Happy Memorial Day

This is Doug again. I'll start with a little confession. Usually when Memorial Day rolls around, I take advantage of the day off from work, but I don't visit graves. Today, although we are not visiting graves, I have been reflecting the lives of three special people I've lost over the years and would like to share with you a little about them. First off, I'll start with my aunt Karen, the older sister of my dad. She passed away in March of 1994 with ovarian cancer. Although she suffered dearly with the illness, she was always the sweetest person on the planet. I was going through some trials in my life during the time of her illness, and even though she was deathly ill, she would listen to me with an open heart and provide me with love and support through my difficult teen years. To this day, I remember how sweet she was and how she always put those around her first. She had her first daughter at a very young age, but worked so hard to give her family the best life possible. While he was a kid, my dad said that she was his protector. If bullies would mess with him, she would come out and kick their butts. That's the way she always was. Nobody messed with her loved ones. Although it's been 15 years since her passing, not a day goes by that I don't miss her. The second person I want to tell you about is one of my best friends named Scott Jones, who passed away in October of 2000 at the age of 41. He had a massive stroke and passed away from the pnuemonia he got in the hospital after the stroke. I met Scott in 1995, when he hired me at True Value Hardware. He was a proud father of six, and one of the most involved fathers I've ever known. He didn't miss a kids game, school activity or anything else all while juggling two jobs. He treated me like a son and taught me alot about life in general. When I got married the first time in the temple, he was my escort and continued to teach me important life lessons until his death. He was an example of what giving 110% at everything you do is all about. I miss him so bad. The third person I want to share with you is my Grandfather (dad's dad) who passed away in October of 2007. He died of complications of age and dimentia. My grandfather grew up in a family with nine brothers and two sisters. Of all of them, my grandpa was the only one who graduated high school, and went on to become a Pharmacist. He was a gold gloves boxer growing up, and love to play around with us growing up. No matter how hard I tried, there was no landing a punch on him. He was a born story teller. We always looked forward to his stories when we would visit. He missed his calling as a stand up comedian for sure. He was a 49ers fan. We were Rams fans. The 49ers usually got the best of the Rams and he wasn't afraid to tell us so. He taught me alot by his example of what being a devoted husband and father is all about. I try to mirror some of his qualities as a husband and father, and always put the people I love first, just as the three individuals I just described always did. I'm greatful for eternal life, and the knowledge that I will be with all of them, and all of my other loved ones who have passed. So on this memorial day, I will continue to reflect on their lives and always remember how special they are to me. I hope you all are as blessed as I am and have memories of special people who have touched your lives. Happy Memorial Day!

Update on poor little me!!

Hi all. Doug here. Just updating everyone on the drama saga that is my life of poor health. I had to have another pic line placed yesterday. The nurse looked it up and saw that it is my 13th pic line since 2005. Not a stat I'm proud of, but nonetheless they need to name that unit after me. I have a lot more swelling in the mastoid that was operated on in March. I'm healing well from the surgery last week, but now the new challenge. During all of this, I feel like I am constantly taking two steps forward, and three back. I start feeling guilty and begin apologizing out of my mind to Britt. I might as well be swearing at her, because she despises the out pour of guilt and self blame I continually unleash on her. She tells me that it's not my fault, which I understand, but because it causes a lot of stress and a sense of hopelessness, not to mention a lot of financial strain, the guilt sets in and I feel that I have to make amends some how. She will not allow me to feel guilty, and continues to be the greatest blessing in my life. I seriously would be up poop creek without a paddle or even a row boat without her. So anyway, I'm back in the 104 fever boat (not the same one in poop creek) along with more infection. I have a case manager with my insurance who is a god send. She is researching some out of state specialists and is fighting to have the insurance pay for my trip. She's working with the Mayo clinic in Phoenix to try to get some answers. After four ear surgeries (three this year), 13 pic lines, thousands of dollars spent in Dr's visits, and a desire on days to give up, I am going to that next level with this. I'm 33 years old, but feel like I'm 80. It's time to fix this. I do appreciate everyone's continued concern and support. Last week before the operation, Ken (Britt's dad for those who might not know), gave me a blessing that I will not ever forget. His words gave me goosebumps and made me so proud to be his son in law and in this awesome family. I am also so very lucky to have my two cute girls. They, along with Britt, are what give me the desire to fight. I hope you're all well. Keep me in your prayers.

Holy Cow!!

Hi everyone. Doug here again. I was informed by my Dr. that I will need another ear surgery. This one will take place on Wednesday. The good thing is that this one won't be quite as bad. He said that about half of these are same day, but with my ear trouble, I could be there overnight. I can't begin to say how frustrated I am. Thank goodness for Britt. She is definitely the backbone of this family. I don't know if I could cope if it wasn't for her. I can't wait to spend forever with her. Maddie came with me to the appointment. She started getting teary eyed when she heard him tell me that I needed another operation. She is such a sweetheart. She has been my little sidekick for 6 years. I have had a lot of rough times in that time and she has been there for me through it all. I wouldn't trade her for the world. Paige is also my little princess. I am so excited for June 25th to get here. That is the day that we will begin the adoption process. I love that kid so much and can't wait until I am officially and legally her daddy.
Thanks to everyone in the Foster family for putting up with all of my continued drama. This year has been rough. The bright side is that I've met my insurance deductible for the year. Everything from here on out is free! Also, John and Cherese, the baby is beautiful. I'm glad you guys got a little princess.
Well wish me luck. Hopefully the third time is the charm this year. Take Care.