For any who are wondering why our blogs have not been updated (shocker, I actually had three people come up to me and ask...) I thought I should fill any, and all, in on whats keeping us busy. (I actually started this post three weeks ago, due to circumstances I have needed to edited it a couple of times...)

First, I often blog about the crazy busy life I live so that hasn't changed. But with summer, instead of lazy days with nothing to do, June found us going to Disney World, the US Open, Parish Festival, High School Festival, visitors and the annual Minardi Family Campout. Now we are into July with no slow down. There is our cul-de-sac's 4th of July party, Sacrament party, two soccer tournaments and camps, a couple concerts ending with the Edel Gathering, a Catholic mom's conference being held in Austin, Texas. Don't get me wrong all these events are fun so I'm not complaining just explaining my personal absence from blogging. When I am home I collapse and catch up on laundry and house work!

I'm not the only sister at On This Day Designs running crazy with vacations or other family events, all the other girls are just as busy. Which brings me to the second reason why our blogging has taken a hiatus. Our father has been battling prostate cancer for years, it has progressed into his bones and he has fallen a couple of times. Over the years my sibling who live close to our dad have taken shifts checking on him daily and making sure he has eaten and taken his medications. His illness has progressed to now needing someone home with him 24 hours. Our nephew Alex lives with our dad, so is there in the evenings, but my siblings have been taking shifts until in-home care can sit with dad during the day.

Also a little over a month ago our Uncle Tom, who has lived with Laurie and our brother Mike for the past two years, began acting a little off. My siblings took him to the hospital and found he had a metastatic brain tumor, most likely caused by lung cancer. He spent June and first part of July back at my brothers home where a daily outpouring of love and visits occurred. Our Uncle Tom never married but with his quick wit, gentle nature and giving heart he had many, many people who loved him. He passed away last week but the past month was filled with relatives and friends visiting as far as California and Texas.

I can't bring up what is going on with my father and uncle without telling you the burden of their care does not fall on me. Living an hour away I'm not much help in the day to day care. My brothers, sisters and their spouses are remarkable. They humble and inspire me by truly living the Tradition of our Catholic faith. We are called to sacrifice of self and my siblings show me that sacrifice on a daily bases by how they care(d) for our father and uncle. I think my siblings and their spouses would object to the word "burden", to them caring for an ill loved one is just what you do. I'm reminded of a quote my sister Mary Ann has under her email signature:

"Sacrifice is usually difficult and irksome. Only love can make it easy, and perfect love can make it a joy." - Archbishop William Brady

Peace and Joy,

Sue

Love Can Make it Easy