I’ve been negligent lately in keeping up to date with these posts.  I could summarize by saying that I am the oldest, slowest, fattest guy in class still.  However, to be fair, there has been more going on than just age and slowness.  My grandmother passed away last Friday, February 26.  She had been slowly sliding downhill over the past few years with a series of strokes.  While she was still together mentally, she was having increasing difficulty getting around and taking care of herself.  About 5 weeks before, she went into a care facility.  She moved to another care facility, had a great day, and then a massive stroke.  She hung on for a few more days after that, which gave time for her immediate family to gather and be with her.

I am very thankful that I had her in my life for as long as I did.  We paid her a visit last September, and she got to meet her youngest great granddaughter.  We named our youngest daughter Margaret, after my grandmother’s mother.  My great grandmother’s nickname was “Mimi”, and my grandmother always referred to my daughter as “Little Mimi”.  I smile when I think of Gram playing with Little Mimi that afternoon.

My son tested for his blue belt (5th gup) on Saturday.  All of the testers did a great job.  I pointed out after the test that this was the first test of his that Gram got to watch.

We went to Pittsburgh on Sunday, and the funeral was Monday.  We came home after that, and I had Tuesday and Wednesday off.  On Wednesday, I was trying to move a motorcycle engine in my garage, and succeeded in hurting my back.  I eventually got the engine where I wanted it, but was very tender for a few days.  No training in anything-I didn’t miss any work, but training was out of the question.  I credit my training for minimizing the impact of the injury.  In times past, my back problems have kept me flat on the floor for days.  I hurt, but I was functional.  Today, Monday, I was able to train again with no ill effects.  I’ll tell you this-I missed it.  Can’t wait to get back at it tomorrow!

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