February 15, 2014

Linda and I went to bed last night, and we were both very tired. I had planned to sleep in until at least 06:30, and maybe even 07:00, but that wasn't going to happen. First it was Jackie, who came up to greet us this morning, at about 05:15. Then a short while later, here comes Stacy, so now we have two little girls in bed with us, full of energy and still very excited about the fact that they're back with Daddy and Grandpa, and NOW, Grandma is here, too! Anyway, we made a couple of attempts to sleep a little more, but then by about 06:00 (maybe a little later) we realized it was just better to get up and get going.

I made oatmeal for breakfast, and it worked out perfect. There were plenty of raisins and the oatmeal that was left in the bad was just the right amount. I didn't have to open the other bag. The girls ate all theirs and so did the rest of us, and soon after we were ready to get dressed for today's event. We were going to the hospital at Balboa Naval Medical, where Gary Sinise was going to be playing, and his foundation was putting on a great event. We had planned on being there at a little after 09:30, but didn't get there until after 10:30, and looking back I think it was beneficial to everyone (in our group). Anthony Netto and Angelica came over to pick up Jason's paramobile, and then we were all off for the event.

We got there a couple hours before it was to start, and that was good, as I didn't have to worry about getting a parking place. We drove in, and because we were on the "list" of guests, we were able to go to the V.I.P. parking area, and this put us at a pretty close distance to the rest of the things going on. Along with Gary, and his crew there was Robert Irvine, celebrity chef and Clint Howard, also Kelly Carlson and her fiance, Dan were there. This was a first for Robert Irvine, with the others having had the opportunity to meet us in the past at other events. Jason and Robert hit it off very well, and Robert had Jason over behind the grill flipping burgers, just a few minutes after meeting each other.

One of the great things that happened was that Jason was able to receive the funds from the October event that took place back up in Livermore. His picture was taken by about 20 cameras, all going off at once, and a few movie cameras as well. I told him he was going to have to get used to that, as he is becoming a real legend and rock star with the media. While at the event we also got to connect up with a few folks that we hadn't seen in a few weeks, including CMDR Laura Ledyard (ret.) and her husband Jessie (who is also retired). I'm not even going to attempt to list everybody we saw, as that would take quite a while, as well as be incomplete. I'm tired now and will forget people. All, I can say is that you should do your best to attend one of these Gary Sinise Foundation events, if the opportunity comes up. They are totally awesome. About the only "down" side to this was that Jason kind of wore himself out (again) and he'll be spending most of the day, tomorrow, staying in bed. Not sure what else will be going on, but I'm sure it will be good. I think Linda and I are going to be attempting to stay relaxed tomorrow, too, though two little girls may have other ideas. Thank you, for all the continued support and prayers being sent out our way. Take care and stay positive.