Moldy cheese

Pardon my absence.  I took part in a Negotiating Skills class over the past two days and have been without my laptop. 

I have sad news to share with my readers.  My great-uncle Frank passed away Monday morning.  The youngest brother of my grandfather, Frank was also my godfather.  I didn't know him very well however, my grandfather has shared several stories with me over the past few months about Uncle Frank, so I feel somewhat connected to him.  Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Windsor, Ontario with my grandfather to visit Uncle Frank.  I was super nervous, not knowing what to expect.

We had a lovely visit with Frank and his wife Ginny.  Frank was awake and sharing stories about his childhood.  I know he was struggling with discomfort while we were there, but he put on a super brave face.  Cancer had managed to strip Frank of all color in his face but it hadn't succeeded in taking away his humor. 

Pepe and Frank went back and forth for about 45 minutes talking about their old neighborhood.  They also talked about going to the barbershop, playing golf and drinking martinis.  After an hour or so we decided to leave.  Frank needed rest and I was beginning to digest the fact that he probably would be losing his battle in the next few days.  I kissed him, told him I loved him and whispered in his ear that he was "the bravest person I knew" and walked out of the room.

Pepe was very emotional on the car ride home.  I can't imagine what he felt like; seeing his baby brother suffer and know that his days were limited.  I reminded Pepe that Frank was lucky to have such a loving family around him, with people praying for him.  The day he went to Heaven, Frank was surrounded by his four daughters and wife.  What a blessing.

On a brighter note, the Wings have managed to level the playing field.  I don't think that San Jose thought that things would come to Game 7.  Good old Game 7.  3-3.  If the Wings can play like they did on Tuesday, we have it in the bag.