My intentions are good, but my delivery can be lacking. At least with the blog these days. I’m sorry. I have a feeling that my writing will return to its previous frequency once more things start happening. Until then, from all of us in the Hayes family, we hope you all have a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON! May you all get some rest, spend time with love ones, recharge your batteries, and be safe! On to the news….
Since November Katy and I have been going through our new routine. At least it was our routine, but with the kids back I;m sure things will change. Mondays were dealing with paperwork, calls, e-mails, etc involving whatever business was pressing at the time. Tuesdays were more of the same, except we got our weekly date to Smoken’ Joe’s Bar BQ and Blues in Brighton, MA (right next to where we are staying). The people there are amazing! I’ve been invited up to play almost every time we’ve gone, and the band is incredible. Joe, Wendy, Eddie, Randy, CJ, Nate, Al, Cindy, and the rest of the crew have made Katy and I feel at home. Wednesdays were always exciting…LAUNDRY! Thursdays were medical appointments, and Fridays were last minute runs to the grocery store so that we could be back in before everyone gets out and about. It’s funny because it is such a different schedule than I am used to back home. We have missed the kids horribly, but the break was good for them and us. They got to get a normal schedule, school, and routine while we were getting our living arrangements settled. WE ARE SO GLAD THAT THEY ARE BACK!!
Jake and Arielle went to stay with Katy’s sister in Michigan for a few months. We are so grateful that they were able and willing to help us. They were only gone for 10 weeks, but they both grew so much! Jake is still athletic, tall, and skinny, and Arielle is talking more then ever…..I guess my mom’s curse worked-I got kids just like me! Both kids LOVE music! Jake is learning bass and guitar, and he writes music on his tablet. Arielle just HAS to sing, and my mom got her a karaoke machine for Christmas (thanks, MOM!), so we are constantly entertained by what she thinks are the lyrics to the songs…sung at volume!
Amber and her boyfriend got to visit us for a few days. She is so grown up, and doing very well in college. We were able to spend a few days with them, and then the younger kids came back and we got to have all of our kids in the same house for the first time in 6 months!
I am holding up. I miss my band, students, job, friends, house….. It’s funny how much self worth I (and, I guess, everyone else) put on working. I know that what I am doing is for a great purpose. I don’t regret the decision to come here at all. Still, I miss my life, and I cannot wait to get back to it….with Katy and her new arms! As usual, my awesome wife does her best to make sure that I get my music fix, and little trips downstairs to sneak a few minutes to myself. We shot down to my friend’s house for a couple of days (they live close to Boston), and the kids got to play in the snow. They had a blast, and Katy took a sled (with me) down the hill. We stopped in a big snow bank, and got covered in snow…..so much fun! I love finding ways for her to do all of the things that I know she would be doing if she had not gotten sick.
Thank you all for keeping up with us! May 2013 bring you all you wish for!
Love,
Al
Hi Al and Katy,
Thanks for the update. It sounds like you all have adjusted to living in the Northeast and I get it,”there’s no place like home”. I’ll bet the excitment of the children coming back to you was awesome. You all are really Blessed to have a great family. I waited since your last post for word about Katy’s transplants. That to me has to be the toughest part “just waiting” for the right donor. Christmas has past but I stay decorated until “Little Christmas is over Jan. 6th which by the way is our eldest grandson Matt’s birthday.. Today being New Years Day 2013 ,I would like to wish you and your family a Blessed and optimistic year for Katy and you all. We will continue praying for you. Stay healthy!
Peace and God’s Blessings,
As always,
Betty and Bob in Fl.:-)
well Christmas was a busy time……. as I am just getting around to filtering emails that were opened but did not have time to mull over- Thanks for the update- I go remember to whisper prayers for Katy and for all she cherishes and wishes for and for continued strength to emerge just at the right moments when it has waned……
peace to your hearts
gayle
How can I find places to help my parents raise money to pay hospital bills? http://www.giveforward.com/ashermanfamilyfund – the link to our story is here.
Melissa,
Message me privately. There is a LOT to consider when trying to raise money. I can at least share what I have learned. Good luck to your family!
Al
No idea how to send private messages on here but my email is skirts7@aol.com .I’d love to know what you have learned.