Well... I'm not going. :(

[jeffrey]

Second year in a row I planned on it and can't go. Well I could go, but it would be wrong.

Two things have come up in the last month that are more important. Namely my parents' health has declined (we thought we were going to lose my mother 2 weeks ago Friday) and my friend Ben (the one that had stomach cancer) is back in chemo again and not doing very well.

I've been going to see my folks every two weeks or so since my mother's condition worsened.

Ben has been asking when I'm coming to visit again. He hasn't said "I need to you come down" but I know he wants me to, so I think I should.

I look at it this way. Jemfest will always be around (I hope) but Ben and my folks may not be.

So unfortunately, I have to pass on this one.

Someone give Simon a wedgie for me.

[Ricky Garcia]

Oh man thats really bad.. we will keep in mind that we can be lucky that we are all healthy right now and can celebrate. Hope both of them become better!!

[jeffrey]

I appreciate the thoughts Ricky.

But the sad truth of it is, I'm not sure either of them will make it past another year.

It's a tough reality, but I have to start accepting it now or it will only be harder later.

[bob oakman]

Man... That's a bummer. It seems that making it to Jemfest this year is a great challenge for many people. be strong and don't feel bad about the fest. There will be more.

We'll have to do a TX-mini in your honor when we get back.

I don't have the same things preventing me. I just can't get off the job without quitting it. That is what I will do if I have to. Then I'll just put my application in again when I get back.

[Carlo]

Sorry to hear to sad news.


My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[David Ho]

Sorry to hear about your situation, Jeffrey, but it looks like I am joining you on the "Planned-to-go-but-cannot-make-it-list".

I have to leave for China on an urgent trip for work this Friday. It basically blew my entire plan for Jemfest.

Next year may be...

[gkelm]

Sounds like you're making an important choice...spending time with people that you care about (and vica versa) is priceless an irreplaceable.
Greg

[wildealien]

Originally Posted by David Ho

Sorry to hear about your situation, Jeffrey, but it looks like I am joining you on the "Planned-to-go-but-cannot-make-it-list"

i've been on that one a while now myself...

good luck with things, jeffrey. my dad missed a great deal of things in his life to go see his own father who battled cancer and lost last month. he doesn't regret missing anything, because he was with those who mattered most.

-leon

[jay ratkowski]

You can't win really. Either you have a date set months in advance and stuff just comes up... or you set it too late and no one has a chance to make time.

I'm not gonna be there either... was planning on it, but when they changed the dates it happened to coincide with g/f's graduation. Since she's going to be living with me for at least a little while, I don't want her entire family to hate me for ditching it. hehe

Next year...

[balducci]

Hey .... you guys will be missed...

Jay I was hoping to see you again.. and was wondering what nice gear you would be bringing.... I brought my new rig the mesa Mark 2c+ and i wantwed your opinion.... well let me know if you hear it on the cd they make or the video..

hope to see you next year

RB

[balducci]

Jeff,

so sorry to hear about your news..... my prayers are with you.