MrEd301

It's been nearly 3 years since I've posted a journal on here...
Wow, I've just been spending my time on Facebook, Twitter and FurAffinity.
I noticed a lot of people I follow aren't on here much, pretty well drifting off elsewhere like me.
For those that still follow me, my apologies for not posting much on here anymore.

So what does that mean?
Apparently I've accumulated enough badges that I get a white one..
It shows up in the top right corner of my profile page..
It's kinda cool, I guess..

One more week to go before the Relay for Life for the American Cancer society.
It's the same amount of time my wife spent in the hospital before cancer took her from me, her children and everyone else who knew and loved her. I would have given everything and anything to have her cured, and still have her with me now. I would have even exchanged places with her.
What would you give to live?
Think about it.. Then click.. It's a lot less painful than that last breath.

main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_…

About a year ago, my dad started having strange symptoms, all starting about the time I lost my wife.. His hands were shaking, he couldn't hold anything, slurred speech, memory loss, and extreme fatigue were the most noticeable symptoms.. Doctor visits, tests, specialists all could not figure out what was going on with him. Diagnosis ranged from Leukemia to Parkinson's disease. Finally, after many months, they diagnosed him with ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease, and gave him 12-18 months. He's been on medication to slow the effects, and he's been at a plateau for quite a while.. Until now..
My dad has been a highly intelligent man all his life. He worked for a large corporation, in a fairly high position in his division. Someplace you don't get to be without knowing what you're doing. It's thanks to him that I was fortunate enough to see a lot of this speck of dust floating in space, and lived places I never could imagine living in now. Dad has always had a sharp wit, a kind word of advice and a generous disposition. He has taught me a lot over the years, lessons that I hope to pass on to the next generation, if anyone cares to listen - or remember what I'm passing on. Dad loved to go hiking, sailing, and has been in numerous marathons, raising money to help fight Leukemia. To see him in this state, barely able to shuffle, bent over, not remembering words, hardly able to speak, is heart wrenching. I never imagined my dad in this condition..
And now the symptoms are getting worse. We fear this could be the final slide.. I love my dad with all my heart, I don't want to lose him, but if this is it, I hope it comes quickly so he doesn't suffer anymore..

Yup, I figured it was time to bare myself (pun intended) and get back to my roots.. With all the excitement of getting Fu Manchu, I almost forgot how much I am Eddie Bear..

This past weekend at Pullen Park reminded me of how he lets me release my inner self. Gentle and loving with the kids, full of hugs and humor towards my friends and adults.. Yeah, I really do love being him.. *big hugs for everyone*