Mike Bales

As many of you know, Nick's father Mike has been battling pancreatic cancer since we found out in June. It has been a tough battle with rounds of chemo, radiation and a trial vaccine for months. Mike was a fighter, no doubt, and he certainly gave his all during this fight. His motto was "Give 'em Hell" and no one doubts that is exactly what he did.

Unfortunately and sadly, Mike left us on Tuesday night around 10:15pm. We are all so incredibly happy and blessed that we were able to spend as much time as we did with him all the way through his last day. Nick, myself and the boys had a wonderful visit with him Tuesday afternoon and got to say the things to him we had always wanted to. He got two "I love you's" from Wyatt and tons of smiles and coo's from Nolan. We all got to kiss him and tell him we loved him before we left that day.

As we have said several times throughout this past 8 months, we are beyond lucky and blessed to have the support and friendships we have. This overwhelming support has humbled us and is something we will never forget. Thank you so much to everyone who has been there for us, is there for us now and will continue to be there for us as we move forward and heal.

In the words of Mike Bales, "We all have led a charmed life" and it is thanks to many of the wonderful people in our lives that this is true.

Love,

The Bales