Wow. It's been a doggone good while since my last post and I feel like a quick update is in order. What's new?

#1 I'm headed to TN for a week with the extended family.

#2 My brother is engaged.

#3 My work hours have dramatically shifted.

#4 My step-dad is terminally ill.

We found out this week that my step dad, Jack, has lung cancer which has likely spread to his liver. Doctors give him about 2 months or so...
This is hard for me - harder than I thought it would be - because he's been such a force in my life. Such a rock of reliability and wisdom. He is one of two men that I trust and admire and his imminent loss is difficult to accept. He wasn't always a part of my life but came along at the time I needed him the most to shape my personality and lay the groundwork of the person I am today. Of course, he was just being himself and wouldn't take credit for any thing I just said, but that doesn't make it untrue. The days ahead are unclear...tests, procedures, waiting...today my mom and he went to the funeral director's office to finalize arrangements. How must that feel? To KNOW your death is near...planning your own cremation and interment...I mean I'd be feeling like I was having an out of body experience or something...
Jack's a good man and I will miss him more than I can express in words...