My Dad

Lani Called me yesterday and told me the news I was dreading. My dad passed away. He was in a hospital in Houston then got transferred to Beaumont (his home town) then was rushed back to Houston where he died in his sleep early Saturday morning. He had too many complications and they just couldn't save him. He was 69 years old.

He and I talked on the phone several times in the last few months. He called me often from his hospital bed and told me he loved me. We became friends and I think in some way me having a disability was a comfort to him because we understood each other. He was very positive and his attitude rubbed off on me. He said "every day that I wake up is a good day" and I appreciated hearing that because I felt pretty down and he made me feel up. I felt like compared to what he was dealing with (being in the hospital, couldn't talk very well, paralyzed on half of his body) I didn't have much to complain about. Actually, I felt pretty normal when I talked to him. He said my strength inspired him which I never understood because he seemed a lot stronger than me. He dealt with his disability for 17 years and I wondered if he ever had a hard time at first. He said he had always been positive and didn't know any other way to be. That was uplifting to hear and made me want to look on the bright side.

Dusty took care of him and I thank her for that. She is feisty and I imagine wouldn't tolerate any wallowing which I think was good for my dad. I think that helped shape his attitude and helped him to look at his life realistically and focus on what he could do not what he couldn't.

I want to perpetuate the attitude he showed me. And in doing so I think I will honor his memory.

I imagine it must be hard for other people, namely Dusty (wife) Pua (sister) Maryanne (aunt) Lani (she was close to him) and Kenneth (he wanted to know him better).

My family is supportive to me and I appreciate that. Per said he'd give me a ticket to attend the funeral and is there for whatever else I need. Thanks honey, that means a lot that you're there for me.

My Trip to Utah

I went to Utah for two weeks in June to see and stay with my sisters. I stayed one week with Lani and one week with Maile. Andrew also went to visit Bryan. I couldn't have gone without Andrew's help on the plane and in the airport (thank you Andrew!) I also stayed with mom for two days and saw Ken, which was nice.

Jade and Mom at Mom's house

Bryan surprised Andrew with a trip to Cali the day after we got there. Andrew had no idea until Bryan couldn't take it anymore and spilled the beans. He told Andrew he had a confession...he was tired and they were going to stay the night in Las Vegas and go to Cali the next day. Andrew just kept saying "are you serious?" and Bryan said it was "sweet."

Andrew and Bryan

I told my sisters they didn't have to entertain me, I just wanted to blend into their lives. I had a lot of fun talking to them and "blending" :) The first week, I went to church and had lunch with my uncle and aunt Carl and Leonette Clark. He isn't really my uncle, he's mom's first cousin, and my first cousin once removed, but my siblings and I have always called him uncle Carl, so that's what he is to me. I had a really great time visiting and getting to know them.

Aunt Leonette and Uncle Carl Clark

One of the highlights of my trip was the day Lani got a slip 'n slide for her little girls who are 6 and 3. The first time they tried it, they ran, jumped, and...stuck, no sliding! It was so funny! They finally got the hang of it and had a blast getting wet. I'm so bummed I didn't take any pictures, I was too busy watching I guess!

Sophie McCann

Claire and Lani McCann

Another favorite highlight was when Maile took me for a ride up American Fork Canyon. We drove up to Tibble Fork Lake with the windows down. (It's a man-made lake that is really a dam.) People were having a good time picnicking, fishing and playing in the water.

The things I loved about this ride were: 1) talking to Maile, 2) the quaint, two-lane road, 3) driving right next to the river-I love to hear and see it,  4) people barbecuing, and 5) the air smelled good!

I've never stayed with Maile before and really enjoyed getting to know her. I discovered that we are a lot a like!

Maile Chu

This will probably be my last trip out to Utah unless I feel better the next time but I'm glad I got to spend some time with my family. Now it's their turn to come and see me in Kansas!

The Lovgren Family in Sweden

Tore, Monika, Ann-Sofie (Ahlqvist), Nils Lovgren

This is Per's family: Tore, Monika, Ann-Sofie, and Nils. They all live in Sweden, and we live here, 3,000 miles away in the U.S, in Kansas. I like to visit them in Sweden, but we only go every couple of years because it's expensive.

I wish we were going to see them this year. We haven't been to Sweden since 2008 when we picked Bryan up from his mission in France. I can't believe it's already been two years since we've seen them. Per went to Sweden for a few days last year when he went to Europe on a business trip but I haven't seen them for a couple of years.

I wish I could get to know them better but it's hard to do because we don't speak the same language. Even so, we are still family and I miss them. I miss the smell of Sweden and the smell of their home. I miss Monika's yummy food and Nils playing golf outside with my guys. I miss sleeping there and waking up to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the birds chirping. Most of all, I miss the four of them.

I hope we take a trip there soon. Until then, at least I have pictures and memories.

Dear Uber-dude

Per always has a way to make me laugh. We say a prayer before every meal and sometimes he says 'Dear Uber-dude'. It makes us laugh then he says a 'nice' prayer. Thanks, honey, for your sense of humor. I don't think God minds.