Hey everyone,

It's Joe again trying out this blogging thing. I didn't realize that Karen was already so comprehensive in update about the weekend. It was so good to see my best friend Mike who came all the way from Seattle just to see me. Just to see him in person and be able to talk or watch TV or share a meal meant a lot to me. It was also awesome that my brother and his girlfriend Pamela came for the weekend too. The house felt so festive and they provided some much needed distractions. Last night, the "kids" made dinner and Karen, my brother, and Pamela laid out a feast. Karen made a really delicious and fresh vegetable soup and Albert impressed everyone with breaded pork chops with fruit, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Pamela of course helped out with everything as the designated sous chef. It was so great to see those guys, but I got really emotional and welled up or wept every time someone had to leave.

Again, I can't thank everyone enough for the total outpouring of love I've received. My dad is constantly telling me about people at West Penn who ask about me and wish me well... and some people he doesn't even know! And then there's everyone from church, my friends scattered all over the country, my parent's friends who are constantly bringing food and even fresh vegetables from your gardens... thank you one and all.

These are some really trying times for me and recuperation has been slower than I would have thought, but I'm really trying to stick to the theme of "staying positive". I struggle with that, but that's something that my dear wife Karen is very good at. She brings sunshine to every room and every situation, so I'm trying to emulate that!

Sorry for my random ramblings, but this blogging is kind of therapeutic in a way. Let's keep in touch, I look forward to hearing from you guys too.

Until next time,
Joe