Foto Memories of Ruthie

My SIL, Ruthie, just passed away a few days ago. This is a photo of her from my wedding.

Ruthie,
You were so important to me. You were the first friend that I made when I moved to Florida and married Tom. You always made me feel like a part of the family. We would work out at the gym together. Go out for lunch or brunch. You would always help me with the other kids when I needed to focus on Lord Humbles medical stuff. I loved the way you would pop by the house to talk politics. You loved talking politics. Even though we agreed politically, I was always impressed and awed by your passion for it. You weren't afraid of sharing your opinions with anyone. Do you remember how you would call and tell me you just said something you shouldn't have? You would laugh and tell me how your shot your mouth off again! Your mouth got you into a lot trouble, but it also produced a laugh that was infectious, and kind words to your friends and patients. Your tenacious spirit amazed and inspired me. You never gave up! I will miss you!


For more Friday Foto Memories, head over to Candid Carrie.

Friday Fotos & a letter for my dad

This is me with my dad. I was 2 years old.



Dad,
You are very ill right now. You are battling skin cancer, prostate issues, asbestos in lungs, you smoke, you have lost a lot of weight (I weigh more than you and you are a foot taller), not to mention the agent orange damage to your leg. Whenever this picture was taken, things were different. You were different. We were different. We still played together. We still spoke. It was before the alcohol took over you.

I feel like I am lucky to have pictures and memories of better times. T & T were not as lucky. You left when they were both young. They try to reach out and have a relationship now and there is nothing there for them. We don't speak like we used to. It saddens me how our relationship has detoriated. It saddens me to think that you have never seen your youngest grandkids in person. The last time you saw the oldest two was 10 years ago. Why? Is the past that painful for you too? Is it better just to live with old memories instead of making new ones?

Now that your sick, I have struggled with taking the kids home to see you. Is it fair to let me meet you and only have a memory of a sick man? Or is it better to shield them? I am still undecided as to what to do. Hopefully, I have some time to decide. I love you dad!

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