Why the blog?
WHY start the blog?
Well a few reasons, first and most importantly it’s a great way to stay in-touch with family & friends. Our lives our so full of everyday things and work that sometimes it’s hard to stay in touch with each other. This way you can check in on “Todd & Lori” as well as each of our family and of course our dogs!
RIP dad 1/12/43 – 9/13/09
The other major reason for having this blog is to keep my (Lori’s) family and friends up-to-date on my dad. About 6.5 years ago he beat out a major form of cancer. It’s a very uncommon type to have; mucosal melonoma. It was discovered in his sinuses from a severe nose bleed that would not go away. Against all odds (as told to him by the dr.’s later on) he beat it… (he is one stubborn son-of-a-bitch)! After recovering and making his dream of living in Colorado a reality, Fred settled into a small but quaint town of Salida, CO (population 5,476).
He’s enjoyed many outdoor activities that Salida has to offer; skiing, mountain hikes, off trail tours in his beloved Jeep Cherokee, tennis and biking to name a few. Every week that I spoke with him, he seemed so happy, full of life and had many stories to share of his adventures, what he had seen that day hiking, off roading in the jeep or local festivities that were happening in the community. I was so happy for him and he was only a 2 hour plane ride from California.
Fast forward to present day and suddenly the disease has came out of remission. He’s relocated back to Sarasota, FL population 372,057. Currently he is staying with my grandmother (his mom- Adele). My mom and sister both live in the same area so he is surrounded by strong support system.
“Never Give Up,” that’s what he’s always taught my sister and I. I won’t dad and don’t you forget it either!
Each week, myself (Lori) or my sister (Ceiliah) will attempt to post updates and photos of the status of our dad, Fred.
Feel free to leave any comments, as we look forward to hearing from you and we know he will too.
Lori Epner
Good 'ole Freddie and me
this message is for fred. i don’t know how this thing works either, so if you are resding this right now, and you are not fred, could you make yourself useful (lori) and get this message to him:)
fred,
one of my greatest memories of college is visiting your super cool store with your kind of cool daughter! i can picture it like it was yesterday, the colors, all of the books, the hazy sun the way that it came in this one window, and the feeling of being back in time. i still have the two posters that i tried to buy, but you insisted on gifting to me. one was a weathered black and white seventies photograph that read, “you have your life, and i have mine. and if by chance they cross each other, it is beautiful”. such a great quote that i am truly inspired by today. back then it just sounded like a good idea! the other poster was bright turquoise, maybe an original blacklight poster, but i have never had a blacklight to check it out! it was a black line drawing of a psychadelic woman with long hair. looked just like me. lori will confirm! i told lori that day what a cool dad she had, a man that surrounded himself everyday with all of this incredible literature and eternally cool stuff! i know that she must have gotten some of her awesome talent and qualities from you. i love your daughter very much and hope that she is a part of my life for as long as some of those books have been around. my prayers are with you.
best, joni
I like the name tag!
This is BEAUTIFUL Lori!
Great photos, stories and memories. There are not enough words t tell you how touched I am by your story and your relationship with your family and awesome dad! =d It truly is a blessing to have them in your life and you are doing a beautiful job keeping everyone together through distance and through tough times. You have always been the ‘tough’ one, though I know you have a very soft side deep inside you, however u have always inspired strength and never giving up. I’m so proud of you and all your accomplishments in life, and the beautiful life you live and love. I have your father and your family in my prayers every day to give him strength to keep fighting, believing and live a beautiful life and to give you all the strength and courage to stay strong with him. I know God is watching over good people like you and life is a beautiful place when there is so much love like there is between you guys. God bless your papa, you and your family and know I always have you in my thoughts, heart and prayers. I love you dearly and I’m always be here for you. =) <3
oh! ps, Love u too Todd! You a cool cat too– as long as u treat my girl better than awesome! hehe*
Look forward to more stories, photos and great memories on ur sweet blog! Congrats!!!! =)
Fred I enjoyed talking to you the other day. I got this blog from Lori and Todd. When I read what she wrote I could feel the love coming from those words to you and with that much love, will come the healing powers so take as many doses and feel the warmth throughout your body. I will have you in my prayers every day.
God Bless,
Vernon
PS: If you ever want or need to talk call me, my cell is local for you 941-228-6388.
I’m so glad that you’re sharing your thoughts and photos with us on this blog! They’re so sweet to see, you’re so lucky to have such a great family and wonderful father! His determination and optimism are a real example to his girls, I’m sure. I’ll be thinking of you all…. Love, Linda
Hi Fred:
Sorry to hear of your ill health.
I don’t know if you remember me telling you that my husband Rudi has had the big C three times and thank God has never let the mood go down and has bounced back each time.
Nice to know that you enjoyed your stay in Colorado but am sure your family will be glad to have you back here in Florida.
Will be keeping you in our prayers.
Kindest regards.
Sue & Rudi Lenz.
Fred,
Just to let you know that you are in my prayers. I’ll never forget the trip that we made to Snow Shoe, back in the early eighties. Even though I have never been so black and blue in my life, we all still had a great time. That was the first and last time for me on the slopes. Get well soon and get back on the slopes.
Lou
Fred
Just got the link to your daughter’s blog from Cindy. I too, want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I admire your steadfastness and look forward to your return to Colorado in hopes that we can get back to some hiking, good music and some skiing next season.————-Steve