Iowa, Lois and Daniel

I think I am finally working through the transition of all that has happened. Spending time with Daniel for the first time in years is a great help. There is a casino close by and he likes poker and I pretty much break even at the black jack tables.
Lois is very supportive knowing what I've been dealing with..
Iowa social services are so responsive compared to California. In California you might be lucky enough to leave a voice mail or get a message to call back another time. In Iowa you get a real person first try or they call you back the same day. I already have a weekly nurse come visit to check my vital signs to see how I am doing, had an MRI and ultra sound at the Iowa University hospital (not good news), and a care taker two times a week to help with daily tasks and a wheel chair. It's pretty level ground here so the wheel chair is cool. I also get bus service which I couldn't get in Salinas so I can go into town to shop or go to the library, hang out and play chess with the locals. I lose a lot.
Social Security made a major mistake in figuring out my monthly check and I got a big check so I bought a new gas BBQ. BBQ chicken is my specialty and it's so nice not to have to do charcoal.
I've been able to help Lois and Daniel with some expenses and cover some of my old debts. Now it's time to watch very carefully with what is left.
The hospital here in Iowa said my spine was too compromised and they wouldn't do the surgery. I wish the doctor in Santa Cruz was as honest about it. I show up ready for the procedure at the hospital and get a call that morning that he's not comfortable doing the procedure. Did I want him to still try? NFW! So for now I'm working out pain management and different drugs. I have again a new doctor and moving on from here. So I'm accepting the wheel chair thing and going to make the best of it. I researched and got a rather nice easy, light and comfortable chair. Lois sits in the chair and I push her for exersize which I need. And she pushes me for the same reason. It is so green here now.

When I first moved to California (1981) everyone smiled and how ya' doing. That's gone. Those smiles and good mornings are alive and well here. It's so nice. Lot's of parks and trails. We'll see how I feel in Decemberrrrrrrrr.
Love and prayers to all.

Brook

I miss her so. God told me to tell you all. My transition into Iowa has been a blessing in disguise. Iowa in February? My best friends Dick and Susan helped a transition to a different reality. We'll all move on from here. God Bless you All!

New posts coming!

A DAY OF LOVE AND THANKS FOR BROOK

To All,
I am very, very fortunate to have been and known Brook. Such a wonderful caring soul. She will be remembered at her church, Carmel's Episcopalian First Alliance Church by Father Rick at the 9:15 service.

I praise all the Gods male or female I had the opportunity to share time with her, her home, her pet Samson (what A GREAT PAL) and her sons.

The great thing about Brook was her love. I pray from my heart that Andrew, JJ and especially Mark will take that with you.

Thanks to Mike Salazar, Janet, Joan, for caqring and especially to Brook who just kept on going giving it her best.

Rich

P.S. Daniel... she loved you the best!

BY THE RIVER

Once again I am by the rivers. The Iowa and Cedar rivers, Last year they over flowed. Well water from up north is causing problems and the flow is once again headed this way.

I'm doing well thanks to friends Susan, Dick and their son Conner. I am living across the street from where I first moved to Iowa and began my TV engineering career. I am also, due to unforeseen circumstances living with Lois.

So many unresolved issues still exist. I would have stayed in Salinas but that became a problem. I am a very sensitive guy and needed to move on.

I have spent a lot of time with my son Daniel and that's been great. We went to the local casino because he likes to play poker. He lost money but I did very well at the black jack table. Because it was his birthday (no.26) he got a free buffet dinner and it didn't cost me much to join him.

My understanding is there will be prayers for Brook during the 9:15 AM Pacific time service Sunday at the church she went to. I am planning to go to the local Episcopalian church to pray for her. at the PST time here. What a loss. Brook's science teacher mates have been making a memorial for her. What a nice thing to do.

My stuff is still in the posssion of Brook's sons. May they get good use of it or send me some of my personal things.

3/27/2009

brook macarandan

Brook's love of life was inspirational. Her caring for her sons and plants and fish and especially for me and missing her her does leave a void. I loved her so much because she loved so much. I pray that the Lord will take care of her sons. A prayer:
Please God look after her sons, Andrew, Mark and JJ. I pray they have children because Brook has great heritage.

I don't think I will be making it back to Salinas for her service but I will be and have been missing her soul, heart, and brilliance. Fr. Rick told me when her memorial service will be held. I will be in the church during that time.

You young men take care of yourselves. Make good decisions, trust yourselves.

Enough for now... love you guys,

Rich

BROOK MACARANDAN

Dearest Friends, Pastors, and above all family,

Brook is now with her daughter, brother, mother and father. Prayers to all of them today. Prayers to her sons and Danny.

I am somewhat devestated at her passing and firmly support the decision to let her rest.

A prayer for her and all of us....

Let us all be blessed to be blessed. Brook gave it her all. I know. I can't believe how much she cared for everyone.... including me.

So at this time I would like to thank you all for your caring and love, prayers and your well wishes for me.

Thank you.
I'm in good hands with friends in Iowa. I haven't seen my son in a few years ans he beat me in chess several times. Lot's of interesting conversation for which I am worldly thankful.

Rich

BROOK MACARANDAN

Considering Brook's mental condition and realizing there is no coming back from her serious physical condition the family have made a decision to let her join her daughter Jennifer. I support the family's decision. God please let them know they are doing the right thing. I only cry because of a loss such of a wonderful caring and giving soul on this planet but life is what it is.

Blessings to a new Angel watching over us and when you need help pray with her. She is with us.

With Love to Brook, Jennifer and the young men... Rich