In May of 2013 Kenneth's father arrived home from a trip not feeling well. After being admitted to the hospital for jaundice a growth was found. Thursday before memorial day weekend we were told there was a cancerous growth on his pancreas. Knowing nothing more than that with the 3 day Memorial Day weekend approaching, I immediately declared we should drive out for a visit. "Your father may never feel as good as he does right now ever again!" I argued.
Kenneth had left Microsoft and not yet started at Amazon. He had the time off, Awsumb wouldn't have to miss too much school and I just felt we needed to be in Utah with his family. Kenneth did not agree. He drove Awsumb to school and came home and we sat our bed literally arguing about it until 1:30 in the afternoon. My father called and invited us to stay at his house. My Aunt called and told us to just go. And finally Kenneth agreed. By then it was late afternoon. We literally threw things in the car to make the long drive down to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Because we left so late in the day we did stop in Idaho for the night. But upon arriving in the Salt Lake area we skipped Kaysville (my father's home where we would be staying) and drove straight to the Hardy family home. We of course arrived to a chaotic house. Sprinklers were being fixed, who knows what else was going on. That weekend the boys went fishing, and they played and tried to enjoy each other's company.
That week spent in Utah was definitely worth missing a week of school and life back home here in Seattle. We talked and cried on the long drive each night back to my parents home in Kaysville. Although it was sad times, Awsumb was having so much cousin time, Uncle Greg time and we even stole some moments to visit with my parents and to have a day out with my sister and my little niece Hailey.
One night when I put Awsumb to bed he said, "Mom, I am having so much fun... is it ok??"
"Yes Awsumb. That is exactly the reason we drove out to Utah... to spend time with your Grandpa Hardy," I replied.
On Tuesday all the brothers went with Shirley and Duane to "the appointment." This was the big day when a panel of cancer doctors would education them about what they could read from the scans and tests and give them their options. I am so glad they had this time together just the three boys and their parents. Kenneth kept texting and calling me and at one point told me they were trying to take photos of each other with their camera cell phones. I told him when you go back to the house get a neighbor to come over. I kept insisting and nagging him and as my sister over heard me talking to him she got on her cell phone and called a photographer she had been using recently and asked her if she could go over to the house.
Well, Holly was at her sons soccer game and her light was broken. After she learned about the circumstances she said she would rent a light and could be over the next day. We asked everyone to just be prepared for a casual family shots and wear blue. Holly specializes in beautiful lighting and sentimental shots. But we didn't know how well Duane would be feeling. And everyone was quite nervous about the portraits. I tried to set up a few things, like bring down a bench and put the flag on the house. Always the one making everyone do something they don't think they want to do, but I was right about that flag! Too bad no one would move the bench...
Anyway we did end up with some special photos and captured some fun moments. I am thankful for these shots and even more thankful that Holly was willing to come over last minute and provide what became a huge treasure to some many of us. Here are some of our favorites...
Kenneth had left Microsoft and not yet started at Amazon. He had the time off, Awsumb wouldn't have to miss too much school and I just felt we needed to be in Utah with his family. Kenneth did not agree. He drove Awsumb to school and came home and we sat our bed literally arguing about it until 1:30 in the afternoon. My father called and invited us to stay at his house. My Aunt called and told us to just go. And finally Kenneth agreed. By then it was late afternoon. We literally threw things in the car to make the long drive down to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Because we left so late in the day we did stop in Idaho for the night. But upon arriving in the Salt Lake area we skipped Kaysville (my father's home where we would be staying) and drove straight to the Hardy family home. We of course arrived to a chaotic house. Sprinklers were being fixed, who knows what else was going on. That weekend the boys went fishing, and they played and tried to enjoy each other's company.
That week spent in Utah was definitely worth missing a week of school and life back home here in Seattle. We talked and cried on the long drive each night back to my parents home in Kaysville. Although it was sad times, Awsumb was having so much cousin time, Uncle Greg time and we even stole some moments to visit with my parents and to have a day out with my sister and my little niece Hailey.
One night when I put Awsumb to bed he said, "Mom, I am having so much fun... is it ok??"
"Yes Awsumb. That is exactly the reason we drove out to Utah... to spend time with your Grandpa Hardy," I replied.
On Tuesday all the brothers went with Shirley and Duane to "the appointment." This was the big day when a panel of cancer doctors would education them about what they could read from the scans and tests and give them their options. I am so glad they had this time together just the three boys and their parents. Kenneth kept texting and calling me and at one point told me they were trying to take photos of each other with their camera cell phones. I told him when you go back to the house get a neighbor to come over. I kept insisting and nagging him and as my sister over heard me talking to him she got on her cell phone and called a photographer she had been using recently and asked her if she could go over to the house.
Well, Holly was at her sons soccer game and her light was broken. After she learned about the circumstances she said she would rent a light and could be over the next day. We asked everyone to just be prepared for a casual family shots and wear blue. Holly specializes in beautiful lighting and sentimental shots. But we didn't know how well Duane would be feeling. And everyone was quite nervous about the portraits. I tried to set up a few things, like bring down a bench and put the flag on the house. Always the one making everyone do something they don't think they want to do, but I was right about that flag! Too bad no one would move the bench...
Anyway we did end up with some special photos and captured some fun moments. I am thankful for these shots and even more thankful that Holly was willing to come over last minute and provide what became a huge treasure to some many of us. Here are some of our favorites...
Father and Son
Shirley and Duane
Hardy Family
Hardy Grandkids
Grandpa Hardy
"Hit one for me and just keep running"
The Hardy Boys
Maybe Next Year!
Uncle Greg
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