My 70 year old Dad had Lung Cancer surgery three years ago. Had a lobe removed from his left lung. We nearly lost him a couple of times. Pretty much erased all the troubles we've had in the past, which were many. We didn't see too many things eye to eye. Both he and I are recovering Alcoholics with lots of baggage against each other. He's made a very remarkable recovery this year. Besides teaching me to fish, he also taught me how to ride a dirt bike at age 6. A love we both still share. He calls me a couple weeks ago and says "Let's load up bikes and head for the Arizona desert". I can't afford it financially, or vacation wise, but..... We leave Saturday!!! I've been given a second chance to know and love the man who brought me into this world, and I feel very blessed. I just have a short message for everyone who has a beef with a parent or any other family member. Love 'em now, while you have the chance. You may not get another.

Kyle you are so right. Talk to your parents as much as can that is one thing I regret. When I got back from Iraq I didnt talk to my mother. I talke dot my mother once when we went to Iraq and it wasnt a very nice conversation either. Then I never got to talk to her again. Even to this day even though it has been a year since her murder I still regret not talking to her when I got home . So please cherish the time that you get to spend or talk with your family because you never know when something tragic is going to happen.

The petty things that we choose to stew about are minor things when considered against the story of our lives. A line from a song has always stuck with me---- You can't change the past but you can leave it behind. From Bonnie Raitt

Your so right Kyle. Been there, done that and had to do it again but damn glad I did. You enjoy your trip! Make sure you say I LOVE YOU to you folks, wives, and children all the time.

Funny how "I love you" is lost between a lot of families. I end every conversation with my family members with that statement now. I've even got the in-laws accepting it and saying it back now. Life is just too short to not tell people that you love them. Look at this tsunami thing and imagine what it would be like to lose your whole family on a beach in less than a second. Blow's my mind.

Yes, this is the wisest thing I have heard in 2004...make every day, or minute, special.

The most difficult thing I have ever done...or ever will do, was to sit with my mom, knowing her time was so short...going from a few hours...to knowing it was just minutes...then..her Spirit was gone from her body. I thank our Creator for allowing us the time to say "See Ya later"...NEVER good-bye.



The above pic of the sun setting over the Olympics was taken the evening of Dec. 26th, 2 hrs. after my mom passed away.

Mike