The Services

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We returned from Salt Lake early this morning from the funeral services of Grandpa Slagle. Everything was so nice, and the "Sisters/Aunts" (Sue, Sherrie, Shauna, Stef and Shirley) did such a fine job in making sure everything was just right and all the details ironed out.

There were two things that happened this past couple of days that really touched me. The first was seeing the Grandma at his side at the viewing. It is such a symbolic act for what has been their entire marraige together, always at each others sides, always taking care of each other. Such an incredible example for so many to follow.

The second specific instance was during the funeral service there was a musical number where all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren came up and sang "Families are Together Forever". I didn't sing, as well as a few others, but even still there were so many that did. I don't have the count, but there are so many granchilren and great grandchildren it was overwhelming to see the extend of his effect on the world with his posterity. I think there was only one grandchild that couldn't make it because she is on the other side of the world. I don't know the actual counts (it would be interesting to know, name and list), but it was an awesome sight to see everyone there singing, as well as see everyone again. It's a shame that it takes things like this to get everyone together, but all the same what an awesome tribute to such a great man.

Somewhere between Parawon and Fillmore, speeding along to Salt Lake, I put together this slideshow.

Thanks to everyone that sent me pictures to include.

If you listen close, at the end of the slideshow it is actually Grandpa Slagle singing with his bear, that the Mom posted a while back (her one and only post I think). I had thought of including the video, but somehow the audio just seemed to fit a bit better.

You can watch or download a bigger version with this link, the blog format just doesn't allow the native size.

Happy 80th Birthday GG!

If there was ever a red-letter day on a yearly calendar it is August 12th. This is the birthday of Colleen Young Slagle, otherwise known as Grandma Slagle, GG or even "Coke" to some, which has even more meaning if you know that Grandpa Slagle is known to many as "Bud", hence you have "Bud and Coke" and all your family parties.

There have been some challenges lately in GG's world, but upon talking to her and Grandpa Bud last night, they both couldn't be happier that he is home for her birthday.

While we can't be there to celebrate this momentous occasion, (I did commit to be there for her 90th birthday) all our best wishes and love goes out to her for this occasion.

Hospitals, Bureaucracy and God Complex

Our Grandpa/Great Grandpa Bud (you can see some previous posts in the archives) has gone through a lot this past 6 months with various surgeries, and being in and out of the hospital. It was very touching to see him when were there last month and think about what a patriarch he is for such a huge posterity.

It is frustrating being in California and hearing about the horrible care he is receiving a la St. Marks hospital. It's hard enough on families when a loved one is sick, but when incompetence, bureaucracy and doctors that think they know it all only make the problem worse it really is inexcusable. It isn't just incompetence, but outright lack of morals, character, and selfishness. How some of these particular nurses, adminstrators, and doctors could be in such a personal, life affecting profession with such lack of concern for anyone but themselves is beyond me.

The details I get are sketchy and masked by individuals that are too nice to say what they really feel, but too tired from all of going back and forth and too frustrated from the incompetence shown by so called experts to hold their tongue.

While I know there are many care givers out there, that provide excellent care to those that they come in contact with, and I thank them for their hard work and dedication. But for those others that are incompetent, non-caring fools, they give an entire hospital a bad name. Maybe that is justified as they are allowed to still work there.

One thing is for sure, St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah is one place you want to avoid at all costs if you need any sort of care.

My thoughts and prayers go out to my grandfather, and also to my grandmother who is constantly by his side. As well as to my Mom and Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and Cousins that are constantly running back and forth from their own responsibilities to make sure he is taken care of at all times.

And I guess I should keep those nurses, doctors and adminstrators in my thoughts and prayers as well. The thoughts won't be so nice...but the prayers will be sincere requests that they get a clue!