Here I am!

I've been missing!! I was found under my computer and stack of research papers.

I was taking 2 classes this semester towards my Master's and they were kicking my butt! I barely had time to breathe this semester. But, I have finally finished...this semester that is. I have 4 classes left and will be taking 2 of them this summer.

So, you are probably wondering what else I have been up to. I am enjoying my husband and being married. He has been soo patient with me and my crazy schedule.

I had an intern this semester that was less than par, but from what I hear, he is graduating and has already applied to teach. Kind of disappointing, but it was out of my hands.

Stay with me on this one...My step-dad's mom's boyfriend, but was once married to her sister, so he is technically his uncle...you still with me?...his name is Pete. Well, Pete is/was a wonderful man. He put the floors down and the french doors in my place. He built an addition onto our house when I was a kid. He was a great handyman. He loved his mom like no other man had done before. He was patient, funny, and lived life to it's fullest.

Pete passed away last night, Thursday, April 30. He had a stroke in February and never recovered. They tried everything they could, but he was gone long ago. They tried one last thing and he wasn't responding, so they knew the time had come. The papers were signed and many, many tears were shed as we stood by and watched him pass away. I have never seen death the way I saw it last night, and hope I never have to witness it again. It was all very surreal. We watched the lines on the monitors flatline and the numbers drop. We wept as this man we all cared for slipped away. Prayers were said for a fast journey to heaven, there would be no other place for him that's for sure.

I was more emotional than I thought I would be. But, I think my pain was for Marion, my step-dad's mom. I watched her as she uncontrollably wept holding tightly to his hand. I don't know what I would do if Phil were to suddenly die and I had to stand by and watch him leave me. This is the closest to having a family member pass away I have ever had. I know more will come as it is inevitable. I'm not sure what is worse, watching someone die or not getting to say goodbye to them. Maybe they are equally painful.

Pete and Marion danced the night away at our wedding. I know he is dancing in heaven and is looking forward to dancing with Marion again!