Today is my amazing father's birthday. He has turned 62 which means he is so old our government gives him a stipend for being old. Wow, simply astounding. I hope he has a great day. We really need to add things to his bucket because if Reese and I let him all he wants to do is hang around at his house.
Well, that is really all I have for today.
Hope its been a great one, Pop. Happy Birthday and I Love you!
Fins Up,
Jr
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Angel in Heaven
Hey Guys,
This afternoon I got a call that "Miss" Sue Shelton passed away last night. For those of you that have been reading this since the beggining you will probably remember her name. Mom signed off the blog a god bit with "Please pray for Shanna, Mrs. Sue and Neil's lungs".
Miss Sue and I were kind of kindred souls in early Spring of 2008 at Baptist South. I heard her name for 5 months before I ever met her. She came in the unit a week or so after me and was just as sick. Our family fell in love with her and her 2 daughters. That is where Tommie Lee and Mrs. Susan entered the picture along with our muscle, Mr. Ed. From the stories I've heard I missed quite a bit of entertainment out in the waiting room.
Later on it became a race to see who could get to HealthSouth first. It was a race Miss Sue would win as I had a few setbacks. Actually by the time I got there she had already broken out.
As I got out of rehab we stayed in contact we them as we were fairly close by now. One day Mom called to check and we found out Miss Sue was in the hospital and we decided to go check on them. We went in the room and I finally met this sweet woman I had heard so much about. It was a very emotional time for all of us. I guess Miss Sue and I started realizing how much we had both been through.
We have stayed in touch over the last few years, but haven't seen them as much since we moved back and Miss Sue left John Knox. I knew when I talked to Tommie Lee a few months ago that things weren't as good, but knew Miss Sue was a fighter. Tommie Lee told Mom she went very peacefully.
Please keep this amazing family in your prayers.
Neil
This afternoon I got a call that "Miss" Sue Shelton passed away last night. For those of you that have been reading this since the beggining you will probably remember her name. Mom signed off the blog a god bit with "Please pray for Shanna, Mrs. Sue and Neil's lungs".
Miss Sue and I were kind of kindred souls in early Spring of 2008 at Baptist South. I heard her name for 5 months before I ever met her. She came in the unit a week or so after me and was just as sick. Our family fell in love with her and her 2 daughters. That is where Tommie Lee and Mrs. Susan entered the picture along with our muscle, Mr. Ed. From the stories I've heard I missed quite a bit of entertainment out in the waiting room.
Later on it became a race to see who could get to HealthSouth first. It was a race Miss Sue would win as I had a few setbacks. Actually by the time I got there she had already broken out.
As I got out of rehab we stayed in contact we them as we were fairly close by now. One day Mom called to check and we found out Miss Sue was in the hospital and we decided to go check on them. We went in the room and I finally met this sweet woman I had heard so much about. It was a very emotional time for all of us. I guess Miss Sue and I started realizing how much we had both been through.
We have stayed in touch over the last few years, but haven't seen them as much since we moved back and Miss Sue left John Knox. I knew when I talked to Tommie Lee a few months ago that things weren't as good, but knew Miss Sue was a fighter. Tommie Lee told Mom she went very peacefully.
Please keep this amazing family in your prayers.
Neil
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Back from a break
Hey Guys,
I know there has been a big absence from me, however I guess now is as good a time as any to get back on the horse. I haven't posted because I couldn't post anything new without talking about Rudy. I have sat down multiple times to type, but in the end nothing was on the page. So here goes.
Chris Ruddock lost his battle with cancer in mid-June and it stung our whole family even though we knew it would eventually happen. Rudy made Amy's wedding which was a milestone, but he didn't quit fighting. I could sit here and tell stories of this mountain of a man. A gentle giant with a big smile that loved cigars, and video poker only slightly less than Rachel. I grew up being chased in the sand by him and was always greeted with a smile and a firm handshake or hug. Being married to a woman with 2 sisters seemed to fit him well. Those 6 people shared thousands of laughs and jokes that will live on forever. My favorite probably being the 4th of July when V gave the ole "Throw it Rudy, Throw it". Although I didn't witness it, I still laugh loudly when its told. I know that I'm rambling and I should have this post written perfectly with all the thoughts that I've put in it, but I don't.
The day of his funeral there was more of a fuss made over him in 2 hours then he would have wanted in 100 years. It was a perfect day for a humble man that never wanted praise or appreciation. As I said in a twitter post that day "I'm a better person for having known him".
I apologize in advance for the rambling nature of this post.
God Bless You, Chris Ruddock!
Neil
I know there has been a big absence from me, however I guess now is as good a time as any to get back on the horse. I haven't posted because I couldn't post anything new without talking about Rudy. I have sat down multiple times to type, but in the end nothing was on the page. So here goes.
Chris Ruddock lost his battle with cancer in mid-June and it stung our whole family even though we knew it would eventually happen. Rudy made Amy's wedding which was a milestone, but he didn't quit fighting. I could sit here and tell stories of this mountain of a man. A gentle giant with a big smile that loved cigars, and video poker only slightly less than Rachel. I grew up being chased in the sand by him and was always greeted with a smile and a firm handshake or hug. Being married to a woman with 2 sisters seemed to fit him well. Those 6 people shared thousands of laughs and jokes that will live on forever. My favorite probably being the 4th of July when V gave the ole "Throw it Rudy, Throw it". Although I didn't witness it, I still laugh loudly when its told. I know that I'm rambling and I should have this post written perfectly with all the thoughts that I've put in it, but I don't.
The day of his funeral there was more of a fuss made over him in 2 hours then he would have wanted in 100 years. It was a perfect day for a humble man that never wanted praise or appreciation. As I said in a twitter post that day "I'm a better person for having known him".
I apologize in advance for the rambling nature of this post.
God Bless You, Chris Ruddock!
Neil
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Good Times
This weekend we attended the long awaited wedding of Amy Ruddock. She is Rachel Hudson's daughter for everyone in Elba. Reese and I have gown up around the 3 Ruddock children and consider them cousins just as much as John-John.
Dad, DeAnn, and I left Friday after work headed to Destin. Everything from the Rehearsal to the reception took place at the same resort. This wedding gave us a chance to catch up with alot of friends we've met through the Ruddock's over the years.
The wedding was on the beach and was just perfect. Rudy and Rachel were wonderful hosts and everyone had a great time. The food was very, very good. Michael and Amy were heading to Jamaica this morning for a week in the sun.
I know Rachel will eventually read this and just want her to know that DeAnn and I had a great time and we really appreciated the invite. We love you guys.
Neil
Dad, DeAnn, and I left Friday after work headed to Destin. Everything from the Rehearsal to the reception took place at the same resort. This wedding gave us a chance to catch up with alot of friends we've met through the Ruddock's over the years.
The wedding was on the beach and was just perfect. Rudy and Rachel were wonderful hosts and everyone had a great time. The food was very, very good. Michael and Amy were heading to Jamaica this morning for a week in the sun.
I know Rachel will eventually read this and just want her to know that DeAnn and I had a great time and we really appreciated the invite. We love you guys.
Neil
Friday, April 27, 2012
Remembrance
Today is the 1st anniversary of the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Heck, almost half the state was affected. I was at the gym when Tuscaloosa was hit and Dad was keeping me informed. Later, at a poker game I was playing I saw a video on-line that showed how it narrowly missed Bryant-Denny. Later on I was still at the game when I saw a quote from Mayor Maddox on twitter that said "Our infrastructure has been decimated". It began to set in that this was not a small storm and the casualties would be numerous.
I know that anyone in the state will not be able to read a paper or watch the news without seeing images from the storm. All I am really asking is to keep everyone that went through that rough day in you thoughts and prayers.
Neil
I know that anyone in the state will not be able to read a paper or watch the news without seeing images from the storm. All I am really asking is to keep everyone that went through that rough day in you thoughts and prayers.
Neil
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Happy Birthday DeAnn!
Hey Guys,
As you can see from the title, today is DeAnn's 27 birthday. As I sit here in the office looking back, most people do not realize that at the time of my accident she was only 22. It still wonder a lot what was going through here mind that first month at Baptist South. In fact, she was writing thank you notes in the waiting room not knowing if was going to pull through. (Sidenote: She still hangs the fact over my head she penned the last million notes.) I can not imagine the thoughts that run rampant about the future when all you see is tubes, wires and monitors. At our wedding 6 months prior the preacher spoke of sickness and health. I'm DeAnn was thinking what have I got myself into.
I say all that not to go down memory lane, but to give an illustration about how special she is to me. The last 4 yours have certainly had there ups and downs. However, we survived them together.
DeAnn, I hope you have a wonderful day. I love you!
Neil
As you can see from the title, today is DeAnn's 27 birthday. As I sit here in the office looking back, most people do not realize that at the time of my accident she was only 22. It still wonder a lot what was going through here mind that first month at Baptist South. In fact, she was writing thank you notes in the waiting room not knowing if was going to pull through. (Sidenote: She still hangs the fact over my head she penned the last million notes.) I can not imagine the thoughts that run rampant about the future when all you see is tubes, wires and monitors. At our wedding 6 months prior the preacher spoke of sickness and health. I'm DeAnn was thinking what have I got myself into.
I say all that not to go down memory lane, but to give an illustration about how special she is to me. The last 4 yours have certainly had there ups and downs. However, we survived them together.
DeAnn, I hope you have a wonderful day. I love you!
Neil
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Time
Since I last posted here, a ton of things have happened. The Madness ended with a Kentucky victory. I saw my old orthopedic doctor with a little leg pain. Finally, as I type this the Masters has just ended with an amazing victory by Bubba Watson.
As far as the tournament goes, it was a great last few games that I really enjoyed watching. I thought Ohio State was a better team than Kansas. However, I don't think anyone was beating Kentucky.
I recently won the weight loss bet with Dad. On our weigh in day of April 1st I weighed 214 and change while he was at 215 That seems close but since I started 8 lbs heavier I won with ease.
I have been having some pretty significant pain in my stump and after a month I decided I might want to have it checked out. I consulted with WC and they got me an appointment with Dr. Fletcher. I wasn't real sure he would remember me as I haven't seen or spoken with him in four years. I was walking down the hall to get x-rays and met him at the door. He absolutely shocked me when he said "Hey boy we have to get you ready for the Masters". I couldn't believe he remembered that my initial goal was to make it back to Augusta National. After looking at the films of my leg and me seeing the huge rod in my stump he said that my weight loss was probably the cause for the pain. I am currently working with the guys at Alabama Limb to solve the problem.
Lastly, my beloved Masters week has just ended. Anyone that knows me understands how enamored I am with the club, course, and tournament. I truly look forward to this week more than any other week of the year. It's the equivalent of getting a raise, a week off, and a promotion rolled into one glorious week. My fascination with it stems from hours with my dad on the subject. For four days every year we watched the coverage from beginning to end. Dad and I have a ton of things in common that we share, but Augusta may be the biggest as we literally can't get enough of the place. It was certainly special going to sunrise at Whitewater with sweet wife and ending the day with Dad as Jimmy Nantz signed off at AGNC.
I know this blog has been long, but I hope it semi got you bguys caught up in the lives of the Granthams'.
Fins Up,
Jr.
As far as the tournament goes, it was a great last few games that I really enjoyed watching. I thought Ohio State was a better team than Kansas. However, I don't think anyone was beating Kentucky.
I recently won the weight loss bet with Dad. On our weigh in day of April 1st I weighed 214 and change while he was at 215 That seems close but since I started 8 lbs heavier I won with ease.
I have been having some pretty significant pain in my stump and after a month I decided I might want to have it checked out. I consulted with WC and they got me an appointment with Dr. Fletcher. I wasn't real sure he would remember me as I haven't seen or spoken with him in four years. I was walking down the hall to get x-rays and met him at the door. He absolutely shocked me when he said "Hey boy we have to get you ready for the Masters". I couldn't believe he remembered that my initial goal was to make it back to Augusta National. After looking at the films of my leg and me seeing the huge rod in my stump he said that my weight loss was probably the cause for the pain. I am currently working with the guys at Alabama Limb to solve the problem.
Lastly, my beloved Masters week has just ended. Anyone that knows me understands how enamored I am with the club, course, and tournament. I truly look forward to this week more than any other week of the year. It's the equivalent of getting a raise, a week off, and a promotion rolled into one glorious week. My fascination with it stems from hours with my dad on the subject. For four days every year we watched the coverage from beginning to end. Dad and I have a ton of things in common that we share, but Augusta may be the biggest as we literally can't get enough of the place. It was certainly special going to sunrise at Whitewater with sweet wife and ending the day with Dad as Jimmy Nantz signed off at AGNC.
I know this blog has been long, but I hope it semi got you bguys caught up in the lives of the Granthams'.
Fins Up,
Jr.
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