jjohnson

Stroke Survivor - female
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  1. jjohnson

    Pass the Frozen Peas

    By jjohnson,

    Pass the Frozen Peas...and Outsmart Your Aches and Pains
     
    What do you do when little aches and pains act up? You might take a mild pain reliever, soak in a nice warm bath, or elevate your sore feet? You can try quick fixes, like placing a bag of frozen peas on an achy knee. These are helpful remedies when a little relief is all you need. What happens, though, when you need more?
     
    For some people, pain is an everyday occurrence, yet many try to live full lives despite it. They've learned how to gain the upper hand over pain.
     
    Such a person is Penney Cowan. She has successfully managed pain for 28 years, and she helps others manage it too. To begin with, she doesn't view herself as a sufferer. I call myself a person with pain, She says. "For six years, She did not deal with the pain. She was at the point that holding a cup of coffee was hard. Now, She is completely functional. She learned how to manage it."
     
    For Penney, relief came from a pain management program. "I went in as a patient and came out seven weeks later as a person." She says. Penney eventually founded the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA). This organization, like others of its kind, helps people reclaim their lives when pain starts to get the best of them. All seem to agree that there are many creative ways we can help ourselves when pain keeps us from doing the things we love.
     
    Know When To Get Help
     
    You may think it's normal to feel achy as you grow older, but it's really not. "Pain is our body's way of saying, "Pay attention, something's wrong." "If you have to ask yourself the question, "Should I call my doctor." You probably should...especially if the pain lasts longer than a couple of days or if it interferes with your normal functioning."
     
    If you do see a healthcare provider, Penney advises that you prepare by keeping a log before your visit. "Your doctor can only go by your description." she says. "Write down the important things: the level of pain, your stress, the amount of exercise and other activities you do, how often you sleep, and any changes in appetite or mood." Penney adds that if your doctor dismisses your pain, you should see another one.
     
    Focus on the Positive
     
    Experts agree that the more you dwell on your pain, the worse it seems to feel. That's because your mind often controls how your body feels, and it can be hard to tell which one is pulling the strings. For instance, whether we're feeling pain or stress and anxiety, our muscles will tighten in the same way.
     
    With this in mind, there are steps you can take to outsmart the pain. It might not go away, but you can focus your attention on something much more pleasant. Here are some simple tactics the experts advise:
     
    Think Positive Thoughts: When you think positively, you act positively, too. Your mental attitude has much to do with your physical well-being, so focus on your abilities instead of your disabilities. Or, give yourself a treat to anticipate.
     
    Learn To Relax:
     
    To show the importance of relaxation, Penney explains, "I ask people if they can count from one to 25 in their minds and say the alphabet at exactly the same time, It can't be done, because we all have a one-track mind. So, if, instead of focusing on your pain, you think about lying on a bright sunny beach, imagining how warm it feels, You can reduce your sense of suffering. That's a skill you can learn, She says.
     
    Pace yourself: "Listen to your body." Penney says. "Does it tell you you're uncomfortable? Then stop for five minutes rather than trying to work through the pain. One of the basic rights we discuss in our group is the right to do less than humanly possible." In other words stop before you increase your pain.
     
    If It Hurts, don't do it. Do you remember the joke about the patient who told his doctor. "It hurts when I do this..." And the doctor replies, "Then don't do that." This is really very sound advice. Avoid activities that will cause pain, Instead, ask for help.
     
    Sleep On It. Sleep has restortative powers, so try to get a good night's sleep. If possible, or talk to your healthcare provider about ways to improve your sleep. Remember, pain can disrupt sleep, but sleep can disrupt pain, too.
     
    Treat yourself to a massage. A massage can relax your muscles and increase the flow of blood to the area. Be sure to stop if it becomes painful.
     
    Exercise Regularly: Light exercise ... as recommended by your healthcare provier.. can loosen your joints, increase your general state of well-being, and lift your spirits. Once again, remember to stop if the exercise becomes painful. our healthcare provider can help you set the right limits.
     
    The bottom line, Penney says, is to use the resources available to help yourself. In addition to the care your healthcare provider prescribes. "Take an active role in yhour recovery process, she says. "When you have a problem with your pain, you can't be a passive patient, Be an active participant."
     
    *For more information, visit the American Pain Association website at www.theacpa.org
     
    I rec'd the above information yesterday and found it so helpful, therefore, I thought I would share it here in my Blog for others. Hope it was helpful for you as well.
     
    I am using this Blog as a forum to leave my thoughts, items I find interesting and helpful, When I receive an e-mail that I feel is special, I will post it here, This is my safe haven where I can do just that, BLOG, Blog my inner most thoughts, feelings, anything I want to share. There is a time and place for such items... the Message Board is not the appropriate avenue to share my feelings about God. Here, however, this is my safe domain, I feel I can do that. I invite others to read my Blog, however, if they choose not to do so, that's fine with me. I do have freedom of speech.... I will be respectful of others. I keep my feelings on such thoughts in the proper arena.
     
    I never discuss politics. That is a pretty touchy subject. I will not go there.
     
    So, I hope you enjoy and learn something from this Blog.
    I have been to Pain Management but for me, it didn't help. I find massage a good source of help. I like this statement:
     
    For some people, pain is an everyday occurrence, yet many try to live full lives despite it. They've learned how to gain the upper hand over pain.
     
    The important thing is:
     
    Don't view myself as a sufferer. Call myself a person with pain, not deal with the pain.
    It's sorta like: The difference of being a Stroke Victim versus A Stroke Survivor, I choose the Stroke Survivor. Don't own the negative words, Be a Warrior of the Positive Words. I try to always remember The Stroke doesn't own me, I had the Stroke, it didn't have me.
     
    Words can be wonderful and they can also do much damage. Choose our words wisely.
     
    Thanks for stopping by.
     
    Pay It Forward.
     
     
    Take care and enjoy your day.
     
    Hugs,
    Jan
     
    Believe In Miracles And SOAR
  2. jjohnson
    I have had a lot going on in my life lately, I have been in extreme pain, I live in pain daily since my Brain Stem Stroke and I just go on daily. Lately, however, the pain is so severe and I pray I can get relief from it soon. The biggest problem outside of health issues, is my computer, It has a bad case of strep throat. Brother Bill called this am and is on his way to pick it up and try to resolve the situation. He realizes that my computer and telephone are my only lines to the outside world. He knows how much I miss my StrokeNet group and posting and reading the Message Boards, I miss my Chat, etc. So, answer to prayer, he is coming over to check it all out. The snow stayed away today and he is driving as I speak.
    I saw this today and it sums everything up and I wanted to share it with you.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped
    to his knees in prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said.
    "I have too heavy a cross to bear."
     
     
    The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight,
    just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that
    other door and pick out any cross you wish."
     
     
    The man was filled with relief and said,
    "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.
     
     
    Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses;
    some so large the tops were not visible. Then,
    he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
     
     
    "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
     
     
    The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."
     
     
    When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around
    and see what other people are coping with. You may consider
    yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.
     
     
     
     
    YOUR CROSS
    Whatever your cross
    Whatever your pain
    There will always be sunshine
    After the rain
    Perhaps you may stumble
    Perhaps even fall
    But God's always there
    To help you through it all.
     
     
     
     
    I don't know what my life would be without having GOD in my life. He is my all. I, first hand, received a Miracle from him five years ago. I am living proof of his greatness.
    How about you?
     
    Please keep me in your prayers, and my Computer, also, Lindy, she goes next Thursday to the University of Maryland to visit with her transplant team for her consultation to see if she can be placed on the Liver Transplant List. It has been very hard realizing I could lose her. I have to be strong for her. I love her so much and I know God is carrying her in his loving arms.
     
    Please keep Nancy and her family and Kevin in your prayers along with Cathy and Holly as they are trying to cope and heal with the loss of their loved ones, Amy and Fate.
     
    Keep StrokeNet and Steve in your prayers along with Allen.
     
    Love n Hugs,
    Jan
    Believe In Miracles And SOAR
  3. 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
  4. jjohnson
    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.
     
     
  5. jjohnson

    Angels

    By jjohnson,

    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.
  6. jjohnson

    Cute Puppy

    By jjohnson,

    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
  7. jjohnson
    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.
  8. jjohnson

    Meet Alexis Theresa

    By jjohnson,

    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:
  9. jjohnson
    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:
  10. jjohnson

    Prop Me Up

    By jjohnson,

    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.''
  11. jjohnson
    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.
  12. jjohnson
    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
  13. jjohnson
    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.
  14. jjohnson

    Meet MG

    By jjohnson,

    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
  15. jjohnson
    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
  16. jjohnson
    "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
  17. jjohnson

    Ryleigh Olivia

    By jjohnson,

    Hi Friends:
     
    I would like to introduce you to my precious Granddaughter, Ryleigh Olivia. She is seven months now and she is the newest person to take residence in my heart. I have put a picture of us in my pics section. Before you check her out, I wanted to share two poems that I had written for her. The first one is what I wrote after we rec'd the call saying she was born. and the second one I wrote for her after we got to meet her for the first time and we held her. They left to go home, and I sat down and wrote this poem. I love being a Mom Mom .... my four Grandsons are precious and now Ryleigh. We are truly blessed.
    I will write more later on. Just wanted to get this posted and share her with the world. SO, WORLD MEET RYLEIGH OLIVIA.
     
    Have a blessed day today.
     
    God Bless,
    Love n Hugs,
    Jan
     
    Believe In Miracles And SOAR
    ***********************************************************************************
     
     
     
    You Had Me At Halo
     
    You truly are an Angel, Ryleigh Olivia,
     
    Our very First Granddaughter
    Sent from heaven high above today
     
    at 7:18 a.m.
     
    weighing 7 lbs 14 oz of love already
     
    filling your Mommy and Daddy's arms at 20 and a half inches long
     
    Ryleigh you have truly made our family complete
     
    for we already have four awesome Grandsons,
     
    Christopher, Ryan, RJ andTrenton
     
    Your Big Brother, RJ, is going to be your best friend
     
    you just wait and see
     
    for he's been waiting for his Baby Sister
     
    Thank you God for such a Blessing
     
    Sending warmth and goodness,
    And filling everyone with love as they hold
     
    you for the very first time
     
    The Miracle arrived Saturday, May 10th, 2008
     
    What a blessing indeed
     
    You're so very wonderful
    That you had us from the start!
    You showed us joy and happiness,
     
    and how God does give us the desires of our hearts
    And you instantly won everyone's heart!
    May everyone continue to Believe in Miracles and SOAR
     
    Written with Love,
    Mom Mom
    May 10, 2008
     
     
    ***********************************************************************************
     
    WHAT'S IN A NAME?
     
     
    Ryleigh Olivia is her name and
    my heart is what she took from the
    moment she entered my arms today
    Saturday, June 21st, 2008
    From the top of her head to her tinest lil toes
    I just fell in love with her
    What a blessing, what a joy
    God gave us his finest ...
    Our Lil Ryleigh
    How do I find the words to thank him for
    this marvelous gift? Thank You just
    doesn't seem enough
    Ryleigh, I'm your Mom Mom and I'll always
    be here for you
    There might be things that I can't do with you
    like other family members can, But,
    my love for you is Pure and True
    I can share with you and listen and play with you
    I'll always love you plenty and have all the Hugs
    and Kisses for you
    Ryleigh, I'm so thankful your
    Mommy, Daddy and Big Brother, RJ,
    came and shared you with GrandPop and Me Today.
     
    Written with Love,
    Mom Mom
    June 21, 2008
     
    :friends: :Clap-Hands: :cheer: :hug:
    :cloud9:
  18. jjohnson

    My thoughts

    By jjohnson,

    Well, here it is Christmas Eve, the 24th, can you believe it? So many thoughts I have experienced ... joy, peace, I have made some good choices which is a good thing for me. I decided not to have expectations as I would stop in my tracks and think to myself, pre stroke I would have everything done, this and that. Then the inner voice came to the forefront and said: STOP THIS THINKING... YOU ARE A BRAIN STEM STROKE SURVIVOR plus you have MD.... you aren't that same person any longer. Don't set yourself up for failure. Do what you can and enjoy life. Stop stressing over the little things. It is what it is. You want to be healthy so you can enjoy the wonder of this beautiful season.
     
     
    The end of 2008 and the cold winter season serve to remind me to focus on what really matters in life. I create lasting memories as I spend unforgettable moments with family and loved ones. Ireflect on all that God has done in my life over the past year. And I look forward to an even greater level of the promises of God in the year to come! I look forward to 2009 because I will be doing FINE and I look forward to each day I am given.
     
    More than any other time, Christmas, My Birthday, and New Year's are filled with hope, love, joy, peace and promise. There's a life lesson for me to learn in all of this. During the holiday season, challenges, difficulty and problems may still surround me, but if I take a moment every day to focus on God and all the ways He's blessed me, I can take my life to a new level, higher than ever before.
    In 2003 no one thought I would ever live to see another day ... another Christmas. I am here ....
     
    Isaiah 61:7 promises that instead of shame and trouble, God will double the inheritance of His people and they'll be filled with everlasting joy. I need to remember to be silent so I can hear the whisper of GOD.
     
    It's time to trust God for the destiny that the enemy has tried so hard to convince me was impossible. It's time to continue to believe God for the unimaginable. It's time to move beyond my past. My Brain Stem Stroke was five years ago, If I've been hurt, it's time to forgive. If I've been discouraged, it's time to put on a garment of praise and experience the joy of the Lord. If I've been worried and afraid, it's time to have faith like never before in the provision and purposes of God. It's time to live with confidence that God wants to give me a blessed and prosperous future in every area of my life! When I was learning to stand up and take baby steps, I would always say: I walk by FAITH not by site. I was so empowered and so blessed to be able to make great strides in doing just that.
     
    The power of God's promises and His love for me is so much stronger than the pain of my past. I was chosen for that journey. I have many more journeys, roads to travel. I am never alone, as God is right there beside me. God wants me to use my troubles as a springboard into my future. My troubles are what God often uses to take me to a new, higher level of living. This is what is so great about my God. He takes any trouble I have and says, "I will give you double the inheritance for your trouble." Twice the joy, twice the fulfillment, twice the impact . .
    . twice the life!" Today I am living my life and so appreciate it. I am making new friends that I have grown to love and enjoy. Today I am making good choices. There is so much I could say, however, this would be a BIG Blog Entry and I know how busy everyone is with getting ready for the Holiday season. I am so joyful and looking forward to 2009. I am looking forward to each day for what and how will I fill those 24 hours? This is my life, not a dress rehearsal. I am, dare I say it? HAPPY, at PEACE,
    GREATFUL that I survived my Brain Stem Stroke.
    Life is good, I have worked on forgiving myself, and I'm looking forward to my new tomorrow. Each morning I have a new canvas, how will I fill mine out? Yesterday, God painted a beautiful Ice Sculpture .... the trees all had ice on them and it was so beautiful. The simple things in life are great. I remember in rehab and the hospital, the first time I got to look out the window.... so many months before I got to do that and it was such a treat for me. When I was transferred by ambulance from the hospital to rehab I got to breath the fresh cold air and it was such a gift. The little things.... I want to wish you all a very blessed holiday season. Let there be peace on earth and good will towards all. Steve Mallory, thank you so much for the gift of this awesome site.
    Special prayers go out to Fate's family, Cathy and Holly love to you, and Nancy and Joe Farrell, I keep you all in my prayers and Amy is a beautiful Christmas Angel enjoying Christmas with GOD .... she and Fate are singing their hearts out up in Heaven. You all are so special to me.
    My five grandchildren and step children will be here on the 27th so I will hopefully have pics for you to enjoy and many a story to share with you.
    God Bless, Love n Hugs, Jan
     
    :artist: How will you paint your canvas for the day? :tshirt: Let's all put our Happy shirts on in the am
    Believe in Miracles and SOAR
  19. jjohnson

    BELIEVE

    By jjohnson,

    Here it is Tuesday evening at 10:41pm. I am feeling frustrated. I know in the big scheme of things, it's probably a little inconvenience, however, in my situation, it is a big thing, at least to me it is. Since my BrainStem Stroke my only way to connect to the outside world and others is either by my computer or telephone. They have been such a lifeline for me and I am so appreciative of that fact. I was so looking forward to hosting my chat last evening. However, my computer had other plans. I tried everything to get in, but, the powers at be had other plans for me. OK, was this yet another trial of "patience"? Host Denny was to be there with me and I so looked forward to that. After rebooting my computer a few times, still nothing. It just wasn't meant to be. I have enjoyed getting to know other members. My computer is old and I am getting a new one that a dear friend, Bill, basically my adopted Brother, has been working on it for me. I called him today and explained my plight and he is making arrangements to come and pickup my recent computer and finish my new one and bring it to me. I am thinking I will miss the virtual party on Friday. I am greatful I still have my phone. Another disappointment is I didn't get to Weight Watchers tonight, another dang BrainStem Stroke deficit, not able to drive. get tired having to depend on others. During all this trial and tribulation I try to think of the positive aspects of my life. I try really hard to stay upbeat and kick the negative blues to the curb. I must admit, however, it has become a lil hard this week. I am in constant pain and I would give anything to not have this pain for even one day. Ok, half a day, alright, a few hours. I Wanted to let everyone know the reason I might not be around for a while. I want to let everyone know that my responsibilities as Monday evening Chat Host and Birthdays will be covered. Hopefully, I will be back better than ever. Please think positive thoughts and send me lots of positive energy.
    The title of this entry is BELIEVE. That is what I try to do. I believe in miracles and SOAR. I need to stay in that frame of mind. I must keep working on me. I hope the same for all of you, a happy, healthy life. Let's seize the moment and reach heights we never thought we could. Life is right there for us to grasp, sorta like the brass ring. I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season. Lots of love, peace, serenity, HOPE, FAITH, LOVE.
    Hopefully, talk to you soon.
    Love n Hugs,
    Jan
     
    :friends: :friends: :forgive_me?:
  20. jjohnson
    Well, It's UP. Through Christ ALL things are possible. I'm so excited. Today, Thursday, December 11th, my two dear friends, Debbie and Kathy, came over and helped trim my Christmas Tree. It was a loooooooooooooooooooooooooong morning but I stuck in there and enjoyed each second that was spent on my beautiful Tree. WOW, Wayne surprised me last Monday and when I had called him on the way home from my Specialist's appt. and told him I had to have my feet numbed and get a cort shot, and the pain I was in, he surprised me and he had the wreaths lit in the two front windows and he had the tree up, not decorated, but up. I was so happy and greatful. Today, when I was going through the ornaments, it was like memory lane. I saw Harley's first ornament that I had gotten him and it was dated 2004. It was amazing the memories of that year, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I say the worst as I was in rehab. The best of times as he became my service dog and best friend. It amazed me thinking wow time has gone by. I saw ornaments that I had made with my grandchildren's name. WOW, had one, then two, then three, then four and now we have five.... I need to get one made with Ryleigh's name. Four Grandsons, one Granddaughter.
    Life goes on. It was so much fun sharing the fun with Debbie and Kathy. They are my Monday Bible Study Partners. We are studying The Purpose Driven Life. It is a very good read.
    Our neighbors all have their houses decorated and the lights are beautiful. My friend came over this week and helped me "bag" all the gifts. I decided to bag everything, much easier than having to wrap all of it. Heck, the kids could care less. hehe
    Harley is wondering where his presents are. He is watching very closely on what Mom is doing.
    I had such thanks to GOD for saving my precious Harley when we almost lost him this year. He was so close to not making it. I am so thankful for all the prayers we rec'd. As I was doing my tree I had some thoughts, BELIEVE, HOPE, FAITH I Believe there is still recovery for me, I keep the HOPE alive and my FAITH has just gotten stronger and stronger.
     
    OK: BIG NEWS FLASH
    I am joining Weight Watchers next Tuesday. WHOOO HOOOOOO I have prayed and prayed abou this and which program would be good for me. My Cardiologist has wanted me to go to Weight Watchers,She feels it is the best program out there. Well, since I live in the country there aren't any near me. I prayed and prayed for one to be available closer to me. I found out this week, there is one that has just started at a Church about 5-7 miles from me. This is what I always call:
    IT'S A GOD THING...... wow, i called them and the girl was so friendly and helpful and welcomed me with open arms. I told her about me as she asked and she said wow you seem like such an inspiration and I can't wait to meet you. She took my number and I truly feel now I am on the one part of my journey I truly need. So, I will keep everyone posted. I plan on going next Tuesday. I shared with her my theory, if you build it, they will come, well, world, I am going. She said they have about 25-30 people that go. I pray maybe I can have someone in my area that goes and I could get a ride with them. Wayne isn't too happy about having to bring me and go pick me up. I told her I was in a wheelchair and she said no problem. They are very accessible. She said the people usually socialize afterward. So, that is what I need. I am a people person and I miss that. But, heck, Tuesday is going to be a great day.
    It has been pouring down rain all day and this week. I guess it is better than snow.
    Well, I am going to make this entry short as I am very tired.
    My best to all. I need to work on my Christmas Cards the rest of this week.
    Thank you for stopping by and checking in .....
    One day at a time, One second at a time, Life is good.
     
     
     
    Today's Quote
     
    I gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which I must stop and look fear in the face...I say to myself, I
  21. jjohnson
    [c :friends: :happydance: :Angel: olor=#000000][/color]
     
    I had rec'd a phone call the first part of the week asking if I was going to be home today and I told them yes, I don't get out that often so I was excited to get that phone call. Sharon informed me that I was one of the people that was going to be on the list to have Christmas Caroling. My former Sunday School Class wanted to come and sing for me. I was so excited. They came between 1-3pm. My front yard was filled with the children and their parents. It was priceless and I was so happy. They brought tears to my eyes to see them ... their precious faces and their hearts filled with love for me. They stayed a while and each of them hugged me as their parents did. They had stated they were sad I wasn't able to have them the past two years. I explained to them I haven't been doing really well the past few years. I was greatful I was up to it today. I love children so much and I was truly blessed today. My neighbor came out to listen to them as my other neighbor. So I had a wonderful day with my little visitors.
     
    It was as I call them "A God Thing".
     
    I have been working on our Christmas Cards. I have decided this will be the last year I do them. I could not believe that stamps are now 49 cents. Wayne went yesterday to pick up the stamps and I had no clue they went from 39 cents to 49 cents. I have decided I will call those people I can via the phone to wish them Happy Holidays, or I will e-mail them. But, I will not send out any more Christmas cards as of next year. It's been a real challenge for me. My writing looks like a little childs since my Brain Stem Stroke. :roflmao: But, the good thing is I can write. right? There was a time I couldn't do anything.
    I have spent a lot of time just sitting in the Living Room watching my Christmas Tree and reflecting on a lot of things.
    My new neighbor, Miranda, came over today for a few hours and we had a nice conversation. I really like her. She is the first person that I have met since my Brain Stem Stroke that I am becoming friends with. I am trying to speak to her about all sorts of things outside of "stroke" ... sorta my being somewhat normal? I'm not sure how to express or explain it. I haven't told her my story, she knows I am in a wheelchair and I have walkers, etc. And she sees the ramp out front of our home. She doesn't ask any questions and I haven't actually told her the Reader Digest's Version of my journey. It's kinda hard to figure out what to talk about. But, we always seem to talk a lot about various things.
    She and her hubby are very nice and we are blessed having them as our new neighbors.
    Can you believe Christmas is almost here?
    My Birthday is in eleven more days. It's the 26th. I am excited about that. I have always been excited for my Birthday, I always feel special cuz that is the day God put me on this earth.
    Well, I need to say good night for now, I need to get to bed, I am really tired tonight.
    God Bless, Believe In Miracles and SOAR
  22. jjohnson
    WOW WHO EVER SAID YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS... I AM A TESTIMONY THAT THIS OLD DOG LEARNED ALL WEEKEND. LET ME SHARE...
     
    AS MOST OF YOU KNOW BY NOW, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, I SHALL EXPLAIN.
     
    I AM NOT, I KNOW YOU WILL FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I MUST COME CLEAN WITH MY FAN BASE THAT ARE COMING HERE TO LEARN ABOUT ME. I AM NOT, LET ME SAY IT AGAIN, NOT NOT NOT COMPUTER SAVVY. :nuhuh: BUT, I AM TRYING WITH THE BEST OF THEM TO LEARN SO I CAN BE PART OF THIS BLOG WORLD. GOSH, YOU HAVE THE MY SPACE, FACEBOOK, THIS AND THAT, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JUST THE PHONE AND VISITS? I GUESS I AM NOT IN THE "NOW SCENE" I AM HAPPY WITH MY GENERATION.... THE PEPSI GENERATION. WE HAD GOOD, CLEAN FUN, BACK THERE, SAFE TOYS, SAFETY WAS IN MY LIFE, I COULD LEAVE MY HOME AND FORGOT TO LOCK UP AND NOTHNG EVER HAPPENED. SAME FOR MY CAR. NOW A DAYS, YOU KNOW HOW IT IS GOING. KIDS WERE KIDS, LIFE WAS SIMPLE AND HAPPY. NO STRESS BACK THEN. KIDS WEREN'T ATTACKED BECAUSE SOME BIG BAD GANG WANTED THEIR SHOES, ETC. IF A CHILD SAYS NO, THEN THEY ARE KILLED, STABBED, ETC. I DON'T LIKE THE WAY THINGS ARE HAPPENING THESE DAYS. I GUESS MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. PARENTS ARE FORCED TO WORK AND THEY AREN'T HOME TO BE THERE FOR THEIR CHLDREN, SO THEY GIVE THEM WHATEVER THEY WANT, IPODS, MP3 PLAYERS, COMPUTER, ETC. I NEVER HAD THAT GROWING UP. I HAD A MOM WHO WORKED A REGULAR JOB, REGULAR HOURS, AND AT 5-5:30PM EVERY DAY WE HAD DINNER TOGETHER AT THE TABLE, MINUS MY FATHER, HE WAS AN ALOCHOLIC AND WAS NEVER THERE. LONG STORY WHICH I WILL GET INTO ANOTHER DAY AND TIME. ANYWAY, MY MOM WAS ALWAYS THERE AND MY UNCLE REX. HE WAS MOM'S BROTHER AND HE LIVED WITH US. I ADORED HIM, HE WAS MY DAD GROWING UP, HE WOULD BE IN MY FATHER/DAUGHTER BOWLING TOURANMENTS, WE HAD A BLAST, WE WERE ON THREE LEAGUES TOGETHER. HE WAS SO AWESOME.
     
    ANYWAY, BACK TO THE SUBJECT AT HAND. POST STROKE, MY PATIENCE LEVEL IS NOT ALL THAT GREAT. I NEED TO HAVE PATIENCE. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE.....
     
    I HAD PICTURES FROM 2003 ON THIS COMPUTER FROM HURRICANE ISABELLE AND I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO FIND THEM TO SHARE WITH OUR NEW NEIGHBORS. I COULD NOT FIND THEM FOR THE LOVE OF PETE. (EDITOR'S NOTE)... WHERE DID THAT PHRASE COME FROM? LOVE OF PETE? WHY NOT LOVE OF JOE, CHRIS, SAM, BILL..... HEHEHE JUST A THOUGHT
     
    THE OTHER DAY, OUT OF NOWHERE, I FOUND THEM, IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. I WAS SO HAPPY, I LOOKED AT THEM AND RELIVED THAT MOMENT IN TIME. SAW A PICTURE WHERE THE WATER WAS SO DEEP IT CAME UP TO MY WASTE. WOW, IT'S A MIRACLE WE GOT THROUGH THAT CRISIS.
    IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE. THE DAMAGE THAT THE BAY HAS. CAN'T CONTROL WATER ....
    THE NATIONAL GUARD WAS THERE, PEOPLE WALKING WITH THEIR PRIZED POSSESSIONS THAT WERE EVACUATING. IT WAS SOMETHING. I HAD CLOSED THE FILE AND WENT ON TO DO OTHER THINGS ON MY COMPUTER. I TOLD WAYNE I HAD FOUND IT AND HE WANTED TO SEE THEM, SO I WENT TO GET THEM, AND ZILCH. I COULDN'T FIND THEM. I KNEW I HAD SEEN THEM, BUT, I COULDD NOT FIND THEM AGAIN. I GOT STRESSED OUT ABOU IT, THINKING, COME ON THOUGHT PROCESS, BRAIN, YOU ARE NOT ON A UNION BREAK. :yadayada: GET WORKING, :uhm:
    NOTHING, SO I DECIDED TO WALK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. IT FRUSTRATES ME SO..... AGAIN, I AM TOO HARD ON MYSELF, SO I TRIED TO HAVE PATIENCE. SO THIS MORNING, I DECIDED, OK, CHALLENGE IS ON, I AM GOING TO GO REAL S L O W AND TRY THIS AGAIN. I TOOK MY PATIENCE PILL, MY DON'T BEAT MYSELF UP PILL, AND DECIDED TO GO SLOW, PUT THE RADIO ON WITH MY FAV TUNES, AND JUST TRY IT AGAIN, YEP, YOU GUESSED IT...... AFTER HOURS OF TRYING, I, THROUGH GOD'S HELP, GOT ME THERE. WOW, WHAT A FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT,
     
    THERE'S NOTHING TO IT BUT TO DO IT.
     
    :cleaning: VAVAVAVAVOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
     
    :yikes: :Typing: :cheer: :music_band: :groupwave:
     
    so bottom line is why do I want to do this Blog.... there are many reasons why,
     
    1. To get better with my computer skills and memory and share about myself maybe to help others.
     
    2. To learn more about myself, by talking about Jan and getting to relearn about Jan
     
    3. To give back to others, maybe there might be a BrainStem Stroke Survivor out there who is going through things that I might touch on through my Blog and I can be available to them.
     
    4. I am showing myself that YES, I CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG A FEW NEW TRICKS.
     
    So, for now, that it is for this moment. I will start talking about the old me pre stroke and then you will meet the me and now.
     
    Thanks for listening,
     
    I hope you are kind to yourselves and learn the gift of Patience which God gives us. Are we smart enough to accept it? ummmmm I shall ponder on that for today.
     
    Love to all, remember to enjoy your view of the day.
     
    Life Is GOOD,
     
    BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR
  23. jjohnson
    Good Morning my friends, It is I, The Blog Queen Getting rather sure of myself, now aren't I? Well, If I don't believe in myself, what good am I? I have decided I have the Blog, it doesn't have me.
    First Subject at hand I shall write about.
     
    Message Boards. These are essential to our recovery. We all have talents, we may have learned from life experiences, I know, God has given all of us gifts, talents, however you want to define them, so be it, But the point I am trying to make is this. People go to those boards for many reasons, maybe just to have someone they can pour their soul to, they are looking for answers, They need to hear recovery and yes, don't give up, whether they be a family members, friend, etc. So, please I challenge you to make a difference, Pay It Forward, People have asked me throughout my life, why do you give so much of yourself to your volunteer work, Because it is my mission, my passion, I could never give it up, it means to much to me. I still have a part of the Old Jan by getting it back.
    Second: I would like to hear from my readers, viewers, I know you are there, I can feel it, What was the best part of your stroke? What was your defining moment? What is your view point of life since you are home, etc.
    My defining moment was: Is:
     
    How have you accepted your recovery? Is it still working, moving forward or are you at a standstill?
    My defining moment isI need to get this weight off. I find it so hard as I can't exercise. I know, I exercise with my mouth running a mile a minute. With my Muscular Dystrophy my muscles have atrophed so badly. I am going to ask my Nuero if he would write me a RX for PT. Only problem I will have is finding someone to take me.
    I think that is my main source of frustration, getting out and about. Would you please keep me in prayer about that.
    I had a surprise call last evening. A friend from the past was coming down to my area to drop her son, Josh, off for a party and she called to ask if she could stop by. My hair was a mess, I was in my jamies, etc. The old days, I could care less, but my Stroke life It's not a picnic. But, I was happy I was getting company. She spoke of the old days and all the fun we had and all the adventures we did, etc. We must have spoken for hours. I was nodding off here and there but I told her it was a stroke thing. I asked her to just bear with me. The "I'm just listening" didn't pass her. Leslie was still the same, except she gained so much weight. She used to be a skinnie little thing but she wasn't anymore. Then I learned all about her life and the divorce and all that mess. She was shocked I wasn't getting any help from the county or such. She told me you were there when my Mom was dying and you granted her the last wish she had and you went out of your way for our family. She said now it is your turn for people who u gave to to give back to you. I explained to Leslie, that is not why I have done all that I have done in my lifetime that this was my mission, my ministry from GOD. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She said she will be coming back more often. I welcomed that .... it did do me a world of good hearing about the old times. She and my hubby went out for a smoke and she had a whole lot to say after that. I wish I could have been a lil fly on the the wall. Must have been one heck of a conversation, she said he needed a break, etc. all of which I have known for years, and then she said she is contacting her brothers to see if they could give back to me. I know this is a "God thing"as I define them. I know I need help, I know we need help, if Wayne could get a break, I think this house would be happier. You can't be together 24/7. I know that, these are his retirement years. The best moments in his life. They talked about that.
    Well, gang, I am going to send this because I want to see if it is still working with me and not against me. I shall return. I have a lot to share with everyone. Hugs, Me
  24. jjohnson
    :happydance: :forgive_me?: I bring my December 1st Happy Dance to share with you along with flowers for all. Without Friends.... Life would be like a garden without flowers. Thank you for being the friendship seeds that have been planted in my StrokeNet garden. It has been fun getting to know you and walking our journeys together.
     
    I am so happy I have finally come to the point in my journey to actually start a Blog. It is hard to share my innermost thoughts with you, however, I feel it is time to try. I want to share my experience, strength and hope with you. I feel God spared my life is the simple fact to lend a helping hand to others and share what he has done for me and that there is HOPE. There is life after a stroke. We have been dealt a hand ..... Do I fold or Do I move forward? The choice is mine. Only I can make the decision. I chose to Move Forward. Here I am, five years later... still making choices with my daily life. When I wake up in the morning, is it going to be "oh, just another day" or is it "what does today have just waiting for me".... Everything is bright and new.
     
    I was 100% paralyzed, today I am not paralyzed. I can say yes to the challenges out there or hide under the covers. I want to move forward. Everything is just waiting for me. SO, LOOK OUT WORLD I AM COMING. My Birthday is the day after Christmas and this is a lil Birthday gift to me. I used to do everything for everybody else and I think my well was dry. I have had to learn to put me on the top of the list, if I don't, I'm headed for trouble. I used to feel it was a selfish thing to do, therefore, I didn't do it, but, I am trying. I'm so darn excited I am actually writing this BLOG... how cool is that?
     
    Maybe I will learn more about the Post gal and learn to love her more. It is hard being a Stroke Survivor, but, the key word here is SURVIVOR.... I beat the odds, I made it..... I do have worth... just have to get to the land of Acceptance. I have never asked once WHY ME,. why not me?
     
    Well, I am excited to see if this made it in the Morning News.. I will be back, probably a lot. It's like a new toy under the Christmas Tree. For now, I am just going to embrace who and what I am.
     
    I hope to learn more about the Jan and more about you, the readers.
    Until next time, have a great day and hug yourself. You deserve it.
     
     
     
    BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR
  25. jjohnson
    Well, here goes nothing, I am "SOLO" on this journey. To be or not to be? That is the answer. hehe :roflmao: I was so upset the beginning of the week, I had sat down and thought Oh wow I'm going to do a post of what was going on in my world and it seemed as thought it was taking me forever n a day.... but I felt, oh,come on Jan, give yourself the permission to try .... you aren't being graded for how your entry looks. typos, etc. I am entering in something new to me, but, heck there is nothing to it but to do it. If I could take on a Brain Stem Stroke, darn this is a piece of cake for me. WRONG Having short term memory loss isn't a good thing to have when typing a blog. In my humble opinion. So, I finished that entry ..... OH NO, I lost it. All those precious moments it took me to get the post done and then it was gone. Where did it go? It was so not the thing I had hoped for. My super duper helped, Donna, I was going to surprise her and say: Donna, ole buddy ole pal, guess what I did. But, it didn't go the way I thought it would go. She has spent so much time supporting me and helping me with this project. I know once I get the hang of it then I will be on a "roll".... So, here I am on Friday trying it once again. I reckon this is my new Therapy ..... sticking with it, I want to work my brain cells and keep them active so I am here doing just that. Donna has posted pics for me so you can get to know me, my thoughts, my family, just sharing my innermost thoughts with you. Once I get the hang of this, I will give you positive posts and how my days are going. Slow start right now. I am going to end this for right now and see if it works, if so, I'lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll be back like Arnold says, if not, I'lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll be throwing thnis computer out the door. hehehe :roflmao: Let's c if it works or not. I'm crossing my fingers, eye, legs, for it to work.

    BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR