BigMaxx, All,

Had an all night vigil for my dad, who is deing of congestive heart failure. I got a couple of hours of sleep and I'll shower and return shortly. Things don't look good, he is going to pass away anytime now.

Good news; bad news is that he is 82 and has lived a long and excellent life, hasn't had a long period of suffering or low quality of life; bad news is that the rock of Gibraltar - or so he seemed to me and my brothers and sister for so many decades - is going for sure. He has had his Catholic last rights and seems as prepared to leave us as anyone can be. The rest of the family isn't as ready as he is though, me included. I think my mom is bearing up very well, I am sometimes, not so well others, like now. Jeez, I'm blubering like a baby right now.

I've alerted those in Africa and here who are involved. I am about 100% sure I won't be making the Sunday flight. Hopefully sliding the schedule back won't cause too much havoc in others' schedules and lives and I'll fly out after all is done for a needed break.

I'll let you all know when I'm going when I know.

Prayers would be most appreciated.

JPK