Grandpa

Tom Reddig was always one to let me know that blogs hadn't been updated or pictures posted.  Even if it had been months (years) since a last post, he remained optimistic that surely one of these days I would write something about his family.

Tom passed away on Sunday, April 15th.  His death was unexpected and has left an unanticipated and unwanted hole in our lives.

In retrospect, it does seem clear to me that his death does not have any "what-if" connected to it.  His health had been problematic for the last several years, and the fact that all of us assumed that it would still allow him to be around us all for the next several years only indicates to me how much we take for granted the precious time we do have with our loved ones.

Tom spent his final night in his home enjoying time with Nancy and his grandchildren.  Robert and I saw him before he went to the emergency room for what we thought was a "routine" trip to help his lungs out. 
In this I can see God's hand at work to give us all a measure of peace and comfort in the fact that Robert and I and the children were able to see him that last time.

Thank you, Tom, for the love you gave your family.  May you rest in eternal peace. We miss you.

Holy Week

Despite me being on call during Holy Week, we actually were able to take the kids to all 3 days of Mass/service. Katie and the kids even went to all 4! Holy Thursday was fun for the kids because I got to wash their feet. It's hard liking the non-liturgically correct way more than the correct way.

On Good Friday we all made it through the veneration. The kids either kissed the cross or just touched it. I wish they had pictures at those kinds of things, like they do at amusement parks when you come down the big hill. It would be awesome to have pics of things like this. And a fundraiser for the church! How could they pass up this??

Holy Saturday saw us take the kids to 8pm Mass. We probably shouldn't have told them they could leave early. After every break in the action, they (mainly Mary Ann) reminded us that we told them they could probably leave early. They did love seeing the baptisms though. Our priest used a whole pitcher of water for each person. They got pretty wet! Since they stayed for that, there wasn't really that much left but the kids were about gone, so Katie and the kids left while I fulfilled my obligation. Since I was on call I couldn't go Sunday morning. Katie said she didn't get much outward grace from going on Sunday; the kids weren't their usual good selves...

This week is Mary Ann's spring/Easter break. Different ice cream place every day. Monday we went to Shawnee. We were going to go to Wonderscope (I took the day off too) but they are closed on Mondays...really?!? Anyway, we had lunch and ice cream with Fr Scott. I guess priests get pretty worn out after Holy Week?? Tuesday the kids and Katie went to Wonderscope. Pretty fun, but not really better than Paradise Park. Since Paradise Park is so closer, and we joined as members, I don't think we'll head back to Wonderscope anytime soon...

Today, Wednesday, I think they are having a lazy day at home. It is Wednesday, so pizza for dinner. Friday we're planning on heading to Science City and then my parents are taking the kids for the weekend. Any ideas on what to do?

Weekend in review

I'll take a shot at updating, give that pregnant wife a break...

Friday night started out well. For one, I wasn't on call, always a plus. We then figured out how to play Mario Kart on the Wii online with Eric and Liesel. FYI: playing teams when your teammate is a tired pregnant lady is not a good way to win. But it was fun, and I'm glad we figured it out. I'm sure the kids will really love it once we let them take over...

Saturday was a blur. We had early soccer--7:40am pictures followed by a 9am game. Mary Ann's team won again. Then we came home to rest and change. Then off to Lawrence for a 2pm wedding. Luckily they had a nursery that Peter could hang out in. I'm not sure why "intro" music is played after the start time. Everyone was there, yet they still played intro music until 2:15. I'm glad my kids didn't notice; I know it was making me impatient enough. The wedding was nice, some good readings from the Bible.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Then we went to 4pm Mass at St Lawrence. Peter wasn't too bad, thankfully, as Msgr Krische was presiding. The girls were a little confused by the whole "2 Gospel" part of Mass, but all in all did great considering 2 church events in just a few hours.

Dinner at the Keels' house followed. Pretty good jambalaya--nice with a little kick. The kids ate hot dogs. Nana is nicer than me--I would have made them just try the jambalaya and take a few bites. Then on to the basketball game! Rose and Peter I think made it through the first half, then they went down. Mary Ann made it through it all. Then Katie, Mary Ann, L'Opa and I went down to Mass Street. Pure enjoyable craziness. Mary Ann loved it, and was a hit for the drunks to high-five. Check out some of the pics: here .

Sunday saw another soccer game. The girls were all super exhausted from the game on Saturday. Their 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 loss. They were upset but not too upset. I think they were just glad the game was over.

Tonight Fr Scott is coming over for supper. And then the weekend will be complete--bring on holy week!!