Goodbye Jim

All, it is with a heavy heart that I write this update. This morning at approximately 2:45 CST John's older brother Jim passed away. John is holding up, but I know that the next few weeks are going to be difficult for him, and the rest of his family. At this time, we do not know what the plans are. John's parents will stay in Connecticut for a little while longer while they, and Jack, settle some of Jim's affairs. Sometime in the next few weeks, a memorial will be held for Jim, most likely in Baton Rouge. Jim was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Where Do I Start?

It seems forever since I last posted something, and I really don't know where to start. February (and so far March) have been difficult times emotionally.

As you know, John's brother Jim has been fighting cancer since the first of February and John's parents have been in Connecticut giving him support, and just being there. Jim has some wonderful friends that have been there for him and his parents during this trying time. John flew to Connecticut on Sunday, March 2 and the kids and I followed on Monday, March 3. We did not tell anyone that the kids and I were going to be there, so it was a wonderful surprise for them; especially since they have not had a chance to 'meet' Camryn yet. She and Dad have been spending quite a bit of time at the hospital with Jim and are worn out. We were all prepared to see a different Jim, but I was still amazed at how thin and frail he appeared. As of yesterday, Jim has decided to stop all treatment for the cancer. He will be leaving the hospital on Wednesday to spend what time he has left at home. His spirit remains upbeat and he is comfortable with his decision. We are going to get John back up there within the next 2-3 weeks again. If you want to keep more up to date with Jim, there is a web site set up. It is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimwhitehead. Here are just a few pictures that I took while we were there.

Camryn with Nana &PopPaw Camryn with Nana

Four Whitehead women

We all returned home late Wednesday night, and I spent the early part of Thursday unpacking and doing laundry as John and I were flying out to Phoenix on Thursday night to visit an old high school buddy of John's, Roy, and his wife, Tracy. We were a little concerned about whether we were going to make it out or not since mother nature decided to throw some snow at Texas for the second time that week. We ended up with about 4 1/2 inches of the beautiful white stuff at our house. Luckily flights were still getting in and out of DFW Airport and we landed in Phoenix only 30 minutes later than scheduled. We spent the next three days relaxing at the hot tub and pool, going to spring training baseball games and enjoying the wonderful cooking of Tracy. John and I both needed the break and it came at a perfect time. We are back home now and facing going back to our 'normal' schedule.

From the back patio (pretty isn't it?); Cami "enjoying" the snow; good friends Roy and Tracy Courtright in Phoenix.