Good Grief Part Deux

We found out that John's heart attack occured 2 days prior...he had told Sarah he didn't feel right, but didn't mention much more about it. He was in Vancouver, lying on his mom's couch with a cold rag on his head, and then got up to use the bathroom and fell down and said, "call 911!"

Janet lost her sister and best friend, Diane, in 2001 to a heart attack, and since then, John had one and so did her mom in 2002, Jim had a massive heart attack in 2005which ended in a triple bypass. John recently married Sarah, the love of his life, who showed him Jesus...the person he never wanted anything to do with.

His kids are Chris and Katie, they both have families now; Katie has 2 sons and Chris and his wife had a baby girl a few months ago. John was a proud grandpa. He never really cared for kids too much until those kids came along.

He was the jokster of the family, joking just hours before Diane passed away, that if one of her legs was to be amputated (she had lack of blood flow) "would they need to get her a riding lawnmower?"

He and I hung out a lot when I was just out of high school...we'd sit and smoke for hours at Carrows, indulging in hot chocolate and the free refills they'd offer. I keep being reminded of great things we talked about, jokes we shared, and the laugh he had. It was so 'sneaky' sounding. And it was loud. His head would tip back and his mouth would fly open. I loved his laugh.

I am heartbroken...the family is in shock. And thus begins the good grief process.

John Sharp...my uncle and friend.

My uncle John passed away suddenly tonight. He had finally found love in a woman named Sarah who loved God. I have so many fond memories of him. Here's some pics I stole off his and Sarah's myspace accounts. One of my faves is when he superimposed his head on George Castanza's body. I am going to miss him so much.

The Danish are Coming! The Danish are Coming!

Some of my dearest friends are coming tomorrow night to stay with us: Bryan & Kissa Everett (and their 3 sweet kids) and Christina (Kissa's cousin from Denmark) and her beau, Niels. I am so excited to see them and to have them stay with me! I see Christina once or twice a year and it's never enough.

Old Friends

When I see someone I haven't seen for a long time, I get nervous and self conscious. I have gained 80 pounds in the last 11 years. I am constantly pulling at my clothes, trying on shirt after shirt before I go anywhere, let alone catch up with an old friend. Today, I got to reunite with Robin Mulherin, my childhood BFF.

She, her 4 daughters and her mom came to Seaside and I met them at the outlet mall. She looks the same. Even up close, she lacks wrinkles and chub. She's so pretty. We caught up while school clothes shopping for her girls and our initial hug lasted forever. I have missed my friend.

July...thus far

If I just do this every morning...or once a week, have a designated day, it wouldn't seem so bothersome to log on and blog. (Just a note to self.)
Chris, the kids and I spend the 4th at our house, sitting outside, watching the ginormous fireworks show that takes place near the turnaround in Seaside. We made a fire, roasted hotdogs and then made smores, and tuned into the radio station that was announcing the event and playing the music. It was fun!





I FINALLY went on my birthday camping trip with some BFFs. One month after my birthday, we went to Nehalem Bay State Park...the BEST camping spot, just over the dunes from the ocean, no bugs, not too hot...perfect. Also, the bathrooms and hot showers are always a plus as well.





The next day was the Relay for Life, Cancer walk and fundraiser. Laurie and I had a booth there we called "Good Grief." Our team raised $1200, which isn't bad for the drop in numbers of those who attended this year. Next year, we're hoping for a spot along the track, where our number would most likely double.



At night, we take white sacks, add sand and a candle, and light it, creating a path around the track, each bag decorated with someone's name who lost their fight to cancer, has cancer, or is a survivor. We had quite a few this year, not to mention, my dear friend Tim Fadel who passed last September.





Tim's picture was included in a powerpoint video set to (really sad) music of those who have passed. I got an email a couple months ago - the email was sent out to those involved in relay - asking for names and pictures of loved ones who have passed. I sent in Tim's picture...and then forgot about it until the speaker announced she had sent out emails...so I got up and got a closer seat to the presentation. It was neat.
Well, Cannon plays a lot of basketball in the hallway, where Chris hooked up a hoop just his size. He loves it. Flannery has been enjoying the library and the community pool, where Chris bought us a family membership. She and Chris often go to the rocks where the ocean splashes below our house. They come back soaking wet most days. It's a lot of fun here. I never get bored and I love the peace and quiet.





I love my life...OH! And it's even getting better! Now that Relay is over, I can get my scrap haven completed! Yee Haw!

Photo Play

I love it here.