October - Time for Changes, Again

Greetings, I'm back. As the title referenced, I'm seeking change again. Many of life's twists and turns have occured over the last year. My Mother, God bless her, passed after a 4 year long battle with throat cancer. It's been tough because I am now an orphan, no blood siblings or real family left. Except for my step-dad and my children, it's pretty lonely around here. Speaking of EWS, he's doing well considering what's happened. He seems quite strong mentally but very fragile physically. Trying to support him by long-distance is tough. I'm so thankful that Pearl remains with him and is my link into what really unfolding in Florida. With respect to my children, I'm a bundle of worry and mixed feelings. My son, Patrick, is having difficulty making the right choices lately. He put me at risk by allowing several friends to drink at my house when I was absent, and that was almost immediately after being busted at college for on-campus drinking. I'm fearful the alcohol genes may work against him like they have others in my family. Lauren, on the other hand, is seemingly more responsible but she too has caused me significant worry. A second positive pap-smear has caused much alarm for her and worry for her Dad. Whoever said 'parenting is a life-sentence' hit the nail on the head!

With respect to me, I'm really fighting myself right now. I am twenty pounds heavier than a year ago. I still haven't focused on what's right for me to do.
I am getting pressed to relocate to Florida but I will be surprised if that is really an option. I'm trying to sort out what the future holds regarding relationships. Frankly, I have an awful fear for the change in financial status that is looming. Inheriting significant wealth, and the responsiblity that it entails, is almost overwhelming me. I must focus first on my health and then on my children.

Wow, last weekend at Coe was really nice. I drove out Friday mid-day, enjoyed Randy Johnson's induction into the Coe Athletic Hall of Fame, and mingled with some guys I hadn't seen since graduation. Randy looked great, Paul Bachmann and Ken McMartin were nice to see again, and I did see Jack and Nancy Evans. Now, on the down side, I drove back Saturday evening listening to the Cubs elimination game against the Diamondbacks.

So what's the plan? Let's try this for a change. Each day go back to the Franklin system about documenting and prioritizing what's important to me. Hopefully, I can create some positive momentum in all phases of my life. Also, return here more often. When I blog I feel good about myself. When I put something down on paper I will do it. When I look at myself, I want to change. Again.
Good Luck and God's Speed. Over.
Ricky