My dad
Hi again, yeah I know, it's been a little while, nearly 3 weeks or so?
I didn't lose the 9 pounds, but I did lose a couple of pounds. Didn't matter, my folks were proud of me anyway. We had a good time visiting them. When we first arrived and I went in to see my dad, it hurt a lot. He was so visibly weak and struggling for air. He couldn't stand having us all there and him laid up in bed, so he spent as much time as possible in an electric scooter/wheelchair so he could be around all the grandkids. He was really enjoying watching their antics. It was a fun weekend; had kids running everywhere and making up silly little games with rules that I think you simply have to be under the age of 15 to understand. I spent my free time crocheting a lap blanket for my dad to use when in his wheelchair. Everybody commented on my weight and how good I look!
That kept a smile on my face. Nothing like dozens of compliments to make you feel proud.
Had a lot of good times, maybe I'll share some later. We finally made it back to Florida on Tuesday (the 2nd) evening. It's a 20 hour car trip each way! On Thursday afternoon, my mom called sobbing. My dad had just passed away. I flew back to Illinois on Friday to be with her and to attend the services. Just made it back home again on Thursday. Hadn't slept much the past week, so no big surprise that I've been simply exhausted and sleeping way too much the past 2 days.
Going to try to refocus and get back on track this Monday. Dad was very proud of me and I want to know he'd still be proud of me. Mom confessed that when my weight was ballooning up, they were both worried but Dad didn't want to say anything to make me feel bad. They knew I'd have to get motivated for myself. That just makes me appreciate them more and renews my determination.
Have a good weekend and best wishes to you all. 
RIP dad, love always