Happy Birthday...kids

Eva, January.  Ryan, February.  Mitchell, March.  Three children, three birthdays, three very different people.  Each, our greatest blessing.  Thirty-four years ago, we began a journey together, hoping that we would be blessed with children.  A year into our marriage, we welcomed a beautiful daughter.  Two years later we brought home a son and then six years later we had another son.  These three children would complete our family...at least for a time. 


25 years after our last child was born, our family has now added a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, two granddaughters and seven grandsons.  Additionally, over the past three decades we've had the good fortune of having three foreign exchange students live with us. Staying for a year, we first had Rabea from Germany, then Akiyuki from Japan and then Woon Chul from Korea.  Rabea is married to Ingo and they have a beautiful little girl.  Akiyuki is also married and they have one son with another child on the way.  We include these "foster" children and their families as extensions to our amazing family tree. 


Along the way, we've hosted young men and women from around the planet that have stayed in our home for just a few days from time to time, capturing our hearts and teaching us valuable lessons of tolerance and understanding of other cultures.  Crossing our threshold many times have been family members and friends that have touched us, taught us and treated us with amazing love and respect.


There have been times when there were difficult times.  We've experienced disappointment, sadness and even heartache within the walls of our home.  We've felt the sting of death and divorce.  Times of illness and sadness and even despair have touched us.  Again, valuable lessons and amazing growth for each of us that have occupied this life journey.


We have several decorative signs of affirmation in our home.  One that I have seen in several stores (one that we do not have ourselves) says..."All because two people fell in love..."  I reference this because it fits for us.
All because Ann and I fell in love...three children...now three incredible adults...with families of their own...many others...along our path...yes, all because two people fell in love.


Happy Birthday Eva.  Happy Birthday Ryan.  Happy Birthday Mitchell.  Happy Birthday day...Greg, Heather, Erin, Dennis, Isaac,Caitlin, Kaleb, Clark, Sophia, Samson, Liam, Mclain, Rabea, Ingo, Akiyuki, Yumi, Woon Chul...and so many others...just so many that have added to our journey.

A special lady...Trista Rickey Wilson

It is with a big smile on my face that I pen this entry today.  I've thought alot about this young lady lately.  On the clearest, brightest days, I can think of my niece Trista and it truly warms my heart.  I don't see her often, but when I do, she simply makes a difference.  She's been on this planet three plus decades and she makes a difference...in her family...at her work...anywhere she passes.

Her heart is huge and her smile is infectious!  I remember when she was just a little toddler and she was the same way then...always, always, happy and smiling.

She has had some dark days recently.  Her loss has been great, so very great.  Her husband of eighteen years passed away suddenly in January.  She's now a single mom, the parent of three amazing boys.  She is strong and resolute, committed to doing all she can to move ahead...and yes, with that amazing smile!  I won't worry about this special lady.  She is a survivor and she'll continue to brighten this planet by just being herself.

Bert & Eva's kids...

David, Patty, Bert and Sharron
Sunset Cafe, Sunset Station, Henderson, Nevada
February 3, 2011

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011, my siblings and their spouses and Ann and I went out to dinner at Sunset Station, here in Henderson.  This was the first time all of us have been together in ten years.  Sharron and Macy and Patty and Bill were here visiting from Spokane.  We had an enjoyable dinner out.  Accompanying us was our oldest son and two of his boys and Bert's daughter and her three sons.  The picture above shows the four of us after dinner.  Smile Mom and Dad!  We took a picture!!

Beth...

Ann & Beth
Mitchell & Erin's Wedding Reception
June 2008

Mitchell, Erin & Beth
Wedding Reception
June 2008

Three weeks ago, February 7th, 2011, a dear friend of ours passed away after a short illness.  This planet said goodbye to a 41 year old friend, cousin, aunt, sister, daughter, mother and wife.  Her funeral was held five days later and there was standing room only where Beth was eulogized  and remembered by colleagues, family and friends.  A reception was held after the services where Beth served as Principal for three years.  Hundreds visited, enjoyed food and refreshment and remembered an amazing life well lived.

Beth was the person that hired me ten years ago for my first job as a school counselor.  Several years later she hired my wife as as a secretary at her school and then promoted her to be the school's office manager and her personal secretary.  The last ten years have given us many memories of Beth at work, at home and at school.  She attended some of our family events, such as baby blessings, mission farewells and wedding receptions.  We've been at her home on numerous occasions, enjoying her mother, her daughters and  her husband...and enjoying Beth.

Our hearts have been heavy because of the mortal loss of this wonderful lady.  She was all about laughter and making each moment count.  In her 41 years on this planet, she packed it all in...living a full and rewarding life.  We celebrate her.  We love her.  Yes, we miss her.  Oh how she touched our life.  Laugh Beth, laugh and wait for us.

My Barber died...



This poster was placed on the front door of the Basic St. Barber Shop, Henderson, NV



Yesterday I drove to my local barber shop.  I've been getting my hair cut their for probably fifteen years.  Every six to eight weeks, I go to the Basic St. Barber Shop and get my hair cut.  Yesterday was no different...that is until I pulled up and noticed that the lights were off in the shop and there were no cars in the parking lot.  I got out of my vehicle and walked up to the door and saw a sign on the door.  It announced that Bob Helmke passed away on January 21, 2011, several days after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas.  Bob, 63 years old, my barber for years, had died.  He was a good man, a gentle man.  He gave a great haircut.  The cost for years has been $18.  $13 for the cut, $5 tip, a kind thank you and the comfort of routine.  My Barber died.