Okay, so my last post was in October 2012. Let's just say that A LOT has happened since then...so, let's rewind
I didn't mention this, but in May 2012, my mom passed away. That summer was very difficult on my father. In August 2012, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He had major surgery, but doctors were only able to remove part of the tumor. He stayed with us for about 4 weeks & then wanted to go home. How could I deny him that? He then had chemo and radiation for a little over a month. This was a difficult time in that he was not motivated, what so ever. He hardly ate or drank. In November, he was told that they could no longer do treatment on him. In December 2012, Hospice stepped in and we moved him back to our home. He could no longer get around, so I set up the baby monitor in his room since he had the habit of trying to get up in the middle of the night. After 3 weeks, Hospice stepped in again and he was moved to Circle of Life in Springdale, Arkansas. Let me tell you something, these people are amazing, helpful, and happy people...and they see a lot of death, every single day! I visited my dad every morning and evening! On January 7th, I visited him and I just didn't want to leave, but I had a feeling that I needed to go. I left at about 7:30pm. I received a phone call at 10:30pm that he had taken his last breath. I didn't shed a tear. I woke up Elvis and simply said "my dad died." I just sat there. I went to say my last goodbye. I think I sat with him for 4 hours. Finally, I had to let him be. All I knew was that he was exactly where he wanted to be...with my mom! They were finally at peace together. How could someone be sad about that? Don't get me wrong, I am still heartbroken over losing my two best friends, but knowing that they are together & watching everything my family and I do gives me 100% peace. I'm lucky to say that I don't regret one single action with my parents. I hope others get to have that same peace when the day comes.
Now for happier moments...
December 22, 2013 - found out we were expecting #2
April 19, 2013 - celebrated Elvis' birthday & found out #2 was a boy
May 2013 - Sandy graduated from the University of Arkansas (B.A.)
June 2013 - our first beach vacation to Gulf Shores, AL
Summer 2013 - camping
August 29, 2013 - we became a family of four when we welcomed Vance Elvis Ricke, 7lbs, 5oz, and 20 inches long
August 2013 to January 2014 - Sandy was able to stay at home with her sweet lovelies! This was the most amazing and difficult time ever. I have a new found respect for SAHM!
October 2013 - Elvis built his dream shop...it's bigger than our house
December 2013 - Celebrated Mila's 3rd birthday at Fun City. She was princess for the day!
Christmas 2013 - Had the most amazing Christmas! Mila is really figuring out the whole idea behind birthdays and holidays. It's starting to get very interesting at our house.
January 2014 - Sandy retruns to KMBSP, PLLC
January 2014 - Mila starts preschool
February 13, 2014 - Sandy places something very important in the mail (top secret for now)
Okay, so if I play this just right, my next post will be pictures of each event posted above...I hope to see you in less than 2 years.
-Sandy
