You only get One........

[fingpilot]

Mike;


I called my Mom last night after reading this. So true....

Just saw this as well. Am also in Huntsville. I found the notice in the paper. She sounds like a genuine Steel Magnolia. I found that when my Dad passed, I kept him alive in my head, and even today, years later, I am still amazed when it strikes me to go have lunch or dinner with him, that he is not here, but only watching my everyday stuff from afar.

Have often followed your posts, and would gladly get together when things settle down. I'm on the Arsenal a lot, usually on TA-3.

Michael.

[Oracle]

Mike,
My deepest condolences.
I'm also aware that I keep procrastinating to call mom and dad. I'll follow your advise and call them now.
Sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
-Gaspar

[gt350mike]

Again, I greatly appreciate everyone's comments and prayers. I was able to keep everything in perspective when I gave Mom's eulogy......my Dad told me to remember that we should celebrate her life and count our blessings that she didn't suffer as those who have died of cancer or some other horrible disease. My minister used the example of Google map; he said that I've max'd out the zoom (down to roof-top level) and focused on the all of the negative "things". He told me that I should back-off on the zoom and try to see the bigger picture but it wouldn't happen overnight.

This past week the emotions has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, but the situation could be so much worse if it wasn't for all of the support that has been given to the family. People have really gone out of their way to take care of us....you would not believe all of the food that we've received. Just one of example of many; my old Army buddy cooked prime rib and shrimp (which didn't taste like oil), all laid out with vegatables, tea, wine, fresh fruit, and ice cream! I guess I'll go on a diet........later.

In the next few days, my wife and I are heading to Montana/Yellowstone for our first true vacation in years. We had talked about this type of trip for years and finally made reservations last month, but almost canceled the vacation until I realized that I really needed to get away. We're flying to Billings and instead of getting a rental car (like we did 10 years ago) I'm renting a Harley and we're heading south to Yellowstone and Jackson, WY. I'll post the details of the trip later. The lighter side of this vacation is watching my wife pack. Normally she has a huge suitcase with TMS.....too much "stuff", so it's been really interesting watching her determine what is going into the little bags! And with that said, I'll stop tonight on a positive note.

Originally Posted by m21sniper

There's nothing wrong with falling apart once in a while.

Take my comment as a complement....when I saw your post, I had no choice but to laugh. Thanks....I needed a little humor.

Originally Posted by fingpilot

......................and would gladly get together when things settle down. I'm on the Arsenal a lot, usually on TA-3.

Michael.

When I get back, we'll grab a bite for lunch and then you can tell me where TA-3 is located. I should know where it is because I ran all over that place when I was a cadet (*#@% land nav....you either love it or hate it) a long, long time ago.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by gt350mike

In the next few days, my wife and I are heading to Montana/Yellowstone for our first true vacation in years. We had talked about this type of trip for years and finally made reservations last month, but almost canceled the vacation until I realized that I really needed to get away. We're flying to Billings and instead of getting a rental car (like we did 10 years ago) I'm renting a Harley and we're heading south to Yellowstone and Jackson, WY. I'll post the details of the trip later. The lighter side of this vacation is watching my wife pack. Normally she has a huge suitcase with TMS.....too much "stuff", so it's been really interesting watching her determine what is going into the little bags! And with that said, I'll stop tonight on a positive note.

Just read your original post, My Deepest condolences, Mike. I'm going to see my mother tomorrow and will make sure she knows how I feel about her. I know I don't do it enough.

Enjoy your Motorcycle trip. I came back from Sturgis thru Billings and south to Yellowstone and Jackson. It was fantastic. Beartooth Pass is breathtaking. Make sure you go to Little Bighorn. Second time in three years I've made the Yellowstone/Jackson WY. trip. Theres nothing like a good motorcycle trip to clear your head and feed your soul. I'm leaving Monday for my annual 3000 mile motorcycle trip.