Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Cancer....Shmancer!

I received a call yesterday that my dad's cancer has booked a return engagement. He had throat cancer about 2 years ago and they thought they got it all in round one. He had extensive surgery, luckily stopping just short of removing his voice box. This time around, he had an ear ache and they went one step further to be sure of the cause.

They did several biopsies and they all came back positive. This is on the other side of the neck and there is concern it is in his lungs. He goes to the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to see what they can do, if anything. Their initial thought is that any surgery would involve breaking his jaw....not pleasant. Not that being full of cancer will be very pleasant either...they just don't think at this point there is much they can do.

Now, ever since my parents divorced, I have not been as close to my dad. My boys don't know him well, he and his wife do not participate much in the lives on any of their grandkids. I went through a time where I called weekly, sent pictures of the boys, and made sure they saw him. But, they never returned the favor, so I sort of stopped. Although I resent that at times, he is still my dad. He is still the boys' grandfather. This still sucks!

My mom is going through her own hell lately, so I guess it is time to hang on. It's going to be a rough month or so! (Maybe I'll start drinking....yes...START!)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day 2009

The boys were off today for an inservice....because of the cold we had last week, this made 6 days off in a row! The need to go back to school tomorrow! Especially since they had only been in school 1 1/2 weeks since Christmas Break ended.

I am glad they were off today though. I had them sit with me and watch the swearing in of Joe Biden and Barack Obama. I am not a politically charged person and having them watch did not have as much to do with who was being sworn as it did the whole process. Just to witness the transfer of power and the pomp and circumstance of it all. They were amazed at all of the people that were in attendance. JM was shocked President Obama didn't have a coat on. He was not impressed with Aretha Franklin, sharing that he thought those singing on his Guitar Hero game sing much better! LOL! He was concerned at one point in the process, asking "Was there a time during all of this when we didn't have a President?" At least he was thinking! We talked about how President Bush was still President until Mr. Obama was sworn in....that made him feel much better!

They listened to part of his speech, but then lost interest. Overall, a great day to share with them and something I hope they remember in years to come.