jjohnson

Hi, Gosh, what a day. Watched the Puppy Bowl and enjoyed it immensely. There was a dog that looked like my Harley and he made three touchdowns. The thing that I love about this show is all the puppies are from the shelter and the goal is to have people watch the program and adopt them, they had said after the show that all the puppies and kittens were adopted. YEAH I would like to introduce the Steelers Number One FAN, Donna. She has such a passion for her team and that is so endearing. She has a new way to refer to them. SUPER BOWL XLIII CHAMPIONS PITTSBURGH or rather SIX-BURGH STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Final score Steelers 27 - Cardinals 23 We are the Steelers, mighty mighty Steelers....Everywhere we go....People wanna know who we are....So we tell them...who we are.... This game, to me, was very inspirational. Here you had the Steelers who have won five :Clap-Hands: :cheer: Superbowls. Then you had the Cardinals who have never won. They both, in my book, were winners just by making it there. I could feel a parallel between the game and my Stroke. I have been in a Game of my own. When Donna sent me the words to their song, I changed the wording. My version is: I am a Stroke Survivor, a mighty Stroke Survivor, Everywhere I go, People wanna know who I am, So I tell them, I am a Stroke Survivor, A Stroke Warrior - I fight, I make strides in my recovery field. I felt so many different thoughts while I watched the game. I had started out watching the puppy bowl and then for some unknown reason, I could feel God wanting me to watch the game. I had no idea I would take away these feelings. Things are stirred up within me. It is good. I thought these players gave it their all. That is what I do in my journey of recovery. They fell, they fumbled, there were smiles and looks of sadness. They gave it their all, that is what I do in my journey. They did their best and they will continue to keep Believing and SOARING. I am happy I watched the game. Little did I know what I would win .... I have won a new renewed spirit. If you dream of it.... you can achieve it. Doing the best you can is a very wonderful thing .... Life is a classroom and we learn daily if we leave our minds open to it, I learned a lot about courage, emotional up and downs as I am sure those teams felt, it's not whether you win or lose the game, what's important is how we play the game. not one of those players have a reason not to hold their head held high. Same goes for Stroke Survivors, I was 100% paralyzed and I was in the game of my life, to keep clinging to life or going ahead and die. Being in a coma and on life support, my body chose to go for the gusto. I won my Superbowl. My BrainStem Stroke Superbowl. Thank God for that and for all the fans in the stands for their prayers. Hugs, Jan Believe In Miracles And SOAR

Don't Forget to Plant Your Seed By Jan Johnson Jan reflects on how planting flowers was never her forte, but she now plants a different kind of seed. Don't Forget to Plant Your Seeds By Jan Johnson :forgive_me?: I never was one to be a Gardener although I loved flowers. The smell and beauty of them and I even appreciated the work that people put into them so I could purchase them either at the local florist, grocery store or a street vendor. Just the thought of planting seeds or bulbs didn't interest me and who had the time to do all that work? Surely not me as I was busy doing my volunteer work. That seemed to take up all my spare time. Besides, I could see the benefit of my giving and sharing right away with those precious Cancer and Muscular Dystrophy Children that I worked with. Seeing their eyes twinkle and sparkle and the smiles on their adorable faces made my day. Heck, planting seeds and bulbs would take forever to see the fruits of my labor, plus just the thought of getting my fingernails messed up and my hands all dirty didn't interest me much. I didn't have time for that. I did once, I must admit, try my hand at planting some flowers. They were pretty, however, the next year nothing showed up to greet me and say I'm back. Silly me, I didn't plan my strategy as to which flowers I would like to have in my garden. I didn't know anything such as annual and perennials. I didn't have the time. Here I am today planting seeds like crazy. I have the desire to prune them and show great love and compassion to my garden. The Name of my Gardener is a Brain Stem Stroke Survivor. The requirements are just patience, time, kindness, and loads of TLC which I have so much of and I have the desire to nurture them. You see my garden was planted in a very special garden, the Stroke Network Garden. Without Friends.... Life would be like a garden without flowers. Thank you for being the friendship seeds that have been planted in my garden. You are there for me and I adore speaking with you and seeing how you are growing. The fruit of my labor is so evident and I am blessed by planting those seeds of friendship. In my garden are many varieties of flowers, humorous, sincere, love, acceptance, healing, and recovery. They greet me daily. I am so happy I decided to try my hand at gardening again. I just Believed in Miracles and my garden sure has Soared. My favorite flowers bring me Patience, Understanding and HOPE.

OK, Wes, what time is the party starting? I have my swimsuits all packed and I'm ready to hit the deck. Sounds like a good day for all. We love when we get new members and they want a road trip, well, I'm on my way, just gotta stop and pick up Donna and Kimmie. We will be there. Thanks for the invite. Hugs, Jan Believe In Miracles and SOAR :friends: :happydance: :Clap-Hands: :cheer: :hug:

Two traveling Angels :harp: Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, 'Things aren't always what they seem.' The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. 'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied. When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.' Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed,the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later... Some people come into our lives and quickly go. . Some people become friends and stay awhile.. :chat: leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts.. and we are never quite the same. because we have made a good friend!! :hug: Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! :forgive_me?: I think this is special...live and savor every moment.. This is not a dress rehearsal! TAKE THIS LITTLE ANGEL :hug: AND KEEP HER CLOSE TO YOU SHE IS YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL SENT TO WATCH OVER YOU THIS IS A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL.... Please believe in the sharing of Angels and what they can do for us and others. She is your Cheerleader as you go through this journey we call life. :cheer: Sometimes, we receive the gifts of Angels, sometimes, we are called to be Angels. Never take away anyone's hope. That may be all they have. Believe In Miracles And SOAR Hugs, :friends: Jan Hope you enjoyed your visit today.

This is really cute -- tell the puppy to sneeze and see what he does! You will love it!! I have no idea how they do this: Type in a command and see what happens... sit, roll over, down, stand, sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead, etc., and... it's also very cute if you type in a command that's not recognized...!!! Make sure you type in 'Kiss' too, but do that last. Click here: I Do Dog Tricks http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html I just cut and paste the link: http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html Enjoy, hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Hugs, Jan

A friend sent me this E-Mail the other day and I enjoyed reading it The message stated in the E-Mail gave me lots to think about. I agreed with all of it, my realm of thinking is very much like what was stated. We are on the same page. Hope you can take away something as well. ENJOY. *********************************************************************************** An excellent little piece about one of life's truisms. I suppose we all, at one time or another, have one of those rare flashes of insight that illuminates one of our life's aspects. "and I, I took the path less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost Subject: Some thoughts on life choices MR. McCUTCHEON'S VISIT By Dr. Michael A. Halleen Some months ago I confessed to my daughter my regret that I had failed to take the opportunity I once had to attend Harvard. I was caught short by her reply: "But Dad, then you wouldn't have met Mom!" We were both struck by the implications: if I had gone to any other college, Barb and I would probably never have met, and our children - and their children - would never have been born. Each life hinges on a thousand million small moments - a step taken left or right, a decision made yes or no, a chance encounter, an impulse followed or ignored, a near miss. What we are today - even the fact that we are today - is the end result of those moments. William McCutcheon was mayor of North Branch, Minnesota in 1884. He had a wealthy brother living in New York whose wife was unable to bear children. It happened occasionally at that time that childless couples would approach large immigrant families and offer to adopt one of their children, providing financial help and promising a good home for the child. And so it was that one afternoon McCutcheon stood in the small front room of a Swedish family that had immigrated the year prior and offered, in behalf of his brother and sister-in-law, to adopt Tony, the oldest of this family's seven children. The boy's mother, a quiet, shy woman who appeared older than her 34 years, found tears coming to her gray-green eyes. Life was a constant struggle in this frontier wilderness. They were barely making it. She gazed for a moment out the window, perhaps looking down the years to her son's future. Then she placed her small, weathered hands on young Tony's head and, through the lump in her throat, said, "Mr. McCutcheon, if God strengthens these hands, somehow we'll get along." McCutcheon nodded, smiled, and stepped out the door. Tony became my grandfather. Each of our histories is the sum of yesterday's choices. Some we made, some were made for us. We are the products of their multiplying one upon another, and we can only accept that our histories are what they are. But many more such moments will occur, even between today and tomorrow.

I would like to introduce Alexis Theresa who joined Daddy, Charlie, Mommy, Dana, on Wednesday, January 28th, at 12:20 a.m. She is a healthy 8 pounds, 20 inches, Alexis Theresa is her given name, however, her Daddy wants to call her Alex and Mommy likes that name for their special baby girl. Mommy, Daddy and Alex are doing great. Looks like I have an "adopted Granddaughter" .... Her Grandmother passed away 20 years ago, she was my best friend, Pat. I feel her presence so much and I can just see her smiling the biggest smile ever. She is her Guardian Angel and is on :cloud9: :Clap-Hands: :cheer: :welcome:

Jeannie: Yeah, you did it! I am so happy you gave it a try. I know you will learn to love Blogging. I know, for me, it is a real help. I am here for you and I will help you any way I can. I'm sorry my computer froze, that is why I wasn't able to finish chatting with you. I do have some extra info on the subject we were discussing. I think I gave you enough don't you? hehe Take care my friend. Have a blessed weekend. ENJOY Believe In Miracles And SOAR You are on your way, you are a blogger now. Doing the Blogging :happydance: For YOU :Good-Luck: :Hi: :You-Rock: :cheer: :congrats: :welcome: To Blogging :groupwave: Hugs, Jan

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" As a lot of you know, my passion has been working with children, young adults and adults with cancer. The majority of these individuals became like family to me and they stay in touch with me. After my Brain Stem Stroke, etc. a special Mom of one of my children, Stephanie, came to see me in the hospital and would visit me in Rehab. She brought me the most awesome gift and shared that a good friend had given it to her when Stephanie was fighting Leukemia. She wanted me to have it as she knew the battle I was fighting. I was 100% paralyzed and I had the loss of my perf vision and I was blind on the sides of my eyes. I said "We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight." I lived, breathed this thought. It became a reality as I did walk by faith and not by sight. I still say this daily. That meant so much to me .... I explained she should take it back as I knew how very special it was to her and she told me NO she wanted me to have it. You can't win when you are speaking with Kathy. I thanked her and shared how very special and thoughtful that was. It was a beautiful picture of a Sunrise with the saying on it and it was framed and I kept it next to me. Just for interest, Stephanie went to her first prom..... Her Senior Prom and she looked beautiful. She is doing wonderful in college and is working a job at Pet Smart. She looks wonderful and is enjoying her life. She is quite the Artist as well. She is making just such strides in her cancer free life. Life is good for her. What a Survivor she is. She's my inspiration. This is a two part Blog tonight: I am part Cherokee and I wanted to share this as it fits in with my first topic. Cherokee Tradition Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him. I wonder how many of us take off our blindfolds before dawn? I know today when I got the news about Jerry and his cancer returning, the news about my dear friend, Lindy, same thing, I let the stress of all of it get to me.... I need to remember: FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" II CORINTHIANS 5:7 God is always there for me and is beside me. I know this and I also know that like the Moral of this story is: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there. That is FAITH in it's greatest teaching. Faith is caught, not taught. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' Such a simple sentence with a BIG TRUTH STATED. I like to examine daily how my day went. I didn't like the fact that I allowed negative thinking in to my day. Each second is so precious as I fought so hard for the right to still be here. I needed to beat that beast, STROKE. I refuse to let it slip in again. I know each day isn't going to be perfect, there will be ups and downs as this is life we are talking about. But, I can choose to take on tough situations in a much better constructive way. Tough times hit anyone, The old me could take it on, but the 2009 model can't. It's ok, at least I can recognize it. My goal is to make strides in this area. I will keep you posted on my journey. There is a bright spot of my day, Dana and Charlie are parents to their precious daughter, Alexis Theresa. She had a rough delivery. They induced her on Sunday, NADA, they redid the procedure on Monday, NADA, etc. Finally, Wednesday AM they had to do a C-Section. Important thing, Alexis, is here with us. She had to make her debut in the first major snow storm. I teased her parents and said I bet she is waiting to be the half time show on SuperBowl Sunday. I guess the old theory Babies will come when it is time. Well, I guess she is going to have a mind of her own. I can't wait to meet her and hold her in my arms. I love her already. Mom and Dad are doing well. Tired, but finally they have a baby. They had been wanting a child for so long, did invitro and were finally looking into adoption and then WOW they were PG. Well, this story did have a happy ending, a great beginning of Baby and Mom and Dad. So, after reflecting on my week, there is a positive. Is the cup half empty or half full? Watching the snow is one of my special things I love to do. I see the white snow and think how pure it is, like God is taking all the dirty stuff away and washing us white as snow. We are brand new again. The ice storms we have had were awesome. The way the trees look and all. There were some baby birds on my fence and deck, I fed them as I love to watch them. I got the SOAR idea with my Believe In Miracles when I watched a nest with three little birds .... that was such a fantastic time in my recovery. I related to so many instances when I was trying to learn to walk again, sit up, talk, feed myself, etc. I was a lil baby stage. How I cried when the last baby bird took off. He wouldn't go, but the Momma bird was sitting on the roof of the house two doors down, She kept speaking to the lil baby bird, so I said: I believe you can fly, so, go Believe In Miracles and SOAR.... Just as I said SOAR, the lil bird took off. I told Wayne, can you believe that, she is SOARING and I cried and cried. It was a very emotional moment for me. What a beautiful thing to experience. I had Wayne take pics of the nest and babies. If I can figure how to get them in my gallery, I will add them. I would love to share them with you. Life is good, Tough times never last, but Tough People DO.... I choose to be one of the Tough People (with a loving heart). OK, guess that is it for now. If you are reading this and you have never started a Blog, I hope you do, or think about it, for me, it is very healing. God Bless you, Love n Hugs, thanks for stopping by. Jan Believe in Miracles and SOAR :friends:

I hear people say: "Life's Not Fair." But I feel, No, Life's Not Fair, BUT GOD IS GOOD... Why is it people who give and share in their lives are the ones who get sick? The ones who take for granted and feel he who has the most toys rules.... But, I don't have time to get into all that, I focus on each day with my recovery, be the best wife I can be, Be a good Mom to Harley, Have the best relationships with those who have stuck beside me since my stroke, Keep my priorities in order, God first, family and friends. Keep focusing on my journey and keep hoping for more recovery. I don't judge others, that job is for God. He did have our lives mapped out as Kimmie stated, I always say he is the Alpha and Omega, he knew when we would be born and when we would die. I want to continue my life as it was pre stroke and after stroke as a person who is passionate about life and wanting to give to others and making a difference in their lives. Everyone has pain in their lives one way or another. So many people would ask me why don't you ever think and say Why Me... my answer was always the same... Why Not ME, look at Jesus, he went through so much more than anyone else I know. I feel I was chosen because God had a mission for me. I have learned so much and I take this assignment and try to make the right choices. You won't make it if all you do is look at the negative, look at what is great in life. The beautiful seasons, the flowers, trees, wild life, people. I have learned People will let you down. You need to dig deep down within your soul and find out what you are made of. Life is good and full of surprises, all we have to do is look and check it out. I try to get as much as I can in the days I was given to as a present from God. So, I want to stay and live in the present. Hugs, Jan Believe In Miracles And SOAR

Hi and welcome to my Blog. There was a wonderful movie I have watched numerous times and I love it more each time I watch it. The world would be such a better place if everyone could learn the true meaning of living a Purpose Driven Life,Rick Warren. My Bible Study is on this book and it is a great read. Anyway, learning the true meaning of life and giving was demonstrated by this young boy. I rec'd the following e-mail from a friend and I truly feel these awesome individuals did the ultimate sacrifice by Paying It forward. YOU'VE GOT TO READ THIS, IT IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL...... Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 7:06 AM Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.. When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit. The complaint: 'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.' The response: 'Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly-by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at SunlandMemorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly-by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured. A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects. The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives. Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF' *********************************************************************************** Sure gives one a lot to reflect on doesn't it? Believe In Miracles And SOAR God Bless America Hugs, Jan

I rec'd this from a friend this evening and I really wanted to add it here for you. LORD, PROP ME UP Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times. Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't . So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''

I found this and just sat and thought of me when I lost my Mom and how my thought process went. I would call her at work and call out her name, just regular things I did, once she was called home, it just didn't seem real. This story truly touched my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you. ENJOY God Bless, have a wonderful week, and remember: Believe In Miracles And SOAR Jan Mommy went to Heaven, but I need her here today, My tummy hurts and I fell down, I need her right away. Operator can you tell me how to find her in this book? Is heaven in the yellow part, I don't know where to look. I think my daddy needs her too, at night I hear him cry. I hear him call her name sometimes, but I really don't know why... Maybe if I call her, she will hurry home to me. Is Heaven very far away, is it across the sea? She's been gone a long, long time she needs to come home now! I really need to reach her, but I simply don't know how. Help me find the number please, is it listed under "Heaven"? I can't read these big, big words, because I am only seven. I'm sorry operator, I didn't mean to make you cry, Is your tummy hurting too, or is there something in your eye? If I call my church maybe they will know. Mommy said when we need help that's where we should go. I found the number to my church tacked up on the wall. Thank you operator, I'll go give them a call.

Welcome and thank you for stopping by. First things first. Prayers are working their miracles. Lindy has spoken to her two sons and they are going to take her for her appt at the U of MD .... Hopefully, things go well and she will be put on the waiting list for a Liver for her Transplant. She is going through a lot emotionally and I am asking everyone I know to keep her in their prayers. She is very scared and we have done an awful lot of talking and my listening and being the shoulder for her. We are going to get together in a few days. She had come down for my Birthday and I had some pics taken of us and they came out really cute, so I had one framed and I've written a poem for her and I am going to give it to her when she comes down. I am also going to lend her the cross I just rec'd .... It's from Rome and I want her to wear it. I think it would make her happy. It was blessed by the Pope. I have a Bear for her and the card I made says "I Love You Beary Beary Much" I'm just trying to be here for her. She is an awesome person and I know, in my heart, she is going to make it. God knows I need her in my life. Thank you for your prayers .... I know they are working. Here are a few things I wanted to share with you. In my life, I have had many trials land tribulations as losing my Mom ... she was only sick two and a half months (Pancreatic Cancer) She was only 51 years old, Losing my First Husband, Paul, at the age of 39, He was never sick a day in his life, these are just a few to share and then my situation where I was just only to suppose to have a test and it would be an "In and Out" procedure, I ended up having a Brain Stem Stroke and my life changed forever... the life I once knew and loved was now changed. This song came out and I could relate so much with it. I love the Artist and have followed her music, Anyway, the words stayed with me, as I was answering posts it came on and I thought you know what, I would like to share this with others. We are getting a lot of newcomers and some have stated how rough it is in the beginning and they don't know if they will ever see the "light" again, I am here to say YES you will. Just hang in there and just take your journey one step at a time. My world was very dark BUT I am here to share with you it does get better. So, I hope these words help you as they have for me. Have a wonderful weekend. Love n Hugs, Jan Gloria Estefan Coming Out of the Dark Lyrics: Why be afraid if I

Donna, I just read your news and I am very sad to learn of your stepping down .... I know you must have thought things through and felt, in your heart, this is what is needed in your life for now. It is a BIG loss for StrokeNet and you will be very hard to have someone take over where you are leaving off. You put your heart and soul in all you did here at StrokeNet. This just breaks my heart, but You know.... you have been going through a lot of trials and tribulations in your journey. I pray you can feel all our love and support going out to you. Just take things a sec at a time. I am here for you always. You have been such a BIG support to me and I appreciate everything you have done for me and all the help you have given me on this site. You are a wonderful teacher. I love you and I am going to miss you. I bet Steve is at a loss of words learning of your decision. It is going to be hard to find someone to fill your shoes. You multitasked so much and were one of the indidivuals who kept it going so smoothly. I know you must be with your Steelers but after the SuperBowl you will join us again. Give your fur babies and Kristie my best. God Bless. Love, Jan I am at such a loss of words and you know that doesn't happen very often for me. Thank you for all your help in getting me started here. You are the Best. We will all miss you and hope to see you in chat or your posts.

This morning, after a restless night of trying to get well needed rest, I have decided to come to the one place where I can put my words down on paper ..... My heart is broken and I just keep rethinking of our conversation yesterday. When the phone rang, I had no idea of who was going to be on the other end. I had just gotten in from my Dr's appt. As I answered the ringing phone, I was surprised to find out it was Lindy and she was crying. Her own Dr's appt didn't go so well. She rec'd the news we have been dreading that was a possibility. She was advised she needed to get to the U of MD Hospital asap to meet with the Surgeon for a major consultation to get things started for placing her name on the Liver Transplant List. So many thoughts were running through her mind and as I tried with everything I have, my faith in GOD, to stay strong and not let on my heart was breaking and the tears just kept strolling down my face. All 43 years of our friendship flashed in front of my eyes. I had a quick flash that reality was setting in, I could lose my dear friend. Those words stung BIG TIME. I can't imagine my life without Lindy. She means the world to me. She was one of the friends pre stroke that hasn't left me through my Stroke ordeal. She goes above and beyond the scope of what the true meaning of True Friend means. We are "sisters".... We have been there for one another, through her divorce, through losing my Mom, my Uncle Rex, who helped to raise me, he was like my DAD, and the other 7 family member who have died along with My precious 15 cancer children, , Lindy has been there to rejoice in my accomplishments and there to pick me up when things didn't go so well or as expected. I have been there for her in the same way. We have weathered a lot in our 43 years of friendship. I just won't take this sitting down, I told her we were warriors and we are going to beat this Liver problem. If it is in God's will that this be her journey, then we discussed how we will accept it, We might not like it, but,we know he calls us when it is his time. I vowed to her I would be there in any way I can. I offered to go with her when she goes to the U of MD Hospital for the special meeting with the Surgeon. She said it would be too hard on me. There she is, that's Lindy. Always concerned for me. I told her I would drive her if I could still drive. It's times like this that I get angry because I can't be there like a true friend would be. I can't go spend the night with her and be there as support, help her by doing her laundry, clean her house, cook for her, etc. All I can offer her are my prayers and phone calls. I told her I am here 24/7. I know she understands and she knows I love her. We were together on December 26th, my Birthday, we went out to lunch. I spent the day with my other friend, Karen, and my friend Mary (she had a stroke a year ago and I have been mentoring her ever since and her Nurse, Mary) we had a wonderful day. Little did we know this was in the side lines waiting to pop up and surprise us. I know from the miracle for Ben when he rec'd his kidney transplant recently that it can turn out a positive thing, Ben is doing great, enjoying his new lease on life with his wife and daughter. His holidays were great and he is off the dialysis now. I only hope and prayer things will go as well for Lindy. I need to remain positive and keep my prayers going strong for her. She is scared, which is natural. She is going through the Stages now and I will be here for her. I just let her do the talking as I think she needed a shoulder. I feel better writing in my Blog and I am greatful I have such a good resource to type my thoughts. I just keep thinking of all the good and bad times we have shared. She has a beautiful singing voice and I remember when I was in the hospital and rehab, she would visit and sing for me, it relaxed me and I would fall asleep and she stayed and just prayed for me. I remember after I was improved after I got home, I had told Wayne that I would love for us to renew our wedding vows and he agreed. I asked Lindy if she would sing "Grow Old Along Along With Me, The Best Is yet To Be' she said yes, she'd love to be a part of our renewal. She never sounded better. Here are the words to the song she sang: Grow Old With Me lyrics (John Lennon) Grow old along with me The best is yet to be When our time has come We will be as one God bless our love God bless our love Grow old along with me Two branches of one tree Face the setting sun When the day is done God bless our love God bless our love Spending our lives together Man and wife together World without end World without end Grow old along with me Whatever fate decrees We will see it through For our love is true God bless our love God bless our love After reading the words just now, it seems like it goes for true friendship as well. Take out the husband and wife words and put in friend/like a sister and it seems it sums it all up. I have been through so much with Lindy, the joys when she gave birth to both of her sons, the sorrow when she lost her Mom and Dad, we can relate on so many things, She had a very abusive hubby and I helped her teach her sons how to ride a bike, how to hit a baseball, gosh, how we laughed through that.... finally some Dad's on their league came to the "plate" and sorta took over the teaching part of things. I think her sons were happy that "Lucy and Ethel" were sent to the bench. We would take her boys to the carnivals when they were in town, do things with them, the movies, bowling, everything. I was a safe haven when her husband would come home and decided to punch holes in the walls, she could come to my home and be safe with the boys. We always seemed to live near each other. It was, as I call them, "A God Thing".. Her joy in life are her Grandchildren. I know she will fight to stay here. I am just praying she can find the peace she needs. I know she has a great faith, a strong faith, and we are prayer warriors together. I explained to her she is on a new Journey now and she is going to be such an inspiration to everyone around her. She fought for me and now I am returning the favor. I am going to call her this morning and see how she is doing. Thank you for taking the time to come visit me today and learn about why A Miracle is Needed..... For my precious friend, Lindy. When she gave birth to her second son, she hemorraged and needed blood transfusions, that is how she got Hepatitis C. Have a Blessed day. Hugs, Jan Believe In Miracles and SOAR :friends: *Afterthought* I wanted to add in this entry: GOD'S GRACE Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit, Thank you for justifying me through faith, so that now I have peace with you through the Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful I am that I have access to your grace! I rejoice in the hope of sharing in your glory. More than that, my God, I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I know that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. How I bless you for this wonderful hope that I have. It is a hope that will never bring disappointment. I know this because I have tasted your love. You have poured it into my heart through the Holy Spirit which you have given me, as well as to all your people. Please Lord, be with Lindy as she embarks on this new journey. Thank you Lord for having Grandchildren in our lives together .... we can talk about them for hours and that will give her great joy. Thank you for the Gift of Lindy in my life. You give us a new :artist: canvas each morning to place our day on, how are you going to fill yours out today? I am going to be there each morning for Lindy and make memories daily to add to our collection. Without friends, life would be like a garden without flowers. :forgive_me?: I am blessed Lindy has been in my garden for 43 years. I hope everyone has a beautiful flower as Lindy in their garden.

Hello there, nice to see you again. Today, I decided to share my life with you by going back to September 18, 1988 when we rec'd the news that my tests were positive and I did have Myasthenia Gravis. It is also known as "MG", gosh, how I wish it was the sports car, MG. I could have dealt with that much better than Myasthenia Gravis. I wanted to share a little about MG. So, here goes. What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)? Myasthenia Gravis comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscular weakness." The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. The prevalence of MG in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000 population. However, MG is probably under diagnosed and the prevalence may be higher. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. MG is not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. The voluntary muscles of the entire body are controlled by nerve impulses that arise in the brain. These nerve impulses travel down the nerves to the place where the nerves meet the muscle fibers. Nerve fibers do not actually connect with muscle fibers. There is a space between the nerve ending and muscle fiber; this space is called the neuromuscular junction. When the nerve impulse originating in the brain arrives at the nerve ending, it releases a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine travels across the space to the muscle fiber side of the neuromuscular junction where it attaches to many receptor sites. The muscle contracts when enough of the receptor sites have been activated by the acetylcholine. In MG, there is as much as an 80% reduction in the number of these receptor sites. The reduction in the number of receptor sites is caused by an antibody that destroys or blocks the receptor site. Antibodies are proteins that play an important role in the immune system. They are normally directed at foreign proteins called antigens that attack the body. Such foreign proteins include bacteria and viruses. Antibodies help the body to protect itself from these foreign proteins. For reasons not well understood, the immune system of the person with MG makes antibodies against the receptor sites of the neuromuscular junction. Abnormal antibodies can be measured in the blood of many people with MG. The antibodies destroy the receptor sites more rapidly than the body can replace them. Muscle weakness occurs when acetylcholine cannot activate enough receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction. Common symptoms can include: A drooping eyelid Blurred or double vision Slurred speech Difficulty chewing and swallowing Weakness in the arms and legs Chronic muscle fatigue Difficulty breathing Myasthenia Gravis: Tests and Diagnostic Methods Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis (MG) There is no known cure for MG. Common treatments include medications, thymectomy and plasmapheresis. Medications are most frequently used in treatment. Anticholinesterase agents (e.g., Mestinon

Welcome to the latest thoughts on my Blog. I wanted to share what some of my journeys have been in hopes maybe I can help someone who might be traveling a rough patch in their recovery. Before my Brain Stem Stroke and all that I have had to go through since 2003, I was just your normal person going through their daily life. I was a very happy person enjoying a job I loved and doing my volunteer work which was such a passion of mine. I did my clowning and adored it. In the early years, I noticed things but just felt I was always busy and it was just a lack of rest. But, as the years passed, I noticed things weren't right. I will share more in my next blog. This poem I became familiar with when my diagnosis was given to me .... Those words the Specialist while I was laying on the hospital bed stung my ears and my hubbys. "Your tests were positive, you have Myasthenia Gravis" and there is no cure. NO CURE? How could a Professional Specialists be so bold as to say that to us? No tact, no bedside manner. just THERE IS NO CURE. Well, he didn't know who he was dealing with. I will research the subject matter, I will find something, I will fight the good fight. There and then my journey has taken a twist in the road it was traveling. More later. Here is the poem which I found so helpful. Beatitudes For People With Disabilities Blessed are those who take time to listen to the defective speech, for you help us to know that if we persevere we can be understood. Blessed are those who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers for in your companionship we have found havens of relaxation. Blessed are those who never bid us "hurry up" and more blessed are you that do not snatch out tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time rather than help. Blessed are those who stand beside us as we enter new ventures, for our failures will be outweighed by the times we surprise ourselves and you. Blessed are those that ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed. Blessed are those when by all these things you assure us that the thing that makes us individuals is not our peculiar muscles, nor our wounded nervous systems, but it is the God-given self that no infirmity can confine. Blessed are those who realize that we are human and don't expect us to be saintly just because we have a disability. Blessed are those that pick things up without being asked. Blessed are those who understand that sometimes I am not weak and not just lazy. Blessed are those who forget the disability of my body and see the shape of my soul. Blessed are those who see me as a whole person, unique and complete and not as one of God's mistakes. Blessed are those who love me just as I am without wondering what I would've been like. Blessed are my friends upon who I depend, for they are the substance and joy of my life!!! By Marjorie Chappell Be Blessed and enjoy your view of your life. Hugs, Jan BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR

It doesn't seem possible that today is the tenth day already in 2009. I finally have done something that I set out to do for the New Year. I have made amends to my body and asked for forgiveness. That probably seems silly to some who might read this entry, but to me it was long overdue. I sat down and truly thought about what my body has been through with me, it's roommate. It was very good to me as a youngster except for the times I had Mono, like in the first grade and the time I got stuck in a huge bee hive while walking home from school and I went the short cut and ran into a bunch of bee hives, my friend, Chris, and I were in some kind of pain. Our parents weren't real happy with either one of us. Growing up, my body was still good to me. I was on the swim team and won most of my races that I entered, I taught swimming and diving, was a Life Guard, enjoyed those fun filled summer days. Enjoyed riding my bike .... enjoyed life .... never thought about what getting older meant. I danced in six 52 hour dance marathons while raising money for cancer and muscular dystrophy in the seventies. "Dance For Those Who Can't and Dancers Against Cancer".... I had a very interesting young adult life. Things didn't get tough until I started having problems which I wouldn't know what was going on until later on in life, The diagnosis was Myasthenia Gravis. Then I ended up with A quad bypass and became a Brain Stem Stroke Survivor. None of which was planned for my life, but, I had to pick up the pieces and move forward. I needed to say I was sorry to my body. My Body went to battle for me and took these blows from the enemy, Myasthenia Gravis, and Brain Stem Stroke and TIA's. I need to embrace my body and thank her for saving me and fighting for life, a breath, to save me. She deserves so much more than what I have given her. I respect her and for the rest of my days that I have on this earth I promise to embrace her and love her and become best friends with her. I didn't realize I didn't have an ongoing relationship with her. I realize I need to have an open mind, spirit and body connection. I am taking this new thinking a second at a time. I have done so much thinking since I have been so sick and it makes sense to me. My body has gone to war on my behalf and has fought with all she has. While I laid in a coma and on life support she was giving it all she had. It might be five years in the making, but, it has started. Making amends has been very healing for me. I am starting to feel better about me, myself and I. I am not being so hard on myself. I truly feel 2009 is going to be a good year for me. I Believe In Miracles and I will SOAR. SOAR to good health, happiness, peace. One day at a time. Be Blessed, Hugs, Jan

"Recipe for Miracles" Ingredients: 1 part of knowing who you are 1 part of knowing who you aren't 1 part of knowing what you want 1 part of knowing who you wish to be 1 part of knowing what you already have 1 part of choosing wisely from what you have 1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have Instructions: Combine ingredients together gently and carefully, using faith and vision. Mix together with strong belief of the outcome until finely blended. Use thoughts, words and actions for best results. Bake until Blessed. Give thanks again Yield: Unlimited servings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Believe in yourself, and anything is possible *Recipe for A Happy New Year* Take twelve whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once. Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients. Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. You're bound to have a Happy New Year 2009 Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. -- Max Lucado

[color="#000000]I was thinking about this, if I state my thoughts on this site, some individuals feel they are being pushed "religion" ..... I don't feel I am as I am only sharing something that might have been sent to me and if I take the time to post it ... I do so in hopes it might help in some way. I never post it to cause a stir. But, I feel I will share such posts here in my BLOG. This is where I can share my innermost feelings. I feel it is my mission to share what I do because when I should not be still here, God saved me for a purpose. I thought about this and this is my statement for each day now: One day at a time is how I shall live my life, When in doubt, I shall look up and know there is HOPE, Believe in Miracles and SOAR Since my Brain Stem Stroke, I have had a mixed bag of emotions. There has only been ONE person who has been there, who truly understands and who will never leave me nor foresake me, only ONE person who constantly loves me and only wants the best for me. I have such a passion for life and I have only the best intentions for everyone. My New Year's ended up with me being so sick. I had a fever of 102.3 and chills, I couldn't stop shaking, it was horrible. I felt so bad .... I thought I should call 911, however, when I had my last two strokes it was during this time of year and I just couldn't bring myself to calling 911. I knew it was bad when my hubby even said to call them. I was being pig headed. Now, after getting over the worst of it, I should have called them. I will not be so ignorant again. Anyway, my stomach was red as though it was sunburned and it hurt to the touch. I had tried to get in to see my Dr. however he was booked solid. I finally did get him to call me and we discussed my case over the phone in a conference call. He said you know what I want you to do and I told him I couldn't go to the hospital. I just don't have a good experience with them I asked him if he could call something in for me, he finally decided he would and so the medicine begins. He told me he would call something in if only I would promise him if I didn't seem better the next day I would go to the hospital. Well what he called in was a miracle drug and it started to turn my situation around. I know it was God who turned things around. I also realize if I had gone to the hospital maybe my suffering would not have been near as bad. I can't play around with my life like I had did. Come to find out I had an infection under my skin. My DR explained to Wayne and I .... I could have died. That statement stung in my mind. So, what have I learned from this? To listen to my Dr. He knows best and I did apologize to him. He helped me because he knew if he didn't I might not be here. He put himself on the line to help me. He is such a wonderful person. He is my friend, someone I can trust. He understands all about my Brain Stem Stroke disaster. He understands and gets the reason I have such a phobia about hospitals. If only the Dr in 2003 hadn't told me over and over again, in November 2003 YOU are only going in for an in and out procedure. a heart cath, only an in and out procedure, I go in November and don't come home until the end of March 2004. I lost my trust in the medical community. Well, this is 2009, I believe it is time I try to march onward and try to start believing again. My statement is BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR..... well, I want to continue to SOAR... but that only will happen if I keep Believing. I see growth because I can admit to myself I had made a wrong choice, I should have called 911. Besides, I have a voice now and I can be my own advocate. I need to give others a chance to provide for me when and if I have to go back into the hospital. So, I will do things differently next time. I need to face fear in the face and not give it the power to control me. I want only the best for myself. I have to nuture myself. I hope by being totally honest here in my Blog that maybe it might help others. It is not meant for others to judge me, but, hey if you have to judge me, then go right ahead, at least maybe my words might be affecting you because they are hitting home to you. That is all I have wanted to do in my life, help others. I have done volunteering all my life, it has been my mission, so maybe I can do that somehow in my Blog. On another note, Patrick Swayze, is helping me by sharing his walk with Pancreatic Cancer. How far the medical community has come with that.... My precious Mom was diagnosed January 14, 1974 and died March 19,1974. Following his story has been very healing to me. I have been a fan of his forever n a day. I remember in Ghost when he had to leave Molly and he stated, Molly, it is so awesome, I am leaving with all the love, that is what life is .... loving those on earth and taking all that love when I go. My Mom loved me and nutured me and she is still loving me even now. I find whenever I get so sick now, I always cling to her. I miss her so much. It has been hard being out here on my own for 34 years. I know there is someone who has been there 24/7 and he carries me when I find it too hard to do it on my own. He puts special people in my path to go along life's paths with me. I am so greatful he led me here to Strokenet. The only thing I can do is me byself, what you see is what you get. I am what I am. I will not compromise my faith for anyone. I will not speak about it on the boards, but I will speak my thoughts about it in my Blog. My Blog is where I can share my innermost thoughts. I know this week on Oprah she had a whole day about Spirituality. It was very interesting. I know or I would think people had some thoughts about something higher in their being/their life to help them when life gets to troublesome for them. That would be such a sad thought if they had no one. I am blessed I have someone for me. This New Year 2009, I have hope, there is something within that has been turned on and I look forward to each day.... as each day is a day I truly should not have had according to the medical profession in 2003. Prayers go out to Nancy Farrell and her family on their daily journey .... May they feel peace, joy and happiness. along with Kevin, Amy's boyfriend, Prayers for continued healing to Fate's family, Cathy and Holly. I pray their financial burdens will get taken care of. May my fundraising experience help Cathy. I am blessed I have had this journey in my prestroke life and I can still use it now. Prayers for Allen, Let him feel healing and the power of prayers and positive energy from his StrokeNet family. Healing for Kimmie's Dad, Charles. Let a way become available so Kimmie can get to see her Dad and her Grandson, Baby Jake. I know how many prayers I say in the course of a year and I see the answer to prayer in a BIG way. I think this world need to see what is truly important in life. People. That is the answer, our families and friends. I always hated the bumber sticker, he who has the most toys wins, what do they win? to me it is a shallow life. Oh, well, I respect others opinions. I can not judge others, that is only a job for God. I have also found in life when we don't like something someone is doing, is it a mirror reflection of something going on in our lives? Either now or in the past? hmmmmmm...... I have been doing an awful lot of thinking these days. My recovery..... I want more, I am keeping the HOPE alive, I am trying to stay in the here and now, not go off in the future, but sticking to the here and now. When I am off in the future, I am missing out on the here and now. Each day comes and I don't want to miss a single moment of it. It is a precious precious gift. I love life, Thank you God for another day..... how am I going to make good use of it? By staying in the here and now, By staying positive, I know when one is positive their immune system is up and endorfins work and they are more powerful than morphine. Isn't it amazing what a fine tuned body we are given? why do so many of us mess it up? It is my goal in 2009 to show mine more love and respect. My name is top of the list. I am taking care of me. Should have done it years ago. But, I was too busy working with my cancer and muscular dystrophy children. Well, it is never too late. I am in class 101 of taking care of Jan. I am even working on when to call 911 and when not to. I am taking my life one second at a time. One day at a time time, Sweet Jesus, That is all I can ask of you, One day at a time.... Thank your for those seconds God. I need to remember where I came from, from possible be in a vegetative state for the rest of my life to TODAY. I am getting 24 hours each day I awake, how am I going to use them? I choose to be happy, to be positive and to love life and experience each day .... My best to all, take time to enjoy your twenty four hours. Believe in Miracles and SOAR[/color]