For Madeline

The title sounds like it should be a sweet, folk-style ballad dedicated by Simon & Garfunkel, but instead this is just an attempt to cheer up my little sister. Last week at school (in the barren iceland known as Logan, UT), Maddie tripped on some ice and fell. She shattered the bones just above her right wrist. She had to have surgery yesterday to repair the damage. They put a metal plate in her arm and nine screws - nine!!! Apparently, she was in the most horrific pain after the surgery. They gave her a ridiculous amount of morphine and still couldn't get her pain under control. They finally ended up giving her a couple of percocet (a few hours apart) and she was able to relax and sleep. They told my parents that the pain medication and anesthesia generally make patients emotional. For women, they generally cry a lot, and men generally get angry (hmmm...interesting). Apparently, she has been quite sensitive and cries at the drop of a hat.  My dad was teasing her about being a wimp, and she burst into tears.  Honestly Dad!  This is your fourth daughter - you'd think you would know better by now.  :) 

I sincerely hope Greg with forgive me, but these always cheer me up.  It seems impossible to cry when you look at these beauties!  I know this was all before your time (Happy 20th Birthday this weekend), but honestly, Don Johnson eat your heart out!  A few of my favorite things about these pictures: the California suntan, the pegged pants, the gold chain, the absolutely "To-Die-For" hairstyle, the fabulous dresses and "Big Hair" of all of his dates, holding his date and a teddy bear, the white gloves (did she have cooties?), and of course, the light pink tanktop!  (I sure love you, Greg!  You make me smile!  My high school dance pictures are almost old enough to enjoy as much as these - almost.)  Here's to hoping that you feel better soon, Mads!