Happy July 4th

Well, it’s been awhile and it has been good and bad. We have had some busy months. It started off with a great visit from Charlie and Harold life long friends of Bob. In May, the three friends enjoyed a short visit by the lake talking about old times. Bob was in good spirits. He was put on an anti-depressant from his medical doctor and the first two weeks were great. He wanted to get outside and do things. He was in high spirits and we really had a good time with him.

After about two weeks, Bob started to return to his normal self, but it wasn’t as bad. We had a lot of work to do and we got him outside to help with the yard work, and painting of the house. Pat and Tina came over to help, and Bob worked hard when Pat was around.

Before we knew it, we had more company. Dave, Ronnie, and their families came to a week visit. Bob really enjoyed sitting with his brothers by the lake, fishing, and talking about old times. It was too short and fast of a week. They had to leave before we knew it, and we were all sad to see them go.

Bob was especially sad. He sat around for a week after they left feeling sorry and sad. Rob and I went to talk to the pharmacist about his anti-depressant medication. Well, low and behold the pharmacist had to pull him off of the medication due to other medications that Bob takes for Parkinson’s. The pharmacist is now researching a new anti-depressant medication that will work for Bob and trying to work with the doctors to get this problem fixed.

One thing that did boost his spirits was a visit from his grand-daughter, Christina. She arrived on July 4th for a week visit. We had a great 4th of July with food, fellowship, and a great fireworks display thanks to Pat and Tina. Since everyone was here and Christina won’t be here on the 17th for Bob’s birthday, we had a small cake and sang the traditional, “Chipley Birthday” song.

So other than being busy, and trying to keep him happy and not depressed, Bob is doing surprising well. On July 17, 2010 he will turn 80. We are very thankful he is still with us and we are still able to have some great memories with him. If you can, drop him a card with a photo for his birthday. He loves looking at memory books with all the photos of family and friends. And you know me; I have a ton of photos and memory books for him to look at.