March 18, 2009

Friends and family have been wonderful in showing their support for the Hanahans. Here are some pictures from Connie, Tom's daughter, from their visit.

Aiden and his great grandfather:

Sophia and her great grandfather:


Some of the family:


Here is what Connie wrote:

The first 2 pics are of Gramps with his 2 great grandchildren, Aiden in the hot tub and Sophia at the Chinese restaurant. Rick took the last picture of us all and Brian was visiting his parents in NY so they're not in this photo. Dad/Gramps had some pretty good days while we were there. We went to the Olive Garden on Friday and then Sandee made a fabulous corned beef and cabbage dinner on Saturday in honor of St Patty's Day (several days early because of travel schedules). We had key lime pie (green!) and "wedding" pie (meringue pie: affectionately called wedding pie b/c that's what Karen and Dan had after they got married). Of course, we also had Guiness beer.

Karen's wedding

Karen, Tom's daughter, got married last week to Dan. Tom was there to give his first daughter, second child away.

Visiting Tom

Here is an update from Lindsay (this blogger), Tom's granddaughter:

I arrived yesterday afternoon. Out of coincidence and circumstance rather than planned, my dad, Bill, ended up picking me up for a dual visit. He only stayed the afternoon and into the early evening, whereas I will remain until Monday.

The first thing that strikes you when you see Gramps is how strong he looks and his overall presence is as vibrant as ever. His voice was doing very well yesterday afternoon and he even took time to talk business and politics with us (perhaps two of his favorite subjects).

In a corner in the dining room is a stack of cards from well-wishers. Sandee commented on how Gramps is insisting on getting a thank you note to each person who has written. It is truly amazing to look at how many people have written -- and even more amazing that each has received a thank you card in return.

This morning, Jim from the church came over to talk with Gramps and give communion to both Gramps and Sandee. Sandee tells me that he comes over daily.

Already, Gramps and I have had a nice political discussion this morning. He has talked to two people over the phone. His voice is strong as ever this morning.

He's also finished one paper and he's likely onto another paper soon, if he ever stops talking.

I hope to update you later this weekend. Sarah Bo, Brian, Sophia and Aiden are due in tomorrow. They arrive in Phoenix tonight, but won't make the trip to Prescott until Sunday.

(Pictured: Tom and his eldest son, Tommy, golfing over Thanksgiving)

Going to Arizona?

Since Tom has such a great support system all over the country, his daughter Connie thought it would be prudent to post everybodies' itinerary here.

So far:

Feb. 26: Marilyn and the Chalmers
Feb. 26-March 2: Dan
Feb. 27: Jarod
March 6 - Bill
March 6-9 - Lindsay
March 7-17 - Morels

March 13-16 - Mollands
March 23 - Phil, Bob and Mom (Big Gram)

Let's keep this as current as possible. Please either put your dates you plan to spend in Arizona in the comment section of this post or e-mail me.

(Pictured: Tom with wife Sandee at a casino in Prescott over Christmas. Don't let the gingerbread houses fool you; they were there to gamble! Just kidding!)

How to post a comment

I believe comments are reserved to Gmail.com account holders. I could be wrong, but I have been unable to figure it out otherwise. Feel free to point out my mistake.

If you have a gmail account:

1. At the end of the post, click "comments." This will allow you to see other people's comments, too.

-OR-

1. Click on the post you wish to see on the left side of the page. For example "Going to Arizona?" will take you to that post and display all comments.

2. There is an option to "post comment." Click in the box and write your text.

3. Select scroll down menu under "comment as." Click Google account and follow the instructions.

I find it is easier to post comments if I have already signed into my gmail account for the day and then click on the blogspot page.

Please let me know if you need help!