Old Boys 2008

When your gross score improves by 17 strokes from one year to the next, it is more likely that you will be the winner of the tournament. And that is exactly what Brian did to take this year's Old Boys tournament. It was actually not that clear from the initial look at the cards, but numbers guy Glen made a slight error in addition which initially pointed to Paul as the winner. Brian, with his net 68, is pictured here accepting the trophy from yours truly, host of this event for the past 5 years. There is some talk about the event being a "criss-cross" Howe Sound event next year, with one round in Squamish and one in Roberts Creek. Negotiations continue. There was a mildly negative aspect to this year's gathering with rain pouring down on the first day and the wimps prevailing over the more hardy golfers, wiping out day one's golf. That was soon forgotten with a gathering back at my place and Judy creating Wii characters for everyone and then Wii target golf competitions taking place. Two good evening meals, two good golf course breakfasts, and a chili lunch after the rainout made for a very nice get together.

Dad and Me ... 5 days later.

Five days later and I'm back at, staying overnight with dad at the hospital. This time it was different. He had responded well to the treatments provided by the medical staff and definitely knew me when I arrived at 11 pm last night... problem was, he was excited to see me because he thought I was there to take him home! Well,needless to say we went back and forth for the next 9 hours as he tried in vain to convince me he did not belong in the hospital and that I wasn't being his "number 1 son" by not acceding to his wishes. During that 9 hours he slept for, at most, an hour in 5 minute or so fits. It is tough to see him this way. I like to remember him more as he is pictured here taken at a family gathering 18 months ago, and pray that once he recovers fully and is discharged we will have fun days like this again. He has barely had a chance to get to know his great grandchildren. Thanks to brother Barry and nephew Shane for taking care of these night shifts and to my sister Corilee and other family members (including mom) who are standing by, keeping him company 7/24.

Dad and Me

Dad went to the hospital this past weekend and I travelled to town to be with him last night. I guess when you are 84 years old, things just start to happen. For dad, they actually started to happen some time ago, but now things seem to be coming to crossroads. My mom is amazingly strong… for some couples I guess that just happens when you have been married for 60 years. My brothers and sister live closer to dad and have taken the load off mom so many times. I love and appreciate them for this. I can't be with dad every day. Last night, he didn't seem to know that I was with him in the alcove at the hospital, but I held his hand, he held mine (when he wasn't trying to get at the catheter and other things) and I talked as loudly as I could to him, knowing that his deafness and the volume I could sustain with other patients nearby probably didn't make a great match. Lots of things going on for our family these days. I just need to maintain my trust in God that he has a plan that makes sense.