Been awhile

Hi all...it's been awhile since I published anything. Just after I published the picture of James that Adam took at his anniversary celebration, things got very busy for us here. As many of you know my Dad had been residing in the Katahdin Nursing Home (along with his brother, my uncle Red) for the past year. Just a few days after I last published, Dad had a stroke from which he never recovered. Dad passed away on March 6. Art and my cousin Jane, had been with him shortly before he passed. His passing was as comfortable as it could be but, I know he suffered a bit. On the upside, while this was stressful for our family, I am so happy that he is now free from the sadness and depression that he's had for the past 10 years. Anyone who knows him, knows that these last 10 years since he had his first stroke have not been pleasant for him. The loss of his independence, his craft and ability to perform that craft took a large emotional toll on him. My aunt (G)Nat, had told me a while after Mom passed away that you're not an adult until your second parent passes on. She was right--it is such a weird ass feeling knowing that NOW I'm the one who "knows it all". Sitting in church on Easter and seeing both their names on the altar flower memorial list, was weird and it actually started to make an impression that as a child, I am now truly alone. The good part though is that I still have my sister, a wonderful husband, two wonderful sons, and an awesome family. And for them, I thank God everyday.