Just a Pedal

Thomas left a couple hours ago to spend a couple days with his best friend Jake.
Before he left he wanted to go for a pedal. I asked where he want to go, he says let's just go for a pedal Dad, anywhere is fine.
Our two younger children had gone to the park with their Papa Steven.
So I grabbed my trusty Pug, and Thomas and i headed off.
No biking shorts, no biking gloves, no bike shoes, no GPSr, no biking related items at all.
Just a pedal through the mine dumps.
Easy, slow and silent.
After a few miles the conversation flowed, and it was just plain nice.
I've been trying to think of another word, but nice does the job just fine!!
The conversation will stay between Thomas and myself, which is nice also. ;)
We rode until my phone made funny noises, (i never have my volume turned up, lol), which meant that it was Cindi calling us, Jake and his dad had showed up to pick up Thomas.
So we turned around after around 5-6 miles and headed for home.
I had fun Tom, thank you!!!
Love ya, Dad

To Young....To Young

My son Thomas' friend Jake is not doing well.i don't know all the details, but here's what i found on the FB Team Jake page.......

"Jacob has been diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma, Stage III. It's a high grade, malignant, and very aggressive tumor. Jacob's tumor is embedded deeper in the brain so surgery cannot be done. This site was designed as a way to allow FB users to show their support for Jacob and his family during this difficult time."   all i keep coming back to is, 15 years old!!! so Thomas' time with us is limited, and we all understand. hey, what would you do in his shoes?? my sons heart is heavy, but he's a trooper!!   Peace

Life is Never Fair!!

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing to do. But to hold it together, when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's strength."
Taken from Toms FB page.

My son Thomas got some very bad news about his friend Jake yesterday. Jakes time left in this world will be coming to an end much to soon for a 15 year old. Thomas is taking this news very very hard.
I have a very hard time relating to him during this time; I don't know what it's like to lose a friend at that young of an age. The emotions and anger/confusion must be overwhelming.
Much like I can't relate to having my parents divorced. My parents have been together for 50 plus years! I do not know what it's like to go from one parents house to the others on such and such a date. Cindi has more in common with him in these areas than I.
All I can show him is how to be strong when life doesn't seem to deal you a fair hand, and to keep your chin up and force that smile while all the time inside your sad and confussed. Thomas, we LOVE you, and are here for you no matter how ruff things will get!! This is a defining moment for the rest of your life, my son, and know that Cindi and I are here to prop you up during every waking moment!!
You are not alone!!
Also know, that during tough times throughout my life, the pedal bike has helped me through those times, and is a very good mind scubber so to speak. Nothing like a good hard pedal to clear the mind, heart and soul. Throughout my life, if I didn't have my bike, I don't know how I would've been able to get over the speed bumps life throws out from time to time.
Our prayers go out to Jake and his family, and are wishing for the best for everyone involoved!!

Peace

Father Daughter Ball 2011

this ball took place at the St. Josephs church in Chisolm, Mn.
great time, and it was a blast to dance with my little Jenna, and some with the cousins.

hair getting done..... check!

goofing while Mom puts on Jennas pretty shoes.

all in all, a great night just for dads and their girls.

mom was kind sad, but got over it very quickly.

Peace