Precious

Over the past couple months, while my dad was at his worst and I helped my mom care for him and give her support, I have had many wonderful caregivers over here at the Gibson house. But the best one of all was the boys' daddy. Dave stepped up and gave me the freedom to do what I needed to do for my family in my dad's final days. I haven't told him enough how much I appreciate him for what he has done, and I don't know if I could ever convey it to the fullest. (I think I use that line a lot. Anyway...) He is a super person - always giving and not getting enough (especially in a particular area - ha!) My Dave might not make my birthday the grandest day for me. But for the rest of the year, he makes up for it every day by being there for me, by standing beside me at my best and worst, by loving me no matter what. He also is one of the most superb fathers around. From birth on, he has dove in to help in any way he can - from diapers to baths to feeding to putting on clothes. He is also exceptional at putting the kids to bed. The prayers, even though I tease him about how long they are ("congregational prayers"), he offers up to God with the boys are simply amazing. Those boys don't know how good they have it, learning to pray from such a Godly man. And learning how to lead a life of honesty and integrity from such an honorable man. And learning how to love unconditionally and without prejudice and judgment from such a self-less man. These boys are blessed. (I thank God at least there is one sane parent in this house. Kidding.)

Anyway, now that I have pumped him up, let me tell you what he thinks of them after having had to watch them so much lately. Here's the e-mail he just sent me:

"I figured out what to do with the Goose."




Gise gets into everything, is running around everywhere, hardly ever sits still. In addition to our crazy baby, the other boys demand a lot, needing things done instantly, whining, etc. Dave cannot handle this. Wait, he can handle it, but isn't too happy while watching them.

He is back at work today, away from the busyness and craziness of our home. He will come home refreshed, look at those boys and love them no less than when they got on his nerves. He will play tackle with them, he will shoot Nerf guns with them, he will put them to bed and check on them again before he goes to bed himself. Even if the day has been a bit unsettled, he will look at those sleeping children through his loving eyes and thank God for the way they are.

A Gaggle of Google

I recently read an article naming the word of the year. If you are curious, "subprime" made top honors. Yet, I was more fascinated and impressed with a runner-up - "Googleganger."

What's a "Googleganger?" A play on "doppelganger," the word is "a person with your name who shows up when you Google yourself."

Have you done it before? Googled yourself? I have. Now there is a word for it.

Meet Amy Gibson, a former soap star, and the leading consultant in the country for women afflicted with hair loss.

Meet Dave Gibson, a singer, songwriter and member of the Gibson/Miller Band.

Meet Adam Gibson, home improvement guru, contractor and designer.

Meet Will Gibson, a musician from the UK.

Meet Grant Gibson, award winning interior designer.

And our little buddy Gise has no Googleganger. (Isn't there a word for that, when you try to google and nothing comes up?)

Enjoy my little findings. Goofy, I know,but enjoyable.

A "Lousy" Disclaimer

So, I've gotten a bit of negative feedback from my last blog entry. Even though a blog is meant to be just thoughts, ideas, fun, etc. spewed out and not having to have an explanation, I feel one is probably necessary this time.

I wrote this entry as a bit of comedic relief from our lice situation. And also to present some facts that were misconstrued. It may have come across as a bit harsh, but that was not my intent. Please forgive me if I offended you in any way; I am still trying to perfect the art form of writing sarcastically. Obviously, I have a bit of work to do.

And for those of you who chose not to want to be by us after knowing about our nasty nits, I understand your concern over it. I wouldn't want to come over to my house either.

If you have any hard feelings about my entry, please call me, and we will talk. Also, if you want to debate lice facts with me, bring it on! I'm game.

I do love you all dearly. Please know that. Amy

What a "Lousy" Time

Hi! This is Gise here. (I know I can only speak one word, "ball", but I have so many words in my head and I know how to type. I am borderline genius, but am throwing everyone off with my vocal skills. They think I am cute, so I'll stick to that.) This is a message to everyone who knows about my condition. And also a message to further educate those who don't know.

Some of you have made my mama feel bad. And it is all my fault. My mommy found a bunch of lice on my head last week. She says she should not have told anyone.

She is upset because people have so many misconceptions about lice. They think lice can fly or jump; they just crawl. The only way you can get them is by head-to-head contact; not by sitting on my couch. Once a louse is not in contact with your scalp anymore, they die off within a day or two. Also, having lice is not harmful; it is just a nuisance.

And my mama feels overwhelmed enough because of the nonstop laundry and the constant combing of our hair, but to have others shun our family because of the myths or their unsupported "facts" make her feel even more terrible.

And by the way, I just didn't wake up with my infestation on Saturday. She figured out, by research and talking to others and consulting my pediatrician, that I probably had it for at least a month. The life cycle of a louse is a long one. I probably got a louse from somewhere awhile back. Then, it had to grow up bigger in order to lay eggs. (And they can only lay 4-5 eggs per day.) Then, it takes at least a week for the eggs to hatch. And a louse can live on your head for about 40-50 days. And even then, you may not even know one is on your head because it can take about a month for your body to recognize the louse' saliva when it bites you for their food every 3-5 hours, and makes you itch.

To reiterate, I have had lice for awhile, and we all didn't know. Auntie Liz, you probably cut my hair while I had it. Miss Gina, you had my brothers in your carpool while I had it. Uncle Blake, you didn't wear a HazMat suit last time you saw me. A lot of people were at my house over Christmas and probably had it. And the funny thing is, now that it has been recognized and treated and it is gone, people are more concerned about staying away now. They were more likely to get it before, then today.

So, instead of trying to keep us at bay, I suggest you should check your own heads. My mommy said she would do it for you, because she has become an expert at spotting them and the eggs. And she has all the tools to pick 'em out.

And before I sign off, thanks to those who have been a true support to our plagued family. Thank you Auntie Dawn for your expertise. Thank you SuppaClub for not thinking twice about whether my mom and dad should go out with you. Thank you Grandma Betts for not thinking it was a big deal. Thank you Grandma Docter for listening to my mama and letting me come over to visit today. But most of all, thank you Uncle Brandon for saving Mommy on Saturday, bringing over the special shampoo and helping pick out the gross bugs and being willing to cut our hair. I love you.

A FOOTNOTE FROM THE MOTHER:
Thank you Gise for being such a wonderful, little boy and standing up for your Mama! And an update to those who could care less about what Gise has had to say, our little family has no signs of lice or their eggs. Yet, I am still combing with my special tool at least two times a day just to make sure. If you have any comments or questions or concerns, I would be thrilled to open up a discussion with you!

We are not going to be slaves to this bug! And neither should you! So, if we come around, you best be opening your door! Much love, Amy, the Mother

Family

As a family, the Docter clan has been tried and tested and, I believe, grown over the past month. It started with my dad approaching the possible end of his battle with prostate cancer. (I say "possible end" because only God knows the whole picture.) I have spent many hours, most often without children around, with my mom and dad and brothers and sisters-in-law. We have found ourselves taking over the corner of the hospital hallway. We have found ourselves crowding into a tiny private room, with my dad as the centerpiece. We have found ourselves gathering in the living room of my parent's cozy house just hanging out.

Our conversations have been memorable; I believe it is because of my dad. He has shared more with us than ever before. He has become more of a spiritual head of our house the past month. Relationships have been discussed, reconciled and are being mended. We have had unforgettable moments of prayer and scripture reading.

Our family has come together. We have been in constant contact for support and discussion and an ear to hear. It is wonderful knowing someone else, who is going through this, is only a phone call away.

The point I want to make is that I love my family dearly. They all mean so much to me. Right now, in this stage of my life, besides my Super Whitey and my boys' hugs, they are what I need. Among other things, I need Bret's confidence and Erin's medical expertise; I need Brad & Anne-Marie's practicality; I need Blake's laugh and seeing his girls run around; I need Bryan's self-assurance; I need Brandon's presence & Liz' phone calls. (I also need more of Aunt Alvina's muffins!)

I am not sure if I have actually conveyed my message; maybe this is just something that will be only felt by me, not being able to be expressed to the fullest. I am just thankful for the family I have, even if bickering and bitterness are around, even if we are somewhat dysfunctional. These people are mine, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. We all have our quirks, but we also have many superb characteristics. We are all different, but we are also one, one unit. No matter what, we have each other. We are blood, and that means a great deal to me. Love and loyalty and the ability to stand with, beside and for one another is what, I believe, we are.

I would say to you, the reader, to make the most of your own family. Don't be afraid to approach the hard subjects; admit your wrong and ask for forgiveness; let go of bitterness; talk it out. And most importantly, not only love your family, but like them too.