North49th http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com Most recent posts at North49th posterous.com Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:15:00 -0700 My kids! http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-kids http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-kids

Love my kids to death!  Here they are...

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This is my oldest, Will.  Super great kid who drives me nuts sometimes, but that's his job as a teenager. :P

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Lauren is my buddy; always willing to go to the store, or out to take photos with me.  

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My youngest, Emma.  She cracks us up all the time and is a gem.  She is all personality!

I took these photos to put into a frame for their grandma's birthday.  Sure, I probably should have paid someone professional to take the shots but I'm cheap that way.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:33:57 -0700 The beach is wonderful! http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/the-beach-is-wonderful http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/the-beach-is-wonderful
2010-08-11_14

Come on in!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:07:37 -0700 Lauren Found A New Friend http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/lauren-found-a-new-friend-0 http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/lauren-found-a-new-friend-0
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Lauren, Emma and the cousins have found a family of toads in our backyard. Let me just apologize to the toads now for how many times they will be picked up and mothered.

Picture was taken with the Samsung Vibrant from Bel l Mobility.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:13:42 -0700 Day At The Lake http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/day-at-the-lake http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/day-at-the-lake

Its always nice to get away, so anytime the Churchill's invite up to the lake WE GO!

Here's a few shots taken with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:38:32 -0700 A Few Shots of Our New House http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/a-few-shots-of-our-new-house http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/a-few-shots-of-our-new-house We're getting our new place all spiffed up, but here are a few shots prior to moving in.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:54:12 -0700 My Youngest is Such a Character http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-youngest-is-such-a-character http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-youngest-is-such-a-character This is Emma and she is my youngest of three.  She is a complete ham and generally far more dramatic than the other two.

An example of the drama: Right at the end of the graveside service for my Dad she rushed over to me, hugged me and said all serious-like, "I'm so sorry for your loss".  It was a bit much but she is completely genuine, she just can't help the drama overtones.

I included a 'normal' shot just so you know it occasionally happens.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:22:06 -0700 Update on Dad http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/update-on-dad-1 http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/update-on-dad-1
Things are not too great with Dad right now.  We keep on coming across road blocks and think “once this is looked after...”, but once a road block is taken care of another replaces it.

Late last week Dad was having a hard time with breathing and eating (or rather, drinking).  Anytime he drank something he couldn’t keep it down.  We figured this was possibly because of healing that needed to take place.  It turns out to have been a ridiculous fluid build-up.

On Tuesday (after waiting since Friday, arg!) Dad had a procedure to drain fluid from his abdomen.  The doctor ended up draining 3.5 litres, which is just incredible to me.  No wonder he’s been so uncomfortable!!

Dad felt better right away and we hoped this would mean a bit of a rally on his part. Sadly, Dad is just running out of strength for any kind of bounce back.  This breaks our hearts so much.  Dad is looking weak.  Mom even said she doesn’t think he’ll be able to come home.  Admitting these kinds of things may be therapeutically important but it does nothing to assuage raw feelings.

For his part, Dad has said many times he is ready to go ‘home’ and last night said he just wants to see his saviour.  Finding the words to express my mixed feelings is not easy.  We don’t want to see Dad go.  We don’t want him to suffer.

Just so that you know; Dad is in no pain at all.  He and mom really feel this is God sparing him having to go through that as well and feel that is how God is honouring all the prayers from so many friends, family and acquaintances.  Keep up the prayers for both Dad and Mom.  Mom has had to face a lot in the last couple months and has done so well, but we know she struggles at times, who wouldn’t?

A little bit of extra prayer for Carolyn would be appreciated.  As I’m sure you know, she lost her Dad just months ago and having to relive it all isn’t easy.  She’s feeling just as sad as the rest of us but has the extra burden of emotions and feelings that haven’t had much time to heal.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:22:48 -0700 My Wife Cracks Me Up! http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-wife-cracks-me-up-0 http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/my-wife-cracks-me-up-0 Among all her other traits, Carolyn is extremely witty.  One small example from an I'm chat:

Me: My throat is sooooore!
Me: Going to get some fisherman's friends.
Carolyn: Awww! Sounds like fun. You're making friends!
Me: Fisher dudes are good people.
Carolyn: a little salty!

It just struck me as funny.  :D


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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:26:04 -0700 Dad Just Can't Catch A Break http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/dad-just-cant-catch-a-break http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/dad-just-cant-catch-a-break Over the last few weeks, since Dad had his surgery, we've been waiting to see obvious signs of recovery.  The idea was for Dad to have this surgery and be able to come home while he healed up. Well, that hasn't really happened and it's getting frustrating, more so for Dad than anyone else.

Dad has had a problem with a fluid build-up and leakage.  The doctors now want to take a sample of this to find out the source.  It is most likely as a result of surgery but they need to know before they can treat it.  Whatever it is there is some infection associated, which is sapping Dad's strength.  He's been on antibiotics since the surgery but this fluid is still there.

Dad's also been having a hard time keeping food down. At first we thought it was a blockage but after doing a CT scan it looks like it may just be the infection and an inordinate amount of acid.  Doctor's are working on this.

The new obstacle is that Dad's heart isn't doing well.  He's had atrial fibrillation for a long time now, and doctors have been watching it closely but that isn't the problem now.  He has heart disease and may have some blockage.  Arg!  Dad just can't catch a break.

When you combine the infection, the lack of solid food and his heart it's no wonder he's exhausted all the time!  He is so weak it's hard to even hear him speak.  If you know my Dad, you know how shocking a statement that is.

First thing to be done is to find out about this fluid, then see what we can do for the heart.  We really want for Dad to come home, but that isn't happening for a while yet.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:12:57 -0700 Dad is Looking Better http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/dad-is-looking-better http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/dad-is-looking-better We have a ways to go yet, but my Dad is more noticeably recovering from his surgery.  Since his surgery almost two weeks ago he has been looking so drained and hasn't had any energy at all.  Dad is normally very outgoing, but this has really knocked him down.

In the last couple days he has had a lot of tubes removed and is not on oxygen anymore, so we know he's getting there.  He'll probably still be in the hospital for a week or two, but we're finally feeling better about how he is progressing.

Honestly, there are just no words to tell you how relieving that is!  It's great to see Dad doing some exercises in bed and I know he is going to be feeling much more uplifted seeing this progress in himself.  Yesterday he had food for the first time in a LONG time and it actually made my eyes well up just to see him going to town on the mashed potatoes (they didn't have a chance!!).

I'll probably update on Dad more this weekend.  Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and a HUGE thanks for the Butlers for organizing rides and being such a support for Mom.  Also a huge thanks to all those that are driving my Mom to the hospital in the morning and for all the offers of help!!

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Mon, 31 May 2010 08:48:00 -0700 What Exactly is "Normal"? http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/what-exactly-is-normal http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/what-exactly-is-normal

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Some days it's just so surreal to be at work and going through the motions like it's a "normal" day.  There's nothing normal in having your Dad in the hospital.

Growing up, my Dad represented everything stable and strong.  Dad could open any bottle, lift any box and run faster than us.  He could tickle us into submission and shovel the driveway in half the time.  His rules were firm but always consistent.  So, seeing Dad in the hospital with little strength and struggling just to find the will to recover from surgery feels wrong.  Seeing him coming to terms with stage 4 colon cancer seems unjust.  This just isn't supposed to happen to Dad...not my Dad.

Sure, many have gone through this before us but that was always "other people".  That distance allows for a buffer in feeling it couldn't happen with our own family.  We all know it can happen but until it does we don't know exactly what that means.  Carolyn (my wife) lost her Dad six months ago and even though he and I were close I can see how much more painful that lose was and is still for her.  Carolyn's Dad was her symbol of strength.

At this point we don't know how long we have with my Dad but are determined to get the most out of the time that we can.  Before that can happen Dad still has a significant road to recovery.  Right now, that is looking like a hard and rocky road.  We can see that road and we know Dad can do it, but I'm not sure Dad feels the same way right now.

Forgive me for not always being able to post positive things about my Dad.  We really do feel that things are going as well as they can; Dad has great care and the support of his whole family.  But at times it just feels wrong to have your own icon of strength become an example of human frailty.

Back to work...

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Sat, 29 May 2010 15:18:57 -0700 Pictures of Carolyn http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pictures-of-carolyn http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pictures-of-carolyn To make up for the lack of a shot with dad.  :)

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Sat, 29 May 2010 15:14:57 -0700 Pictures with Dad http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pictures-with-dad http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pictures-with-dad Dad is on the mend after surgery to remove a tumour.  We thought we'd all get in a turn with Dad...well, except for Carolyn: 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries
Mon, 24 May 2010 20:23:48 -0700 Pics from a Great Day http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pics-from-a-great-day http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/pics-from-a-great-day Just wanted to show off some pics from the Palm Pre.  We had a much needed day at the lake today.

No idea if this going to work btw.  I'm posting this by email with multiple pics.  Thinking maybe only one will show.

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Wed, 19 May 2010 19:10:28 -0700 Another Palm Pre Pic http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/another-palm-pre-pic http://darrenhumphries.posterous.com/another-palm-pre-pic
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Very nice colours from the camera on the Palm Pre.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1148119/IMG_1757.JPG http://posterous.com/users/eK4vlzCflv Darren Humphries Darren Darren Humphries