Danica graduated from high school and turned 18 years old on June 12! There were times when Barbie and I talked about Dave, wishing that he would be here with us to see Danica graduate and to start a new beginning.

June 9th, Danica graduated, cheered by the whole Hoskins' clan and most of all Dave was there, yelling, "Danica, you rock!", moments before the "National Anthem" was sung! She had the most family members in attendance, occupied the front row seats and we made sure that all the 520 graduates heard us. Not only the girls ( Barbie, Angie and Delta) could cheer, they could cry, too (couldn't see Sissy, sitting behind me)! I was just so worried that Danica might fall or her shoes might snap while going up the stage. Thank God, she made it!

After the graduation, we partied at home! The Hoskins' gave a taste to our Marylander friends of Blue grass, gospel music. Dave was able to keep up with everybody, sang a few songs and played his banjo. Melissa and Dave sang a song together, a precious moment! The night ended with lots of laughter, no worries!

Thank you so much to all my in-laws for their help in making the party a success and made my life so much easier! To name a few a things; Barbie threaded the kabobs all by herself and was assigned to be in-charged for the party, Angie learned how to make guacamole, poor Delta and Sissy got splattered with grease, frying spring rolls. Highlight of the day, Jay learned how to cook rice! Not to forget, Robert manned the grill! Mike and Doug were given a few minutes to rest as soon as getting here from Va. before given some works to do. John was assigned for the drinks (had to stopped at garage sales) and chauffered the graduates, Danica and Diana. We missed Scott and Landon! Not only the adults had fun but the children had there own. They were not told again and again to clean up the playroom. We had to let it go! I didn't have to go to work for a while!

Danica is only the plane right now, on her way to San Diego. Dave is making turtle trap for the weekend in Va. He doesn't much appetite, pain has been in control, some swelling in his legs but he is doing better. He is still on chemo break and we still can't make up our minds on where we are going to spend the rest of our summer other than Va. and home.

Have to go and do some more carpet shampooing before hitting the hardware store for some paint!

Edith

We were in Va. last weekend. Dave went to play cards on Friday night and lost! Melissa went to camp out with her little cousins as I spent the night at home. On Saturday, we went to "Uncle Billy's Day" in Altavista, Va. It was too hot for me walking around, couldn't enjoy the food! Dave did good walking around and buying more fishing and hunting stuff.

Dave is still on a chemo break. As of last Tuesday, his blood counts were normal, his liver enzymes were good. The swelling in his legs has gone down much better. His pain meds (oxycontin) were up to 80 mg. 2x daily and he takes 4mg. of Dilaudid as needed for breakthrough pain. His sisters said that he looked good Friday night when he dropped by to say "HI" at the campground.

My friend Ruth said, "SONOFAGUN, WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE HOSKINS' FAMILY!"

Yesterday morning, Scott (one of Dave's brother-in-law) was going to take Alyssa to Sunday School and Angie and Landon (22mos. old) would join them during the worship but a freak accident happened. The baby got out of their house without them knowing, which he had never done it before and Scott accidently backed on him. He suffered a broken femur and bruises. He is still at the hospital in full body cast. I talked to Barbie this morning and she said that he might be going home today. We were getting ready to go home when Angie called their mom's house, saying that Landon got hit. We got to their house and the baby was on his changing table, holding his favorite stuff toy and a pacifier in his mouth, couldn't move his legs. Accidents like these only happen to people you don't know but it happened to us. Please keep Angie, Scott, Alyssa and Baby Landon in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

The Hoskins family is planning to get together on Saturday, June 9th, for Danica's graduation and to celebrate her 18th birthday here in Maryland. They will be playing music. Hope Dave will be feeling good so that he could play his banjo.

Edith