Missing Pop

McD Marquee tribute to Pop. Everyone has been so wonderful----thanks so much.

Julie and family

Ashpole Family Update

Had some inquires about yesterday's pic of Pop. It was an older pic. This one was taken this AM---I call it---"enough with that #%$&@ camera this early in the morning picture"---or maybe Pop said that--anyway this pic is hot off the camera. Pop is more photogenic now with his weight gain--but still stays cranky in the morning---Might say today--Pop is holding his own. (If I were wicked---I would go into the bedroom and draw a happy face on him before he wakes up and then take a picture---Hmmm--just may happen--not the wicked---just the happy face.) Keeping it real: Yesterday was a bit rough for him--had flu like symptoms--was sedentary all day and went to bed before 7:00pm. Would suspect it was a reaction to the Epogen injection on Monday. He is better today and plans a McD's trip and to drive me to Mass at noon (HHR being serviced today---so I am without wheels).

Sun is shining this AM. Remember the times spent at the Kleppers and sitting in the sunny greenhouse reading, enjoying the company, and beautiful plants. Have received so many wonderful sentiments of love and caring from everyone--thanks. Wanted to share a notation from a Marjolein Bastin card---"It is not how long the flower blooms, but how beautifully." Now doesn't that just say it all? Thought I would add a greenhouse pic with some of Kelli's plants (taken a couple of years ago.)

S/W Linda last night to get an update on her dad. All is going as expected, defibrilator implanted yesterday, staying stable, and expected to be able to return to home soon.

Thank you for continuing to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

What a pair--one was snoozing/watching the KU game--one was snuggling by his Pop. Spencer has certainly moved into our home and hearts--such a sweet little pup and such good company for us. The other two "boys" enjoy him also---who'd have thought we would have ever had another dog let alone 3 more. They are all very therapeutic for us---especially Pop. He seems to be a Pom magnet--always has one close by if not all three.

Supposed to be 40 degrees here today---currently 21----burrr! Thinking about gardening, reading plant books, trying to get ideas for the upcoming season. Replanting the snake (mother-in-laws tongue) plant today---Kelli gave me the plant years ago. Noted hers was replanted in a gorgeous pot when I last visited her house. Wanted to include a Kelli pic of Mr Jax standing at at the entry of the Klepper greenhouse by the marvelous bean plant. Kelli planted the beans by seed and called this pic "Jax and the Beanstalk."

Please see Linda's comments yesterday regarding her dad's recuperation. Our family has more requests for good thoughts and prayers out there than one could imagine----really keeping God, angels, and saints busy. Thinking of all of you----please stay well, healthy, and close to one another today.

Pop just left for McD's for the daily meeting. Pop is holding his own. Will call Thursday and request lab work---thinking hgb will be at 8 or lower---due to his pale complexion and shortness of breath.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Terry and Kat made it home safely through icy and snowy roads.

Pop had chemo on Monday. Has a CT and colonoscopy scheduled next month with a full schedule of Monday chemo days into mid February.

Bruce has had some of the most remarkable calls from people and friends who knew Kelli. He is humbled by our family and the number of people who have offered their love and support to him.

Linda's dad has major heart surgery today. Vicki has kept us posted as to the events leading to this day. All of their immediate family will be together at John Hopkins and of course I ask you to also be there in thought and prayer for a successful outcome.

We have had such an outpouring of love from friends and family with the loss of Kelli. So many people have pictures to share and thought I would continue to add pictures of her to our blog. Just seems right. Suggest you also catch Lindsay's tribute, check out the pics and also add to the "album." Kelli loved to cook--was a gourmet cook--this pic was taken on Bruce's 50th birthday celebration. Kat and I traveled to CO to help make it a special day for both Bruce and Kelli. What a fun celebration! (Click 2 times to enlarge pic).

As always, I ask for good thoughts and prayers for our family. We have a remarkable network of family and friends---thanks to all of you.

Love,

Mom

Family Update

We thank all of you for the many expressions of love extended to our family. I have asked Bruce to compose the following note to send out to everyone. (Due to Pop's illness, we are deferring any KS gathering. Pop's MD has emphasized the importance of focusing on his continuing care and treatment.) Kelli was dear to all of us, always expressed her love of family/friends, and would have wanted us to focus on Pop's well being. Know that all of you will celebrate Kelli's life in your own hearts and ask all of you to also keep Bruce in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time in our lives.

Love,
Mom

To Friends and Family,

There have been many questions regarding Kelli’s passing and it is difficult to keep everyone who knew and loved her informed. I want everyone to know that Kelli passed quickly and did not suffer.

Due to the difficulty of assembling everyone from all over the country, we have decided not to have a formal service and will have a couple of small family gatherings in Colorado and Kansas. With this is mind, in lieu of flowers, if you would like to express your sympathy, we are suggesting a donation to the Colorado Pug Rescue www.copugrescue.org a non profit organization dedicated to pug welfare that Kelli was fond of.

Thank you for your kindness and condolences. Kelli and I are very fortunate to have so many loving family members and friends.

Please keep Kelli in your thoughts and prayers.

Bruce