Dad's visit:

Robin and I went down to St. George to see dad (grandpa). While there, we went to Zion's Park and then over to Bryce Canyon. We all had a good time and I think dad really appreciated getting out. Dad has been in a depressed state of mind for a while which prompted the visit. I think it did dad a lot of good to be out and about and in the sunlight. He has been held up in his "man cave" and even his doctor ordered him to spend one hour a day sitting in the sunshine.

While there, dad's car was not driving well so I told him that he was going to follow us to Salt Lake City where Derek could get his car into a shop where they could determine what the heck was going on with it. I didn't want dad out driving by himself so he basically had no choice than to follow us, no excuses. Derek was able to get the car into a shop on Tuesday and they were able to fix the problems in one day. While in SLC, dad rode around with Derek on his route and quite enjoyed himself.

On Thursday, June 2 dad showed up at our house. He's been here for a little over a week and I think he's ready to head for home today. His visit here has been eventful to say the least. . .

Ever since mom (grandma) died he has been in contact by phone with several of his friends including a few from their mission in Arkansas, one lady in particular! Charlette is her name and she lost her husband about 8 months prior to us losing mom. Dad and Charlette have talked on the phone all these months and have become quite good friends. Apparently, feelings have developed between them and Charlette has/had the opportunity to come out west to see dad. Up until yesterday, Sunday, June 12 - Charlette was coming for a visit, her grandson will be attending BYU - Provo and his parents are driving him out and invited Charlette to join them. Dad, was excited to hear that they where coming and that he and Charlette would meet up in SLC. The visit quickly went from seeing each other for lunch to having her stay a while and flying her home to just simply having her stay!

All of a sudden, I was in the middle of helping them figure things out, the biggest challenge was that of planning a wedding and small reception. WOW.

Charlette was packing her things and she was bringing as much as she could with her on the road trip out here. The plan was to live in St. George and at some point, go back to Arkansas to visit and have a small reception back there with her family and friends.

However, everything is now on hold right now. Charlette has an aunt that she sort of takes care of. This aunt has had a leg amputated due to diebetes. The aunt has been so supportive of Charlette's decision to marry dad and come out west but yesterday morning, Charlette's uncle colasped while feeding the chickens and was ambulanced to the hospital. Apparently, he has lung cancer and Charlette cannot leave while all of this is going on with her aunt and uncle. Charlette's family (son and grandson) left this morning for Provo without her.

I have seen my dad go from giddy like a teenager to sad and depressed all in one week. He was so giddy at the thought of her coming out and them getting married to sad that it hasn't worked out. He's struggling a bit right now.

I think the alternative plan right now is for Charlette's son to meet dad on his return trip home - he'll drive home via St. George. The son and daughter-in-law will stop in St. George to meet dad and Dad will then either hop in their vehicle and travel back to Arkansas with them or he will drive his own car, following them. I do not want dad to make the 1400 mile trip by himself. If dad goes to Arkansas - they will have the wedding and reception there and then at some point they will travel out here and have a small reception here. Eventually, the plan is to live in St. George.