All Over

Well this weekend came to signify how everything is all over (or soon will be).  To back up a few weeks, the end of Becky's time in school came to a close when she graduated on Dec. 11th.  She can now add the initials of BSN after her name (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).  She is elated to finally be done with school and to be one of the few people in her family with a Bachelor's degree.  So an end has come for her in part of her education (unless she decides to pursue a higher degree).

Next came the announcement of my end of playing hockey for the Komets.  After 2 years and multiple seasons I am taking a step away from my first true hockey team to help players at a lower level and to improve some minor aspects of my game as I prepare myself to play in a higher league. Don't fret my fellow Saturday night warriors I will still be playing for the Grave Diggers and the Silverwings.  My last Komets game will be Jan. 3rd.

Finally came the end of the frantic holiday shopping season this year.  Becky and I are happy to finally be over with Christmas as this year proved hard in finding gifts for everyone.  I also learned this year no matter what I ask for Becky will go to any length to get it, even if it is vague.  When Becky asked me what I wanted for Christmas I replied "Mike Ribeiro" (one of the top players on the Dallas Stars hockey team).  To my amazement she was able to get a framed autograph picture of Mike Ribeiro with a patch from one of his hockey uniforms.  I have now proclaimed that one of my Fanch art pieces will be replaced with this collectors item.

This weekend came the end of the Cowboys season.  This will leave my Dad disappointed as the team seamed to dissolve one stupid play after another this past weekend.  Maybe it is a good thing as now my Dad can find better things to do with his Sundays instead of watching the Cowboys waste perfectly good opportunities.

The next and final end to come is this year.  With all of the major ups and downs it is good to finally start a new year.  I just hope that next year will build upon all of the good things from this year and change the bad things to make them better.  If I don't see you soon then "Happy New Year".  Becky and I will be celebrating at the Stars game (our annual tradition). 

Back on the Tricycle

Well after 3 1/2 weeks of rehab I have received clearance to play hockey this weekend.  I do have a lengthy list of things I must do in order to play.  Everything from warm-up exercises to wraps and balms that must be used.  It should make for an interesting game.  I will only be playing one game as I do not want to push it too hard.

This weekend will be the one year anniversary of Johnathon's passing.  Becky and I will be going to the cemetery at 5pm on Saturday to pay our respects and to watch the sunset.  When Johnathon passed both of us commented how beautiful the sunset was in his room that night.  we feel that taking the time one day out of the year to watch the sunset is a great way to pay respect.  A question I have for you is how often do you ever watch the sunset?  If you want to participate with us you don't necessarily need to be there.  Just take 10 minutes and watch the colors that explode across the sky.  The golds, oranges, and yellows are some of the richest colors you will ever see in your life.  The peacefulness that you will get from viewing this will make you reflect on so many things in your life.

After this we will be at the Dr. Pepper Starcenter in Euless for the 7pm hockey game (Ice Bats vs. Komets).  We would love for everyone to attend the game and to share some good laughs on my part (my hockey team can be real comedians sometimes depending how we are playing). After the game we plan to spend some time with our friends and family members.  I hope to see you there.

Next week will be a very special week for Becky as she will be graduating from UTA with a Bachelors in Nursing.  I know that over the last couple years I have been so proud of her in taking charge of her education and working so hard to get her degree.  No amount of words will ever symbolize how proud I am of her and how I cannot wait to see her walk across that stage and receive her degree.  Her official graduation date will be December 11th.  If you have not already sent her an email, post your congratulations on this website.

On a final note I would like to thank my workout partners for being so tolerant of my physical limitations that last few weeks.  You all have been so great and supportive of me.  I hope that I have kept the workouts strong and you have not felt cheated by my limited abilities.  In the upcoming days as I become able to handle more activities I hope to be able to step and do with the group. 

See you at the hockey game.

How did we get here . . .

Well how adventurous the last weeks have been. We had a very wonderful birthday party for Johnathon on Sunday (11/9). On his actual birthday (11/11) Becky was able to have a small blood drive in his honor, we had dinner with one our closest friends, and I shadowed a Physician Assistant at my Doctors office. To end the day we came to find our "messaging tree" (the one we used to broadcast a boy or girl when we first found out) covered in blue ribbons with blue cards wishing us messages of hope and joy from our neighborhood friends. It really capped off what was a long day. If you were unable to make it above are pictures from the cemetery on Sunday and of the messaging tree.

"And now the rest of the story . . ." On 11/8 I enjoyed my first games back in hockey. I had 8 shots on goal and delivered a quick shot with hard skating. This left many of my teammates stating that I looked like I had not missed a beat. On the night of 11/9 I basically ended my hockey season. During our softball game I left my comfortable coaching position to partake in the play when a fellow teammate went down. In my one and only at bat I beat out an infield hit. After moving to third while jogging home I felt a twinge and something slide across the back of my leg. Instantly I knew this was not good and I began to keep moving and stretching as I could feel my leg seize up and I was not going to let this happen. The game ended shortly after this when Becky scored the final blowout run (please note Becky needs practice on sliding or else she is going to keep ending up severely bruised). Upon reaching home the leg locked up and I began icing it. After a couple of days Becky and I thought I was out of the woods as the swelling was minimal but no bruising had occurred. On 11/12 the bruising showed in a big way, covering half of the back of my leg.

After visiting the Doctor he diagnosed it as a grade 2 hamstring sprain (partially torn with active bleeding). So here I am back in physical therapy with little hope of returning back to hockey soon. Today I made the decision that I would return back to the ice for one more go at it on 12/6. Whether I make it for one game or one shift, my son taught me one key thing about life. No matter what you do keep trying. Being that this was the day he passed away I know he would want me to push hard. I am requesting any prayers of healing you can offer to send my way. I greatly appreciate this as my return to the ice not only signifies strength and perseverance but also my understanding that life must go one. Johnathon offered us a great chance to live the life of being child rearing parents. Though it was only a small taste, it was one that filled me with a lifetime of memories.

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. Just like the title of the holiday Becky and I have much to be thankful for. We will be hosting a thanksgiving dinner get together with some of our closest friends and family members at our house this year. I hope to post a list of all of the things I am thankful for in the upcoming week. Till then stay safe, stay strong, and enjoy the life that we have (we only live once).

An Open Letter to Johnathon

Happy Birthday Johnathon,

Your party Sunday was so wonderful. All of your friends brought you presents of soft cuddly animals. Your Mom brought balloons and birthday cupcakes. Pastor Eddie gave a wonderful sermon regarding eternity and all of those who we may see there someday. Even those who could not attend the party sent cards, letters, emails, and gifts in your honor. The most beautiful thing we did was release the balloons so that they could float up to you. Though we miss you dearly I am not sad today. For today one year ago at 8:01 am you came into our lives. Everything was perfect at this moment. Though you never made a sound your voice was heard quite loud.

Johnathon, of all the gifts delivered the greatest gift of all has already been received. You coming into my life was the greatest gift your Mommy could have given to me. Though we both miss you dearly, be happy son. Today is a great day as you taught us to be parents of the greatest gift God can give us. There should be no tears of sadness only tears of joy. Happy birthday my precious angel and don't eat too much icing and get a tummy ache.

Forever Love,
Dad

P.S.
Mommy and I are so thankful for everyone during this time and I wish I was able to list all of their names but this list would be almost never ending. You truly captured many hearts.

Guess Who's Birthday is coming up????

November 11th is Johnathon's 1st birthday. We decided that we would throw a couple of parties in his honor. The first party would be this Sunday November 9th. We will be meeting at 11:00am to attend church at Calvary Baptist Church (in Euless) and then we will have lunch at Main St. Bar-B-Que at 12:15pm. After lunch (around 1:30) for those who want to attend we will hold a birthday decorating party at the cemetery for Johnathon. Feel free to come and go to any of the 3 events on Sunday.

On Tuesday November 11th Becky and several friends will be donating blood at Carter Bloodcare in Johnathon's honor. If you are able to attend, we would love for you to come and give the precious gift of life. Please contact Becky or myself as we are setting up times for the blood donations now.

We hope that you will be able to attend and share in this special occasion as we celebrate Johnathon's birthday. Thanks and God Bless.

Best Month Ever . . .

It's official I am cleared to resume my hockey play. The strength is there in my shoulder that I can take hits and dish them out. My slap shot is still lacking, but I will use the next 2 weeks to get some power into it. My legs are stronger than ever as I have spent the last month doing heavy leg exercises. I had the luxury of trying out my running speed around the base paths in the softball game sunday. Which by the way was the first win for the Komodo Dragons. My coaching record is now starting to look better with a win in it. Becky is starting to show she has real skills as a catcher. If you don't believe me just ask her and she will show you the bruises. Michelle is now moving in with us on the weekends. Which only made sense since she is around every weekend as it is. Hockey is in full gear, but I am staying away because of my brothers wedding.

Becky is loving her new job . . . uh let me rephrase that looooovingg her new job! Though it can be stressful, it is a stress that she enjoys and that challenges her. Some of her former Children's co-workers have even come to work for her. My classes are going well, though studying genetics makes me just look at my family alot closer (boy do we have some odd ball genes). Looking forward to the class being over with and starting some Christmas vacation. Mel and Bobby are talking about a ski trip and looks like we might head out to Ruidoso once school is out. Becky's graduation is December 11th. So I think we will ski as a celebration after that.

Well I must be off. Before I go I do need a great big favor from everyone. This week has not been all cherry's. Unfortunately last week our friends Christine and Spencer had the fright of their lives when they found out that Christine's mom had fallen down the stairs with their 4 month old daughter. Madison received a big goose egg on her head and is doing well, but is still recovering from the accident. We also learned that Dustin's mom is sick with terminal cancer and that he and his family are dealing with the expected loss of his mother. Finally Mel has to have some medical testing done that the prognosis has multiple conclusions (some good and some bad). I ask that you keep each and every one of these people and their families in your prayers. With all of the joy that we have at the end of the year no more sadness should exist. I know with everything that occurred last year I am ready for something good to occur (whether that be a mirale or just some plain old positive news).

Please be on the lookout as I will be posting an update shortly regarding a birthday pary for Johnathon.

On The Mend

Well I am finally getting back to a normal routine.  I have been driving for a week now and I am starting to feel normal.  I still have some strength issues in my shoulder that I am dealing with, but this in not to be unexpected.  I still have physical therapy twice a week, but I am definitely closing in completing it.  I will probably return to playing hockey full time around the second week in November.  With my bothers wedding the first weekend in November I am trying to keep my schedule flexible since many of the arrangements are running late.  I think my mom is finally experiencing the joys of trying to put together last minute wedding plans.

When Becky and I were married almost 9 years ago, we made a decision after we saw how much wedding planning pulled families to breaking points that we wanted to make it easy.  Easy it was.  We simply called resorts in Vegas and had them send us information and videos on their wedding services.  From this we decided on the wedding chapel at the Excalibur Casino and Resort.  We selected our package and then called a travel agent to book our flights.  No worrying about flowers, photographs, videos, and etc.  It was fun easy and relaxful.  Looking at all my mom is having to do now, I think she appreciates that from which we saved her from.  Then again I know for all of the pain, its worth the rewards of being involved in something so special and important.  Sorry mom for not giving it to you all and we are here if you need a hand with anything.

If you see a blonde streak go flying by on her bicycle, its Becky.  After starting her new job she has found that the stresses are not the same and that she has some free time on her hands.  So she went and got a brand new bicycle and is riding with the neighbors to get exercise.  She started softball last weekend and before the first pitch she was traded.  That's right my first coaching decision was to trade my wife for a pitcher of beer . . . OK actually it was just a pitcher no beer (though we got the wrong end of the deal as the beer should have been sent for her performance).  The trade was good and bad.  Becky was going to be out catcher and she ended up catching for the other team so I enlisted our friend Leslie to catch for us.  Both Becky and Leslie played so well while having such a good time that they have created a quandary for me when it comes to next game.  The game went very well with the exception that we lost 10-9.  Though it was another coaching loss for me I was quite proud of our team as they never gave up and stayed in it until the end.  We played an experienced team and we performed like veterans.  I think this Sundays game may have an outcome in our favor.  I would like to thank all of our fans for showing up for support.  I know I loved hearing them root us on. 

We had a treat Saturday as Supergirl gave us some great tickets to the Dallas Stars preseason hockey game.  We were able to live the high life with VIP parking and tickets.  We were able to enjoy free food, drinks, and hobnob with the financial supporters of the Stars.  Then to make life even better Becky, Michelle, Leslie, and I were shown on the jumbo tron at the arena.  Nothing is better than all of the text messages I received from friends seeing us on the "big screen".  Though I have not played in the NHL I can at least say for one minute I was part of its celebration.  Thanks again Mel for the tickets!