For my Dad

I haven't much felt like even doing my nails since the 1st of August when everything started going to hell in a hand basket with my dad's illness.  He was diagnosed with CLL a year ago and we were told most likely the cancer would outlive him but that's not what happened.  When we learned he needed to do chemo we were all sick at heart especially after having to watch what it did to my beautiful sister, Lisa.  But my dad was a trooper and he said he wanted to do it if there was a chance to give him some more time with us--his family.  He went for his first chemo treatment on August 1st--this was to be the first one in a six month program.  He didn't handle it well at all and it put him into renal failure.  He fought like hell and came back from the brink of death with dialysis and things were looking so good and he would have been coming home this past weekend.  Instead, on the best day he had so far, he developed an acute subdural hematoma and there was nothing they could do. He actually got out of the ICU on Monday the 6th and was moved to the regular hospital and went to a rehab floor.  On Tuesday the 7th he got up and walked, ate 3 meals, visited with friends and did some crossword puzzles.  But at 7pm that night, while my mother and I were with him, the acute subdural hematoma occurred and there was no saving my dad.  We removed him from life support on Wednesday the 8th and he left us on Thursday the 9th very early in the morning.  I know he's with my beautiful sister, Lisa, once again but it still doesn't make losing him any easier.  His name was Alan Lutze and he was the greatest man God ever put on this earth

Tomorrow we are saying goodbye to him and I'm sure we will cry many tears, but I hope there will also be some laughter and good times remembered fondly by all.

I filed my nails down quite a bit to be able to rub lotion onto his feet and hold his hand without fear of scratching him.  I haven't even though much about doing my nails since August 1st but I knew I had to put on the brave face and go to his funeral looking more like me and less like a scared and angry person.  The other day I saw this gorgeous mani on Pinterest and I just knew I HAD to do this for my dad's service.  Thanks SO much to The Polished Mommy for thinking this one up because it is SO gorgeous!

These are images BM311 and BM323 using the China Glaze Bohemians over black--so lovely!

I love how I can go wearing duochromes which I really love!

Here are some pics in the shade where the mani is still so gorgeous!

Duochromes over black equals love!

And in case you haven't noticed the Bohemian Collection stamps great over black!

A very big special thank you to Francine aka The Polished Mommy for this mani.  I'm glad to wear something so beautiful to say goodbye to my Dad.

Thanks to all of you who have stopped by to say kind words and offer support.  It means so much to me.