Looking back now [6 months later], it’s a little easier to sort out all of the events in February, which was the catalyst of my slacking off on updating the website. The first week of February, I had strep throat. AGAIN. It was the worst case I’ve ever had and I immediately found an ear, nose, and throat specialist that would remove my tonsils. Of course, this lead to my sleep study where they decided that I was suffering from UARS and not sleep apnea but still wanted to remove my uvula also. I had no idea what this would entail but more on that later [see May Update].
On Friday, February 8th, Ryan’s dad’s girlfriend, Lee Ann called the house and left us an emergency message. Ryan’s dad, Frank had fallen and hit his head the night before and was on his way to the hospital. As we are collecting our things to head that way [Kansas City], Ryan called the hospital to let them know that we were heading that direction and they told him that Frank didn’t make it. I don’t want to go on and on about the situation since most everyone talked to us that week and knows the majority of the story anyway, but what I really wanted to say about it was this: 1. I was so proud and impressed at how Sean and Ryan got all of the arrangements taken care of while driving, working, etc. I swear that our phones were in use for a full 24 hours that day. 2. During such a sad and crazy time, the family pulled together and I truly feel like it changed for the better. It’s like I [we] gained a whole new set of relatives over the last year and that part has been amazing.
On the work front, my new manager had arranged for the entire team to meet in San Jose for the first time. I was so excited to finally meet people I had worked with for almost 3 years and had never met in person! So, the afternoon after the service for Frank, I hopped a flight from Chicago to San Jose. I spent the rest of the week out there and we got a lot accomplished.
Of course, another big moment was Caleb’s first *real* birthday! It was leap year so we threw him a Spider Man birthday party for the little monkey. I even attempted a Spider Man shaped cake… which turned out not so bad! I think it was pretty good for the first attempt. Oh!! And let’s not forget ~ Ryan’s new "grill" ~ he had his front teeth fixed and I am still in shock at how different he looks and how much he and Sean look alike now with their identical smiles.
Here’s the quick pix:
The Clark Kiddos
L to R: John, Eric, Nitesh, Andy, Thad, Danny, Jen, Rich
CJ with his cake
R.I.P. Frank James Clark 1957 - 2008
~Jen
