Wolfhowler

Tio Rafael

It is cloudy and raining here, it is not what I hoped for but and it will surely but a crimp on our plans to go to the beach but it is the way things are.

Yesterday was a national holiday, Venezuela celebrated the last battle which sealed it's independence from Spain. It was a quiet day and we just stayed at my cousin's home.

Tio Rafael (with white shirt) came to visit with Alfredo and Susana, my cousins. I have fond memories of my childhood with my uncle.

He was a Venezuelan Marine and retired a few years ago. He is now 70 years old and we spent the day sharing many memories and experiences.

My Tio had a major influence in my life. I had the opportunity to have spent time with him in various places while he was doing specialized training. As a 13 year old, I stayed with him in Virginia and South Carolina. This was a very special treat.

Zak is having a good time. He is showing off his internet skills finding free internet games. He is also enjoying communicating in Spanish.

  

To Venezuela

I left the country of my birth when I was 16…(that was 33 years ago) and since then I have only come back three times to visit. Is not that I don’t wish to return but somehow it just does not work out.

But now, Lourdes, my 96 year-old Grandmother is in her last days and I want to be see her before she passes away. She has been an amazing woman. She had 19 (yes nineteen) children and has been strong and healthy all her life.

My Dad was her first child and I’m her first grandchild. Like her Mom who lived to be a 100, she has prayed for me for many years.

I’m coming with Zak. He has been to Venezuela once before but he has no memory of the trip, he was only 3 years old. He loves to speaks Spanish and is a Venezuelan in his heart, loving to hug and laugh all the time.

I’m also looking forward to the good food, good drinks and the special company of all my relatives… all 300 or so of them!

We’ll be there for only one week and I hope to be able to share more on my experiences.

Father's Day

Yesterday was a special day for me. I enjoyed being with my kids. We shared food, thoughtful cards, a cool book of sea life and a few laughs. 

It started with breakfast with Zak, then a small lunch with Danilee and Natasha and an afternoon barbeque with my grandchildren, Danilee, Natasha, Zak and Michael and N8 friends.

I was inspired in the morning service when Kelly quoted the words of Henri Nouwen "we are no longer children seeking to be blessed but fathers seeking our children to bless them".

I opened my heart to recognize my own desire to do the exact opposite. I want to be blessed by my children. I have expected many times one thing or another from them but when I seek to bless, I have also been blessed.

Zak and I had to leave the party early for he was having an "sleep study" at Denver's Children Hospital. 

After we got there he was promptly wired and readied for his sleep. Thankfully he went to sleep rather quickly but had to be woken around 0300am for a breathing mask. He had a hard time sleeping after that but eventually he slept again... till 0600 when we were awaken as the test was finished.

A very short night indeed...

Zak does not enjoy being in the hospital and neither does he appreciate even the kind nurses poking him about. Nevertheless, I'm always so challenged by his attitude of acceptance and submission to what he needs to go through.

We made fun of the process and somehow managed to overcome the discomfort of it all.

It was a special time for both of us.

12 June

Today was an interesting day. It was supposed to be a day of joy. Since February, I been thinking that I was to be married today but it was not to be so.

Instead I took Zak to the hospital in Denver for a CT scan.

A few days ago, he was examined by a lung specialist and he told us that Zak had a 17 degree change for the worse, this has happened in just 40 days. His lung capacity is now limited to 25% of what is expected.

The doctor is trying to find a way get him scheduled for surgery sooner than 30th July for the heart and the lungs could be injured under the pressure of his curvature.

Zak does not like all the things that go on in these hospital visits. But today he was very courageous and he did well.

However, I had a hard time cheering him up as my own heart was sad to see the condition of his back and chest.

Now I sit alone in front of the computer and I open the pain of my heart as a way to set these realities down and let another day come to the end with hope that tomorrow something new will happen.

Such is life...

Michael's Day

Michael has always been disappointed whenever his was not able to celebrate his birthday on 9th June, his birthday. Many times he was not able to enjoy the attention but not today.

We all got together to enjoy the meal he requested. I made 18 Arepas (Venezuela's main staple) and fried plantains, Matthew and Kim brought the trimmings, Natasha played the piano, Zak played games in the computer and Danilee and Jon brought a nice cake.

Each one took turns to tell our favorite Michael story. The worst we could come up was his favorite insult... calling others "armpit".

These days Michael is saving money riding his motorcycle and making money in order to pay for his school.

Enjoy your 23rd. birthday big guy!