Sunny O

Terry's Final Farewell Tour

2010-03-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

Sadly Terry passed away March 4th.

His postings and continuous postive attitude were an inspiration to me and others. He will be greatly missed.

Friday March 12th at 7pm Rosary Service St Luke Catholic Church.
Time to share stories.

Saturday March 13th at Noon Funeral Service. Reception will follow in the gym. St Luke Catholic Church.

322 N 175 St Shoreline, WA 98133

Up Today...

2010-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

This last week has been very trying. Not only physically but mentally as well. It has pushed us to the extremes, which has brought us closer together. Bringing out the beauty in all our lives...

So with all this going on, what a great excuse for a party so we played poker and had a blast. Not sure, what kind of cards were being shuffled underneath the big hats :).

We had many laughs and allows me, as well as others, to forget and be as normal as possible.

Peace Love T

Your Choice...

2010-02-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Was talking to a friend and the question came up, what one piece of advice could I give him from this journey?

To answer the question with just one idea is very difficult but the one I choose is: We all have the ability to control how we react to any and everything...

It would be easy for me to be angry, to be bitter, to be jealous, and to be in despair. However, I choose to love, to laugh, to live, and to inspire...

Today, I am a total quadriplegic with virtually no movement (take that back...I can chew). The crazy thing is if I went to a doctor for him to evaluate my lungs and diaphragm he would say, "dude, how are you still here!" Well maybe they wouldn't have said dude but it's my words.

On a weekly basis my family basically keeps me breathing so that we can enjoy our love for each other in small peaceful moments.

Thinking about this, the next time you have a bad day remember me and understand how you react - is your choice...

Peace/Love
T

Beauty...

2010-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

In our world, we see tragedy...
In our world, we see evil...
In our world, there is beauty...

There is beauty, in the smile of a child...
There is beauty, as a butterfly flutters past...
There is beauty, in the bright white clouds floating in the sky...
There is beauty, on the lines of an old mans face...
There is beauty, from a silky smooth pedal of a flower...

In our world, with an open mind...
In our world, all around us we find - beauty...

Peace love T

Forgive...

2010-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness... A powerful word...

If we can forgive others as well as forgive ourselves, our lives will have greater meaning...

May we all find forgiveness in our hearts and souls...

Peace, Love, T

Free...

2009-12-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

Next time you pass through the mountains you will feel their strength...

I am strong...

Next time you hear the wind rustling through the trees, you will listen...

I am speaking...

Next time you look into the sunset, you will see my eyes...

I am watching...

Be not afraid - celebrate - celebrate life, for...

I am free...

Peace Love T

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours

May this day be filled with

Joy, Laughter, and Love

Peace Love T

Glory Days...

2009-12-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well football is a team sport and I have many great friends who played together, but hell this isn't about them it's all about me.

One of the best moments for me was the punting game when we played our arch rival Omak.

During the game all was going as planned and during the first punt we lined up in formation and as I scanned the field I noticed that the Omak receivers were very close. Not really thinking much of it, the center snapped the ball to me and I kicked the ball and just rocked it. The receivers had to run back to recover the ball.

As the game went on the score was still tight and we punted frequently. What was really entertaining in my mind was during my punts you could actually hear the crowd stop to watch. Because during this game those punts were spiral and cruising. On another punt the receivers backed up a bit and I still kicked it over their heads.

The last punt I remember we were about the 10 yard line as usual as the huddle broke I scanned the field to see where the kick was going but this time the receivers had to be all the way back to their own 10 yard line - I still laugh at this today.

Although this story was about my punting, the friendships we still have from us all on our football team is as close as it was then.

Peace, love

Can We Talk...

2009-12-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

It has been fantastic digging deeper into conversations with many. Reaching to the heart and soul of our existence. In these conversations, there has been many questions but today there are two that have come up.

1. How do we want to be remembered?

2. What is the one idea/concept I would like others to come away from my journey?

These are two profound questions that both could have a thesis written on them however they are both mutually exclusive topics.

How do we want to be remembered? The answer could be so complex and yet so simple. Just think if we all woke up and asked this question! Now, it would not change the world but just think how it would make everyday better.

For me, being remembered as a man who loved his family, was a good friend willing to lend a helping hand or listen. Always ready with a laugh and smile on his face. What you see is what you get. "Okanogan" Not perfect by no means. But loved life and lived it to it's fullest.

This is a wonderful exercise we all should do. It's a bit self serving but hey hopefully we won't call ourselves jerks. Answering this question, allows us to see where we have been, where we are today, and where we want to be tomorrow.

Peace, Love T

PS Question 2 to follow.

A Crispy Day...

2009-12-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Cheeks rosy from a nip in the air...

Popsicle toes...

A perfect paw print in the morning frost...

Sky Sapphire blue clear and cold...

Leaves on the ground, fall is here...

Winter is around the corner waiting it's turn...

Blanket of snow, covers the ground...

A crispy day...

Peace Love T

Thanksgiving Day...

2009-11-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

Living and dealing with AlS has been extremely difficult but has opened up many opportunities for us to be thankful

One of the best lines inside the essay is "Terry will not let the disease (ALS) define his life," wow...what a powerful statement. How easy is it to ask the question "Why me?" If we do that then in fact the disease will win and that is not an option.

What we really need to do is be able to love ourselves, and once we do that, we will be able to move from the state of mind, "I and me," to "us and we." Doing this allows us to strip back the ugliness of this disease uncovering the beauty inside.

During this journey I have been blessed by probing deeper into conversation, touching lives, and sharing stories with so many different people, reaching a more intimate level with them then you can imagine.

Let's take these words and think about how blessed we all are, for everything big and small, let's tell those people we care about we love them and give them a hug. Always remember those moments and memories that make us smile - hoping you had a great Thanksgiving Day.

Peace Love

There is meaning...

2009-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Essay written by a senior in high school Emily Ross

I am a member of a large, tightly knit community. This community has been my support system from the moment I was born and has created a sort of bubble around me, in essence protecting me from all the harsher realities of life. Because of this, in my world of ups and downs, the downs have been relatively few. This shield has unfortunately allowed me to take each day as something that I was entitled to, instead of the gift that it is. One day last year, my perfect bubble was burst when I found out that a father of 2 in our community, a close friend of our family, was diagnosed with ALS, better know as Lou Gehrig's Disease. In my mind, when you get sick, you go to the doctor, you get medicine, and you get better. With ALS, there is no 'getting better'. You deal with it, your body deteriorates, and you die. No amount of praying was going to make this better.
I did not know how to react when this happened, so I looked to Terry's family to see how they were handling it. Expecting to see sadness and despair, I was shocked to see that there was no pity there. This man had decided that ALS was not going to define him. ALS would not decide how he lived out his remaining days. So he set out to 'live like he was dying'. He began to do things that he had always wanted to do, like scuba diving in Mexico, and watching the sun set on top of the Olympic Mountains. And as his body began to fail, he pared down his to-do list to experiences that required nothing more than his presence. Every single day that he wakes up is a gift. He is only 51 years old, and he has done more living in the past 17 months than most people do in their entire lives.
Here is a person who was fully alive and healthy, and in one hour his life became finite - the average live expectancy after diagnosis of ALS is 12 months. His reaction and decision to do it on his terms has inspired me to not take every day for granted and to live my life to the fullest. He had planned on a long life with his family, but that's not any of ours to decide. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone, so we have to live out today like it's our last because in all reality, it could be.
Terry has shown me that when life hands you adversity, you have a choice how to handle it. You can let the disease take over and decide how it's going to play out. You can give up and hide in your house and wait for the inevitable end. Or you can take it and run with it. He knows that he's dying, but he refuses to live the label. His eyes are earnest, intense, as if hanging on your every word to commit it to memory. He listens intently, asks pointed, serious questions, almost like he MUST know how you feel. Like he's always wondered, but now he needs answers. I honestly believe that when he is put in bed at night, he is exhausted emotionally as well, for there have been no insignificant interactions that day, only meaningful ones that are meant to help us heal when he is gone. He has given everything he has to make that day a special one. He cherishes the time, every single minute, because sadly his minutes are numbered.
This tragic illness has also benefited our community exponentially. We have learned what it is to truly give comfort to another human being and accept life's difficult times and move forward with them. We, as a community of faith, have rallied around this family, providing food, companionship, laughter, and much, much love. We have had the opportunity to experience it first hand along with him. We have learned compassion, patience, and how to deal with things out of our control with dignity and grace. It is an opportunity for us all to practice what we preach. And we are comforted to know that when his struggle is over, he will be in God's hands and free of this awful disease that has taken so much from him, yet given so much to us.
I consider myself fortunate to have had this man pass through my life. Just living life gets in the way and it's so easy to take your life for granted - your family, your friends, your time, every breath you take. I have been blessed to see first hand that it's not the amount of time you have, it's how you use that time. He has shown me to never waste a second or a chance to tell someone how much they meant to you, because well, you just never know.

To Emily,
Your words express wisdom beyond your years. In my journey there have been good days and bad days but to receive your letter allows me to solidfy my journey. In our lives we get to make decisions and if my journey can help in some small way, that allows me to understand - there is meaning...

Peace Love
T

Cookie Crumb Fairy...

2009-11-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

It's raining outside, no it's pouring outside...
The wind is blowing it's just a mess...
Clock says it's the afternoon...
The clouds say it's dark and gray...

But wait... can it be...

Oven door opens...
Fresh smell of cookies fill all the rooms...
Warm cookie, plays with the taste buds on the tongue...
A smile, a laugh...

The cookie crumb fairy has arrived...

On a tough day, looking for a diversion, Pam makes chocolate chip cookies mmmm...

Guess we all know who the "cookie crumb fairy" is...

Peace Love T

Time goes on...

2009-11-06T18:03:00.000-08:00

The sun rises - the sun sets...

Raindrops puddle on the ground...

Wind dances with the trees...

Snow glistens on the mountain tops...

The flower peeks his head from the dark soil...

Singing birds break the silence of the morning dew...

Hot sand on your feet as you run to the fresh water...

Sweet smell of the honeysuckle permeates the air...

A picture, a moment, a memory...

Laughing, inspirational, tears...

Vibrant red, yellow, orange turn the leaves...

Time goes on...

Peace/Love

T

Story Telling...

2009-11-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

For the past few months there has been many of our family and friends stopping by telling many "lies" no really I mean stories. What happens though is everything gets bigger, faster, or messier just doesn't matter...

"never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

Peace love T

Courage...

2009-10-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

As we travel down our path sometimes the path is smooth and straight, sometimes the path is bumpy full of curves. During these times of bumps and curves it takes courage to move forward and take on things that make us feel uncomfortable.

During visits from family and friends you can see the pain and sorrow in their eyes but you can not take away their courage for stepping out and making the sacrifice to support me during my journey.

Not only during my journey is courage necessary but in everyday life you need to make those tough decisions, do those things that we fear, and strength to make it through those uncertain days - this is being courageous...

Peace/Love
T

Orange Juice...

2009-10-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Remember getting fresh, ripe, beautiful oranges in the smell was fragrant and sweet. You would take out this spherical pointed kitchen utility tool that you made orange juice with.

This really dates me, because today you just stick it in a blender and push a button.

Back to the story, when we made orange juice this way. We cut the oranges in half, grabbed them and twisted back and forth on this sphere, getting every drop of juice from this fruit.

In telling this story, it is not far from how my body is working. Everyday that we get up, I am extracting every drop of juice from this body. Some may look at this and say how poor your body has failed but for me my body has carried me much further then anyone else in the same situation.

So next time, you have a drink of O.J. just think it will be good to the last drop.

Peace Love T

Bet I...

2009-10-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

You know when you are sitting around and just talking about stuff. Then out of the blue, you say something that you might regret...

Well last night we were sitting at the table watching the dog go in and out of her door and Jeff Ross said " Bet I can get through there"

Well, on that note, everyone jumped on and said no way! Wish I could say there were a lot of beverages but that was not the case. Guess just enough though.

At that point, with us all laughing hysterically, Jeff crawled over and through the dog door. Why who knows, but really just because he could. We had so much fun.

It is times like these that make the days better.

Peace Love T

Something New...

2009-10-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Since coming home from my last event, there have been many changes for me and those who are around me. We are surround by many new "things" that help with every day living. Such as, a bi-pap, cough assist, sip and puff, all designed to help in that underrated "breathing thing". These items combined to make my days much better. It is hard however, to understand that these machines will be short term and at some point will end to be effective. Now, this is not doom and gloom, but an opportunity to reflect on many things and to communicate my most inner thoughts. Again, thanks to all those who have supported me and my family through this journey - we could not have made it without you.

Peace Love T

Food For Thought...

2009-10-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Destiny is not a matter of chance,
it is a matter of choice.
it is not a thing to be waiting for,
but a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan

...

Who are you to think that you can

Change the World!

...

The ulimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy...

MLK Jr

...

Live for today...

Plan for tomorrow...

Reflect on the past...

...

"The love you take is equal to the love you make"

The Beatles

Homeland Visit...

2009-10-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Who said you had to go to Okanogan to "Reokeee"... This motley crew made the trip from Okanogan to Seattle and then back home in one day, can you say road warrior. We had a wonderful visit with plenty of laughs as well as serious conversations. We have been blessed to be friends from as early as kindergarden - Thank you.

Peace Love T

Walk for a Cure...

2009-10-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture at the end of the ALS "find a cure" Walk. Looks as though everyone had a great time. This small gesture of support brings life to hope, a hope for a cure. There may not be a cure discovered in my lifetime but the efforts that you displayed during this walk will continue to proceed finding a cure. In the big picture, we need to remember to continue support for finding a cure. Your thoughts and prayers are felt everyday.

Peace Love T

I Cry...

2009-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

In the darkness of night, the silence broken only by raindrops drumming on the roof...

Sitting quietly in the sun with it's rays warming my body to it's soul...

A special song that plays allowing you to reflect deeply inside...

Not for me, not for sympathy...

For all those who watch, those who care, those who sacrifice their time and lives to make a better day for me, I cry...

Peace Love T

Wow...

2009-09-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

Respiratory Failure...would not recommend this for anyone. On Thursday, this is just what happened and it was like drowning but not being in water. There were times, that resembled all the ambulance scenes you've ever seen. It got bad enough if someone would have asked do you want to end it all here, I would have said yes. Fortunately, they were able to stabilize me and get my breathing under control - to live another day. Today I am back home working on getting my strength back. For all those who have sent their thoughts and prayers, we have felt them and they have helped tremendously.

Peace Love T

Hurricane Ridge

2009-09-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

Wanting to make it to the mountains, we went for an adventure to Hurricane Ridge. Crossing the sound on the ferry was very peaceful and calm. The day was beautiful, a record setting temperature. On the way up the road was windy and steep if you made the wrong turn. Once arriving at the summit, the sun was warm and the view incredible. We ate lunch and I took my chair "six wheeling" on trails throughout the area. It was a wonderful time with family, and we headed down to have dinner at Port Townsend. A fantastic time for all.

Ice Caves

2009-09-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

We made a great day out of going to the Ice Caves just past Granite Falls. The trail was well traveled and I made it almost to the caves but had to stop just short. Mitchell and Bradley made it to the caves and got a cool shower inside of melting ice water.

That's So Okanogan...

2009-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

We did our "re-okee" over the Omak Stampede Weekend. There was a great group who attended this year. The activities included swimming, hiking, golfing, rodeo with the famous suicide race, plenty of outstanding food and wonderful conversation. The weather was perfect, we were able to stay outside all day and night in a comfortable temp. At one point during the weekend there was a cute fawn across the river for everyone's enjoyment.

Double Day Bike Ride...

2009-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

On our journey down this path we have encountered many great moments and cherish the time we have together...

Last weekend to raise awareness for ALS there was a bike ride in the Skagit Valley - there were over 300 riders and my team was 6 strong...

The day was beautiful and we celebrated life and the enjoyment of each other looking forward to many more memories together...

It helps me make another day with friends and family willing to make these types of sacrifices and commitments during this journey. For that I thank one and all...

Peace/Love

You could....

2009-07-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

As the morning sun rises, its warmth reflects off the leaves on the tree...

You can hear the deep sound of the foghorn warning you of the unseen obstacles...

Vibrant colors from the flowers penetrate deep in your mind...

You could fade into the distance of the clouds in silence...

Laughing everyday bringing smiles and good fortune for all those around us...

A warm breeze flowing through the trees creates music to sooth our souls...

Breaking the silence, the big black crow greets you with his cry...

You could float away in the evening breeze...

You could wake up everyday and make it the best day...

Peace/Love T.

Mariners...

2009-07-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

On the 70th Anniversary on Lou Gehring, the Mariners treated others with this illness to a night of baseball. We were able to spend wonderful time together with family and friends.

Birch Bay...

2009-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

During our van search, we had a great lunch on a beautiful day at Birch Bay. We are so thankful everyday that our family is loving and caring without each other our days would be empty. The food was awesome, conversations were great. What a wonderful day...

Peace/Love T

Ch - Ch - Changes...

2009-07-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

During our journey everyday holds a new beginning. As time moves on we have adapted to the changes in our lives. This is just not changes for me but we all have changes and opportunities to handle everyday. Most recently, we finished the deck, ramp, and patio for access outside to the new van - Well not new but most definitely utilitarian. We have achieved much in the past couple of months with the help of family and friends. We are blessed...

Peace/Love T

TEXAS...

2009-07-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

They say that things from Texas are bigger. With that the stories and experiences that my very good friend Tom and I had were certainty larger than life. Well - maybe not large than life but we sure could embellish them. Tom made a trip from San Antonio visiting during Pam's Bday.

Photos - H by H productions...

Peace Love, T

Poem from a friend...

2009-07-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

New Star
by Jeff McKenzie

“There’s my new star in heaven tonite…
It’s when I’m gone I’ll shine bright for you.
There’s my new star in heaven tonite.”
-Woody Guthrie

There’s a new star in heaven
Tonight.
From earth, it seems to have
Just now come into existence. To have come
From nowhere. Appeared.
But you could ask some old, old Okanogan woman
If you could find one,
And she would laugh and tell you
“Hoot-a-who!”
Which means this:
Oh, that star has been here all along,
My young one. Yes, yes. What seems new is old.
What can we name that has not happened before?
Our world is full of tiny sounds made in powerful places:
One drop of water from a spring-flooding
River, spit high from the foaming surface
To mingle with the warming pine-scented breeze,
Travels in a graceful arc and lands on
The smooth, white rock, dry in the center of the
Torrent. What sound does it make
amid the rush to the sea? No one has
Ever heard the sound. So delicate and perfect
And beautiful; it floats upward like a soul,
And nestles into the cool darkness of night.
And becomes a star.
“Hoot-a-who!”
A snowflake, silent as it falls among
One million of its brothers and sisters,
indistinguishable
Until you inspect it closely,
Touches down on the tip of
The Douglas-fir needle on
The fourth bough from the top
Of the tree which stands high
on Grandfather Mountain. It is no
Surprise to the tree or to the snowflake,
Both have known for ages that winter is coming,
Have been waiting, have done nothing to stop it,
Could do nothing,
But each receives the other in the beauty of fulfillment.
A promise kept, and a sound so sweet
Emanates from the kiss of the
Snowflake upon the branch –
Ah, there you are!
“Hoot-a-who!”
It is a gift, this sound that becomes a star
And swishes and swirls its way up the mountain
Skirting the trees, just above the untracked snow
Back from whence it came
Into the sky to join
One million million more brothers and sisters
“Hoot-a-who!” the old, old Okanogan woman would say,
What seems new is old.
What seems far is close.
What seems gone is reaching out to us.
"Hoot-a-who!"
They teach you in schools that the stars
Are unimaginably far from us
But that is not true
They are unimaginably close.
In fact if you were to stand atop
Grandfather mountain
On a clear night
In the dead of winter
With no moon to blind your vision
You would say that the stars
Are very close. Maybe a ladder would get
You there. Or a simple stepstool. But of course
They are just a little farther than that.
So it has been, so it shall always be.
The stars beyond our understanding,
winking at us, close by,
outsparkling a sea of diamonds, and each more beautiful
being out of reach. And each calls
to you: “Here I am!”
“Hoot-a-who!”
“Here I am!”
“Hoot-a-who!”
“Hoot-a-who! Hoot-a-who! Hoot-a-who!”

A Great Message From a Friend

Peace Love T

Pam's B-Day...

2009-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

What a great birthday party! The weather was perfect, the food was fabulous, and a wonderful time was had by all. Can't say enough of the support from our family and friends with you it makes our lives so much better.

Thank you,

Peace/Love T

Decked out...

2009-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

As things change, we adapt. Expecting a new power chair soon that will allow better mobility.

However, with this mobility comes the need for a new deck and ramp. With friends, this is becoming reality...

We have been having lots of fun putting this project together. As you can see in some photos, we have plenty of supervisors.

The finished product will be soon.

P/L T

Dictation by Bradley

My mountain...

2009-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

we watched a ski movie last night (go figure) it talked about the mountains and how they are alive, how we are inspired by them.

The question "how do you handle it"? comes up often which made me think "how do i handle it"?...

it would be easy to make a play on words like "its not a challenge - its an opportunity", after some thought we have great laughs, we appreciate what we have, we adjust.

being in the mountains i have had great journeys and adventures, which are cheerished moments.

today my journey and adventure is still just as satisfying, still contains beautiful moments - the only change is "my mountain"...

peace/love t

Re-Okeeee...

2009-05-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

over the years a friend and i had joked about visiting Okanogan - my homeland... we would meet at a function and he would ask when was the next "Re-Okeeee"? which meant my next visit to the OK valley.

we have had many great adventures in the valley and i have many great friends who live there - guess you can take the boy out of the valley but not the valley out of the boy...

over memorial weekend we "Re-Okeeed" Brian and Mary had a bbq - it was wonderful. other friends stopped by telling many great stories with 67 in my graduating class we have excellent friendships.

the picture subject (courtesy Ed and Connie) - my initials are on Jackass Butte, what a great name, in sight and just above town.

I'm blessed to have such caring friends...

peace/love t

Hoot-a-who?...

2009-05-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

is there a meaning to this? is it a person, place or thing? a birds cry! or a Sasquatch scream!...

for those who have been in the mountains with me - you know this sound...

a trade mark if you will, a distinctive noise that was me...

skiing in the trees, getting separated, you could hear others yelling but in my group all you needed to listen for was "hoot-a-who" and you knew i was near...

this is a high pitched, fast burst yell that spells individuality and made it easier to find friends...

i bring this up because the other night as Pam was putting me to bed, with a tear running down her cheek, asked me if i remembered yelling "hoot-a-who" - creating a beautiful moment...

here are these moments again - even in times of challenge we are making memories...

so create new moments, remember old moments and next time you are walking in the mountains listen closely you may just hear "hoot-a-who"...

peace/love t

Lunch with T bbq...

2009-05-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

we had a great time at the bbq with many from my work (coldwell banker bain). they stopped by having lunch and helped - over the past 7 weeks. it has been a blessing - thanks to all.

p/l - t

Stars...

2009-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have been fortunate spending quality time together as a family. Camping has always been a favorite particularly boat camping on Lake Chelan.

On this adventure we stopped at Safety Harbour to pitch our tent. The beauty of boat camping, during the week, nobody else is around.

The boys were young 5 and 7 but with a fire and marsh mellows everyone is entertained. As the sun set, the darkness surrounded us - we put out the fire and crawled into the tent going fast to sleep from a big day.

Sometime during the night nature was calling - unzipping the tent stepping out into the darkness there was this illumination that grabbed my curiosity.

I will always remember that moment... looking up - the stars were so bright, so clear it felt as if you could reach up, pick the one you wanted and put it in your pocket.

For me its these moments that define us, make us who we are if you will.

The night nature called allowing me to cherish forever the moment - with the stars...

Peace/Love T

Smile...

2009-05-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

When the wind blows through the trees making a rustling noise...

As the sun sets over the mountains exploding with vibrant colors...

The solitude you gain while hearing the silence of a fresh snow ...

Waking up to a sunrise taking a minute to enjoy the beauty...

Any mountain peak, as you drive by, in awe of its power and strength...

I will always be there watching, playing, you will feel - you will smile...

Peace/Love T

Outside...

2009-05-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

weather has turned great, sun feels wonderful... used powerchair getting some straight vitamin d!! saw a great play last night and had dinner at the melting pot with mike and nancy - excellent. keeping busy with the help of many, boys are home from college today they will get a dose of change. pictures courtesy of tony - luv the bike handle bars... p/l t

Relentless...

2009-05-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

one of the great things that has happened is getting together with many friends and family. on the flip side my body is changing and entries are on the verge impossible. with that everyday there is something to deal with not only for me but for everyone involved... this disease defines relentless... peace/love t

21 years...

2009-05-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

How can I put into words the love for my wife, my lover, the mother of my children, my best friend - Pamela...

We celebrated 21 years, at Rays Boat House for dinner, with Greg and Gail on this glorious day ordered the sunset - beautiful!!!

During this time of challenge we have found time to laugh and to realize how blessed we are. Reflecting on all the wonderful times we have had and even a few tough times that grew us even closer.

Through this it has become clear how blessed we are/have been while traveling down our relationship road for the past 21 years...

Love - Terry

Lunch with T cont...

2009-05-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to spend the day!! Great conversations and good laughs. Everyone pitches in and does something around the house - a huge help.

Thanks to all... Peace/Love T

Lunch with T...

2009-04-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Quality conversations... or maybe just laughs... domino's... we have done a host of things mainly it breaks up my day and on occasion deal with my ---- literally :) Thanks to all... Peace/love T

Why not...

2009-04-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Heard something recently that resonated for me - "don't ask why - rather ask why not"!!!

We had a cute 4 year old visit the other day and everything was about "why" very inquisitive - perfectly natural.

As we grow the "why" stays with us - why should I do that? why is this happening? why are you doing that? We can loose track of individuality and its beauty.

The desire to search for answers is greatly needed but we can move farther and understand by asking "why not"... why not be successful!! why not climb the mountain!! why not find a cure!!

Guess what I'm saying is: next time you run across something that interest you, challenges you ask yourself "Why not"...

Peace/Love T

Lunch with T...

2009-04-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sunny day...

Kyoko and Blair put up with me and Brian, an ole high school buddy from Okanogan.

The thing is: yes - I can't walk, yes - its limiting, yes - well it just sucks... But, but you just can't let it get the best of you.

Not only did we have a great lunch, we had some wonderful laughs.

Last but not least: you can put the crazy man in a chair -- you can't take the crazy out of the man!!!

Peace/Love T

Dogs life...

2009-04-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

"Its a dogs life" -

Pet me, love me, feed me...

That's all I need - in return you have my unconditional love...

Lay around all day waiting for your arrival home...

Once home I howl telling you my day in full detail...

You pat my head, rub my tummy, tell me its alright...

A knock at the door I bark letting you know someone is there...

Providing protection from strangers at the door...

At night I lie by your side occasionally looking for a pat on the head...

I'm your friend, I'm your protector, I'm your companion, I'm your dog...

"A dogs life" or ???

Peace/Love, T

Lunch...

2009-04-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

Friends from my office continue to make my days and weeks go by much better - they stop by three different times a week which help break up the day. And, oh the lunches have been fabulous!!! "Lunches with T" continue...

Easter...

2009-04-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a great Easter weekend celebrating with family and friends.

As we journey through life we need to cherish the little things and be thankful for what we have.

Give everyone a hug (if you can) and tell them you love them - Happy Easter...

Peace/Love T

Distractions...

2009-04-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

As we go through life we find ourselves, at times, grinding things out - moving but not going anywhere. We all reach these crossroads and it's here we need to step back, look and see what really matters.

Everyday can be a grind for me - actually typing this is getting harder and harder... but what gets me through is understanding the importance of family and friends.

We were able to have a poker game, road in the golf cart, went to a high school baseball game, went to the end of the street with Pam in the power chair.

When we are able to do these things, when we are with family and friends it takes us from the grind allowing us to forget - if only for a short period - helping us appreciate what really matters.

Thank you for the distractions...

Peace/Love T

To Be...

2009-04-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I find myself thinking of my life, the lives of those around me trying to make sense of it all. Most of the day my life transcends forming "just to be"???

What does that mean? With the progression of the illness most of my body is being affected to the point I need help in most every aspect of living. This brings into context "just to be"... now, this is not a negative - it's more adaptation!!

Pam does everything from dressing me getting me ready for morning/night as well as all other aspects of a household - there are no words I can use to express my respect and love for her. As positive as you can be it wears on you - we are very fortunate to have support from family and friends.

Last weekend Pam was able to visit the boys at WSU for moms weekend and take a break from care giving - neither one of us ever imagined a challenge this tough.
The reason Pam was able to go - two friends baby sat me over the weekend and by the end of the weekend they both had a huge appreciation for what Pam does everyday.

As we roll down this path grasping all the moments we can, being thankful for what we have throwing in a laugh or two - allows me to embrace today "Just to be"...

Peace/Love T

From Here...

2009-04-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Where do we go from here??

Everyday is a new day, everyday provides new challenges and everyday gives us new opportunities.

The difference of having a good day or a bad day is minuet.

How easy we can slip into the "whoa is me" state of mind. What we need to do is check ourselves at the door and understand that our actions/words can carry consequences.

Take this understanding and use it - to have, not only, great days for us but provide a conduit for others to have great days too.

If we convey these words/actions - combine a positive environment, we can get "from here - to there"...

Peace/Love, T

Weekends - Birthday's...

2009-03-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Boy - weekends come and go just as bday's come and go.

We had an outstanding weekend that combined a play at the rep and a bday party with many friends.

The play was a hoot based on a group of guys partying heavy with plenty of comic relief as well as a strong message for hope/belief.

My bday party was awesome many wonderful friends were on hand to celebrate and enjoy the libations. We talked, laughed and enjoyed each others company.

My brother,Tony and Marleen, get the distance award coming from Okanogan.

Pam worked really hard on preparation, with help from Stephanie, to make the evening a success.

Many thanks to all who came - here's to another great year.

Peace/Love, T

Fun times...

2009-03-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Carl, Mike and Phyllis making lunch and yes laughing - what we all can use a bit more of...

Had a great time, they all pitched in with some chores that really helps out.

Hopefully the sun will start providing outside warmth for picnic's.

It is wonderful having company during the day!!!

Peace, T

oh ya Crystal is waiting for a morsel...

People...

2009-03-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Everyday we work on our usual tasks, routines if you will, getting through the best way we can.

Heard something that made a lot of sense "need people" what a simple saying yet it holds volumes of truth.

That begs the question "who are we without people? Can tell you with certainty having people who care and are willing to share their time is priceless...

It goes much deeper than just lunch, it reaches into our souls and makes us better people. With this support and the care my family is giving - allows me to stay positive and enjoy everyday to its fullest...

Thank you,

Peace/Love T

Fish-n-chips...

2009-03-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Breaking up the day is really helpful and this day is a good day too.

Over time living in the Puget Sound we sample fish-n-chips in many different restaurant's however, this lunch was outstanding. Guess you have to compare the same so this was actually Halibut-n-chips mmmm...

The location and view were pretty good too - thanks to all for their time.

Oh ya location - Salty's on Alki.

Peace, T

Spring break cont...

2009-03-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Watched too much NCAA hoops but we did brackets and had fun comparing choices.

Since we stayed in Seattle, during the break, doing local things occupied most of our time.

When was the last time you went to the Space Needle?? It had been well over 10 years so it was time. The dinner was outstanding, the view was beautiful and the company was priceless!!

We had a wonderful time together talking about most anything and everything...

Peace/Love T

Rambling...

2009-03-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Feel very fortunate having so many individuals for support, who create a powerful group during this time of challenge.

Started "lunch with T" this week and it helps to have someone stopping by to break up the day. Bill and Shelley came by yesterday - we had good conversations about most anything. Jane and John stop by today, more conversations and more enjoyment.

Will have friends coming by everyday this week - hopefully the sun will shine and we can get some pure Vitamin -D!!

Keeping positive is the most challenge of all - everyday there is a change to deal with, it gets trying... Working on little moments, laughs, whatever it takes to see a positive light - is the goal everyday.

Looking forward to a fun weekend we will go to a play at the rep then celebrate another bday for me - turning 51!!!

Live - work?...

2009-03-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

What is the saying - we should "work to live... not live to work"!!!

Don't know if because I grew up in the 70's that this quote was very easy for me or if I saw too many people burned out and did not want to follow that path.

That doesn't mean working hard was not a philosophy but when the time came, playing was always favorable.

Or maybe it was as we grew up we had recess and always had a blast so continuing as an adult was easy.

Through my career as a Realtor I have had the pleasure of meeting and helping wonderful people purchae a home - as a matter of fact I have some very good friends that I met this way and are lucky to know them today.

With that let's all play a little more and, oh ya, remember those hugs...

Peace/Love T

Tradition continues...

2009-03-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has been around me has seen pictures or been involved with pictures at the top of a mountain with my shirt off. Why? who knows - maybe like the attention, ya think... Anyway the boys hiked the king and they kept the tradition alive!!! Peace, T

Spring break...

2009-03-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mitchell and Bradley are home for spring break a bit hard because normally we would have gone somewhere - Whistler has been a popular destination for us during this time.

They are helping tremendously giving Pam a break on the care giving duties - as someone said we are in a "different place"!!

The boys went skiing at Crystal Mountain today they wanted to ski "The King" one of my favorite hikes into back country skiing - hope they get some good pic's. Tons of fresh snow should be a top notch day!!

We will get out and do some Seattle touristy stuff - creating a memorable "spring break"...

Weekend...

2009-03-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

You never know what really is going to happen on a weekend. The boys came home for spring break and it's good to have them home.

We went to Grinders, a sandwich shop in Shoreline, that on Saturday nights has blues bands play and this night "Little Bill and The Blue Notes" were playing they were fantastic. We celebrated Doug's 52nd Bday - oh that's right he was not 52 until midnight.

After - music ends by 10:30 - we headed to Johnny-Mac's for more fun the trouble is you don't know about access. Well his home sits high off the street with many stairs, no way can I get in, actually I can... With just a small word of encouragement four guys come out, pick me up (in my wheel chair) and take me all the way in the home. It's a crazy ride but once in - enjoy everyone's company and at the end of the night it's a crazy ride out.

Fun for all on this weekend...

JP Patches...

2009-03-13T12:50:00.001-07:00

Living in Eastern Wash my day time character was "Captain Kangaroo" once I moved to Seattle this JP Patches thing came around and thought what is this?? Well at a bday party guess who showed up...

Lunch time...

2009-03-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, here it is - want to have lunch?? With sunnier weather we have a great spot for lunch. Stop on by let's have lunch!! Art and I enjoying the sun, perfect sandwich, and lots of lies with embellished stories... Peace/Love T

Self-portrait...

2009-03-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

January 21st, 2009... There are milestones that we all have and remember - this is one for me. My last day driving, it's not that I couldn't drive - well with no use of my left arm and very little in my left leg, pretty scary. Getting to the car is the biggest obstacle. Anyway really liked driving my car the Lexus was pure pleasure and spent many hours looking/showing homes in it too.

Your eyes...

2009-03-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

A glance from the hostess - with a smile...

The nod from the cook - passing the kitchen...

A young boy's head spinning around - looking with wonder...

The tear in a friends eye - as we talk...

Fear not for when we look from our eye's we see, we feel, we use our strength, our spirit, conveying warmth to "your eyes"...

As I have adapted to this illness walking has left me and moving around today is in a wheel chair. What is interesting is the looks from strangers and people who know me well. Absolute human nature and sincere non-the-less noticeable, something I'm sure was part of me too. This is a little poem saying it's OK, it's understandable, it's just part of having a disability. Actually tears come to my eyes too sometimes...

Peace/Love T

Beautiful day...

2009-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day!!

We look for these days and enjoy everyone that comes our way.

We see flowers starting to peak above the soil, we see smiles on faces as warm as the day itself, we see the crisp clear sky and hope for more.

Once the sun begins to hide we know another day is done but look forward to what tomorrow will bring - for everyday we wake, is a "beautiful day"...

Vocabulary...

2009-03-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

We read, we learn, we listen, we take in information all our lives - store it for everyday use.

Sometimes we learn new definitions for words we never thought would apply. Here goes this "hope vs. reality" thing again - I hope things stop progressing but reality dictates something different.

The words transfer, lifts, ramps, power chairs, belts, caregiver along with a host of others take on a whole new meaning. Who thought using the word - transfer (to another chair) using a lift belt (around my mid section for leverage) would be words used to describe my daily activities - but it does.

It's interesting because things are really pretty good given the circumstances, we make the most of it. If the chair is too low I need help to get up, so my need for help is daily. We have been able to get out most everyday which is very enjoyable. Not able to walk around but just to get out is great.

Now you may think "how terrible" but like most things it is your attitude and perception that allow us to make the most of every situation.

Taking these words applying pertinent definitions creates a new "vocabulary" of witch takes fortitude and love to keep moving on...

Holiday...

2009-03-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

We have had the pleasure of many great holidays this is a particularly grand one!! It's amazing what is available in our own back yards.

This is Lake Roosevelt - we had a boat to fish, a power boat to ski and of course a houseboat on which to play. Daryl had scouted this spot out and at first glance was nothing but as we got closer this beautiful bay opened up perfect for all the boats.

What was great about this week was different groups came and went while we stayed. We hiked, water skied, ate, drank, played domino's, went to a casino, fished, swam, and enjoyed everyone's company.

If you were to hot the slide off the back of the boat provided a refreshing plunge - one thing was: make sure there was water on the slide - can you say slide burn. Sitting on top in the evening as the sun was going down - was particularly soothing.

A relaxing time by all no cell phone service just peace and wonderful company - a great Holiday...

Powder day...

2009-02-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

Getting up today with a couple of inches of snow reminded my of skiing, not just skiing but top notch "Powder days"...

Started skiing the Loup Loup ski bowl in the fourth grade, broke my leg that year, did not miss a year after that - this will be the first year I have not skied in 40 years!! What a ride though - here are a few of the most memorable:

Somewhere in the early 80's was going home think Pres weekend in Feb and thought why not Helicopter ski!! Called what was then "Liberty Bell Heli Skiing" and reserved a seat. They fly out of Mazama, once arriving we went through all the safety rules, learned how to use beacons loaded up and headed off. We flew up to 6000 ft started a base area and went up and down from there. The powder was deep, light and un-tracked -- beautiful. This was my first adventure in "Back Country" skiing it was unbelievable, this also was my first time in going off, what I call snow balls, or large snow covered rocks the size of cars - total blast. The funny thing is my skis were 200"s narrow and built for speed but somehow they worked just fine. And I wore wool overalls as ski pants yes looked like a snowman. If my memory serves me right we did 30,000 vertical feet for the day and the cost under $400.00 - can't do that today...

Sometimes you hit these powder days with blind luck... Just across the border in BC out of Oliver is a ski hill called Mt. Baldy my brother and I went up there on a whim from Okanogan. Once we got there the sky was blue, the temp was cold and the snow deep. We started down this run not knowing where we were going - it was awesome, steep, deep, un-tracked, as the snow with every turn flew over our faces, the bottom dropped out almost felt like free falling - we had just went over a steeper part of the run. As a matter of fact the next time we went down that run I stopped before the steep part just to get ready. With all this great skiing one of the things I remember is the wonderful Toffee they had in the lodge - the little things...

Everyone in our family went to Tahoe and were skiing around the area but staying in a house close to Heavenly. On about the third day we got up to a foot of new snow - Bradley had gotten a concussion the day before but that is another story - we were in line for the second Tram ride up. Now the Tram goes over a renowned run called Gunbarell, today it had over a foot of snow and was perfect. Once at the top we all flew down hollering all the way skiing un-tracked powder top to bottom - "Heavenly"...

Crystal Mt. we have skied there for over 25 years and hit many great days but this day sticks in my mind. Children under 10 ski free so we loved going there while the boys were under that age. Timing is everything on a powder day - Pam and I had been with the boys and when they went in for lunch I wanted to go into the Southback backcountry, now it takes most of the morning to get the backcountry open and by the time I got to the access gate it was just opening. This is one of my favorite hikes to "The King" the highest point at Crystal. Instead of skiing down a run called "Brain Damage" I went down to the second bench inched up to the edge and below me was 18" of un-tracked, steep terrain, ready for me to write my name - and that's just what I did...

Over the past 10 years Stevens Pass was our home mountain we had passes most of the years which allowed us to hit so many powder days it's hard to pick a few. Last year was a great year this one day they had not opened up the backside in two days again 18" of new snow - all of us were up there together but the boys wanted to ski the terrain park - Pam and I were just relaxing having a great time not thinking about much came to the top of Tyee chair (here is that timing thing) unloaded moved over to a patrolman where the rope was still up and "just cus" asked when do you think the backside will open? with a smile he looked at me and said it just did - needless to say Pam and I wrote our names down Corona Bowl. I have skied Steven's and know most every nook and cranny but my favorite was a traverse into the backcountry, just off Jupiter along the power lines to the skiers right. Can't tell you how many times I cut a trail in new snow or even 5 days after and found an unbelievable playground - call that T's run...

There are more so many more stories of skiing powder - the draw is the solitude, the peace, the beauty of being where few go - a "Powder day" I will miss this day!!!

picture - my 50th bday March 08 Stevens Pass.

Who are we...

2009-02-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Now here is something that can be debated: are we this spiritual, mental being? or are we this carbon, physical being? or both??

My road has seen many turns - yesterday my thought was this Buddhist "one with nature" thing. Our bodies and minds working in harmony creating the unique being - who we are.

Today I'm not sure anymore - my mental spirit is "spot on" as strong as ever. Will be sitting down and someone comes up and says "you look great" (my favorite come back - "never had any problem looking good" :) - it's those moments that almost allow me to forget, until it's time to move.

Then with all my abilities mental and physical try to move a part of my body, to no avail - just won't work. That's reality, that's when I question this harmonious partnership between mind and body.

At this point though - my thoughts go to my body which has always been the best tool I've ever owned. It has carried me in fine fashion all my life and has taken me miles down this road today. It won't give up - like, like "it's just a flesh wound" had to put that in "what are you going to do bleed on me"??

So, "who are we"?? Today I'm a spiritual, mental, carbon, physical being blessed to have another day!! all the while still searching...

Peace/Love T

Fun in the sun...

2009-02-20T16:55:00.001-08:00

All this sun and warmer weather has me thinking of all the great fun we have had in the water around the state. The top three were taken over a weekend we saw "Tom Petty" great show and the weather was perfect - hot 105 out on the Columbia river and the water felt ohhh so good. Next pic shows one of our favorite lakes in NC Wash. We have jumped off this rock for years. Our dog comes along for a ride in Lake Washington and has a great time too. Last pic again at one of our favorite locations the water is perfect...

What a rush...

2009-02-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Now these words can take on many meanings but today they fit into the adrenalin category!!

We are lucky to have good friends but sometimes you need to use "good friend" carefully especially if they tried to put you in an early grave - not really but at the time, it seemed ending six feet under was a possibility. Guess thinking back I've been that "good friend" on occasion too...

We were at Banks Lake boating and my friend said "lets go jump off a rock" replying "no problem" we started off to the jump. Now we get there by boat and my "friend" says there it is - looking up at this cliff, thinking you have to be kidding... well not!!

Jumping in the lake from the boat we swam to the shore and started climbing up. On the way up my "friend" says "if you don't want to jump we can hike back down" - OK least there is an option. Just before we get to the top scrambling all the way I look at him and say "there is no going back is there"? Looking back all he had was this sinister smile, he needed to say nothing.

Once we get to the top - you must understand everything is bigger once you get to the top and look down - this jump is going to be well over 40 feet - a true pucker up. I looked over once stepped back looked at my "friend" said a couple choice words and ran off - realizing if I stayed and thought about it the harder it would be.

Down, down, down felt like an eternity, wind rushing by - then Boom - bubbles every where, stopping just before the dark water - thinking, just want to take a breath (little detail) see the light of the sky, kicked, popped up, took a deep breath, feeling pretty darn exhilarated my "friend" pops up next to me and with that same sinister smile says - "What a Rush"...

The beauty of this story is over the years since then my whole family and other friends have jumped off perfectly fine rocks - many hoots!!!

Peace/Love T

"My friend" -- "DP"

Poem for Emily...

2009-02-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Emily –

Life, love, peace…
What – who are these things,
We walk through life looking for love,
We find love then seek peace,
I am at peace…

Hugs...

2009-02-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Why is it as we mature (get older) the innocence of the hug goes away? Remember being that young child and how good that felt when we got a hug and as an adult gave a hug to a child - what happened?

Give someone a hug today - hugs are priceless...

XOXO's T

Silver lining...

2009-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

For me it's not only the generosity from many (which has been wonderful) but "re-connecting" with friends you have drifted from. We drift apart for many reasons family grows, move away, jobs, personal challenges and a host of other changes.

Then what happens is we feel we are different or they (friends, family) have changed and we won't have anything in common. If we sift through time what we really find is - we are the same and we can pick up right where we left off.

Sometimes though it takes stepping out of our comfort zones to take a risk, the risk that there is not any connection today - that's OK. We aren't looking for best friends but looking to see how you are doing?, what you have been up to? very sincere... Now there could be a dinner date here and you could rekindle an old relationship - nothing but good things could come from this.

So what's the point!! there has to be a friend, family member someone you made a connection with that would thoroughly enjoy hearing from you.

Our lives have taken us down many different paths/roads some of which will lead us to our "silver lining" - if we give it a chance...

Peace/Love T

Nieces, Nephews, Youth...

2009-02-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Was talking to a woman who had a strong opinion about the youth today and it was not favorable. It was shocking to hear someone so against our youth and so worried that the future "young people" who will be running our world will not have the skills to do so.

Isn't it amazing how perception and personal experience can taint even the most innocent of us. For me my opinion and perception is about as far away from this as can be. I swell up with pride regarding our youth my association has been nothing but stellar...

That doesn't mean that all the young men and women that I have had the pleasure to meet are perfect - hardly but there is and always will be a open, non-judgemental adult willing to listen to them.

My opinion is: there is and will be some very bright, motivated, sincere young people ready to contribute to society and we as adults have an obligation to provide them a positive, open platform to succeed.

Truths...

2009-02-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Fell Friday after a great evening with Pam, yelled and laughed - enjoyed the rest of the weekend with friends. Went to a ALS support group today and even with good intentions walked away with a clear picture of truth.

Have been working hard to stay positive for anyone who reads this, so you want to come back - well today will be different, today will be truth.

Since falling Friday the realization of the illness has set in. As much as you want to think it's OK - it's not. My right side which has been carrying me is going and it may seem fast but I have been able to make it this far by adapting and using all my physical and mental strength. Going to the meeting we talk about reality, the inevitability of this illness and it hits home.

We had discussions like these: have your emergency papers in order, body lifts for someone to move you, hot spots while laying, feeding tubes, no movement, and a host of others.

With the changes the next topics will be "share the care" a book written to help those with tough illnesses. The support has been unbelievable but the support tomorrow will be even more important. This is a huge challenge for me and anyone who knows me but by working together we all can get through this and minimize the hurt.

Truth is - this is a tough draw and your help and support have been instrumental in keeping the positive attitude.

Take from this a reality check, take from this hope, take from this we are better for knowing each other - take from this "the truth"...

Way to go Einstein...

2009-02-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

Remember those, those great one liners giving each other a bad time? Just thinking though "way to go Einstein" really is a complement - couple others are "no s--- sherlock" and an old fav "smooth move exlax"... well guess you would have to be there to get it...

That reminds me - my son had some of his friends over sitting at the table and they were just talking enjoying themselves I was in the kitchen too listening - you know the "old guy" trying to not get noticed.

They started complaining about something, nothing really, totally insignificant and of course couldn't keep quiet said "that's just Tough Titty!!!" The look on those boys face's was priceless - first why was I even participating, second what the heck does "TT" mean??

Your kidding me you never heard that before - I exclaimed?? They were shaking their heads, shrugging their shoulders and laughing out loud. Suddenly realizing that "TT" is really old school and an Okanogan saying the boys would not have known the meaning.

You know you missed the mark when you need to explain what you mean/say although when one of the boys is around the "TT" comment gets thrown out with laughs and smiles always to be remembered.

It's these moments, these chance comments that we will paint pictures for us to cherish... There is another story with "OG" - that's for another time.

Peace/Love T

Roll with the changes...

2009-02-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Going through this challenge has reached the core of my spirit and self. Everyday that we rise there is opportunity for us to look into the mirror and decide who/what do we want to be.

Granted there is pain inside and outside but for me it is pain that can be handled - what hurts most is how this pain transcends to family and friends. Nobody knows what to do but everyone wants to help. All of us are going through our own troubles too - so how do we look past these challenges and make everyday the best we can? million dollar question...

For me luv to tell stories, the bigger the better guess through telling these stories I'm able to cross from conscience to the sub-conscience, that self talk, that little guy telling stories to us that no-one, but us can hear.

If we can focus on just small things, small moments that are positive - we can make a better day. My body is changing daily and tomorrow scares the heck out of me but to think of the family, friends that are giving support ease the anxiety.

You never know when that moment of encouragement will appear - coming down this morning riding the lift a beautiful, peaceful, picture presented itself on the horizon as the sun was waking up the vibrant colors reached out and touched me allowing me to realize I will have the power to "roll with the changes"...

Peace/Love T

Live Music...

2009-02-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Luv music, luv live music and enjoy seeing out of the box musicians. This group called themselves "God's Favorite Beefcake" they are totally entertaining!! All the songs were original, a bit dark but original - combine that with playing a "saw", steel guitar, washboard, violin, and other various instruments - a great show.

Also, we were entertained by sword swallowing, 8" nail spike hammered into his nasal cavity and last but not least a fork stuck into his nasal cavity. You wanted not to watch, scream and turn your head away but for some sadistic reason - could not take you eyes off the show!!!

Combine this with the venue of "Official Bad Art Museum of Art" located in the "Cafe Racer" and you have a perfect evening of entertainment. The bad art is exactly that - paint by numbers, 7th grade projects, velvet pictures and everything in between.

After all this and "GFB" finished it was time for open microphone - the music never stopped flowing and originality was required.

Wonderful people, open arms atmosphere, complete enjoyment...

Just Thinking...

2009-01-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Got up today wondering how is it going to be? will there be any changes? will the fog burn off? will the sun shine? Then started thinking - everyday is a good day and there is so much more...

The Internet opens up a whole world right in front of you with anything you can imagine. Music is outstanding - you can watch videos of your favorite artist anytime, new top pick "Amen" by Kid Rock. Had breakfast with Pam she cooked scrambled eggs with sausage - yummy.

Felt the stillness of fresh snow, being in the back country with the trees covered, the quiet almost deafening - my spirit at ease with the cool air. Catching a fish early in the morning, the steam rising as the sun comes up - watching the fish swim away after being released.

Work - still have ideas, responsibilities and always will. What the heck is "OBT"? stands for "outa-bounds-Terry" that is a nick name given to me because never stayed on the main ski run. Doctor's appointment coming up - body not working very well. Lucky to live in this country. Great family and friends. Our freedom does not go without sacrifice

This, as you read is totally random (or is it) and in no particular order - kind of like any day. It never fails that by the end of the day, month, year (our lives) the dots get connected and somehow they do make sense...

Barham Bash Review...

2009-01-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

When you look in Webster's dictionary you find many words, many definitions with all these words one describes "The Bash" - Generosity...

While you read the definition you get a meaning, you see words what you don't see is beneath the words - they are our family's, friends, and communities. For me clearly visible are names of everyone - who are sincerely generous not only with monetary donations but with donations of time, spirit and a warm heart.

Heard many stories being told and you know everything was a bit taller, a bit faster, and definitely a bit more funny. There is a quote that says ("don't let the truth get in the way of a good story...") trust me embellishing was the norm!!

We did have some serious conversations talking about life, challenges and opportunities all of which had an underlying tone to the gathering. Hopefully the term ALS will not be foreign and we can work together helping to understand bits of the disease.

OK enough of the serious stuff - fabulous food was flying out of the kitchen, beverages were being consumed and the music was wonderful... fun times by all!!

Peace and many thanks, t

We are able to donate a good amount to the ALS Association - Evergreen Chapter for more information you can call/email 1-866-786-7257 (1-866-stop als) / http://www.alsa-ec.org/

A Prayer for friends...

2009-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Lord thank you for our friends that with out them our lives would be shallow. We are blessed and better people for knowing each other so much that your spirit surrounds us all with love and passion - helping us make another day. Our conviction in values and respect for one another only grows with time producing a bond that cannot be broken. We are the fortunate ones we cry, we laugh, we struggle but in the end we know we are blessed we are in your arms… peace t

What are friends for :)

2009-01-23T15:56:00.001-08:00

So sitting at home minding my own business when out of the blue ring.. ring.. (that's the phone) get a call from Jeff saying he is going to his cabin to check on it after all the flooding - do I want to go? sure was my reply but little did we know an adventure was on the horizon!!

Once we arrived we drove to the front of the cabin promptly getting stuck. Now I'm of no help and Jeff is getting a bit concerned luckily he had a come-a-long in the back of his truck, go figure doesn't everybody and with a little work we got out.

We sat in a couple of chairs and laughed, ready to go started back to the truck and by this time my body is shot, strength gone. There is about ten feet to the truck and it's in snow, Jeff puts my left arm around his shoulder to help - poor guy has to bend in half not to hurt my shoulder my legs pretty much give out and all my weight is onto his neck - did not fall though.

We get to the truck door open and to climb in the truck is like climbing a vertical wall for me - we finally figure a way to get me in shut the door and head out.. as we are leaving laughing uncontrollably we both said "next time we should take the car"!!!

There is a joke though from this a little sick but what the heck...

What do call Terry with ALS when stuck?? Traction...

We had a great time, made the best of the situation and laughed - life is good...

Peace T

Now and Then...

2009-01-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Looking back at old photo's found this one of two young couples skiing at Whistler Mt. - yes that is way before Blacomb was added and the village was just that a "village"!! the picture was taken in the mid 80's just before we got married...

What's cool about the new photo is it's the same two couples skiing at Alpental May 4th, 2008 - that's 20 + years later and things have not changed much -- we are having a great time, the sun is shining, the beverage is cold and smiles around...

Down the straight and narrow...

2009-01-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Wow... they say the fastest way between two points is a straight line - but it seems to me that it rarely happens. It seems to me that as we journey in our life that we get side tracked very easily and take detours - sometimes by choice other times we hang on.

Today, for me, is like the armour the Knights wore of yesterday. You put it on its new, shiny, beautiful, and oh so strong but as we travel we get little nicks here, a chip there, we patch it and move on but after awhile these chips take over - that's me today. My physical armour is in tough shape as strong as you like to think the armour is - it's failing, it's reality!!

What is staying strong is the mental armour - a bit on the worn side - but strong...

The moral of this story; is to get the most of everyday (this does not mean stay busy) enjoy a sunset, a book, a friend; be the best person you can - you never know what someone else is going through; give those you care about hugs and tell them you love them...

Peace/Love T

Barham Bash...

2009-01-13T18:02:00.001-08:00

OK lets gather and tell lies - no stories that's it!! There will be food, refreshments, and live blues band. It will be fun for all - hope to see ya there... Peace, T

Modifications update...

2009-01-12T14:50:00.001-08:00

Jerry takes the inaugural ride on the lift - they are working on a "tool time" motor built for speed...

Mark and Pam look on as the finishing touches take place...

Jerry and Jeff work on the final details...

Jeff takes a test ride all the while contemplating - how can this go faster...

Mark surveys how the chair works - oh and Jeff is supervising...

This is crazy "how we adapt" told them probably would take a few days maybe weeks then start using the lift - started Sunday once they finished and will not use the stairs again...

Shows the look of the lift and how little of an impact it has. The look and function reflect on the professional help - again you can not imagine how the stress has been lifted by all who have helped... Thank You!!!

Health 09...

2009-01-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Here we are starting the new year and as usual full of hope and positive ideas. The challenge has always been managing change - just when you think "OK this is fine can live with this" another part of the body shows signs/effects of the disease. Today as the home modifications are taking shape the timing is prudent. Walking is harder and all limbs are being affected not just the left side. Everyday is another opportunity to make the best of what comes need to laugh and not take things to seriously.

Yesterday -- Today...

2009-01-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

What a great song "Yesterday" how does the lyric go - all my troubles seemed so far away...

Isn't that the truth we go on everyday most of the time in great shape sometimes we have little aches and pains but for the most part were good. Then out of the blue our lives change and usually its not a gradual change but its a "hold on to your hat" change that take us for a loop.

Most have at sometime or another had the chance to experience this challenge and if you do we get a wonderful opportunity to see the best in others. We have been so fortunate to have the support of family, friends and the community that we truly have been blessed in this time of uncertainty. You cannot imagine how much stress has been lifted from our daily lives because of the generosity from many.

What we must do "today" is continue living, having fun, enjoying each others company as we do this "yesterday" will always hold those cherished moments...

2008 a year in review...

2009-01-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

August 20th "bro's" headed off to WSU together - looks like fun...

August 16th at the Gorge listening to a little "Tom Petty" enjoying wonderful company and of course refreshments...

August 8th friends gathered around "Franks resort" where family and friends meet...

August 3rd our annual family reunion - a group of cousins who were all wearing hats, we had to see who still has hair???

June 20th outstanding family vacation to Cancun...

May 30th Bradley with fellow graduate Ian - Bishop Blanchet High School graduation...

May 24th wedding reception in Napa Kim and Daryl a great celebration...

May 4th picture taken at Alpental Ski resort coming down the run "International" notice my arm in a sling skied 20 times that way...

May 4th - upper parking lot fun at Alpental...

March 30th my 50th birthday day!! we had a couple cluster ---- going that day lots and lots of fun... This has been a annual tradition for many, many years - ski on my bday...

March 28th my 50th birthday party!! We turned our garage into a dance floor and had "The Beatles" playing great music - well not the Beatles really - but a great cover band... Outstanding party for all!!

January 1st, 2008 started the year with one of my passions, no two of my passions, no really three of my passions -- My wife Pam, friends Debbie of (Jeff and Debbie) and skiing... Family, Friends, Skiing a wonderful combination...

These photo's take us to the end of August where current blog postings take off and represent most of the remainder of 2008. We had a great year and are looking towards another fantastic year that will include family and friends... Let's make 09 a year to remember and be thankful for what we have... Peace/Love T

Okanogan...

2008-12-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed a few days from Seattle over Christmas...

Went from snow to colder and snow but it was very beautiful. We drove to "Happy Hill" road and a number of deer were out in the field, traveled down to "Salmon Creek" not sure why they call it that it's been decades since any salmon have gone up the creek.

In the late 1800's the silver mine "Ruby" was created and you can only imagine how rough/tough living in this mining town must have been - a whole different world.

The last picture shows some of the geological diversity of the area this huge rock was left by the receding glaciers long, long ago. Remember as a child climbing in and around this rock.

Hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends!! Let's look to a healthy, happy, prosperous 2009...

Peace/Love T

Christmas Eve thoughts...

2008-12-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

Today we give thanks for all we have - every moment that passes by and every moment to come...

As we look at the world there is beauty everywhere with everyone at times we need to look hard - it is there...

A long with the beauty we realize how delicate life can be and how thankful we are for every moment we have...

Let's give each other a hug, tell everyone we love them and be joyful for the time we have together...

Peace to all... T

Pictures from Susan/Bill - Thanks

Work in progress...

2008-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Modifications continue: "with a little help from my friends" (great song) the bathroom/shower is getting close to completion. Many thanks to all... T

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

Here we are, June 2008, vertical and having a fantastic time at the Mayan ruins "Chichen Itza" in the Yucatan. Celebrating 20 years of marriage, 1st year of college completed, and a graduated senior from high school. This has been a bitter sweet year... We have had a great opportunity to share time with each other that includes family and friends. We need to live for today, plan for tomorrow and reflect on the past... Peace/Love

Garage sale review...

2008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Two words describe the GS "Huge Success"!!

You would think that money raised is the only criteria for success but what happened, and I feel surprised everyone, the GS reached many more in the community than anticipated.

The GS took place at Coldwell Banker Bain garage which holds 20+ cars and was full, no packed, no overflowing with donations. The generosity was tremendous, the items included hand made crafts, electronics, air hockey table, new bicycle, and everything in between.

After spending a number of hours at the GS over the weekend there were many moments that come to mind but my most memorable is: "Backhoe" yes that's right Backhoe..

We were siting near the check out area and a man walked in and put his bags near the entrance, as if that is a common request of him, he proceeded directly to the clothing, truly excited. Asking how much for a pair of dress pants ($1.00) he was even more excited. There was a chair near him that was quickly piling up full of clothes. This man was a simple man but very sincere he stood in front of me talking about the fine purchases - very pleased. Our topic changed we started talking about how strong he was and how hard he could work, at that moment with a confident smile he said "they call me "Backhoe" because of how hard I work" it was a great comment. What makes this moment even better without any encouragement he started helping clean and move items in from the outside. Once done he put on his new sweat shirt grabbed his things and ventured down the street - he had 5-6 items all for less than $5.00 walking away happy and warm, what a success.

This is just one moment - you could tell that many others were shopping for necessities and going away with a smile.

We will be able to use the money for many unexpected expenses as well as the anticipated ones. It's this "Hope vs Reality thing my least favorite topic is my health but sometimes we can't avoid hard topics.

There are not enough words to express our gratitude for all the time, effort, donations and yes tears that went into making this GS a huge success - not just for us but for our community too...

Peace/Love T

Any other moments stand out??