MY dad peacefully passed away Wednesday morning. I’m doing fine and we are all moving forward. Thanks for all the support. Hope to be back home sometime this weekend.

Things have not improved so I am staying in Hatlanta through this week too. I’m doing fine at the moment… just tired. Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts. Evidently the Haiku contest is extended so keep ’em coming.

I am truly lucky to have so many people looking out for me. I know many of you are interested in what’s going on with my Dad, the Orange Hat, so here’s a quickie.

He’s been on a rollercoaster of good and bad. There have been several serious problems that the Dr. has been treating including his kidneys, blood pressure and liver. Unfortunately, the problems are going to take him from us soon. He’ll be coming home under Hospice care on Friday. The good news is that he’s been very clear of mind when he’s awake so we’ve gotten to spend some good time together (although he sleeps most of the time).

My mother, the Hatarina, is doing well. The loneliness will come but hopefully her neighbors and friends will fill her days. I’ve been holding it together but I know that will not last too much longer. I’m very tired. But, as I say, this is all part of life and I will remember the good times. If it doesn’t hurt some, then it really didn’t mean anything.

Thank you all for your thoughts and wishes and I promise to be reading you a Von’s East grocery receipt soon.

My father, the Orange Hat, is in the hospital and not doing well. I’m in Hatlanta for a while so there won’t be any LITTLE shows until I return to the Villa. I’ll do my best to keep up with the Twitty and e-letters but I can’t promise I’ll respond to everything. It all depends on how things turn out. Feel free to pass this along to anyone. I’ll keep you informed as things develop.