Post From My Dad

I'd meant to post this before... but, there had been little time for blogging. My Dad wrote this to share some of what had been missing since I'd not updated the blog.

I'm including it as written. My Dad has never been one for correct spellings, or such. Writing for him has always been a chore. So, when he sent this, I was moved just that he wrote it. Here it is:

Well The Stanleys have been ultra busy - Since traveling accross the pond from
Germany to Charleston SC on November 22 - They had Thanksgiving then Sunday they
rented a van to go to Virginia. Kinda like in the fronteir days where the family
packed up the wagon with all they had an off to a new land. The Army put them in
a Hotel and Reid was off to making lots of arrangements - Contacting his new
command , finding transportation (his vehicle is on a ship somewhere) and
finding a place to live - the choices were very very slim as Ellicia condition
had declined - taking 4 steps is a major task. Ellicia was hospitalized and
allowed to come home a few days prior to Christmas. I was worried about there
being a Christmas so a week ago i took up a live tree and decorated it (it did
not win any awards0. The niighbors have been wonderful The days have really been
long for Reid taking care of little ones and wife. So I went back up this friday
and knowing that a extended diet on McDonalds had to stop - I was able to get a
friend to cook a few dishes - I guess the habit of McDonalds was hard to change
as when lunch time came Reid said how about Peanut butter swamage -I said no I
want real food and it was wonderful. In a week - the Sergents have helped -
Realitor has helped and the Elks club has helped with food for the house - some
furniture (they had none) and helped with lots of wonderful gifts for Christmas
- I mean lots - Saturday Ellicia's mom was able to make it up so that afternoon
we loaded 2 cars and off to the Mall to see Santa - not a easy undertaking -
Ellicia has to have oxygen all the time and is in a wheel chair - the line was
long - the kids eyes wide open with anticaption to see Santa. Santa was
wonderful - they allow them head of line privelage after about 30 min wait.
After each child talked with Santa - after Santa fihished with the kids - Santa
got out of his chair walked over to Ellicia -knelt down on one leg and Talked
with her alone - I dont know what they said to each other - the smile on her
face was like a little child - so for a moment in time there was some normalice
- but there is a Santa!! From a parent - very concerned about his son and family
- I can not express in words the kindness and love each of you have desplayed
for my son and family - I has gone a long long way to making a impossible
situation - bearable. Merry Christmas - Happy Honica
- Reid's dad