It’s been 9 weeks since I have really written anything in my blog. It’s been a busy 9 weeks. Like I said before it’s a rollercoaster ride. The good news is, I am feeling stronger than ever, although I am still weak on my right side and don’t have a lot of stamina. I have mastered the motorized carts while shopping at Wegmans. Forward & Reverse !
I am continuing my Chemotherapy. My blood platelets continue to fluctuate so I am not on a regular schedule. Steroids are still part of the daily routine of meds. I have gained back the 30 lbs. I dropped. One day at a time!
I am continuing my Chemotherapy. My blood platelets continue to fluctuate so I am not on a regular schedule. Steroids are still part of the daily routine of meds. I have gained back the 30 lbs. I dropped. One day at a time!
My Dad is struggling with in an infection in his foot and congestive heart failure. Mary and I were down to visit Dad and Mom 2 weeks ago. Kathy has been down helping Mom out & " Little" Danny flew down to see grandpa. Bill arrived in Tampa on Saturday, & Chuck Marvin on Sunday. Brian and I are headed down tomorrow. Dad is an inspiration to all of us, he has fought hard over the years and he continues to do so.
I am not sure how many of you have read the poem THE DASH; its about what you do between your birth and your death with your life. I would like to share with you THE DASH as I know it between my father and myself -
October 23rd 1955. SYRACUSE NY. 22 Beach Drive Darien, Ct. the Convent. Tennis Courts. Jerry LaRoque saved boys life ( mine ). Taking the train into NYC from Ct. The barber school in New York City. Walking the streets of NYC with Dad 2 blocks ahead. Governors’ Island. Subway. Maps. Hurricane Donna. YMCA walking home from Y when I was 6 years old. Grandpa and Grandma Muench & Grandpa and Grandma Marvin Sunday Evenings after going to Valley plaza Carrols. Herb Slotnick. Dewitt drive in - PHSYCO + many other movies at Dewitt drive in. Erie Blvd. 1st flight with Dad from Weedsport N5127A. Family gatherings at Otisco Lake. Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s at Robineau Rd. Sunday visits to Grandpa and Grandma Marvin and Muench. Basket of wooden blocks at Grandma Muench’s. Colored TV. Wonderful World of Disney. Grandpa Muench’s licorice and Cigar boxes. Civil War. Poly and O’melia. Gertie. 108 Hilltop Rd. St. Anns. CYO basketball games. The Wall St. Journal. The daily shower at BCC. 6pm dinner followed by 9 holes at BCC. (With GG) Lemonade and Ice Cream. (10 cans for a dollar) Station wagon full of kids each with a dollar in their hand. Playing basketball at the Y downtown. Riding home through the hood. Washington DC. Marymount. Ertha Kitt. Climbing the Washington Monument. Reading the newspaper outside the white house. Gettysburg. MAME. St. Ann’s. Bishop Ludden. St. John Fisher College. 6/3/78.TRIPLETS 7/16/86 AB&C. Florida. Disney World. Universal Studios. JB Rudolph Inc. Salina Street. Kemper building. Maas Brothers. Dillards. Lake Seminole CC. Coke with no ice. NYAC. Berns Steakhouse. Taxes. Tennis at Fernwood Circle. Swimming at Fernwood circle. Station wagons. The Vista Cruiser station wagon. Barr Lewellyn Buick. Roog the Doog. Willy Wompers. Marcus Aurlies. GOLF. Touch and go practice Tampa, Clearwater area. Leaning the fuel out. COAST GUARD.
These are just a few of the events to fill in the dash of times between my father and myself. Anyone who knows my Dad would have a story or two to tell. He has taught me a great deal and wouldn’t be the man I am if it wasn’t for his example. Thanks Dad.
Please view the video of my father talking about his flying days in the Coast Guard.
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
