fking

Stroke Survivor - male
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  1. fking
    This subject comes from the Dear Abby pages and when we throw in a stroke for either spouse we get a picture of why some couples are ready to throw in the towel. You know Dear Abby is distributed by Universal Press Syndicate for many home town news papers.
     
    This story caught my eye because the husband's name was "Fred".
     
    Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married for 35 years. The first 30 were pretty much devoted to raising children. Now that we are both retired and empty nesters, I realize just how focused our lives have been on family issues.
     
    While I have developed many interests, "Fred," has none besides solitary activities. He isn't interested in most of the things I enjoy, but offer no alternatives. Consequently, I've learned to make social plans that do not include him.
     
    I do spend a good deal of time at home with him, but I am feeling increasingly detached. I would like to have more of a life with Fred, but I must give up the relationships and activities that have provided a needed balance in my life in order to revive our marriage? ...Mrs .couch potato
     
    Dear Mrs. couch potato: And what's to guarantee that if you give up your friendships and activities that your marriage will be "revived"? Marriage is about compromise. Before this situation goes any further, you and Fred should talk to a counselor about the state of your union.
     
    People who are anti-social may be extremely narrow in their range of interests, or they could be depressed. I'm advising you to find out now into which category your husband falls before you sever your social contacts. End of Abby's answer!
     
    From my experience once we get the outside social taste in our minds it's hard to overcome when we have a survivor at home, I applaud the care givers and survivors for staying together as their vows dictated. When I read this story I remembered so many stories here along the same lines.
     
     
  3. fking

    Black History Month

    By fking,

    Thought I would blog about something to get off the stale back pages so Black History Month came to mind. History has never been one of my strong subjects but for a month that started out as a Day, Week and Now a Month for some years now is something to look at in terms of history and the many African-Americans that has contributed to those pages in our struggle to be citizens of these United States of America.
     
    When we look at black history heritage we find many names and historical facts that reminds us freedom is never given, it is won. Lives are lost, families are separated and struggle is a big part of acceptance of those not willing to see change in any form.
     
    My father and mother were born in the 1800's and my great and great-great grand parents were born in America long before then so I have heard many stories from my parents of their struggles and the struggles of their parents. All of those generations has produced preachers and people of faith who believed in God as their strength and salvation. So as I have stated many time my faith in God is very strong believing my true friend is Jesus. One of the first songs I learned was "What a friend we have in Jesus."
     
    There are to many names of pioneers in the archives of black history to mention here but the beginnings can be traced back to slavery times and religion had a large part of that era. The ancient African Christians who laid the foundations for much of modern Africa is said to have started the christian movement. Thus the "old Negro spirituals" was sung by many slaves and generations since.
     
    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. known to many of us as a civil rights movement leader and devoted christian struggled to change the way America thought about African-Americans. There were also educators like Booker T Washington, and scores of others who helped to educate the blacks and form the alliance of predominant black colleges across America.
  4. fking
    Well, I read all of your well wishes and suggestions in my last blog. And as you all know I don't blog too often but I thought I'd let you know I made it to four years post stroke.
     
    Thought I would wait a couple days to make sure I passed that mark and headed to 5 years. I wish you all a successful year and all your wishes come true. I posted it on the message board but I know you all read the blogs first and may not get around to the topics on the message board with so many members now.
     
    So here is my Mountain Top Wisdom: Four years worth!
     
    The greatest thought is God.
    The greatest thing is love.
    The greatest mystery is death.
    The greatest challenge is life.
    The greatest waste of time is hate,
    and the most expensive indulgence is PRIDE!
    --Charles E. Jones-- :secret:
  5. fking
    Without any doctors knowledge of what is happening to my left side physically I am in a struggle to make 4 years survivor on 15 Jan 2008. The doctors can not explain what is taking place to cause the problem I have. Their one answer is its not more brain cells dying.
     
    Well then with therapy why am I becoming so stiff and unable to move my left side? Each doctor, my PCP, my Arthritis doctor, my Neurologist, and all the VA doctors. They each have a list of my medications, my therapy schedules and the medical history of my stroke.
     
    I consider myself a very strong willed person with lots of stroke knowledge since joining this site but I have no reason why I feel like my left side is freezing up. I can still get around, drive and do for myself but it's getting very hard to do.
     
    You guys will probably see me on here less and less as my physical condition worsens. I hope I get some concrete answers soon. Oh this is not a pity party just a rant of not knowing what's happening. And to see if by chance, anyone else is having the same or similar problems?
  6. fking

    What would you do?

    By fking,

    Subject: What would you do?
     
     
     
     
     
     
    What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice????
     
    At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the former students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
     
    The audience was stilled by the query.
     
    The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
     
    Then he told the following story:
     
    Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
     
    Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'l l try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
     
    Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
     
    At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible becau se Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
     
    However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
     
    The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
     
    Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
     
    Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
     
    All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
     
    Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third!"
     
    As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
     
    "That day", said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
     
    Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
     
    AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send out thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces. This story brought tears to my eyes
     
    I share this message cause so many of us here are handicapped in one way or another and some have children we care for just like in this story.
     
     
    A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats the least fortunate amongst them.
     
    You now have two choices:
    1. Read for understanding of What would you do? 2. Then Share with others, I just did.
     
     
     
  7. fking

    Early Christmas Greetings!

    By fking,

    Subject: Early Christmas Greetings
     
     
    This is a bit early, but oh so true, so just thought I'd share it with you!
     
     
     
    Twas the month before Christmas
    When all through our land,
    Not a Christian was praying
    Nor taking a stand.
    Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
    The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
    The children were told by their schools not to sing,
    About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
    It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
    December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
    Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit. Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
    CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod.
    Something was changing, something quite odd!
    Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
    In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
    As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
    At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
    At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
    You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
    Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
    Are words that were used to intimidate me.
    Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
    On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
    At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
    To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
    And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
    Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
    The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
    The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
    So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
    Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
    Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
    Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
     
     
    I don't blog too often, so when my friend sent me this message, it gave me all my own feelings about where the free world will be a few years from now.
     
    Wishing ALL of you a very Merry CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
  8. fking

    A Time For Giving Thanks...

    By fking,

    Thanksgiving is the time of the year we give thanks for our many, many blessings. Most of us don't think about the meaning of Thanksgiving.
     
    To most of us it's a holiday we don't work and we share with our family and friends. We enjoy lots of turkey baked or fried, a big ham and football all day long.
     
    Our forefathers set aside this day every year to give thanks for their abundant crops. They celebrated with a meal of wild turkey and vegetables they raised and a prayer of thanksgiving.
     
    I might add that my parents were share croppers and farmers moving from county to county while raising 12 kids. Me being the last child.
     
    In today's world, most of us don't raise crops anymore and very few have home gardens. We earn food, clothing and shelter by providing a service to our employers.
     
    Let's not forget those less fortunate than us and share the thanksgiving day and prayers with them that we may get more blessings as we grow older.
     
    Let's all say a special prayer for those families with loved ones serving in the war zones. You are all in my prayers! :Starvin: :deal:
  9. fking
    Hello to each of you, thanks so very much for your prayers, thoughts, concerns and caring. Because of you all I'm back home. A little less ability in my hand and knee but otherwise satisfied to be alive and can still do for myself.
     
    They let me go Sunday with a diagnose of no stroke but unexplained lesions in two spots on my MRI that they will not call stroke related. I had about every test and scan possible. I bet Medicare is wondering what on earth were they looking for with this patient when they look at that bill from the hospital doctors.
     
    Best I remember, I had MRI, MRA, Scan, One with wires hooked to every part of my head and upper body, then one with my neck called carotid ultrasound. They ran so much fluids through my veins they gave me a urinal to let it out. I had IVs in both arms. They could see the fluids passing through the veins looking for any stoppage anywhere.
     
    The big thing in my mind was my hand was tingling up to my elbow, am I having a stroke? Well, when the ambulance arrived and they hooked me up he said "listen buddy, you gotta go to Scott and White Hospital where they can handle your situation." I thought I could just go to our local hospital 10 minutes away which he said they were not equipped to handle my condition. That scared the S**t out of me, turned on the lights and away we went 25 miles away.
     
    The doctors were standing by and my room was already ready. I had the usual cat scan and some more stuff while in the ER, but they immediately called in more doctors in different fields of medicines. I kept looking for the Chaplin to read me my last rites. I said this is worse than first thought to myself.
     
    I tested almost hourly then up to my room where I was able to communicate with you all on my laptop. Next day more test. I can see why some patients cannot be determined as to cause of their strokes. They could see there was no brain bleed and see the old blood from my stroke 3 years ago. What was new and undetermined was the two lesions spots on the MRI and where the fluids went around those spots, not through them. Had the fluids went through the cause would have been "Stroke" number two for me.
     
    Otherwise there were no blockages to be seen and my heart rate was very study and in normal rhythm. I wore a heart monitor for two days. After all the medical conferences by the doctors who read the test results, they could not agree or see a cause of stroke. Their explanation of why I lost the use of my hand and knee was peripheral neuropathy and PTSD secondary to HTN and HLP what ever that means. My arthritis was an overwhelming factor as well along with my age.
     
    Now I have to make follow-up appointments with all my PCP doctors and continue my medications. I am concerned with the loss of my hand function and my knee. When I sit and stretch my leg out, I have no way to draw it back accept to catch my pant leg and drag it back. My hand cannot grip as I once could to hold my fork or open a packet of sugar to put in my coffee.
     
    Now I await the bill they sent to Medicare and my secondary insurance to see what the total was for them deciding I have more deficits in walking and eating but no stroke.
     
    I'm happy to be back among all of you and once again thank you for the many prayers God heard and answered. I'm still with you all. Thanks so very much everybody!
  10. fking
    Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought. That means to me that life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. I logged in today and read the newbie introduction by jcr56 about her husband and couldn't help but recall my own feelings about life and where I would be in a few years after having a stroke I knew nothing about.
     
    She stated that she would love to know what has helped us all what she can do to help her husband cause she needs help. My thoughts are the fact that me like her husband are stroke survivors meaning life as we know it has just been extended after a death defining life changing act.
     
    So, accepting what has happened will help the most then adjusting our lives, our styles, habits and doing what ever it may be to live life as best we can with what we have left cause life ain't over till it's over. Adjustments are certainly in order and must be done because the inter joy we once had in a non handicap world is no longer available to keep that inter joy we once sought or caught and now we can not buy it. We end up paying to survive by all means.
     
    I would love to be able to do all the things I did prior to my stroke that gave me so much happiness in life. I have accepted the fact that those days are by-gone and learned to live with what I can do these days while I'm still a survivor and alive.
     
     
  11. fking
    The hospice instructor wrote the words, "Fix it" on the board and proceeded to declare, "You can't do it."
     
    You can't fix it. So then, what can you do?
     
    You can be there and experience with some hurting soul, the ministry of presence, understanding, and silence. You can weep with those who weep. That is part of what the church does. When the church functions with its ministry of tears, the world takes notice.
     
    Likewise, you can also rejoice with those who rejoice - and this is sometimes more difficult because it requires a relinquishment of pride, jealousy, and envy. Rather than being the star on the field, one becomes the cheering section. The covetous soul cannot rejoice in the success of one with whom he is competing, but the Christian can consider blessings that come to a brother or sister with great cause for joy.
     
    It requires that we "Be of one mind one toward another," (Romans 12:16a)
     
    There are areas where we must agree as believers in Jesus Christ. One of them is an agreement for God's best in one another's lives - so much so that we agree about the pain when one is suffering and about the joy when one is rejoicing.
     
    It further requires that we "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." (Romans 12:16b)
     
    We are never so far above a brother or sister in Christ that we cannot sit with them where they are, in joy or sorrow. That is our witness in the world. That is our great honor. That is family. Here at Strokeboard.net we are a family support group second to none.
     
    As members, look how often we ask for prayers, best wishes, and give our condolences in times of sorrow. This writing was part of the pastors sermon that hit so close to home here at strokenetworld until I wanted to share since I welcome so many new members looking for family support at a time when there is no one to talk to about a stroke and recovery.
     
    They have not the understanding that life is not over, life is living, the light gets rid of darkness as we understand it when God said "Let there be light" and so it was. It's not our will, it's Gods will, we just need to trust in him to see the light.
  12. fking
    food for thought
     
    Subject: What do you Make of Life?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Words of wisdom from a loving Mother to her Daughter.
     
    What do you Make of Life?
     
    A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee
     
    You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
     
    A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and
    how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to
    make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling.
    It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
     
    Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with
    water and placed each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the
    first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last
    she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without
    saying a word
     
    In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the
    carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and
    placed them in a bowl.
     
    Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning
    to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
     
    "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
     
    Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.
    She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the
    daughter to take a n egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she
    observed the hard boiled egg.
     
    Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The
    daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked,
    "What does it mean, mother?"
     
    Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same
    adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in
    strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the
    boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.
    Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after
    sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened The ground
    coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling
    water, they had changed the water.
     
    "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on
    your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee
    bean?
     
    => Think of this: Which am I?
     
    Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do
    I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
     
    Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with
    the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a
    financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and
    stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and
    tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
     
    Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot
    water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets
    hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean,
    when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation
    around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest,
    do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?
     
    Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
     
    May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to
    make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make
    you happy.
     
    The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
    everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
    way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you
    can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and
    heartaches.
     
    When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was
    smiling.
     
    Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and
    everyone around you is crying.
     
     
    It's easier to build a child than repair an adult. This is so
    true.
     
    May we all be COFFEE.
     
     
     
    This is passed along from my email gang!
     
    -----------------------------------------
     
  13. fking
    Hey, I'm on vacation, short but sweet in New Orleans. Haven't been here since Katrina two years ago. It's not the same in some areas, especially the lower 9th ward, it's in shambles. I brought my big scooter and go out in day light only, Don't want to become a statistic. Glad I brought my laptop and staying across the street from the casino.
     
    I wish every survivor could get out of the house once in a while to see the outdoors. I even walked about a block to see in different little shops what they had since the hurricane. This part of town is about the same to me. Packed with people for mid week. Their population is up to 275,000 reported by the local news on TV.
     
    Couldn't ask for a better room, walk in shower, large bath tub, separate commode room, computer hook up and a door bell. It's not even a handicap room as I don't really need one so we didn't ask for one.
    I am on the fourth floor, requested nothing above the seventh floor out of reach of the fire truck ladders. I suggest all survivors consider that when staying in hotels.
     
     
    it's real nice to stretch out in a king size bed, exercise for free in the gym, sauna, hot tub without extra cost. Now if I could just figure out to get room service without the high price. The room doesn't have a refrig but a one cup coffee pot with Columbian coffee. Hey, I'm enjoying this room and my stay this time.
     
    My wife is at moms house cooking and celebrating with her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. There are too many to count. Her mom is blessed to still have 8 kids living, 4girls, 4 boys, one boy died about 4 years ago in a gang killing.
     
    I'm sending you all virtual hugs and love from the Big Easy of today. The food is still great and everyone is smiling so off I go to my first visit to Harrah's casino and have a look around. I'll end up at the poker table where I play 7 card stud and you get to see the first 3 cards without an ante unless you have th low card showing then you have to play but if there is a raise you can fold your hand.
     
    One time I had a 4 of spade showing for low hand and two more 4's for 3 of a kind. I won that hand with a full house. The pot was over 200.00 dollars cause they all thought I was bluffing and they had me beat. I just called all raises.
     
    Ok, I'm off to the casino you all, wish me luck. I got my power ball tickets too for the drawings today and Saturday. Toot-a-Lou!!
  14. fking

    spell check

    By fking,

    OK, so most of you already know I am NOT computer friendly, So this blog is very short and looking for replies from those who know where the spell check happen to be hiding from my use when I make a post or reply? First of all, it no longer appears where you post the reply as it once did.
     
    I find myself having to hit more options to get another page with the icon, checkmark, but when I hit it, it says ie spell check not detected, hit ok to download. IT NEVER HAS FOR ME.
  15. fking

    FOUR RULES TO LIVE BY

    By fking,

    There is a man in Memphis, Tn who has a motto he lives by everyday. I think I'll try it, I have been in the mood for a long time now.
     
    Listen carefully and live by these 4 rules: Drink, Steal, Swear, and Lie. You are probably saying to yourself....What?!! No way!!
     
    Here are his explanations of these rules.
     
    1. Drink from the everlasting cup every day. Our cups runneth over.
     
    2. Steal a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than you are. There are many.
     
    3. Swear that you will be a better person today than yesterday. Have more love in your HEART.
     
    4. And last, but not least, when you lie down at night, thank God you live in a free world and have freedom.
     
    Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly... Leave the rest to God.
     
    Many of our lives could get a fresh start if we only give ourselves that chance and not complain very often! :bouncing_off_wall:
  16. fking

    Closed Doors

    By fking,

    Being a 3 year survivor here and looking back at where I was at one point in my life reminds me of the bible saying "I will go and prepare a place for you." So, it reminds me of Closed Doors and those the Lord opens for us. I say to myself, "my place is not prepared yet, I'm still here for a reason."
     
    I think back to when I was a stroke victim, lying on the floor passed out for hours before getting to a hospital. Then once there becoming a survivor. We know not all victims survive a stroke or heart attack. So, I'm thinking, if he hadn't close the door He didn't want us to enter, we would never have found our way to the right door. That door being the survivor door. Perhaps my place had not been prepared.
     
    Instead of praising God for the closed door which kept us alive, we get upset because we judge by appearances. And believe it or not, in our own arrogance or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right. But, because he walks ahead of us, he can see trouble down the road and set up road blocks and detours accordingly.
     
    Through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the road blocks or remove the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord how could this happen to me?" "Why me?" We got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?" When our place is prepared, He will come again and receive us unto Him."
     
    Even if you are atheist or have no certain beliefs, my point is you are alive, a survivor, lost your job, your ability to function in part, but don't be down, instead thank God for new opportunities that will manifest themselves. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23)
     
    I read so many blogs, topics and I make a few mentor comments of my own trying to get the point across that all of us here has survived for a reason beyond our knowledge and physical understandings. Our mountain top wisdom is glorious, but it is in the valley that we will grow. Like others here, I wonder how I managed to survive this far. My only answer is "By the grace of God, and the Closed Doors."
  17. fking
    While many of us are outdoors going about activities and remembering all our fallen heroes and those who served and still serving in harms way, I'm inside reading and praying for this world in which we live.
     
    I came across this subject, "What's the point?" In part it says scientists once thought that the vertebrate with the shortest lifespan was the turquoise killifish. This small fish lives in seasonal rain pools in equatorial Africa and must complete its life cycle in 12 weeks before the pools disappear.
     
    But researchers from James Cook University in Australia have now found that the pygmy goby has an even shorter lifespan. It lives fast and die young. This tiny fish lives in coral reefs for an average of 56 days. Its rapid reproductive cycle is designed to help avoid extinction.
     
    What's the point of a life that goes so fast and ends so quickly? It's a question asked by one of the wisest men who ever lived. In his later years, Solomon, the third king of Israel, wandered from God. He became spiritually disoriented and loss his sense of direction and purpose.
     
    He looked at all his accomplishments and found them worthless. Until he remembered his God, he forgot that we live not merely for ourselves but for the honor of the one who made us worship and enjoy Him forever.
     
    Significance is not found in the number of our days, but in what our eternal God says about how we have used them. I read Ecclesiastes 12:6-14, but this was written by Mart De Haan for our daily bread magazine.
     
    It's amazing to read how many years Moses and many others lived and read where Jesus' life was very short. Reproductions of generations after generations are why so many of us have lived to be grand parents and in some cases great and great-great grand parents. Still other young lives are cut short without chances of becoming parents are grand parents.
  18. fking
    Tomorrow's solemn ceremonies (Memorial Day) will be peppered with hymns and prayers as we honor fallen heroes and commemorate their sacrifices.
     
    This is rightly so. It is also a reality that at the heart of every selfless act and sacrifice is remembrance of a giving God and a crucified Savior. Likewise at the core of every heroic act done in the name of freedom and truth, is the God of truth who decreed the high value of freedom and dignity of humanity.
     
    So many of our young people have fallen in battle (over 100 so far this month alone) and continue to fall today. We pray for those who march, sail and fly off to war on a daily basis (many from right here at Ft Hood, Texas), pray they will remember their Creator in the midst of the gunfire, in the midst of unspeakable horrors. May they find grace and courage from Jesus Christ.
     
    Many will meet him soon, some perhaps today. As we regularly pray for their safe return, let us also pray for the health of their souls and their families left behind.
     
    Let us also remember the fallen with grateful hearts. These are not cheerful hearts that gather around the flags of the fallen on Memorial Day, but thankful hearts. We are thankful these have shown the great love that Jesus demonstrated in perfection, to lay down their lives for a friend.
     
    We are their friends. We are their families. We are their countrymen no matter our creed or color. We are the recipients of their great gift of self in the prime of their youth. We are a grateful nation for that reason.
     
    Let us remember GOD. Let us remember THEM. I love you ALL.
  19. fking
    God's return on his investment unto us: Consider the following, if God gave you 70 years of life.
     
    You would spend:
     
    24 years sleeping
     
    14 years working
     
    8 years in amusement
     
    6 years at the dinner table
     
    5 years in transportation mode
     
    4 years in conversation
     
    3 years in education, and
     
    3 years reading.
     
    If we went to church every Sunday and prayed to the Lord five minutes every morning and night, you would be giving God five months of your life in worship. That's only five months out of 70 years!
     
    You are leaving Blog world but keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we'll do the same. Hope everything works out for you and your family!
     
    In the book of Luke, Jesus reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize and pray for victory over evil and temptation. The fact that we are authorized to pray this way gives us more than a clue it is God's intention to give us victory.
  20. fking
    Well, I haven't blogged in a while so here is a life experience as one of a kind.
     
    My niece passed away on Monday this week while in the hospital with breast cancer, so it was a matter of time. Her husband died the same day, probably around noon, while cutting a yard for an elderly lady in his neighborhood.
     
    The search was on for him, he couldn't be found, to give him the news about his wife's passing at the hospital where he visits daily. His kids went to the ladys house to ask his whereabouts. She looked out the kitchen window, saw his lawn mower still near the back fence, noticing he had finished the yard. She said to the kids, "that's not like him to leave his mower, he usually take it back home."
     
    At that point they all thought he had gone some place with a neighborhood friend for a beer since his car was in the garage at home. All the time, his body was lying out side the back porch, not visible from the kitchen window.
     
    After many calls to his cell phone, no answer, the kids started to investigate by back tracking. They went into the back yard to retrieve the lawn mower. That's when they noticed his body lying near the porch, out of sight from the kitchen window view.
     
    It was now late evening, 911 called, initial conclusion was stroke or heart attack and it was determined he died around 11am. His wife passed around 10am at the hospital, same day. Both kids were at work when they got the news of their mom's death and went straight to the hospital. Then the search for their father began to give him the unexpected news.
     
    So, the services for both of them is today, Saturday in Houston, Tx, my hometown. They were both in their early 50's, kids about 30 something. My other nephew who started preaching at an early age, now in his 30's will direct the services. It's his cousins.
     
    So, good people I'm off here to get some sleep, early rising to drive to Houston but will return Saturday night. I know we'll all be in your prayers, God bless and he knows best!
  21. fking

    Thought for a Day

    By fking,

    While attending church services this morning, the pastor said, "Their are two things over which you have complete dominion, authority and control, your MIND and your MOUTH." I suppose that goes along with freedom of speech and what you believe in and how you desire to serve and whom.
     
    I guess that's where the saying came from...Ingage your mind before putting your tongue into gear. I see where so many politicians say the wrong thing that comes back to haunt them. So, I try to be very careful along those lines when speaking in public.
     
    This is black history month, what ever that means, just kidding, most of you know that I am, not that it matters and you wouldn't even think by looking at my avatar, (smile) So, thought I'd blog about black history month, since I may be the only black active member these days. Hope I didn't offend anyone!
     
    I'm asked every day at work, "Did anybody ever tell you, you look just like Bill Cosby?" Wish I had his money and my fame! Any body remember him in "I Spy?"
  22. fking
    Well, Thought I'd get off the old dusty blog pages since it's been a week and put in more thoughts that many of us here can relate to most days in our lives.
     
    Three things in life that, once gone, never come back...
    1. Time
    2. Words
    3. Opportunity
     
    Three things in life that can destroy a person...
    1. Anger
    2. Pride
    3. Unforgiveness
     
    Three things in life that you should never lose...
    1. Hope
    2. Peace
    3. Honesty
     
    Three things in life that are most valuable...
    1. Love
    2. Family & Friends
    3. Kindness
     
    Three things in life that are never certain...
    1. Fortune
    2. Success
    3. Dreams
     
    Three things in life that make a person...
    1. Commitment
    2. Sincerity
    3. Hard work
     
    Three things that are very constant...
     
    Father....Son....Holy Spirit
     
    God's love is always with you. God's promises are true. And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.
     
    Most of you reading this and my last blog know how strongly "I Believe." These three things were on my mind for a while and so happen I got this from my close friend to make me want to write about them. :cloud9:
  23. fking

    Something to Think About

    By fking,

    The men of different countries have been going to war since the beginning of time and that's not likely to change any time soon. In the United States we used the draft method for many years. Now it's a volunteer process for men and women in the armed forces.
     
    Here at Ft Hood, Texas I see many of our troops depart weekly for duty in Iraq. Standing there watching the big jumbo jet loaded with young men and women, brings tears to my eyes, knowing many of them will not return alive.
     
    Then to witness the joyful return of many a year later and trying to comfort the many fathers, husbands, mothers, wives and children is overwhelming. When I see their faces as they stand there welcoming back other soldiers, knowing they have already funeralized their loved ones is really a hard pill to swallow for me.
     
    It's something to think about. Today while at the VA hospital for my appointment, I had conversations with a few of the wounded soldiers who lost limbs and are now 100% disable. What I'm thinking is...All of us as stroke survivors can be thankful we still have our limbs even though paralyzed and unable to speak in some cases.
     
    There are the older generation of soldiers like myself who survived the war but lost the health battle with a stroke. These young folks will not experience life as a whole person as we did before our strokes. Some can't even bear or father children.
     
    When all is said and done, life is what it is; More lives being created every day, generation after generation. Look at the lives being loss in house fires of those trying to keep from freezing to death in these unusual low temperatures and the many weather related traffic accidents around the country.
     
    I hope we find a way to bring the troops home and the world can live in peace for years to come. The 10pm news just reported two more lives lost in Iraq Monday. Those two departed from here 3 months ago. Well, this is more of a vent than anything else. I get so emotional when I go to the VA.
  24. fking
    I returned from my VA appointment on a cold day and it makes me thankful my physical condition is not as bad as it could be. When I notice how some of my fellow veterans are suffering, in part from their service defending our country, and from age as we grow older.
     
    I see men and women on canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and ofcourse scooters. Those who have care givers with them, be it sons, daughters, wives or just friends or neighbors are the lucky ones. Still others are barely able to get about on their own. My heart, my prayers just goes out to them for better health.
     
    When I see that, I'm glad I got married again, although I don't need direct care at this time for making appointments and other medical needs.
     
    Being stroke survivors with disabilities....If we could get out and see other people in distress, we would appreciate our abilities more and not feel sorry we can't do what we once did before our strokes. That's why I have so much respect for the care givers here whom have given their all to make life more liveable for their spouses, no matter their conditions.
     
    I understand the concerns of those who just can't continue to be care givers and I wonder if some of those veterans I saw today was left to survive on their own? Had I not remarried for the fourth time, I can picture myself in their places. It's just real hard for me to see people, especially veterans, who gave so much of their lives and limbs now sitting in wheelchairs all alone.
  25. fking
    Have you ever wondered why we, as human beings everywhere, somehow seem to always be late getting to the place we are going? We never leave or arrive on time, We rush, we speed while driving, we just don't or won't allow ourselves enough time to be ahead of schedule. We know time waits for no one.
     
    When we do manage to arrive early for our doctors appointments, they keep us waiting. As a rule, they are never on time with appointments either. Yet, they want to charge us for a no-show and they are still behind in schedules. In fact when we are more than 15 minutes late, they want to reschedule us.
     
    You ever wonder why every one seem to be going so slow when we are in a hurry to reach our destinations? Being a stroke survivor has taught me to start out earlier and arrive on time or ahead of time. I realize I'm slow and need more time to prepare and reach my appointed place on time.
     
    For instance, I set my alarm at 5am to awake, get ready and leave in time to be standing at the time clock for 7am clock-in. Every day I see the same people rushing in 15 minutes late. Three of those equal one unexcused absence. After 3 unexcused, you are out the door without unemployment benefits.
     
    By the way, I'm only 6 minutes by car from my driveway to the parking lot but I have my scooter to unload and get inside to the time clock. I made full time earlier than usual based on my timely attendance.
     
    Today and every Sunday, I see so many members arrive late for church services and they know without a doubt, our pastor starts "on time". He stresses that point all the time. In my case, that's a 35 minute drive from my house.
     
    The moral of this blog and my question is I've learned to use time wisely and I bet I'm not the only one, but has it helped many other survivors in the same way? I think we'll get fewer gray hairs in the long run and less instances for car accidents too.
     
    Now, if we could just get the doctors to be on time with our appointments we could get back home and take our naps peacefully.