The End of Rex - Your First Funeral

A few months ago you called me all excited, "Daddy, I bought a hamster!" After much research you named him "Rex Quan-Do" because, well - of course you did! You bought Rex a cage and few toys... He was fat, but active and cute! On a few occasions he got lost in the house. Sometimes you took him to the park, and unleashed his cult of speed. Rex was a trusted companion, sigh. He was there for you when all else failed. He was loyal, and trustworthy. He never spoke a word of your secrets. He was your confidant on rainy days...

Last night, Rex died. It was a slow death, and apparently very painful. He must have fallen from the top of his ladder and according to your reports: broke his back. You were taking things pretty hard. I talked with you on the phone and you said that you guys were headed over to Chris's woods to bury Rex near your new house.

I wish I could have been there with you.

I suggested that you get a new hamster as soon as possible. You had already decided in your heart that yes, that is a good idea. You suggested three names: Hippopotamus, Pete, and LeRoy. I told you that I liked the name, "Pete."

And then I said, "If Pete dies, then you can get another hamster called, 'Re-Pete'!"

Ah the cycle of life and death and life and heartache. But through it all, love still wins. You will see Rex in heaven, someday in the new creation.

A Return to Chicago!

Teresa and I took you and your sisters to Chicago last weekend. It was so fun to take a road trip with you. I love it when my daughters still tell me to "Tell us a story, dad!"

We stayed in a hotel near the Chicago O'Hare airport. We took the subway into the city, and you held my hand. You were exposed to extreme poverty, scam artists, and even a drug deal! Welcome to the real world, Ambria Faith.

At one point we were all walking across the busy intersection, and a homeless woman in a motorized wheelchair accidentally hit a pothole and ran over her foot. She was crying out for help, and her two small children were in the middle of the intersection.

At one point, I had climbed up on a fence and snapped a few pictures of my three beautiful daughters, on the streets of Chicago!

Like Daddy, Like Daughter

Last weekend we spent the afternoon with Aunt Janelle's boyfriend - James. He has a few pellet guns and a CrossBow! You are naturally gifted, and seem to be up for adventure all the time!

I used to always want a son. Three girls is a lot of estrogen! Hah! But you, you always satisfy my desire to find adventure. You are a woman and I hear your ROAR!

Here are a couple of pictures!