Goodbye Dad, you'll be missed

Wow, it has been one heck of a long time since I’ve posted anything let alone new work. I have been working on a number of things including learning much more about programming in PHP and mySQL. I’ve also been doing a bit of sketching and drawing but haven’t had the chance to really get my paints out. I plan on breaking the paint out soon, as I’m working on a collaborative project with my good friend Jim Bothelo.

But one of the main reasons I haven’t been able to get much painting done, is an issue very close to me. Christmas of 2005 my Father was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He was a life-long smoker and a fire fighter before oxygen masks were the de-facto standard. My Dad has since been fighting very courageously going through several rounds of chemo and radiation therapy, as well as attempting non-traditional forms of treatment such as tarceiva and holistic medicine. However, in December of 2006 it became clear that my father’s body was not winning this war. His throat and spirits were damaged from the treatments, and he found eating very difficult, which resulted in massive weight loss as he had difficulty consuming any solids. During the months of January and February my Father’s condition worsened each week and it became very apparent that he could pass within the next few weeks at all times. It became a priority to me to spend as much time as I could with him. So for the past 6-8 weeks I’ve been with him and my amazing mother and brother trying to comfort them and take care of my dad as he deteriorated at home.

On February 25th 2007, my dad passed away. He fought a long and hard battle, but in the end the cancer was too much for his frail body. I’m going to miss him so much more than I can figure out how to write, but I’m so thankful for those weeks I got to spend with him leading up to his final days, as so many people never get to spend that time with loved ones before they pass. So if you can read this Dad I will love you and miss you always. You had a heart of gold that not many got to see, and its too bad because you were an amazing father and husband. We’re going to miss you.