withgrace[dot]net

What a month September has been. 

It started out nice with a visit from the Boy and cooler temperatures coming around here and there.   Then, what was supposed to be just some simple tests for infection, my mom informs me that my dad has cancer of the bladder.

I’ve known for almost two weeks now.  Things have been surreal.  I still go day by day doing my thing here in Saint Louis while my mind drifts home wondering how my dad is doing.  My mom tells me he is hanging in there - but I need to see this for myself.  Thankfully I am taking some time off at the end of the week to go home.

I have not spoken to my dad since finding this out.  Save your chastising as I don’t care to hear it.  Every time I start to dial the phone knowing when he is home and mom is at work I start to cry.  He doesn’t need to hear me cry.  I’ve told my mom this and she understands.  When she told my dad what I said he just smiled at her.  My dad and I can communicate without saying a word.

There is still much that is unknown.  I know that he has had the test to determine if it has spread to his other organs and it has not.  I hope to learn more when I go home. 

Speaking of going home, this has made me realize I need to go home. 

For good.

However, I need to be smart about it.  While I want to be close to my parents and the Boy I must take care of myself.  Thankfully I have learned of a position that would be perfect for me.  I’d have a bit of a commute, but it’s better than the four hours it takes me to get to Louisville now.  More on that as things develop.

I don’t really have much else to say.  Haven’t I said enough anyway?  I’m counting the days to this time next week.  I need so much to be around those I love.

Dear Internets:

So sorry for the hiatus.  Things have been pretty busy since my last entry.  Life on day shift is TOTALLY different from nights as I well expected.  Getting used to the personalities in my unit has been.  Well.  A challenge.  I’m making it, however.

I’ve started learning about the chemical processing of evidence.  I processed with Cyanoacrylate and Ninhydrin.  I used regular black powder and magnetic powder to dust.  I think I ended up with more on my face than the lifts themselves, but hey - I’m learning.

I’ve not done much with the new place since the change of my schedule.  I find myself getting home in the afternoon, spent.  I do manage to get a work out in most of the time, but it has been a struggle as of late being so tired.  I hope as I get used to my new hours I can get back to full steam.

The Boy visited Labor Day weekend and that was a surprise.  I thought he was going out of town for business but came to see me instead.  We spent the weekend trying new restaurants and watching football.  It was a laid back, enjoyable weekend.  Right up until Sunday, when we watched my University of Louisville Cardinals get there ass kicked… at home.  It will be a long season.

I’m excited as fall is right around the corner.  Starbucks has started offering the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte again.  I wonder what Fall 2008 will bring?

A way home to Louisville?  For good?

One never knows.