Father and son...

Brotherly Love...

Today, Barry's brothers, Jerry and Dennis came to spend the entire day with Barry.  They reminised about old times and shared stories of their childhood.  It was a very special day for Barry.

Christmas 2011...

May I have your permission...

 

Russell asked for Barry's blessing to marry his precious baby girl, Chelsea today. 

Russell proposed on Christmas Eve 2011, She said YES!

A peaceful weekend...

Barry has enjoyed a peaceful weekend at home.  We were sad to see his Mother leave us for a few days, but look forward to her return closer to Christmas.  As of today, Barry has not had any seizures for over a week and his headaches have been successfully controlled with pain medicine.  He continues to maintain a positive attitude. We were blessed with visits from Rachel and Jude, his brother Dennis and Lexi and Joey.  His friend, Dave, also came by for a visit earlier today.  We want to thank everyone for their continued prayers. 

Pops and Baby Jude...

 Rachel brought Baby Jude over to see us this afternoon.  Pops was so excited to be able to hold him.  It really brightened his day to have his grandson in his arms.  Jude is such a precious baby boy.  Several people had said that Jude looks like both Barry and Brant as a baby. 

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Pops and I meet Baby Jude for the first time on Monday December 5th.  Mommy and baby were so tired after their amazing journey.  We gave him kisses and said goodbye so that they could get some rest.  Rachel and Brad brought Jude back over to our house on Thursday.  He had a big smile for his Pops!  We are both so in love with this precious baby boy.  He is perfect in every way.  Rachel is glowing as a new Mommy and Brad could not be any more attentive to his baby boy.

Heavy heart...

It is with a heavy and saddened heart that I write this entry in Barry's blog.  Barry has fought so hard against this terrible disease and never once complained.  He has fought like a true gentleman.  He has given his all to stay strong, focused and be the best husband, father and friend he can be to all that know him.  Consider yourselves extremely fortunate if you have had the honor of knowing Barry.  He has brought light to so many people and has felt the light of prayer over him during this difficult journey.

Barry's health has deteriorated greatly over the last two weeks.  He has experienced great weakness in his left side and has suffered through very difficult seizures a few days ago. After lengthy consideration by his Neuro-oncologist, she and her colleagues feel that Barry's recent tumor growth has progressed beyond the point of repair.  She has suggested that he be under the watchful and spiritual care of Faith Presbyterian Hospice.  It has been extremely difficult to hear that we are out of options, but have been assured that through Faith, we will have everything we need to make Barry as comfortable as possible throughout the remainder of his life. 

Barry has been surrounded by love throughout this time in his life and will continue to be.  His mother, Vada, has been staying with us and has been an Angel on earth for Barry, Brant and I.  It means so much to Rachel, Chelsea and Lexi to have her here as well.  With the support of his children, his Mother, Father, Sister, Brothers, Family friends and neighbors, Barry will have the best of care.  He is at home in a comfortable, soothing environment blanketed in love and support. 

Thank you to all for everything that you have done for Barry and our family.  We have experienced first-hand the power of your prayers and ask that you continue to BELIEVE for Barry.  It is never to late for a miracle. 

Our Grandbaby Jude is born...

Barry and I are officially POPS and GRANNA!  Rachel gave birth to a 7 lb, 19.5 in beautiful baby boy today at 3:31.  We are so excited and can't wait to see him!