Our extended family

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Fri Dec 22, 2000 7:42 pm

Last night I didn't think I was going to teach. My father-in-law has been on the decline ever since a hernia operation, and he's in surgery now for a CABG as I type. My wife has been a bit of a mess, and I have (happily) taken on the role as both mom and dad for my two boys.

I left the boys in the van, ran into the gym with my white shirt and tie on, and was ready to tell the presumably one or two who bothered to show up the Thursday before Christmas that they should go home and have a happy holiday. When I entered the room where I teach, I saw...a full house. One couple was there with (believe it or not) a sick newborn in "The Kid's Zone". Several others had made extraordinary arrangements with their own families to be there. And so...I couldn't leave. I got my boys, put THEM in The Kid's Zone, and came back to teach with shirt sleeves rolled up and shoes/socks off. I only stayed for about 70 minutes, but those that made the big sacrifices got what they came for. The family with the sick child actually had mom leaving to tend to their newborn's needs. I made dad switch halfway through; fair is fair!

As I was leaving with the class in the capable hands of Miss Vicki, she came up to me with a present in her hand. It has been a very rough year for her; their business has struggled and life hasn't been good to them. I had treated her to many a lunch through the year. She gave me a big hug and thanked me for everything. I haven't opened the present yet but...it's as good as opened.

And so I gathered my two boys and - with mom tending to her dad in the hospital - I took them to Damon's where we ate nasty food and watched Duke play Stanford on wide screen TV until way past their bedtime.

Even the rough times are the best of times when you have your martial family. I have much to be thankful for. I hope all of you take the time to appreciate your brothers, sisters, and seniors around you. With all the B.S. going on around us, we must never, ever forget why we are here and who we have to thank for that.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

- Bill (and a very nice "family")

Allen M. · Post by **Allen M.** » Fri Dec 22, 2000 8:50 pm

That's great, Bill. Wish you well.

Post by **gmattson** » Fri Dec 22, 2000 9:21 pm

Sorry to hear that the holidays are a bit hectic for you Bill. Hope your Father in law gets better soon and that you and family will be able to enjoy a happy holiday.

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GEM

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 3:14 am

Sorry about your holiday woes Bill. Hope all will resolve well.

Merry Christmas

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Van Canna

david · Post by **david** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 3:15 am

Truly, "it's a wonderful life." Bill, the spirit of the season runs through your extended family. Best wishes.

david

SEAN C · Post by **SEAN C** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 5:09 am

Bill G. sensei,

You're a good person and I hope things go well for you this season.

God bless you and all who are loved by you.

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sean

crazycat · Post by **crazycat** » Sun Dec 24, 2000 3:29 am

As I told the wife and boys today, Christmas is a time for giving to others, forgetting the past with the New Year and starting
a-new.

Seasons Greetings Bill...

kusanku · Post by **kusanku** » Mon Dec 25, 2000 11:23 pm

Best to you and yours, Bill-
Seasons greetings, John

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Wed Dec 27, 2000 5:24 am

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

After having survived triple hernia surgery a month ago, my 84-year-old father in law is now gamely recovering from triple bypass surgery. Even his surgeons are amazed at this point.

Remember, folks, the curse of modern medicine is that you can survive all the ill effects of a careless lifestyle. While my father in law has much to be thankful for, we'd all a lot rather avoid anesthesia and having our sternums cracked open. Take good care of yourselves over the holidays and beyond.

And please...don't forget my less-than-subtle message to be thankful for all who have brought about what we enjoy in life. You need not look far to find someone who deserves your appreciation.

- Bill