Mary Derry

I just found out this afternoon that one of my cousins had died in a car accident. Mary was much younger than me and, unfortunately, I did not know her very well. Most of my memories of her are from my childhood. And, even then, I really don't remember a lot about her other than both she and her sister looked a lot like their father. However, I had the fortune of meeting her again some 10 or 12 years ago at another cousin's wedding. I found her to be an absolutely lovely young woman. She was beautiful, intelligent, and, in all ways, quite an impressive woman. I am feeling extremely sad that her life should be taken at such a young age. I really wish I had gotten to know her and her family better. I'm embarassed to say that I don't even know if she has any children. I know that her mother, my aunt, must be feeling like her soul has been ripped from her chest. Unfortunately, I have experienced this pain. Joan, there is nothing I can say or do that will take the hurt away. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Goodbye Shadow

We had to put Shadow down today. His quality of life has been sliding downhill for quite some time now. It was a very difficult decision to make, but we know it was the right thing to do. We will miss him very much. He came to us somewhere around Jennifer's 15th birthday. He has survived not only our kids but our grandkids as well. What a wonderful dog. We love you Shadow.

US Marine Corps

Happy 234th birthday Marine Corps

We are all Soldiers today

The events at Ft Hood today are horrific and shocking. My heart goes out to all of those who are personally affected by this shooting. Apparently the shooter was Army Major Malik Nadal Hasan.

More info can be found here.