Open Letter to my Father's Brothers

Dear Uncles,

Yes, Grandpa died. I miss him horribly and am sorry that my youngest son never got to meet him when their birthdays are only days apart. I'm sorry that none of my kids will ever remember my grandpa like I remember yours. There are so many memories that I have that I cherish and always will. I know you miss him, I miss him too.

Grandpa didn't die under the best circumstances, and didn't have the opportunity to clear all the cobwebs on his affairs or his estate. It has been a messy and very crappy last couple years. I know, I was there. When you all whined and said you couldn't take off work or afford to travel, my dad did it even when he couldn't. When you didn't want to deal with your step-mom cause she tends to be mean, who did? My dad. When you didn't know what to do with the house you ignored all emails and requests for your input and so we did what we thought was best.

Again, i know cause i was there. I was there when my dad was so upset he was crying because his dad's brothers and sisters have been turned against him by his step-mom. I was there when he tried to show the whole family that you brothers still loved the family and wanted to be a part of it (though you never try). I was there to feel that the woman I've known and loved my whole life as "grandma" hated me and was telling everyone that I was trying to kill her and steal all her money. I was there to be yelled at by Grandma for trying to do what none of you were willing to do. I was there to do the right thing cause someone had to.

I, 20+ years your junior, was willing to take off time from work and work my butt off to go through your fathers stuff to try and sell it so you could have a bigger inheritance. I, not expecting to be reimbursed for time, left my family and the preparation of my house for winter to go up to increase the check going into your pockets. My boys missed me every weekend for months because I was doing the work you wouldn't do (not to mention during the week cause I had to work my real job and go to school). My house never got winterized because I was helping my dad make you more money. And now you won't even say "thank you"?????

We gave you an list of things that he needs to be reimbursed for and you tell him no, because he didn't get your approval before buying anything? You don't know but I was copied on all the emails that he sent to you asking for your input and help that you ignored. You don't know that he consulted with me because you wouldn't call him back. You don't know all the stress you caused him because he was afraid of leaving you out or doing something you might not like, but you would not do him the courtesy to reply or return a call. And now you tell him he should have asked you first?

You won't reimburse him for the things (15k - less than 4k from each inheritance check) he had to put on his credit card cause you wouldn't help? You won't for the things to fix up the house, food for the 5 min breaks we took to scarf something down before continuing on and have the gall to tell us you won't pay for food and demand we take another hour out of our time sheet for lunches? He worked days from dawn 'til dusk cause he only had a few days off of work (not including travel time from another state). I can't even tell you how many days I took off work (more than 10) and yet I know my dad took off so much more. He was here for a 2 week period straight, sleeping on the floor at the house (again to save "the trust" money) only when he couldn't see anymore or physically keep his eyes awake. You tell him congratulations for making the house sell-able and get a decent price out of it only to infer that he only did it to increase his share.

Where are the uncles I loved? Where is the family that he so desperately needs? I used to look up to you and I only find that as I get older I see who you really are and now the only way to see you is as I hang my head in shame that you would treat my father this way. I don't expect to be reimbursed for my time (that I sacrificed for you - I guess only for him cause you don't care) but I would love to treated like the pain and sacrifice we went through meant something. That you at least appreciate the hard work.

If i would have known that this was how it was going to end up I wouldn't have let or helped my dad stress over every little detail and how you would take it. I wouldn't have left my family and wasted my weekend to drive over 2000 miles to look into the AZ affairs for you (again cause your time is too valuable). I would have told dad to let the house sit empty and crappy and junked and not sell for even half of what it did. I would have told him to save his health, his back, his money, his vacation time at work, his frequent flier miles, and all his sweat and tears. I would have loved to have my dad use his vacation time to get to know his grandsons and spend time with them, or with his wife that I don't know how they even still know each other cause he was gone so long working for you.

Brothers #3 and 5 - I know you live out of state but your drive is less than half of my dad's. I know you are having money problems but hey, who isn't. We spent a few hours with you on our crappy road trip weekend and you had only thanks to say and seemed grateful for what we were doing but now you treat us like we are a being selfish. You accuse me of lying to get money out of the trust? You think that I care about the money? I care about the money I took from my family and my hard work to help you out and only expect that small amount reimbursed. I don't any of grandpa's money cause he was more than that to me.

'Brother #4', when you couldn't handle the executor duties or put up with the drama (to the point of changing your phone #s) you threw your hands up and ran to my dad for help and he stepped up to the plate at your request. Now you are telling everyone my dad did this on his own accord and you didn't ask him to? How do you sleep at night? How have you convinced yourself that is ok? You of all people saw the most of what we went through and again your time was too valuable to help but now you think that we should have included you more? Every time that my dad was in town he notified you and everytime you were too busy or something to come help. When you wanted grandpa's car (like a few of you did), my dad was a little firm with you cause he had to be fair to everyone else but you underhandedly said you paid for the car and then took "your portion" back out of the bank account causing a check to bounce and blamed it on my dad. You were the uncle I thought the most of until this. I'm sorry but I can't look up to you anymore. I don't even think that I can stand the site of you for a while.

Brother #2 - there isn't enough time in the world to discuss you, or money in the universe to make me like you.

Brother #6 - thanks for the times you helped. you know more of what my dad went through and the suffering that he is feeling. Please don't fall for the other 4's antics and their BS. Stand up for my dad and show you have a backbone.

Dad -
I'm sorry that your family is a bunch of money hungry, back-stabbing idiots. They will never understand what we (you, mom, me, my wife, my sons, our friends, etc...) sacrificed to help them. Sadly its apparent, they can't see past their own greedy little noses. I hope that this all works out but please stick to your guns. Don't take this hit just to "save relationships", they obviously don't care and so I don't think that anything you do will make a difference. I enjoyed being there and feeling grandpa's spirit as we worked. It made me miss him but helped me to understand him more too. I feel as though he was there working with us many times and that he is thankful for what we did. I love you.

Sincerely,
me

Stop the Bush bashing please

Trust, but Verify has become a website that I really like to follow.

I like this article thanking Bush for his work.

Bush bashing has gotten very annoying.  He wasn't perfect but he did a good job and was the strong President when we needed him. 

Thank you Bush and may you now have a little rest!

The Obameter - I Love it!

I ran across this website and think that I love it.  It is great that this day and age we can communicate effectively across the world and our country.

Using this site http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/ we will be able to follow up and hold Obama accountable for his promises.  I wish that we could do this with all politicians!!

It didn't take long...

Wow, i know that i haven't blogged in a while and to be honest its a lame excuse but life hasn't slowed down enough to blog. 

Anyways,

I saw this article and was shocked.  Everything that Obama has said regarding his becoming president was the economy was number one.  Then i see this article about him reversing the law to allow federal funds to support abortion. 

Wow, i guess that we didn't have enough to worry about with federal funds that one of his first acts is to promise more money... glad to know my tax money is safe. 

Not a good start in my opinion.

Will it actually become an ammendment?

Anyone who has been paying any attention at all to Prop 8 knows that this will not be over any time soon. The legal battles will go on and on. I think part of the reason that the leftists are so afraid of this amendment is because they are the ones who fight every battle. This amendment protects conservatism, it protects tradition and that's why its scary.

San Francisco Gate Newspaper

Associated Press

Trust But Verify
- California to Uphold the will of the people?
- CA Supreme Court to Determine Constitutionality of Amendments to its Constitution

Should we play their game?

Why is it that the few always try to ruin it for the many, even if they don't have to?

Wall Street Journal Reports.

Trust but Verify.

Michelle Malkin's take.

I almost tend to agree with MM that we need to act the same... maybe they'd realize how childish it is. Then again probably not.

How Did Obama get Elected?

All i can say is "WOW"...

Trust But Verify has it here.

Ms Underestimated has it here.

People didn't vote educated and that scares me.

LA officers thoughts on protests against Prop 8

Meridian magazine is a website that is maintained by members of my religion but not by the LDS church.

This article is a first person account of the rioting protests in Los Angelos by a member of my church who is also a Detective for the LAPD. Amazing how the tolerance is requested but not given. As well as the violation of civil rights and basic freedoms of my church is tolerated by officials (inlcuding that imbecile Arnold) on all levels of government in LA right now. At least their freedom of speech isn't being voilated...

Is this something to worry about?

Restricting freedom of speech and speaking out against Obama.
I know we need to support our elected officials but if this is how teachers and mentors are treating students who are trying to get their fellow students to think and openly discuss what's happening to them and their future... i'm a little nervous.

PS. again props to MM

Where is the love?

I know that Proposition 8 in California is a very controversial topic. I personally believe in Prop 8. I also believe that it has gone way too far. I think that this would not have been such a big deal if there had not been the issues that existed in Massachusetts. The fact that people's freedom of how to teach and raise their kids were infringed upon really turned this into a big issue. Where people were scared of what might be forced upon them and their beliefs.
I believe that the family consists of a man, a woman, and children. I believe that the family is central to our happiness and is the basic unit of our wonderful country. When the family fails is when I think that our country will cease to be great.
We need to protect our country and all the rights that have been granted us by our founding fathers. They worked hard to provide us the freedoms that we have today. I do not believe that the constitution would have been possible if it were not for inspiration from God. The constitution is an inspired document based on faith and love.
I believe that we need to protect the family and the freedoms that this great nation was founded on. This nation was founded on religious beliefs and a profound trust in God. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to worship how, who, or what they may. I believe in equal rights and that people deserve to be happy. I know that a lot of people would say that my support for Prop 8 and my belief in equal rights are in conflict. I don't see it as a conflict because I believe that I am still protecting their rights in freedom of religion and to live as they choose.
California has very strict family laws that protect civil unions and grant them all the privileges given to married couples. These laws protect those that want to commit to each other whether straight or homosexual. In my opinion the term 'gay marriage' gives the air of a political stunt and drastically cheapens the meaning of their commitment. I would not be as comfortable supporting Prop 8 if it were not for the family laws that are already in place to protect those that truly love and are committed to each other.

I completely understand why there are very emotional responses on both sides of this issue. What I cannot understand is the violence that has happened. People demanding respect and "tolerance" are the first to take it away from others.
Michelle Malkin again has an amazing pulse on what is going on. Here are some links:
Restaurant bullied by No's on Prop 8
Black listing and harassment
Anti-Prop 8 mob demands submission
Anti-Prop 8 mobs chases christian group

If the people want to change it, then please by all means work within the law to make the changes. Please stop the violence.

Schwarzenegger wants riots in CA?

That's what it sounds like to me.

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/11/09/schwarzenegger-pours-fuel-on-anti-prop-8-fire/

what the heck is going on with tolerance that everyone is asking for?

Ruth Youth

In the wake of all the maligning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lately after the passing of Prop 8 in California it is nice to have some good news.

http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/842518567.html

Thank you Ruth Youth!!

Change.gov is propaganda engine waiting to happen

I was a little interested when I found this site yesterday.  And while I haven't had a chance to really peruse it as much as I want to.  I have found a few sites of people that have.

Again Michelle Malkin knocks it out of the park in my opinion.

'By their fruits you shall know them.'  Propaganda the day after being elected?  Is it a sign of the tech times that we live in?  Or, is this more of a case of 'hiding in plain site'?

More Proof of the Media working PR for Obama

MSNBC created a show that is call 'Experience the Power of Change'

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2008/11/04/msnbc-election-coverage-promo-experience-power-change

Now the merger is complete:

http://trustbutverify.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/msnbcs-matthews-my-job-is-to-make-obamas-presidency-successful/

Tribute to Mom's

Love ya mom!

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/11/07/the-chestnut-tree/

A break from politics

"Who's gonna save my soul now?"

Dating drama is not the best time of life and i really liked the creativity and satirical nature of this video. Check it out!

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/11/06/whos-gonna-save-my-soul/

or directly from you-tube (kinda gory but good!)

How Long Do We Have?

I was forwarded this email, and I've received it also a few years back. I was thinking about this cycle and why the Greeks failed in their democracy and then this was sent to me again. I agree that we as a people are definately complacent and even apathetic. We need to wake up and remember the great country in which we live, what made it great, and how to make it great again!

I love the US and everything that this country was founded on. Religion and freedom. God Bless the USA! And keep us safe please!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

How Long Do We Have?

About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh , had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."

"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."

"From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally
collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."

"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years"

"During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:

1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;

7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage"

Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:

Number of States won by: Democrats: 19
Republicans: 29

Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000
Republicans: 2,427,000

Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million

Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Democrats: 13.2
Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country.
Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare...."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA.

Everyone needs to realize just how much is at stake, knowing that
apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

Charlie Brown loses Manager position

Sometimes this comic is more true than we like to admit.  Not just the recent presidential election but it happens all the time in business as well.

Sometimes its for good and sometimes for not so good.  Nothing frustrates me more than when a CEO gets fired because he can't do the job and then he walks away with a 'severance' package worth more than some countries national yearly income. 

Change is coming, its inevitable.  It always comes.  I don't agree with everything that Obama has said and I still don't know that I trust him but I will support him as my new president and I am interested to see what will happen.  I wish him the best of luck and pray that God will guide and protect him.

New Blog I Follow

Michelle just seems to be on top of things and I like following her blog to see her opinion on things.

Gird your loins, conservatives

Needless to say I'm interested to see what's going to happen over the next little while. 

Why the Bush hating bandwagon?

One thing about this whole election was the fact that everyone jumped on the 'Bush Hating Bandwagon' - even McCain. 
I like this article

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122584386627599251.html

Bush wasn't the best President we've had but he's definitely not the worst.  Time will tell.