Update

Well we had court yesterday. Dad was sentenced to life in prison. He does have the possibility of parole but it is not likely. I personally do not expect him to last more than 1 year. It may surprise me though and he could stay alive for many years. I really do not care one way or the other. Court yesterday was like his funeral to me. I remembered some of the good times, shed a tear and was happy to see him in a better place. As judge said for the safety of society. It has been one of those how did this happen to my family sheepish times. JR was strong for his mother and I. That is a bad thing to say but it was true. He is moving on with his life, he has gotten rid of the baggage caused by his Grandfathers sickness, and was able to be strong. During the hearing Jr Asked to give a victim impact statement to dad. He had written out what he wanted to say the night before and recited it beautifully. I was so proud. Now it is time to put this all behind us and get on with our lives. If Jr can move forward so can the rest of us. Thank You again for your thoughts and prayers. I hope that you enjoy your trip D. Remember don't be a post turtle.
enough for now

ssbaker

George

Rest in peace King George

Update

Well things are starting to calm down and work out for us. I would like to thank everyone for all the support that we have been given in the last couple of months. It means alot to my whole family and is much appreciated. we still have a couple of rough spots left to go through but we will be OK.
I had a very good weekend. on Thursday night after lodge I took off and went over to Cedar Rapids for Grand Chapter and Grand Council. Going to the state conventions really gets me fired up for the year. I think all York Rite Masons should go to the grand sessions and learn what is going on throughout the state. I feel that there are some changes coming in Chapter and Council. Some of the Companions are getting frustrated with the way things are going and are moving to make the changes.
At the sessions I was given a couple of awards that I haven't earned yet but I will do what it takes to earn those in the next few years as a state officer and I also promise to not forget my local organizations.
Once again I thank everyone who has helped and prayed for my family and myself over the past few months.

enough for now.
remember don't be a post turtle
ssbaker

Hope

Well another week is upon us and it looks like it will be a better one than the last. I can only hope. I had a very good weekend . I have gotten some work done around the house, Went to Newton and saw a very memorable 3rd degree and then spent most of the day on the river with a good friend. The next week will be very busy which is good because Sugar is in Wisconsin all week on business and I sure do miss her when she is gone. Jr. is doing better this weekend and that is good.
Remember don't be a post turtle
ssbaker

What a crappy week

Well I knew that it could happen and it did. things turned down this week for my family. My son had a meltdown and not doing as well as he was, he is still OK just not as well. I had to do something very hard for me and that was to tell him that he could never live with me permanently. His mother has a lot of control over him and has told him some pretty awful things would happen if he did come live with me. so to put him at ease I had to tell him that he could not live with me, when of course I want nothing more than him to live with me. I did get t see a new lodge formed on Monday night which was a great thing for Iowa Masonry and Jr. went with me to that event. well enough for now. Remember don't be a post turtle.
ssbaker

A New Day

Things are getting better every day for my family. Today I went to see a "Professional" about my anger issues. It was very comforting to hear him say that I was normal for having these feelings and that I was doing the right thing by talking about them. Randy is a super nice guy and had some interesting insight into some of my past problems. That has gotten me to think about those times past and that is a good thing. I am very proud of Jr. and the way he is handling the whole thing. He is a tough kid and I am looking forward to spending the summer with him. well enough for now
ssbaker

Today

Things are getting better for our family every day. Time definitely heals all wounds. In Jay's blog today he talked about love. I am not exactly sure whether I still love my father or not. I do know that I will forgive him for what he has done. Not for him but for me. I do not feel that I can completely get over this if I do not forgive him. I can not go through life harboring all these bad feelings towards him. I would not be healthy for me. On Saturday I drove to Geneva Illinois and back to deliver a new pickup for a company that I work for. I went by myself on purpose so that I could have a chance to think things over. It was a good trip. 720 miles in 11 hours. during that time I thought about everything from Dad to the boundary waters. It was good to do some thinking. I have gotten most everything worked out in my mind. I will try not to teach Jr. to hate his grandfather. It is a hard thing to do when I am trying to not hate him myself. That to shall pass. He will be in prison the rest of his life. Which is a good thing since he has shown that he can not control himself. Hopefully he will get help he's there but I really do not care. He cannot get out and do this to anyone else. I know that I can't hate him because that does not help anyone and the hate will just make me unhappy. Enough for now
ssbaker