July Update - Part II

Jessica and I flew out to Phoenix on Monday the 19th to attend Mike's memorial service on Tuesday. When I walked into the memorial, I just wanted to burst into tears. They had set up a large screen with projected pictures of Mike as a baby, then as a young boy, then a star athlete, onto a loving father and finally a man whose cancer was taking over. I had to step outside again after only minutes to call San and that's when I did cry like a blubbering baby. It was the only time I ever preferred to be outside in the sweltering heat of Phoenix, then to be indoors and air-conditioned.

What a great service. Darren Pang, of hockey fame, announced the service and told many humorous tales of life with Mike. Then a pastor lead us all in prayer.

Then, Jeanette said her thoughts, followed by Jenni, Alex and Mike's brother Todd. Darren told more stories. A man named Glen spoke, as well. Then a man named Scott who Mike knew from cancer treatments, and whose cancer is now in remission, gave a powerful speech. Paulina and a young man on the acoustic guitar performed a beautiful song. It was all so wonderful and heart-wrenching at the same time. Then all who attended had drinks and celebrated Mike's life - just as Mike would have wanted it.

So, on Wednesday the family and friends met again at Janet and Wayne's old house, which is now the abode of Uncle Greg. We drank beers, swam in the pool, ate tacos and continued to reminisce. Then on Wednesday night, as Dad, Jessica, Ori and I arrived back at dad's house, I slammed my thumb in the car door.

Yesterday (Saturday), with building blood pressure in my thumb, drastic measures had to be taken to alleviate the pain. The following video documents these measures. Warning - Quite Disgusting