Trust and Love...

My nephew Jimmy often sends me pictures of when he visits Kenny. He has kept me updated on any changes in his condition. It means a lot to me that he takes the time to call or text, almost on a weekly basis.

Kenny has four wonderful sons, but Jimmy has been the most devoted. Today he sent me a picture of he and Kenny enjoying donuts. Kenny loves Boston Cream. 

Jimmy's text today made me cry. Kenny looked so happy. 

So I can remember, here are the texts: 

Jimmy: Having a Boston Cream before I leave.

Me: That's great, wish I was having one with you guys! Safe travels, love you.

Jimmy: Love ya too

Me: Nice shirt Kenny, give him a hug for me. He looks so happy!

Jimmy: He is. I told him that I was coming to see him this morning and he was in his wheelchair setting in the doorway of his room waiting for me. The nurses made the comment as I walked by, that's what he's waiting for. And then he saw me walk to him and just smiled.

Me: That made me cry. Your are the one he trust and loves the most. You are a good son.

Jimmy: I hope this is not the last time I see him.

Me: I thought the same thing as I drove away from Cheyenne last week.

Jimmy: It was hard to drive away. 

The donut wasn't the real reason Kenny was smiling. It was because he has trusted Jimmy to take care of him, and he loves his son.

Jimmy is driving to Houston today for work. He won't be back to Cheyenne until July. That will be hard for Kenny and Jimmy.

I wish I didn't live so far away so I could visit my brother more often.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Christopher and Mark...

Flying high...

It doesn't matter if I am away from home for one day or several days, I always really miss my family. It was wonderful to pick Cash up from school yesterday and go to the park. We had fun watching Cash, Colby, and Grey fly kites!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Toothless smile!

(Photo credits to Tiff)

Road trip... Cheyenne

My brother Kenny's health has been declining over the past few years. Last week he was experiencing severe chest pains and had low blood pressure. He has been in ICU for a few days. I have had a feeling for several months that I should go see him. I drove to Cheyenne on Friday. 

 Elk Mountain is my favorite part of the drive.

I went directly to the hospital. I told him I couldn't decide if should go to Taco Johns first or come see him. He smiled and laughed. He's weak and has trouble getting enough air to talk. I talked to two of his doctors, they said the best they can do is keep him comfortable. One doctor said he probably has three to six months to live. He has congestive heart failure, COPD, and cirrhosis of the liver.

He smoked and drank for most of his life. It ruined his health. It makes me sad and I feel heartbroken. I love him still, and know that nothing can change the past, all we have is now. 

His son Jimmy checks him almost daily and makes sure he has the best care. Kenny will be in a care center for the rest of his life. He's only 67 years old.

I enjoyed seeing other family members while I was there. I love staying with Lloyd and Rhonda at their ranch. The cows are calving, and I woke up to the roosters crowing every morning. I really enjoy watching Lloyd do chores. He's a cute cowboy!

I enjoyed going for a walk every morning.

 Sadie

Shorty!

Very smart, sweet dogs...

Baby chicks, almost ready to be outside.

Lloyd cooked steaks from one of there corn fed cows. I'm not a real fan of red meat, but it was delicious! Rhonda always makes sure everyone is well fed.

My niece Heidi and I drove to Ft.Collins to have lunch, and I got to see the Ft.Collins Temple. It has a pretty blue roof! It was very windy, look at the flag, and the water fountain is blowing sideways.

 I do love the Wyoming skies.

The drive home was rough, 50 mile per hour wind gusts, snow, and more wind. It was the worst headwind that I can remember.

My guardian angels were with me, and I made it home safe.

I didn't take any pictures of Kenny, he looks so sick. But I love this one of me, Kenny and his son Kevin. That's how I want to remember him. And so I pray for him, praying that whatever time he has left he will feel at peace. Most of all I hope he will remember when I held his hand at the hospital, and told him how much I love him. 

 Kenny always calls me Sis, love you big brother.

Seek first to understand...

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand.

Most people listen with the intent to reply. 

~ Stephen R. Covey

(I'm working on this)

Nap or Park?

I had a little one and one time with Grey today. I have the best conversation with him. He tells me all kinds of stories. He talks about Colby a lot. If I give him a treat, he always says he wants to save some for Colby. Sweet brother...

I gave him some hummus with pita chips, and he gobbled it all down.

When it was nap time we read a few books, and I laid down by him for a minute. I told him after he woke up we could go to the park, and then I quietly shut the door. I checked on him about 20 minutes later and he was not laying on the bed.

I said "Grey" and he said "What." He was by the tub playing with the rubber duckies and other bath toys. He also had a poo-poo, so that was the end of the so called nap time.

We went to the park and enjoyed a beautiful Spring day. What a delightful boy! 

Melts my heart...

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Happy memories...

Lee, Johnnie Belle and Tim

Grey...

 a little behind-the-wheel practice before he gets his drivers license!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Colby Selfies...