In the midst of friends a few weeks ago, the topic of my writing and this blog came up.  Even though most people I come in contact with don't ask me, it seems as though folks are curious as to how I'm doing.  So, I committed to writing an update and posting more of what's … Continue reading How Am I? →

It's been many days, a few weeks, since Dad died.  I try not to focus on dates or count days so I don't get hung up on how long it's been.  What I do know is that this is the longest I've gone without talking to him, hearing his voice.  No off-the-cuff, unadulterated remarks.  No … Continue reading Time, Grief, Finding My Way →

I stayed in Dad's room Monday night knowing I was not willing to leave him again.  I was with him when he stopped breathing, when his heart stopped beating.  Everything since then has been surreal. For two and a half years he has dealt with lung cancer or bladder cancer.  He has had a continual … Continue reading Floating in the Abyss →

http://www.memorialsolutions.com/sitemaker/memsol.cgi?user_id=1843789 John Russell, 85, of Oskaloosa passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Services Serenity House in Oskaloosa. John Wayne Russell was born April 25, 1931, in Iowa City, Iowa. He spent his first few years of life at the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home in Davenport. John was brought home to Oskaloosa … Continue reading Obituary →

  April 25, 1931 until the morning of August 23, 2016  

Traffic was coming to a halt in the middle of highway 163 a couple of miles outside of Pella.  Which is weird.  Very weird.  Even slow farm equipment doesn't usually bring it to a stop.  I strained to see around the big diesel dually carrying 4 Amish gentleman in front of me but still couldn't … Continue reading Shades of Death →

Let's start with Mike. He's been in the hospital, on his back, in a room, since early January.  He's had multiple surgeries to close his pressure ulcer but that damn thing still isn't completely healed.  It's improved but until it's closed, he can't be up in his wheelchair or start rehab in an attempt to … Continue reading The Russell Family Rollercoaster →

When I settled into my thoughts, when I finally slowed down for the day and started to process everything I'd experienced since I woke, I washed my face, I looked in the mirror and I stopped.  I realized that she hugged me so tight for so long because it was goodbye. She also knew that … Continue reading The End For A Friend →

Last night I returned from Vail where I experienced the rich and beautiful at every turn while accompanying a friend for her post surgery follow ups.  I like to observe, to listen and there was plenty for me to absorb.  I noted several conversations while I was there in which people complained about what I … Continue reading Charles →

So much has happened since I last wrote that I don't know where to start.  I guess I'll go with each person and see what I can recall. Mom is a bit of a roller coaster.  Her knee has done well and of all the health issues we've dealt with, definitely the bright spot.  Her … Continue reading Family Update →