We turn the page...

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Rich's father, Stanislaw. He died last Wednesday at the age of 74. We'd been waiting for 'the call' since the Sunday previous. He was hospitalized with pneumonia the week before and on Sunday night, his residence called us to tell us he wouldn't last the night. He hung on until Wednesday thus proving to everyone one last time how strong he really was.

He had been in ill health for several years - suffering the worst of his strokes just over two years ago which left him unable to speak and then eventually unable to walk. Simon never really knew him as a result. A man of few words (especially in English), I really hardly knew him myself. But I am forever grateful that he came to this country and bore a son who stole my heart. Simon carries on the family name with pride. We will tell him loads of stories about his Dziadek.

Here he is in better times with Rich and a very, very newborn Simon (2 weeks old) on Father's Day 2003.