Slide Show of Tom

Hey family,

I was just wondering if you would mind taking some time to share stories/ memories about Dad? Even quick snippets would be appreciated (I know we're all short on time). I think it would help us all with keeping on keeping on ...

Stories of him ... or stories that other people have shared ...

I'll start ... since we've been home, I've heard comments from two neighbors that I don't talk to very often. Both said that they had talked with Dad before. They both seemed surprised and pleased, even blessed, by his interest in them. Like Uncle Dan said, Dad valued people. This is a good reminder to me to make time to value others, even when I don't have "time."

Anyone else have a story/memory? I have also posted this on nelbett.blogspot.com (aka "Keeping Family Together").

Update from Washington ...

We got home here at about 8 pm. We were excited to be returning home (I was eager to see check on progress in the garden) but we both heaved a sigh of dread at returning to reality, with a different perspective. A friend of mine recently shared a comment that I liked. We make our return to reality and we start going again just like it's normal, but I feel like I should be able to wear a sign that says, My Dad Just Died. I know I will find my own personal way to wear a sign of sorts that allows me to honor his memory and keep him close to me.

After pulling up to the house and heaving that sigh of resignation for the return to reality, we walked into our house expecting a healthy dose of reality - the kind that comes when you walk into a house full of the madness that comes when you quickly left a week ago.

But to my surprise, our house is spotless. Everything is in order, stacks are in place, the diapers that were in the dryer are stacked in a laundry basket, even the kitchen faucet is shinier than it's been since we viewed the house with our realtor! And the fridge is stocked with milk & eggs (my staple requirements for a happy morning), and the counter has bananas & avocados. The stairs are vacuumed. And there are enchiladas in the fridge.

We are so blessed. 'Nuff said.

We miss you all. It was an incredible time of togetherness and mutual missing of my dad. I am thankful for your offers of togetherness and I am looking forward to our time in August in MSP. I will try to do better at keeping our lives updated here on this blog - please keep us updated about your lives as well!

Dad

Recent Photos

A walk in Central Park.

Some of my old college friends were our gracious hosts.They only had one set of sheets for two beds. Ainsley was demonstrating how to burrito yourself with one sheet.Whole Family in NYC with old family friend Terry Prendergast

A&A were going to a TWILIGHT themed birthday party. After much coaxing, Andrew allowed Ainsley to eyeliner him up.We're beeing attacked by Carlile & Esme!!!Seattle Rep play "Breakin' Hearts & Taking Names." Fantastic play -- reminded me of my dad and Garrison Keillor.Mariner's Opening DayMother's Day in Portland, Graham is being dedicated at Mosaic.Whole family to support Graham's dedication. Left to right. Great Great Uncle Walter, Grandma Rank, Molly, Andrew, Granddad Bettger, Grandmother Bettger, Pat, Grandpa Rank, Cousin Greg.