Today...

May 18th is an interesting day.

I always remember this day.

I usually make several phone calls on this day.  One to each of my sisters, one to my uncle.

Sometimes I plant flowers on this day with my sister Stephanie.

Twelve years ago on this day, Jeremy and I went to my senior prom.  That was a good day.

Fourteen years ago on this day, my dad died tragically.  That was a hard day.

Today is a hard day.

I wish it wasn't, but it is.

It is hard because it is clear that my uncle will not be with us much longer.  He is now at home with hospice care.  It is very difficult for my family to watch the strong patriarch of our family in such a weak state. 

It is hard to see this cancer that he has been waging an all out war against, winning.

This morning, my sister posted this picture on facebook.

I love it. 

It is a picture of my uncle (in front) and my dad.  Two boys.   It reminds me of my two boys.  Especially since one of my boys looks just like my dad.

Today is hard...but there will be better days.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
                          - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8