Dear Ones,

I hope Eli had a wonderful day. Many think the twos are terrible, but I always thought it was a darling age. Katie thanks for your phone call. Your voice sounds so sweet on the phone. I wasn't home much the last few days. The doctor and I felt quite sure that Gerald was using up his last days. He is much better....eating again and seems in much less pain. He's getting very little morphine now. We never have figured out what was really wrong with him. He told me that he was in a "bad way". It still seems as if sometimes he is not really seeing me and then other times he is quite normal. It looks like he is going to be around awhile longer. I'm glad tomorrow is Friday. Wally, Gerald's brother, came to see him twice....Also Chris. Wally looks worse than Gerald. He had to cry when he saw Gerald. Gerald recognized him though. He kept telling Chris that he looked just like Chris and that he laughed just like Chris. Chris assured him that he was Chris, but I don't know if it every really registered. It's late and I'm going to hit the sack. Anne is visiting Jeff in Chicago. Congratulations on your home Mellissa and SAm. It will nice for the children to have the yard to play in. Love to all, Grandma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI!

Joe and David are off playing softball. Three girls just got through decorating David's room in response to being asked to Senior Prom. Liz is getting ready for bed. It's Jenny's birthday today as well. Laurel is out on the streets again. Jerry is off on a business trip for one day tomorrow. I have been busy and this spring weather is helping me see a lot of clutter in my house that has got to go.

My love to you dear hearts!

Well, we did it! We closed on our first home yesterday, Sam and I. It was a very stressful ordeal, and I have just realized that the stress is not going to end---ever. It is a cute little home, but there is SO much work to do! But I am so grateful to finally have a home to work on. I used to dream of the day when I would have to turn down a Saturday lunch "because I have yard work to do"... My kids have loved having a yard to play in, and now they are napping again which I love. We are in the process of moving and hope to be fully moved in by the end of the week. Then I get to clean this apartment (yuk), which I am not looking forward to.

Eddie, I'm glad school is going well for you so far. I bet the construction makes the commute even more difficult!

Hope everyone is well, Happy Cinco de Mayo!