The Great Lakes National Cemetery

This National Cemetery has been in use for about two years now. It is only a few miles from where we live, but for some reason we have never taken the time to visit. Right now it is still under construction in some of the more remote areas, but for the most part it's finished and being used.


I especially loved seeing the "Avenue of Flags"... As far as I'm concerned there is nothing more beautiful than our "Stars and Stripes" flying in a stiff breeze.
It's very humbling to see all the headstones, and know that every one of them represents an American Soldier that has passed. A very somber place, and yet it is so gorgeous to see. It overlooks a small lake with rolling hills all around. I hope you enjoy the photos...
All for now from Grand Blanc. Hugs, Stacie

Grandpa Weston passed away on October 8... His kidneys finally gave out after many years of struggling. We are sad that he is gone and we miss him, but his suffering is finally over and that's a relief.
    Now we are just getting ready for Christmas. Today I'm going to start the wrapping of the presents. We haven't bought much for the older grandchildren and are going to give them money instead. I'm too old to know what's in fashion any more so with the money they buy what they want. Not much fun to open on Christmas, but I'm sure the shopping cash will be appreciated. :0)
   Korey is looking great and working lots of hours. Her weight loss has slowed down some but she is still losing and wearing  a size 12 Jean... Something she hasn't done since she was a teenager. Alan is doing so well in school and has really matured the year. He has a girl he hangs out with and she is just a sweet kid.
  Eric has started a new job at "Skipper Buds" marina as the loan manager. He had to go to Wisconsin for a week to learn what his responsibilities will be. I hope this works for him.

Not much happening at the Brugger household. We are just staying home and taking care of grandpa. He is doing fine - but still having a few bad episodes here and there. Not much we can do to help him except watch his sodium intake. His kidneys are getting progressively worse and the coughing is still going on. The pneumonia really took it's toll.  Jim and I take a few hours here and there to get out of the house but we can't leave for too long. He is very unsteady on his feet and we worry about him falling. He has his emergency button so if something happens while we are gone he is still protected...
   Our grandchildren are doing great, and are all growing like weeds. Alan has really sprouted this last few months, and is now taller than his grandpa. Unfortunately we  don't get to see Baily, Hannah, and Carson nearly enough - but little Emma, Anna, and Kendall are here to play and keep grandma entertained about once a week... I sure enjoy my grandchildren! They are all such a source of joy. 
   Korey is doing great on her diet. She has lost about fifty pounds so far and looks wonderful. Her clothes are getting too big - so she picks up a few things here and there to keep her from looking like a bag lady!
  Well, I guess I will close for now. Hugs from here...

Grampa is having a hard time...

Just thought I would let you all know how things are going here....

My dad is holding his own. The medication change hasn't really helped a lot, but he isn't getting any worse so I guess that's good.

The pneumonia is kicking his butt, and the fluid from the I.V. antibiotic is backing up in his system because his kidneys are failing - so that's another whole problem.... The doctors are trying to balance out the medications to get the pneumonia under control without drowning him... I feel so bad for the old guy. He sure hasn't had much fun the last couple of years.

     I'm just worried that they are going to want to dis-charge him from the hospital in a few days, but there's no way I can take care of him as weak as he is...
 I'm afraid he will have to go to a rehab facility to help get him back on his feet... (If he can rebound from this???) Since he is almost 88, I'm starting to wonder if he will.  He knows he isn't strong enough to come home with me and he is getting depressed.

I just hate seeing him struggle so.
All I know is that it's hell watching your parents get old.... And I'm getting old too because - I'm so worn out from setting at the hospital all day... All for now, and thanks for any good thoughts...

Hugs, Stacie

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