Sisters Weekend...

My sister, Lori and I flew to Virginia February 17th - 21st to hang out with our other two sisters, Heather and Melissa for a long weekend. It was really good to see my sisters. We had had this trip planned for quite a few weeks, and it just so happened that Russ had to fly to Minnesota to spend some of the last few days of his dad's life by his side, along with his sisters. He took Maddie and Taylor with him. Thank you Russ for your huge heart, not only for loving your father unconditionally and being there for him through all of this and showing a great example to your children, but for having a huge heart in allowing me to still have my sisters weekend and my much needed time off. I hesitated on going on my trip, with his father in this condition, but Russ insisted I not cancel my trip, and took the girls with him. He went through a hard time while he was there seeing his father in his last few days, and because of that, I hurt for him. I still managed to have fun with my sisters, but my thoughts were constantly with my girls and Russ, and between constant phone calls and texting, I'm glad I could still be a support to him during this time. I have awesome and understanding sisters, who knew that week was hard for me being away from my family. But we did have a fun time just spending time together. I'm very happy for the relationship I have with my sisters, I realize that not everyone has that situation, but I cherish my sisters...

We'll miss you Norm...

Norman Ray Wilkes

Sept. 16, 1939 - Feb. 22, 2010

After a battle with cancer over the past 3 months or so, Russ's dad, Norm Wilkes, passed away last night. Norm was a great guy. Very funny with a great sense of humor. I only spent a little bit of time with him over the 15 years that I've been a part of Russ's life, but the one thing I do know, he loved his three children and his grandchildren greatly. He had a soft place in his heart for all of the grandkids -- he loved playing with them, and dancing with them. He didnt get the name "Stormin' Norman" from nowhere. That described him to the T.

I'm really glad that he had his last few days in this world with the people he loved the most around him. His wife Joanne, and his three kids, Russ, Lisa, and Karen -- I'm happy they all were able to spend this special time with him before he left this world. They were able to express to him their love, and he also was still able to communicate enough to tell each of his kids how much he loved them. I know that's something they'll always have to hold on to.

He will be greatly missed. We love you Norm! This is not 'good-bye', for I'm comforted to know because of my beliefs, that we will all see each other again really soon. He is in a great place right now, and without any pain. Until tomorrow Norm..... XOXO