Taking The Train Home

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:02:00 +0000

The joy of putting up Christmas lights on poky cactus. Dad needed a little pick me up this holiday season so I went to Quartzsite and helped put up his lights. They look pretty good. He looks out at them from his window at night and I think it helps lift some of the "mom's not here" blues. His health is stable but he does have his bad days. Other than that, it is smooth sailing for the older of the Earl's. Merry Christmas to all.

Dad’s Doing Well

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Seems like dad is just marching right along. He will return to Arizona on or about October 1. Over all I think he has had a great summer up in Kalispell. We talk on a regular basis and for the most part his health has been fair. He does have his bad days but lucky for us there seems to be fewer and fewer of those. I cannot wait to see him again. This fall I will spend a lot of time out at the Q to help him around the place.

Good Summer

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Well I know that it has been a while since I wrote about dad and his travels to the great Montana. Call me a chicken or superstitious but my thought was that if I didn't say anything then I wouldn't jinx it. He has had a great summer up north. His sister and him have done a lot of things together. He has been able to function on a high level. The weather has been favorable for him to go out and do things. And over all it seems to have been a great trip for him. He even managed to hit a few garage sales and car shows. All and all not too bad for a guy hanging on by a thread last summer. He plans on returning to the warmer state of Arizona by October 1st. It will still be plenty warm here, but the upper states will be very, very cold. In fact the latest complaint is the 40 degree nights.

Dad has really picked up a little. His spirit and drive seem much better and his overall health performance has improved. We are talking about a father/son trip next summer to Oregon. But we will have to see about that when the time comes.

Thanks to all you who have sent well wishes and support. We love you all.

The Earls.

Fathers Day

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

At age 33 I have to send out a special fathers day note about my dad. A man that I never knew until just a few years ago. I mean he may have lived with me as I grew up, but I never really knew him. Be it my childish ways or his set ways we never traveled the same path or communicated with the same language. In fact, one could argue that the only thing dad and myself had in common growing up was my mother. But that was then.

Today is a much different time in both our lives. I'm enjoying the man I never knew growing up. Every day I learn more and more about him and understand in most cases why my mother loved him so much. I'm proud of him for all that he has accomplished in his life. I'm more proud of the strength he has to keep on going. His knees hurt, he takes way more pills then he ever wanted to, and he wants nothing more than to be with mom but he's still here.

My father; the man I will never be. The greatest man I will ever know. The best friend I never knew I had.

So Far So Good In Montana

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Dad's doing well and seems to be enjoying his time in Montana. Goes to breakfast and sees his sister on a regular basis. Health is holding up with the help of all your great prayers. keep up the good work folks.

On the Road Again.

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:58:00 +0000

So dad left Quartzsite on Monday this week on his way to Montana. I helped him get the place ready and we actually left that morning and went to Laughlin Nevada together. We stayed a couple of nights (sort of a guys vacation) then early Wednesday morning he was off for Mesquite Nevada. So far so go. He called and all is well. Will keep everyone posted on his progress.

May 7th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Well, after a couple short stays in the hospital, it seems that dad is ready to tackle the roadways to head up north again this summer. Overall he seems to be doing much better and it seems that he is ready to get out of the heat. His color is good, his heart rate is better, pressure is better, and his dizziness seems to be gone, so with my blessing he is planning on leaving on Tuesday the 12Th.

As for his first destination its up to him. It will be either Show Low, Oregon, or Montana that he heads off too first. Any of which would be good for him. We of course will keep in touch and I will be on stand-by if he needs me to help drive anywhere. But I think he will be just fine.

God Love Him

Friday and Monday

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Well last Friday dad had a bit of a "spell" and had to go to Parker ER to get checked out. Seems his blood pressure was a little bit on the high side and he was having some trouble with weakness. Well I called him all weekend long to see if he needed any help or anything and of course he was fine. Well that fine man is now in the hospital in Parker Arizona. He should be able to get out tomorrow. I really can't give much in the way of details of what is going on with him right now because the info is sketchy. But as soon as I know something so will you. Pray, Pray hard.

Happy birthday to him, happy birthday to him.....

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Today dad turns 81. He seems to be doing better. Moves around the yard a little better and overall seems a little more peppy. Knees still hurt and his back has trouble but things are better overall. I think he had a good day.

Mr. L Gardner

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Dad (and myself) lost a great friend on Monday. Mr Gardner lived an exceptional life with his beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters. He was able to see his grandchildren grow and had a great time in is retirement. I have some great memories growing up with this man and dad as well can sure tell you some stories. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gardner's in their time of sorrow.

Other than dad's back hurting him, he feels great. So the back is our next focus point.

go see me

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:15:00 +0000

this site has been moved for everyone to see, the new one go to....http://earlinc.blogspot.com/

January 14th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Today we (that being more dad then me) are having a bone scan. This scan does multiple things but the most important is to see if he is up for a mass shrinking treatment. If he is it would possible help with his back pain and let him walk better which in turn will help his knee pain. Other than that dad is having a pretty good time right now. He is resting well and eats better. His activity level still isn't what he would like it to be, but as I often have to remind him, he's 80.

Still not sure if we will be able to travel to Oregon/Montana this early summer. If he can handle the travel we will sure give it a shot. It may have been a long time since I have been back but for dad it really hasn't been that long. I'm sure a lot of things have changed and a few that haven't.

Returning to my post, as it were.

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Sorry for the long pause in communications but here is the beginning of the latest information. Dad has returned to 75% of function as himself. He seems to be feeling a little better and is having fewer issues everyday. We have a whole new medication plan and a new plan for the new year that may include some injection therapies to decrease the size of the mass. He still has aches and pains, but as I keep trying to inform him, HE'S 80. It is hard for him to understand why it takes him longer to get up from underneath a trailer after laying on his back working for a few minutes. He has moved back to Quartzsite but comes back and stays with me on a regular basis. He really seems to do better living in both spots. Here he gets good meals and excellent medical care and there he gets his freedom and yard to play in. As long as this is working for him we will keep it going.

Dad and myself want to thank everyone who continues to follow how we are doing and he wants to send his warm wishes for the holidays that just past. Dad hopes everyone is doing well and he wishes he could spell and type better so he could send emails back but he says that's what I'm here for.

So the updates will be restarted and we look forward to hearing from everyone. Happy New Year.

September 10th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:36:00 +0000

Today we go in for some x-ray work. Dad will be having an abdominal CT. This test is done with and without contrast over about 45 minutes. Bad part for dad is that he will have to lay flat during the test. He usually does not do very well laying flat on his back for long periods of time. I, of course, will be there in the tube with him holding his hand. We hope that this exam will further shed light on what is really going on.

Other then the test today it should go fairly well. I know that dad is a little up tight over the whole deal but he is handling it very well.

September 6th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Well let me just tell you what a wonderful day my sweet father had. Looks like we are making some great efforts in the ways of making him ready for quartzsite. On wed this week we will have a few more tests and follow up appointments later this month but the rest is looking good. He was feeling pretty energized today. He took himself to breakfast, the store, and even a garage sale.

I guess mom's brother Butch died sometime this week. Many had problems with him but he was always good to me.

As for me I had a mom dream. I think she was trying to say something to me but I do not know what.

September 1st, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:57:00 +0000

Well the future is still a little uncertain for my fathers plans for Quartzsite. He is planning on returning to the city of dust and dentures sometime late September early October. This plan of course is based on how he is feeling and doing without the aide of his number one nurse. Last few days have been questionable in the belly department on whether or not we are looking at a new ulcer issue or some sort of new development. With his concern it increased his anxiety which just compiles our problems. I know he wants more than anything to return to Q to see his friends and what not but it may have to be a week here or there with me just to keep him on track.

Hope everyone out there is doing well and love ya all.

August 30th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:08:00 +0000

Dad is doing well. We worked on getting the laundry and house put together through the evening. He seems to be hanging tight and maintaining a even keel at this time. He did pool therapy today as well as walked to the mail box. He says that he will be walking more in Quartzsite but we shall see.

August 28th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:56:00 +0000

Well Irene brought down dad's car yesterday. It was time for dad to start leaving the house once in a while and get out for a morning doughnut or something. Well it worked because he went to the store close to the house and did some of his shopping. It went well and he didn't even get lost in the big city. It's good to see him get out and move about. So far the last couple days are good and today was no different. I hope this trend keeps up. He wants to head back to Quartzsite in October so we will have to see.

Dad wants to thank everyone for the e-mails and well wishes. Take care everyone.

August 25th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:32:00 +0000

Well dad was having a great day today until the weather changed a little bit. He was in the pool having a good time and an Arizona monsoon hit the yard with wind and what not and so ended the pool play. He was more upset that it entered his pool time then anything. It was really good that he feels well enough to get in and out of the pool with little or no help. Also it seems that it has improved his joints and there function.

I'm on the the tail end of a six day run at work. Sleeping not as well as I would like and looking forward to a few days off.

August 24, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:39:00 +0000

Well after a week of getting dad lined out a little better I can finally get the rest of the world caught up on the who and the what. Last week had a lot of ups and some very steep downs but with a little change in mind set and a few new methods for keeping cleaned out, I am happy to report that dad seems to be having a good day today. He was a little shaky this morning when I offered some new insight to his feeling good and thought we should try to help him a little more with some new pain techniques. But as most of you know, my father is not really a big fan of change. So at this time my father will just keep with the current plan and shoot for returning to Quartzsite in October. He will still return to my place every other week to help keep him on the same track. He also has realized that walking and getting up and doing something other than sleeping is much better than just laying around. (That is why the pool is working so well for him.)

Little side note, sorry to all those who have been looking for updates and getting nothing. Just been a little busy with a few items. Like the publishing of my new book. Yeah me.

August 13th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:47:00 +0000

Well the much awaited GI doctors' appointment was really what I expected. Dad met with the new doctor and made up his mind right then and there. He has chose to just wait and see if he can keep doing as well as he has been. The doctor wanted to have tests, blood work, and a butt scope right away. When he warned dad the there is the possibility of tearing his bowel and forcing him to have a crap bag for the rest of his life, well that interview was over. (For the record, the doctor has to inform dad of the potential for complications and the odds of that actually happening are very slim). But that information was enough for dad to go right over the edge. He feels really good lately. I don't know if it's the overall plan or the great care he is getting (toot my own horn a bit) but what ever it is, the pain is getting less and the smiles are getting bigger. The pool has helped tons and the good food being made doesn't hurt either. Today I realized that dad is still very much the man I have always admired. The man that stands firm in what he believes in. And right now he believes in his son.

With great pride and honor I accept the challenge.

August 12, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:50:00 +0000

Dad has had a few bad days this past week and we are hoping that is not a trend of things to come. He seems to be having a bit of an up swing right now and we will ride that wave as long as we can. On the thirteenth we have some more follow up and consult appointments with the hope of a new game plan. The decrease in morning coffee has seem to help a lot of the morning pain. But he misses it dearly.

Finished my return to work today and it wasn't too bad. The people I work with are very helpful and understand whats going on. Thank god.

August 10th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:41:00 +0000

This morning I realized that dad is very in tune to all his surroundings. Which is a good, heart felt thing to be, but it can also cause some panic. He picks up on how people are feeling; sad, happy, excited, whatever. The problem is that when things appear to be bad he takes a turn for the worst. I started back to work this last week and they sort of scheduled me a lot of days in a row. These days have made me be away for several hours a day (14 to be exact) and he seems to be effected by that. With great reassurance he is understanding that it has to be done. But I think I am going to have to make some career changes to help him feel better. And who knows it may be good for me as well.

Dad in the Backyard

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:37:00 +0000

August 8th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (E. F. Clarke II) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:23:00 +0000

Well I was watching dad in the pool last night and I have made my mind up. He will be heading to China to compete. Just kidding. He's doing good. This next week we have two more doctors appointments but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. Heck he even has been driving around town a little. Go country boy.