15 years. Last year they moved closer to family, both of my aunts live in Peru, Illinois. October 6th we celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, and I was able to take all the kids to see them. Ryan who's 1 and Ben who's 5 met them for the first time. He had a severe case of asbestoses from working with asbestos back in the 70's and 80's. He was in the hospital for about a week, fighting to breath every second. When he was admitted he was at about 48% oxygen levels in his blood.
I knew this day was coming soon, when I saw him last month I could tell that he was tired of fighting, and I gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. I was glad that he got to see my children before he passed. My favorite memories are of playing pinochle with him, grandma, and my mom every time we met. Probably the hardest part is that my grandma is in the early stages of alzheimer's , and we're not sure if she's going to wake up tomorrow asking where Don is.
I don't want to drag down the mood here, we'll all have a lot of fun on the cruise, but I thought I'd share with you all. My mom is taking it very well. She's a lifetime nurse, and worked most of my childhood at a nursing home. She knows that Don is better where he is now, and that there's no more pain, and there's no more struggle for him.
Take care all, I'll talk to you again on Monday.
Jason
I have faith in you all
I am on Page 7 of this thread! I am getting caught up. 
Only about 50 more to go . . . 
Sorry your son made the trip for nothing. I am sure Bill has some stories for y'all too. He delivered pizza for Dominos in college. That was still when they had the "30 minutes or free" deal. 
Good Morning Wendy! 
I know I would..
