This post originally appeared on my life-and-community blog at www.dmweblife.com. At the time this was written, I had not updated the blog for a couple of months and thought I would probably not be posting there again.

Hi all – it has been so long since I posted anything I am not sure if you are even still here. That’s okay, I haven’t really held up my end of the bargain for the past few months.

I did want to give a (probably) final update on this blog. On June 8, our “senior living journey” ended as my dad passed away surrounded by friends and family at Kavanagh House. Al Barcheski was a great guy with a big heart, unique personal style, and a great sense of humor. I was proud to call him my dad. He was also somewhat well-known around Des Moines. I have heard from so many people who’ve said, “I didn’t know Al was your Dad, but I knew him and will miss him.” If you are interested and able to attend, there will be a memorial visitation on Tuesday, June 17 from 4-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Here’s the obituary in case you missed it last week.

Also… or, as they say, “in other news,” on Saturday June 14 my home was destroyed in the flooding that occurred in Des Moines’ Birdland neighborhood. Based on what I can see of the now-receding water level, it appears that we had about 8 feet of water in the master bedroom and about 4-5 feet in the kitchen and living room which sit a little higher than the rest of the house. This will be our second re-build of this house, as it was flooded in 1993.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We’re strong, but right now it’s a little over-whelming.

Thanks!

“So bring on the rain
‘Cause I’m thirsty anyway
And tomorrow’s another day.”