As many of you know, my father passed away on May 17.  He had a rapidly degenerative condition known as Dementia with Lewy Bodies (or Lewy Body Dementia or LBD, depending on who you talk with).  He arrived at Sunshine Care just a few days over 2 years before he died, and for most of that time he was unable to speak (at first clearly and then at all), walk, bathe or feed himself or pretty much anything we take for granted every day.  I say that because I don't want what I am about to say to sound any way but how I mean it: I am so very grateful that he no longer has to live like that.  

Today is the birthday of the most wonderful friend, companion, accomplice, lover, dog-shamer, geek-temptress and graduate of the Sears and Roebuck Charm School that there is on this planet.  My blushing bride Beth was born today - well, not today as in "this year", because that would be creepy.  My sister and brother-in-law are taking us along with the guys (when do you stop calling your kids "the boys"?) to Teatro Zinzanni for a birthday extravaganza.  In a couple of weeks, Beth and I are escaping for an overnight at Tulalip Resort to see a show and celebrate this day (belatedly), but mostly to recover from the last few months.