Vacation is over

My wife and I spent the past 2 weeks in Europe. It was the trip of a lifetime, and we will always remember the fun we had. We spent a day in New York City and saw Jersey Boys on Broadway. We were able to spend the evening with cousins from New York that we just love to spend time with, and as always, had a great evening. We flew out on a red eye to Paris, switched planes to Rome. We spent 4 days in Rome. A beautiful city, constantly buzzing, and extremely expensive. How about $12 dollars for 2 cups of coffee, no refills? We figured with our health profiles, let's have fun. You never know. We saw most of the tourist attractions in Rome, and even had an audience with Pope Benedict at Castle Gondolfo. Amazing is the only word I can use to describe that day. I know that I have been blessed with a good life and will be able to go through this cancer battle with faith and confidence. Rome was fantastic, but just the second leg of a great vacation.

Next we flew to Frankfurt Germany, changed planes and flew to Salzburg Austria. We hosted a German exchange student 4 years ago, and she lives 5 kilometers from Salzburg, just over the border in Freilassing Germany. Katherina, her sister Uli, and her father, Rudy, were there to meet us and take us back to Germany. We spent the next 6 days seeing the sights of Bavaria, including Berchtesgarden, the Eagles Nest, Wolfgangsee, and a good bit of Salzburg. We had a few beers and dinner in a beer hall in Salzburg. What a blast. It was a great evening, and wow, do they know how to make good beer. I had a lot of different German ( Austrian ) foods. One in particular, Leberkasse, which is a baked Bologna loaf, sliced into portions and dipped in dark mustard and freshly ground horseradish. We had schnitzel, schweine something or other, and lots of different breads. But the best was the beer. Brewed on sight, put in very large wooden kegs and served in traditional steins.

We spent a day visiting Obersalzburg and Berchtesgarten. These places have historical significance from WW2. Obersalzburg was where the Nazi leadership has summer homes, and a very large underground bunker to provide safety in case of an attack. The most impressive sight was Kehlsteinhaus, Hitlers 50th birthday gift from Martin Borman. It was used as his conference center and retreat, sitting atop a large mountain with a view that can only be described as spectacular. The temperature before going up the mountain was 72 degrees. Atop the Eagle's Nest it was 50 degrees.

We spent 6 great days in Freilassing hosted by the Breimann family. They were the best hosts and made us feel so comfortable. Several evenings we had traditional dinners at the Breimann's. We had Weisswurst, Scheine Braten, and a noodle dish made by Uli that was great. We left Freilassing for Frankfurt, where we spent one night. Our hotel had an American sports bar, and it was really great to have a few beers and wings in Germany. We left the next morning for a 9 hour flight to Cincinnati, then a quick hop home. We left Germany at 6 am EST and got home at 9pm Est. A long day, but we really enjoyed the down time on the plane from all the busy sightseeing.

I now have 8 days to go before my surgery. I am very much relaxed and confident that I have made the correct decision. Last night, we went to 5 pm mass and were fortunate to have Father Scott Seethaler as our priest. He is a visiting priest and we always feel especially fortunate when we attend his masses. Last night's sermon was about why bad things happen to good people. Not that I am a good person, but it seemed he was speaking directly to me. I am taking a much more optimistic approach to this procedure no matter how it turns out. Father Scott has been an inspirational part of my spiritual life, and last evening was no exception. He gives me strength in my beliefs whenever those beliefs begin to waiver. His words yesterday were all that I needed to feel confident in what is about to happen. Thank you Father Scott, you are truly a messenger from God, and an inspiration in my life.

33 days to go

We had a Celebration of Life for my father in law this past Sunday. It was wonderful. Folks got up and spoke, mostly funny stories about Jake. His good buddy and pseudo son Gino brought down the house retelling the story about the time Jake tried to shoot a deer and instead, shot a pickup truck. The piece of truck he hit was hung on the trophy rack at camp, and brought all of us to almost tears hearing the story again. This was much better than any funeral I have ever been to.

33 days to go until my surgery. I made my pre-op physical appointment today. Next, I need to have 2 pints of my blood put in the blood bank before the surgery. I want to bank one next week, and one the week before the surgery. Not having any second thoughts about my decision, but I must admit, I am a bit anxious about it. Sometimes, it still hits me like I was dreaming, and then the slap of reality hits. I was very much inspired and motivated by Dr. Randy Pausch. He showed the world the true definition of courage, and also showed the world a great educator. Had I been fortunate enough to have been one of his students, I would add that to my resume. I have had several teachers who have made a great impression on me, and I am sure his students will keep his memory alive for all their days.

Looking forward to 2 weeks vacation coming up before surgery. I havent had 2 consecutive weeks vacation since 10th grade. I think it will help me prepare for my surgery and also spend some great quality time with my wife. She has had a shitty summer with her father's passing and my diagnosis, but has been an oak tree for Jake and me.

My brother, sisters, their kids, my kids,grandkids and all will be in this weekend for a family get together. I cant wait. Nothing like surrounding yourself with family to bring happiness. I hope all goes well, and everyone has safe travels to and from.

The Steelers start the preseason in 2 days. Life begins anew. Go Stillers.