Thursday, August 27th

Carole and Andy drove me to Kokomo, IN on Sunday to attend my dad's funeral. Special thanks to my brother Mark and his wife, Brenda for letting Carole and I spend Sunday and Monday night with them. We left Kokomo after the funeral on Tuesday and spent the night at Carole's brother and his wife's house in Valparaiso, IN that night. We made a short stop at Fair Oaks Dairy Farm along the way to "Valpo" and tried out their chocolate malt - it was good, but, believe it or not, it was too "chocolatey" for me. Stopping in Valparaiso made the drive back to Cedar Rapids yesterday a couple of hours shorter plus it gave us a chance to spend a little time to relax and chat with Jim and Nancy as well.
All in all, my father's funeral went well. During the visitation on Monday, my nephew, Mike suggested I try a malt from the Frozen Custard in Kokomo, so I did. It was close to a new #1 -really creamy, but not quite as malty as I like. During the visitation and funeral, I think I embarrassed myself by crying too much, but Carole has assured me it was okay. I contend it was because of a combination of all the medications and treatments I've been taking - the radiation, the chemo drugs and the steroids - needless to say, my emotions are a little out of control right now. Several aunts, uncles and cousins attended. It was good to see them all and talk with them. I just wish I hadn't been so exhausted and I could have spent more time to talk with everyone than I was able to spend with them. I'm still having some good days and some "not so good" days.
Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts, prayers, donations and expressions of sympathy I appreciate all of them.
One last note, for those of you who keep telling me Brian is right that I look like Uncle Fester. I contend I actually look like my real Uncle Jim (my mother's brother). At least he's real family, and I can be proud of that.


My Uncle Jim Schultz