Grampa Vargo

Grampa Bill

We've had a rough two weeks. Last Tuesday we got a call that Craig's dad was having 'respiratory problems' and was being taken to McLaren. We meet him in ER and was we were told he was 'critical'. What does that mean?? Critical?? We had seen him just the night before and he was fine??!! After examining him, the doctors gently told us he wouldn't live through the night. Through the night??!! Family members were called and began to gather around his side. It was four short days later, he passed ~ into a much better place...a place without confusion, pain, suffering...a place of love, laughter, and joy. Letting go is never easy, however, we hold the promise that we will be together again. His smile and joyful spirit will be missed.

Dean, Grampa Bill, Sharon, Craig

Chicago

Last weekend, Craig and I drove to Chicago to see Julia. She had driven herself to school the week before (because Craig and I were both in class teaching) - her car packed to the top with everything she thought she'd need for her last semester on campus. We wanted to see where she was living, check out her apartment, her roommates, and just hang out with her. Saturday morning, we woke up and decided to take the commuter train into Chicago and do some site seeing. Craig had never ridden the train - it was a perfect day - so off we went! We shopped the Magnificent Mile, we went to the park and watched the crazy people, and we enjoyed a yummy meal together. At 9:30pm, we boarded the train to head back to Kankakee. It was a fun, unexpected day! Sunday, Julia and I shopped for apartment essentials, and Craig went to a National Boat Race. It was a perfect weekend ~ we are so blessed Julia is at ONU! It's always hard to say good-by, but we know she is in the perfect place!

Busy household

Craig, his mom, Joyce from Florida, and brother Dean from Kansas

Joyce (Craig's mom) and Dean (Craig's brother) were both in town for a family funeral! It was great having everyone together under one roof! Joyce never stopped working, vacuuming, cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc. We will certain miss her helpful spirit and kind words.

I can only imagine how wonderful it must of been having both of her boys together - at the same time - to enjoy! I look forward to those few minutes, every now and again, when I can sit between my two precious kids on the couch together. Warm, wonderful memories!!

Unfortunately, our home is back to it's 'empty nest' syndrome! . . . quiet, still and cold. I look forward to times when we're all together again!

I don't think she wanted me to be left!

My class

Vargo Victors - 2008-09

Aren't these the cutest kids you've ever seen? I have a wonderful classroom - filled with 25 students who LOVE to learn. They are great readers and writers! I am so blessed to have them all together in one room! Honest, they're REAL cute!