Norm

20 years ago a man came into my life that has forever changed who I am. A man that took my family on as his own. Loved us as his own. He has always been a workaholic. It didn't matter if there was a blizzard outside, or if it were Christmas or he could barely stand up due to being horribly sick. He was out there digging ditches for new sprinkler system that he was going to install, because he had an idea. Or changing the light bulb down at the casino because "Damnit, nobody can do it right like I can!" Those are his words :) His ideas built him a dynasty you could say. The stories I've heard are amazing. He actually raised chickens for the government during WWII and that way he didn't have to go away in the draft. He knew of a city of gold. I hear it's still there and wonder what came of it. He never biologically had one child. Yet, he fathered many. He took care and loved us all like we were his own and he has grown a special place in each of our hearts. He is a father, a grandfather, a teacher and idol of mine.

For as long as I can remember he has had leukemia. It's never stopped him, never held him back just pushed him to fight harder. He is a miracle soul and teaches and touches every soul he comes in contact with. Now, he might not be nice while teaching, but you'll definitely learn something after having a conversation with him.

How he has lived through such deteriorating health is beyond any of us. I personally believe that it's the green barley drink that he drinks every single day of his life and God seeing that he does so much good for people in this world.... why would he want to take somebody like that away?

When I was young I remember when my uncle was graduating and we made a comment of how it would be amazing if Papa Norm was still alive to see me graduate. You know what? He did one better I had the honor of him walking me down the aisle on my wedding day and giving me away to the man I love.

Right now he is laying in a hospital with pneumonia and not doing well at all. We've all seen him on his death bed many times to learn the next day that he was completely fine and going home. This time it doesn't look like he'll be going home after all.

I'm asking if you pray if you'll please take a moment and say a prayer for him. Please pray that he overcomes his sickness and if it's his time to go then it's his time to go and to please have God take him peacefully.