April's Roller Coaster

Hello my friend the Blog, it has been a while since our last conversation. Here I am in Stuart, struggling with many of the same issues of 2008. My step-Dad is failing oh so slowly, he's now limited almost completely to a wheel-chair. But his fear of dying has created a stand-off with Father Time. Neither side will concede. It's a real study in mental toughness and what effect attitude has on longevity. Yet, to what end. His brain plays tricks on him and his ability to stay on task is almost no longer assured. On the other hand, he enjoyed a wonderful night out last evening to attend the Palm City Presbyterian's Easter production with his Miami friend, Penny Fisher. He was up and of clear mind. But it really took it's toll. Today, Saturday, he's so weak he can't walk and he can't focus on anything. He actually fell asleep in his recliner in Penny's presence this morning, really surprising both Penny and me. My intuition says he's getting weaker but his future is still unclear. I am honest when I say I still believe he has a 50-50 chance to outlive me.
My visit to Stuart has been a good one. For the most part, the Chief has been quite good and very happy that I'm around. Pearl and Sharon have enjoyed the change of pace that my presence provides as well. I really am thankful for the help they provide. After this trip, I know I would be helpless if I were to be in the house full-time. It is hard to be down here for me. I eat like a horse and almost always don't exercise because of the heat and laziness. My weight is up again and my legs, while not completely better, are trending positive as I have not had the neuropathies as last month. The drive down here was a tough one as I had to stay over one extra night. I encountered severe rainstorms from Macon, GA, to Gainesville, FL. It was so bad I couldn't drive much over 60mph safely. The E320 Coupe really held up well and I am glad to have chosen it for this trip. Although it is starting to show it's age, almost 16 years, the coupe is a keeper even with 143,000 miles. My neglect in the winters has caused rust spots to accelerate and the Ebay wheels need to be refinished as they are quite stained and scratched. Hopefully, I will invest in a complete paint job sometime soon.
Well, I'm sneeking up on my 61st birthday. It is really humbling because I know I must focus on what's important and discipline myself to my positive habits of old.
Pearl, for my birthday present, signed me up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
I really would like to do it, but will I be able? As I have said before, running will remain in my future, but marathoning may be much more limited. I pledge to give the USMC race my best effort.
Well, it's time to close this lengthy ramble. Happy Easter and Blessings to all,
Ricky