In Gus We Trust

When my siblings and I where teens my Dad acquired a nickname, I am sure he never intended to stick. My Dad having a great sense of humor and enjoying pranks would leave the alias name "Gus" at restaurants or other public places where they did not know him and would use trucker lingo or pretend he had a silly accent of some sort. We children all thought the self appointed name was so funny and we started calling him "Gus" too.

Now, being the road trip/cycling family we where during biking season we decided one year for Father's Day to embellish the Ford Explorer with a licence plate frame that read "In Gus we trust." Indeed we placed a great amount of trust in my Dad. My dad was a single Dad, who did the best I've seen any Dad do. After working a hard day of work, he always made it priority to spend time with us, he took time to build a relationship with us, encouraged us in all we pursued and gently but firmly would scold us in a loving way if we got off tack. Dad, was even welcoming towards our friends- He stocked a fridge in the garage just for us and our friends full of frozen pizzas, ice cream treats and other teen junk food delights. You can imagine where all our friends wanted to hang out, they loved our Dad too. My Dad did his best to make sure we were not delinquents and that we were accountable for doing jobs, follow through and taking care of one another. And most importantly we knew he cared.

Children seek great comfort and stability in their parents, as an adult I have come to realize how much I still lean on my parents for council and guidance, even if it is not always verbal, children are always watchful of parents.



This past week my father told me he had been diagnosed with cancer. The dreaded words you wish never to hear, that someone you love has cancer. My heart sank and trying to hold back the tears to be tough for my Dad, it was no use those tears rolled anyway. My father looked at me and said... "Don't you cry for me. I am a happy man. I have lived a great life. I have built a great relationship with each of you kids and I have a been a part of each of my grandchildren's lives. And I am good with God. What more could a man ask for?" His crystal blue eyes inspired love, truth and hope, he would not let me pity him in any way- for he was at peace. Ten years the cancer has been unknown and growing. I love my Dad for being so strong,holding on to faith and being so positive toward something so challenging. What a great example my Dad is.

My father has planned a trip with each of kids before he goes in for the surgery to remove as much of the cancer that can be removed. I will embrace each memory of my Dad and will continue to remember that... "In Gus we trust."

Princess Happy Home

Yesterday was a much anticipated day for Stephen,Chandler, myself and many family members. Alexis and Olivia arrived home after a being in Kenya with their Mom. What a joyful and happy moment seeing their faces after six months.

I have been so very excited to hear of their adventures and new experiences, what they saw and what they ate, the culture they were apart of for half of a year.

Alexis and Olivia have lived in a place I have dreamed of visiting since I was eight years old. As a child I would watch the television charity fund raising promotions for the starving children in Africa and vowed I would one day help those kids. Seeing wanting children struck such a heart felt emotion.

Alexis and Olivia have gained so much by this small piece of life experience, and I know at this age they can never fully understand what a treasure they gained. The girls are very happy to be home, a feeling anyone who has lived abroad can appreciate.

When Alexis was in 2nd grade during Thanksgiving they had a Indian and Pilgrim dinner. Alexis was designated as an Indian, the children designed paper fashioned clothing. Upon picking up kids after school, Alexis appeared wearing a Indian headpiece that displayed "Princess Happy Home" in her own handwriting. She was so delighted about the events of the day and her self appointed Indian name "Princess Happy Home". Alexis is indeed a princess and happy to be home.

We are all so very elated to have our girls home!

Making of a HERO

From boy to man I watch you grow, as you shape into the man you are destine to become.

As you select heroes of your boyhood choice, you pick heroes due to their strengths, the strengths and character you wish to take on.

Mind you... there are heroes who are among us even in our every day lives, never looking for glory or praise. They don't seek recognition for their thoughtful and caring ways. Heroes live lives of deep commitment, providing for those they hold dear. Steadfast with a quiet strength through times of laughter and tears. A hero is bold and brave in times of need.





Strong, humble, protective, brave, committed, kind to all.
You see my son, you too are learning what it takes to be a true hero.