We Climbed before the Klimb 4 Kim...

We Climbed before the Klimb 4 Kim...
1997's Climb

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Into the Desert...

"Hi Kimba, It's just me...it's been so long, since I saw your smiling face...and felt any sort of warm sunshine..."

11/12/2010

Whew! Another loooonnnnggggg day for Kimmy!! We had our prayers answered this morning, when, after being rolled downstairs and prepped for her vascular embolism procedure, to stop the bleeding in her lung, Dr. Zaetta, who was scheduled to perform this surgery, examined Kim and found that, in her opinion, the surgery was premature. She consulted with Kim's pulmonary guy, Dr. Riley, who ordered the surgery and let him know she was not going to play 'look see' and since Kim has not been coughing up blood, she wanted to let the natural healing process take care of things. Dr. Zaetta did reposition the drain for the abscess where Kim's gall bladder was removed to make it more productive and that was successful. Our neighbors, Betsey, Amy and Tom sat with me in the waiting room for hours to keep me sane...'I feel like I'm on crazy pills!' Will Farrell, Zoolander.
Anyway, it has been an emotional few days and I met with Dr. Taetle, oncologist and Dr. Atkinson, surgeon to let them know that we needed them to make sure that any new Drs. brought on board to help Kim had as high a level of communication with them, as they do with each other. All of the Drs. have been top notch, best in Tucson for Kimmy, but, we have started the process to have a new pulmonary Dr. brought in. Dr. Atkinson, at my request, sent over a thoracic surgeon to review Kim's case and examine her and he agreed with Dr. Zaetta's assessment and that Kim should be allowed time to heal, without the vascular procedure and that he and Dr. Zaetta are on hand with an 'emergency net' when and if needed.
The bambini's wanted to skip school today to meet Grammie and Grandpa Jim at the airport, but I would not support such truancy. So, when Betsey picked them up and dropped them off, they literally burst through the door and smothered them with hugs. We all went to the hospital and visited Kim, who was so excited to see Carole and Jim. The kids and I dined in splendor in the hospital cafeteria (Tonio loves the cheeseburgers here!), and then they all left for home. The kids are looking forward to a Target run tomorrow!
Kim is a little exhausted and will need extra rest this weekend what with all of the medication changes, extra Dr. consultations (again, to keep me sane!) and the visits...to keep fighting. She is tired, but her eyes...her eyes still sparkle and she has strong resolve...which is fueled by all that you do! I cannot begin to list every incredibly thoughtful and generous thing that you all have done...word cannot express our gratitude. And the prayers help!
Tomorrow's another day and we are thankful for this one!
God Bless,
Love, Dave

                  And this was where it started getting pretty scary with Kim's bleeding lung.  She shared a few moments with me, which she called 'pity parties'.  It was good having Carole and Jim back in town - I stayed longer with Kim and ended up at Viro's later and later to regroup.  And, as you might be able to read between the lines, a lot of 'back seat' doctors were offering 'advice' on Kim's course of treatment.  Believe me, I was up all night researching, making calls and speaking with the team that worked on Kim.  Kim and I believed we had the best right where we were. 
                Dr. Atkinson was unbelievable.  He had given me his cell phone number to call anytime I needed to talk.  Even if it was not medical related.  He was from Bristol, PA where my Dad grew up and I'd call and we'd talk about cheesesteaks, the Phillies, etc.  I called him about Kim's lung, because the only Dr. who seemed completely unstable was Dr. Riley.  He answered the phone while at a party and sent over the thoracic surgeon.  I wanted him to operate immediately if not sooner...but, Kim's condition was not good and I worried that she may not be able to pull herself back up from such extensive surgery.  So I ran steps.  And prayed.  And we watched back to back to back to back episodes of Law and Order together.  And told each other how much we loved each other.  My rosary collection grew.  And I wore them out.
                I don't know.  Sometimes, in the deep of the night, I think 'what if I had done this?'  'Or that?'...but I don't know.  I suppose that I never will.  And it has to be OK.

               On a gray day, rain threatening, the bambini and I ventured deep into the desert.  6 miles for Aut, Tonio and I - more like 11 for Cody - in Fantasy Island.  Someone had vandalized Kim's bike.  The memorial that the bambini lovingly painted.  They were visibly shaken, in fact, Autumn vomited, poor little dear.  We fixed it best we could, prayed, and continued into the desert, the skies darkening, winds picking up and the first droplets of cold rain splashing our faces...



               

Friday, November 11, 2011

11-11-11



                   Last year, this day,we were praying.  Praying hard.  For a miracle...

                 

A Prayer to St. Peregrine for Sick Relatives and Friends


O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty", the "The Wonder Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you obtained from God for those who have turned to you in their need.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being.
You turned to God when the power of human beings could do no more,
and you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His cross
to heal your affliction.
I now ask God to heal these sick persons whom I entrust to you:
Kim Conca
Aided by your powerful intercession, I shall sing with Mary a hymn of gratitude
to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.

That was from our friends, Jen and Dan Corbelli...

...this prayer from Fred Falgiano, of the Knight of Columbus...



I am picking 2 people who have touched my life and who I think would want to
receive this. Please send it back to me (You'll see why).

In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little
Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with
great love.... She is represented by roses.

May everyone who receives this message
be blessed. Saint Theresa's Prayer
Cannot be deleted.

REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the prayer. That's all you have to
do. There is nothing attached. Just share this with people and see what
happens on the fourth day. Sorry you have to forward the message, but try
not to break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
Read the prayer below.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that
has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to
sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us..
*************
Now, send this to
11 people within the next 5 minutes. And remember to send
this back.
I count as 1........ You'll see why.

'Worry looks around,
Sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'
This angel is sent to you..
You must send her to 11 people including me.
In 8 minutes you will receive something you have long awaited.

Have faith...

     I did.  And believe me, I sent it to 11 people, including Fred...

     ...and it was a better day for Kim...

11/11/2010
Hi Everyone, Kim is doing better today, better rested, better spirits and she just got to eat her first solid meal in a few days. More good news, she is out of ICU, on reduced oxygen flow and pain killers and up on the 5th floor. We remembered as kids, hearing that the 5th floor was for the mental patients...and had a good laugh. She had a cat scan of her lungs earlier today, and the news there was not what we wanted to hear. Despite being taken off the anti-coagulants, the cat scan revealed that her lung is still bleeding. So, tomorrow, she is going to undergo a bronchial embolism to cauterize the arterial flow to the affected lung. That will happen 'first thing tomorrow morning', which, we've found, means anytime between 9a.m and noon. So please dial us in during this time and let's pray for some good news for Kim on this procedure! While in ICU, she was reunited with two nurses, Deborah and Vivian, who took such good care of her while she was previously there and when she moved back to floor 4 the first time. They were there to greet her and made her feel good. When the bambini's came down, they had a bucket of puddings, jellos and drinks waiting. Today, when Kim was moved up to the 5th floor, Deborah made sure she pushed a comfy recliner up to Kim's new room for me.
The kids had off for Veterans Day - so I made them a big breakfast and brought them down to visit. They sure got a great tour of the hospital, as they started in ICU, went downstairs for Kim's cat scan and then up to the 5th floor, all via stairwells. Cody, his friend Alex and Antonio, spent some time going up and down all 5 flights while we waited for Kim to get hooked up in her new room.  They are so excited that Grammy and Grandpa Jim will be out tomorrow! The cavalry is coming!
That's all for tonight, thank you all, once again for the food (Melissa & her mom, Mary, brought me a big salad tonight!), incredible thoughts (thank you to the Knights of Columbus, who were ready to come down here tonight to donate blood for Kim!!) and, of course, motivational prayers!!
God Bless,
Dave
              And back here, on 11/11/11...we woke early, Mario brought Breanna by around 8 on his way to work.  There was a big breakfast with eggs and rice, pancakes, watermelon and pineapple.  We went to see Jack & Jill today.  All of us thoroughly enjoyed it - laughter is the best medicine, they say, and today, I think that was so.
             While we waited for Andrea, we worked on making Kim's tortilla soup.  It is a soothing thing, recreating her recipes.  In her kitchen...and it came out good.

               Love,
                      Dave

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Donkey



             Flu shots today...well, flu inhalations, anyway!!  For the two little ones.  Autumn was particularly relieved to hear she could get the inhalable version this year, after having the full out shot last year.  All of us got the shot last year, as Kim could not be exposed to the live virus.
            Driving home, we were coming down the hill on heading south on Houghton, passing Tucson McGraws and nearing the horses...when Autumn suddenly started shouting "donkeedonkeedonkee!!!" and doing some tribal form of dance, restricted only by her seatbelt.  Tonio was craning his head from the other side of the car "IcantseeIcantseeIcantsee!!!"...Donkey?  Really??  I caught a glimpse as I took the turn off of Houghton onto the gravel driveway leading to the horses...a 90 degree turn at about 50 miles per hour...the rear end of Kim's Expedition trying to fish tail - but I've seen the movie Cars plenty of times and learned from Lighting McQueen how to turn with the sliding car and made it handily...


As soon as I jumped out of the car, thumbing my 'smart phone' to get a photo, the donkey made its way to the fence...seeming to know why I was there...


                                             It wanted to be friends, or as Kimmy used to say 'it wants to make friends'...I don't know what it means, that the donkey is back.  But, I do know that it brought the bambini immediate joy...


Like this donkey brought joy to Kim back in 1972...




                                                  In school today, we took time to celebrate Autumn's teacher, Casey Rudzena as she gets closer to the birth of her son, Jackson!!


                        Rose made her this beautiful, gluten free cake, complete with little boy angel on top!  It is made with almond flour and had an apricot filling = incredible!!


Our friend, Monique, who's daughter, Alanah is in Aut's class, had this cake made for the kids to eat. And a couple of the other moms, Maria and Aimee, helped out with decorations and favors.  It was a nice shower and we got the chance to show Mrs. Rudzena just how much she means to all of us.  She's done so much for Autumn!!

        
No Thursday would be complete without Italian Wedding Soup!!  Aut insisted on taking the photo tonight.  Cody's buddy, Wyatt, joined us.  His mom, Amy, gave Cody rides all week to school for me - some paybacks are not a b*tch, as Wyatt enjoyed some stuffed shells!!  Tonio's digging into a eclair, having finished off a bowl of wedding soup.  Autumn ate two bowls.  Cody went with some bruschetta and fried egg plant and zucchini...I chose the manicotti and one of Brianna's beautiful cappuccinos...The chill air and the warm atmosphere of Viro's made me think of last year...when Rose and Vito would have me call them on my way home from the hospital and sometimes stop by to provide a safe haven...a shelter...and comfort...It did not matter to them what time I was on my way - they were unconditionally there for us...and still open their hearts and their kitchen for us!

11/10/2010
"Hi Tom, My poor girl cannot catch a break! Here's the latest, as she ends up back in ICU. I spoke to her mom today and she is going to pull the trigger on getting plane tickets and getting out here...Thank you, Dave"
 
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 10:11 PM
To:
Subject: Kimmy Tucson, AZ

Hello everyone, sorry I did not get an update out last night...it has been an exhausting two days...and if I'm this tired, you might imagine how Kim is feeling...She has had a challenging time, not being able to get off of the oxygen following the removal of the blood clots in her right arm and the insertion of a vent to prevent the blood clots in her legs from reaching her heart. In addition to struggling to catch her breath, she is anemic and her heart rate was seriously increased as she tried to keep up with all of this. She was given two more pints of blood yesterday.
A lung Dr. was brought in, Dr. Riley, who felt she may have pneumonia and he ordered a scope of her lungs done this morning. He found that her left lung was clear, but her right one is bleeding. Could be the blood thinner she is on, could be the cancerous tumor in her lung, could be the blood clots, could be a combination of these complications. He stopped her blood thinners and had her sent to ICU. Our good friend Janene (who not only brought me dinner at the hospital the last two nights, and also cut my hair so I no longer look like a 60's reject!), contacted Father Harry, the pastor of our church, St. Pius. Father Harry showed up within 20 minutes and prayed with us and visited for some time, brightening Kim's spirits. She could not have Communion, as she is on clear liquids only right now. She told him she knows this is not how it ends for her...God has more for her to do. She had a good fire in her eyes...but, by the time the bambini's and I left her tonight, she was just plain tired after another round of blood draws, bed changes and medication.
Mrs. Schrantz, Tonio's teacher and Mrs. Rudzena, Autumn's teacher were awesome again today, keeping the little ones after school and helping them catch up on their homework!! Mrs. Schrantz teaching Tonio to eat hot sauce on his snacks, as every south westerner should, and loves to tell me about his experiments! These teachers have been great for our kids! Mrs. Rudzena's mom, Patti, then took the kids back to our house and fed them home made soup (thank you Rachael and Mike Franzen!!) and brought them down to St. Joseph's for a visit, were we played the Battleship game that Patti brought to us to pass the time. Tonio's pretty good at it. Cody likes to bring my laptop to play games at the hospital. I tried to send this out from there earlier, but there was a bomb threat called in to the hospital and they cut off all communications just as I hit 'send' and I lost the whole message! No bomb was found, thank God.
Hopefully, Kim's lungs will have healed themselves by morning...they are testing the blood every 4 hours and may run some other tests in the morning.
Please continue the happy thoughts and prayers - this whole community has been overwhelmingly supportive, we appreciate it!
Our good friends, Vito & Rosa, sent this email to us last week and it brought us comfort, so I wanted to share...
Love, Dave

      HAD AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR THIS MORNING.

HE ARRIVED EARLY, SAT DOWN WITH ME AND CHATTED FOR A WHILE ABOUT HOW THINGS WERE CURRENTLY GOING FOR ME IN MY LIFE.

AFTER VERY CAREFULLY AND COMPASSIONATELY LISTENING TO ALL THAT I HAD TO SAY, HE SAW THE SADNESS ON MY FACE AND THE TEARS IN MY EYES.

HE STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO ME, LEANED OVER AND GENTLY HELD ME FOR AWHILE BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A REALLY BAD MORNING.

THEN, AFTER REASSURING ME NOT TO WORRY, THAT EVERYTHING WOULD WORK OUT FOR ME AND BE JUST FINE, HE ASKED ME IF I KNEW OF ANYONE ELSE THAT COULD USE A VISIT FROM HIM.

I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF YOU MY FRIEND.

I GAVE HIM YOUR NAME AND TOLD HIM WHERE YOU LIVED. HE GAVE ME ANOTHER REASSURING HUG, THANKED ME AND I WALKED WITH HIM TO MY FRONT DOOR. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO YOUR PLACE.

When He gets to your PC, escort Him to the next stop. Please don't allow Him to sleep on your PC. The message He is carrying is very important and needs to go around.

I asked him to bless you and yours with peace, happiness and abundance.

Say a prayer and then pass Him on to bless others as I sent him on to bless you. Our assignment is to spread love, respect and kindness throughout the world.

Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today as hopefully I have touched your life.

I won't go into detail on this day last year...the day I lost it at St. Joseph's, because of the donkey...and Casey's shower...and Viro's...too many blessings today.  And, I want to sleep.

Love,
     Dave

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Red Chair


           11/9/2010
Hi Dady! How was your day today? Love you!

 Love, Autumn : )
 
        Autumn, emailing me as there'd be long stretches that we did not see each other....
 
         11/9/2010
 
      
Ok, thanks Mrs. Rudzena! So..............I don't do my homework today?

Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 10:27 AM
Subject: Re:

Sure! The math is from this week. It is EASY it's just adding and subtracting decimals. You should have no problem but if you do, let me know.
I will put the spelling words on the moodle soon. Autumn! You should be resting! Don't worry about this stuff! We will catch you up :)
On Nov 9, 2010, at 7:17 AM, <conca5@cox.net> <conca5@cox.net> wrote:

Dear Mrs. Rudzena,
I'm still feeling yucky today, my stomach still hurts but I think I'll be back tomorrow. I was wondering if you could e-mail me the spelling words so I can go on the moodle and do the spelling homework. Also, for the math on the moodle, is it stuff we learned last week or stuff we learned this week? I haven't looked at it yet and I don't want to do it wrong and if the math is stuff we learned this week then I won't know how to do it. Could you e-mail me the spelling words, if the math is stuff we learned this week or last week?
 
Your Student, Autumn
 
          Autumn was beginning to feel the strain...and it manifested itself as stomach pain...

          11/9/2010
Team Barnes & Noble,

Where do I begin to express my gratitude? I can tell you, this past 3 weeks has been a surreal blur for my family. It has been like one of those bad dreams that you just cannot wake up from. Kim now has pneumonia and will have a scope of her lungs tomorrow to see if they can determine if it is the cancer in her lungs, the blood clots in her lungs or complications from the drain for the abscess where her gall bladder was removed. We appreciate all of your positive thoughts and prayers!

           Also, I appreciate all of the extra hard work you have done to allow me to be at Kim's bedside. Tom calls me and tells me how great the store looks and how everyone has stepped up nicely. And the basket of fun for my family was awesome! My kids and Kim had a nice time picking through all of the surprises you included (nicely done on the soccer and Mother Teresa mags!). We will enjoy it for a long time to come. We hung the happy thoughts chain from Kim's ceiling - great mojo! We really appreciate all that you guys have done.

    
I miss you all and hope to get Kim well enough to come home so I can return to work. Until that time...keep up the great work and keep sending us your positive thoughts and prayers!

 
God Bless,

Dave
 
       What would I have done (what would I do?) without the wonderful people at B&N??
 
  
        Today, a special visitor!
 
                     
                       Brinley and Mary Montes (Autumn and Tonio's kindergarten teacher)!!  Brinley let me hold her while Mary checked out the Nitcho and danced with Bella...and she made us rice krispy treats (my kryptonite!)!!
 
                      Later, we found a photo of Mary, in that same red chair (different house, though) from a Christmas party we had 8 years ago...

Mary and Tonio! (See Mary?  Not too much hair on Tonio!)  He fell asleep in Mary's lap a little later on!!  Those red chairs have certainly gotten a lot of mileage over the years...

Andrea had a connection to bring Santa to our party...Here's Angie having a little dinner with Santa! Her whole family came, a yearly tradition. All of the kindergarten teachers (Mary, her sister, Ami, who Cody had and Anabelle Pearson (then Rios). It was a full house. All of the kids had so much fun that night.



And still later...I took Autumn to Pier 1 to see if they still had any Halloween left on clearance.  She wanted to buy a ghost, if they had one 'with good eyes'...
...what strikes you when you walk in, is the Christmas merchandise...remember, Kim helped set it last year.  Look at the displays...

And the amount of product on them!  Kim was perfect for the display factor in this set up!  You know she must have worked so hard.


Here's one with all Venetian ornaments - Kim always chose ornaments made in Italy and loved Pier 1's selection!

Another memory occurred to me today...a small one.  I had to run from Barnes & Noble to the Ellie Towne Community Center, where I take books, games, etc and help talk to folks, etc.  I used to always call Kimmy as I left to make these runs to say hi.  When she'd answer, I'd tell her that I was loose, a double entendre, as I meant I had escaped...but...  And she'd giggle "Yes, but where are you?"...


Bella was upset that I never posted a photo of her in her pirate costume from Halloween. 


And at the end of the day, we are counting our blessings....

Love,
     Dave









From the B&N parking lot


                     
            

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Nightmares



           Dammit.  Four nights in a row.  Nightmares.  Can't remember the lines from "Fight Club" about having insomnia, but they were brilliant!
           But, I do have this one:
      
             "I was living in a state of perpetual deja vu. Everywhere I went, I felt I'd already been there.  It was like following the invisible man..."

            On Nov 8, 2010, at 7:34 PM, <conca5@cox.net> <conca5@cox.net> wrote:

> Today, Kim had a trying day. She had hopes she would be released
> from St. Joseph's today, but is really having a difficult time
> breathing, due to blood loss from surgery, chemo and the drain to
> relieve the abscess where her gull bladder was removed. She will
> remain on oxygen through the night. She was given two pints of
> blood to try to relieve the anemia. A pulmonary Dr. was called in,
> Dr. Riley, who feels the tumor/clots in her lungs also make it
> difficult for Kim to breath and her heart rate has been increased as
> her heart tries to replace her blood and work to keep her lungs
> going. So, she is understandably tired today. Dr. Atkinson stopped
> in and told her he did not want to remove her drain today - it is
> better the blood come out, rather than pool up inside of her. He
> ordered the blood to be tested so he can decide if he needs to be
> concerned with internal bleeding. Dr. Leon, the vascular surgeon,
> checked on Kim's arm today, following the successful thrombectomy he
> performed yesterday and said she was doing nicely. She says her arm
> is still tender, but not painful like it was yesterday.
> Kim is now totally converted to the blood thinner Loverox. I
> gave her an injection in her stomach this morning and will give her
> another shot tonight. She said it didn't hurt, but as it was the
> first injection I ever gave, I know she was just being sweet.
> Tonight, I brought my laptop with me to St. Joe's, so Kim is
> helping me remember her day. She wants you to know she is trying
> her hardest to get healthy, but it seems that her body does not want
> to cooperate. She will be given lasix tonight to get rid of any
> fluid around her lung and heart and Dr. Riley ordered new x-rays
> over Kim's chest in the morning. Kim is overwhelmed by the support
> and prayers pouring in from the community - she says it really keeps
> her going.
> Special thanks today to the hard working team over at Barnes &
> Noble!! I spoke with my District Manager, Tom, today, who has done
> so much to make sure that I can spend this time with Kim and my
> family. He is so impressed with how well the team is keeping the
> store looking great and preparing our store for the holiday
> season!!! I cannot say enough good things about everyone over there
> - it is so great to work with all of them as partners in that
> operation and to know that the store is in great hands is such peace
> of mind.
> Today, Autumn stayed home sick and slept on our neighbor's,
> Brian and Betsey's couch. Antonio's teacher, Mrs. Schrantz,
> reported that Tonio had a 'sad' day and he told me that she did so
> much to make him smile. Cody keeps going strong, as the wear and
> tear of the last three weeks catches up with the little ones. Our
> neighbor, Amy, just brought the bambini's down to visit with Kim -
> they love to see her and have made her some adorable cards and
> pictures.
> So, we are spending some quite time now that the kids have gone
> home with Amy, who does such a great job getting them dinner,
> showered, lunches packed and to bed for us...and we're watching a
> little Monday Night Football - Emilio, I know you must be glued to
> your set, looking for a Bengals comeback and Brad and Janene are
> happy that the Steelers are winning! We're right there with you and
> we know that you are all right there for us! Thanks again for
> everything,
> God Bless,
> Dave

            Our Tuesday night 'therapy' session with Lupe and Manny Barrios was a hit, as usual!!  We look forward to the wonderful meal and conversation...

       


               

            "I know why I'm in this hell...I just don't want to believe..."

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sunday



         "The greatest weapon any warrior can carry into battle is absolute certainty of her eternal soul."

          I read this today and thought, how appropriate for Kim.  The situation she was facing this time last year.  And although her resolve never wavered, her body just was not cooperating.

          Sundays.  They've always been the sticking point.  Seemingly more so, now, as the calendar flips back around at astonishing speed, but with horrendous slow motion in the moment feeling.


The morning sky today was beautiful and the air chill over the De Grazia Gallery in the Sun...

 
It was cold, but not so cold that I could see my breath...this chapel so beautiful and peaceful...

I had to work today and I got up early so that I could stop by the De Grazia chapel and pray...for Kim...the bambini...our family and friends...to try to be more humble and to be able to stand up, on my own, and put this month to rest...and then the next one...

The bambini were so cute today, as I prepared to leave...they send me off in style, making sure that I have my lunch...check...my briefcase...check...my large Phillies cup filled with ice water...check...keys...check...and Autumn yells "sell a lot of books and Nooks today!"...they stand  leap about in the driveway, like Lord of the Flies castoffs, waving wildly, blowing kisses and shouting "have a great day!"   "drive safe!"  "Love you!"

Andrea picked them up around 8:30 and took them to their C.C.D. classes at Our Mother of Sorrows with Lexy and Breanna.  Afterwards, she took them to breakfast at Viro's, where they had the buffet with Rose.  I got a funny text from Micah Mortensen, principal of Desert Sky Middle School. "Dave, your kids are here at Viro's."  "Tell them hi for me Micah" I texted back.  "Well, who are they here with?"  "Andrea."  Long pause...."Oh, I see her!"  It's nice to know there are others looking out for the bambini! 
They had a fun day, watching movies, drinking hot chocolate (yes, it is getting cold here!) and then going to Lexy's dance performance.  Andrea kept them busy and well fed!!  She even brought some penne pasta and meatballs home for Cody and I to eat for dinner!!
I was glad and grateful that they had a nice day...I'd love to hit the lottery and just be able to be there for them all of the time!

           Autumn and Antonio watched the Ravens v Steelers game with me tonight (well, between packing lunches, doing wash, dishes, floors, etc.)...Autumn was very enthusiastic and asked a lot of questions.  She thought that the Steelers, James Harrison, had too much energy, as he seems to be in on every play.  And wondered why players like Troy Palalamu of the Steelers and Torrey Smith of the Ravens, let their hair grow so long "won't somebody pull it?".  She rooted hard for the Ravens, because her Pop is a fan, living just north of the city of Baltimore.  And thought she had 'jinxed' them, when after the third quarter ended, with the Ravens in the lead, she wondered out loud 'Wouldn't that be awful if the Steelers came back in the last quarter and won?'  Those two added some great color commentary...Cody and his buddy Alex decided to play out front instead!

           I apparently did not send out much last year this day...sometimes, it's just too hard.  You just want to lay down, give up. Kim, she kept us going...  But, I did send this one:

  "Hi Tom, Kim had a bit of a setback, as her body rejected the cumadin blood thinner. She'll undergo a procedure this morning at 11:30 a.m. to try to correct clots and protect her from them. They are trying her on a different blood thinner. I hope she can be re-released on Monday. Thank you.  And my family thanks you, Dave"
         

             The clouds were spectacular tonight, as the bambini lit their candles and placed them carefully in Kim's Nitcho...

                   Love,
                        Dave