Papa (1931-2011)

My friend Melanie (who lost her husband a couple of years back) lost the grandfather who raised her on Monday, April 11th. I am humbled to say that I was there with his entire family when he passed away in his home from leukemia at the age of 80. I loved him like he was my own grandfather and I will miss him deeply. He will forever be my Papa!

Ernest Ray Bennett

Ernest Ray Bennett born March 23, 1931, died April 11, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Teodora Bennett and children, Barbara (Johnny), Chuck (Cindy), Marsha (Dan), Jim (Theresa) and Ernie (Stephanie) and eight grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. He is preceded in death by daughter, Susanne. Ray was a farmer for many years in AR and AZ and joined the Southern Pacific railroad from which he retired. He continued his hobby of tractor restoration throughout his retirement. He is greatly missed by his many family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant.

Graduation: Hotels

For any of you out-of-staters who are considering joining us for graduation in May, there are two convenient hotels very close to our house (literally 2 minutes away).

Comfort Suites:
http://www.tucsoncs.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=places&utm_campaign=google_places_ms
(There is a special price for people attending UA graduation -- $99 a night)

and Ramada
http://www.ramadafoothillstucson.com/index.php
(preliminary search shows $89 a night)

If these will break the budget we can try to put some people up at our house, however my sister is staying in our spare bedroom, so space is at a premium at the moment.

Post OCS: Foot MRI/Orthopedist

Matthew had another doctor's appointment this morning. This time it was to take a look at his right foot. The MRI report indicated that he has 3 stress fractures. Two are in the first metatarsal (the bone below the big toe), and one more in the bone above that (closer to his ankle). There is also significant swelling and edemas near the first metatarsal and ligament damage, although not serious enough for surgery. He also is experiencing numbness in his left big toe but still maintains full functionality. The doctor speculates that with time this will heal, but he may never regain feeling back.

The doctor has prescribed 6 more weeks of rest and than a follow-up appointment in May. After that, as long as he is continuing to improve, he can begin running and exercising again. No formal physical therapy is needed during this 6 week period.

We are still fighting the insurance company (TriWest) who keeps denying our claims despite having pre-approval.

The x-rays still haven't arrived from Quantico.

We received our second and final payment from the Marine Corp for "disability". We are (hopefully) rounding the bend with all this government nonsense. Matthew is back to work so we and the military are itching to part ways!

College Convocation: Update

I received additional information this afternoon regarding the Friday afternoon graduation event at the Tucson Convention Center.

Parking that is near the TCC will be $8 per automobile, however, they claim there is additional (free) parking within walking distance.

Guests will be required to have a ticket for the ceremony (what a joke!!). The tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. If you notify me by May 5th, I will order your ticket for you. After that they will have to be purchased on the day (starting at 1 pm). Children 6 and under are free (Yeah Liam!!)

Preliminary Graduation Information

I ordered my graduation invitations exactly two weeks ago but they still haven't arrived. I have already started to get some questions about when and where, so in an effort to keep my friends and family informed, here is my graduation information:

College Convocation --
Where: The Tucson Convention Center
When: Friday May 13th
Time: 2-4 pm
This is where the individual graduates will be recognized. This should be better than the university-wide ceremony the following day.

Undergraduate Student Commencement --
Where: McKale Center at the University of Arizona
When: Saturday May 14th
Time: 9:00 am
The individual graduates will not be recognized at this ceremony, the entire college will stand when announced. This is rather boring and I don't expect anyone to attend this particular event.

We are still working out the party details, but most likely we will have a shindig on Saturday after the commencement.

Expect invitations in your mailboxes soon!