Update on Grandpa

Thank you to all who have had Chad's dad, Gene, in their thoughts and prayers. Gene's surgery on Sunday seems to have gone well. It will be a little while before we know the extent of relief he will get from the surgery but we are hopeful. During tough times like these, it is so nice to see how families come together. Chad's family has been great and so supportive of Dad/Grandpa as well as Chad's mom, Bev, and each other. All of Chad's siblings, including Pat from Idaho, Cindy and Carrie from Portland and Tere from here in Eugene, have been visiting and helping care for Gene. This past week has reminded me of when my wonderful mom, Marian, was sick with cancer five years ago. Though that time brings back some of my very worst memories, it also brings back some of my fondest memories such as how incredibly my dad took care of my mom and of all of us seven siblings being together, supporting each other and even laughing together. That is what the pictures below remind me of...those happy times in very tough times.

Watching funny You Tube videos in the hospital room

Cade, Willem, cousin Andrew, Gabrielle in the hospital cafeteria

Auntie Cindy holding Genevieve

Chad's brother, Pat, with Chad