I've been out of the loop for a bit.  I developed severe health issues about the middle of Feb. The most complicated part was a blockage in my small intestine. I've already had several surgeries and adhesion problems, so finding a qualified surgeon wasn't easy. But we did. I still have another one to go, but minor by comparision.

 For all of you that hate going to the doctor, I'd like you to reconcider. It is much easier to fix a problem in the begining. Waiting can cause damage that can't be reversed.

  In the old days, we wanted old doctors, because they had the experience. Now we want the young one fresh out of school and up on the latest information.

If you think you have a health issue, please get them checked. If not for yourself, then for the ones that love you.

We all have our hopes for the season. How we hope it'll 'turn out'. How we hope it 'won't turn out'. And the ever present 'hope to afford', and 'hope we don't pay forever'.

My hope is a little different this year. Everyone I know is going through some kind of serious hardship. I see it on the news too. And over-hear people talking in the check out lines. My hope is 'peace'. Not just that "Peace on Earth" thing. Although I do have hope for it. I mean peace in the heart. I think 'The Powers That Be' are shaking things down to the root. Forcing us to look at the things that really matter.

All of the toys are a scary thought. Even if it isn't on the list, you can't help but wonder.

Near as I can tell, the best gifts out there are Prepaid Gas Cards.

But maybe, just maybe, these things are happening for a reason. To take us back to a time before things were so dependent on the money. I think we're supposed to stay close to home and family. (not nessessarily blood line) I think we're supposed to laugh together, and maybe even cry. Just be together.

When the towers fell, we weren't worried about jobs, toys, or gas prices. We worried about the families. How many said 'I'm gonna spend more time with my family'? But then we lost sight of it. Back to our jobs, and the family fades again. Not right away. Not all at once. Just a little bit here and a little bit there.

But here it is! Staring us right in the face. You can lose a job, and not die. You can lose your car, and not die. But when you lose a family member, a part of us does die. A space that is no longer filled by that person. Loving others doesn't take that up space, but it helps it not to hurt so bad.

My hope is that all of us find at-least one person to forgive, let go of the past, and find peace with-in our families. If we can't have peace in our families, how can we ever hope to have it on our planet.

I wish everyone Peace

  There are so many things that pass us everyday that go unnoticed. I can't do that, or at least I try not to. I have had more than my share of health issues. There have been times I was afraid death was coming and other times I prayed it would. Around 4 years ago, I encountered a different form of health care. For lack of better discription, I call it 'Prayer therapy'. (anyone interested is welcome to ask about it) I was having surgery after surgery. Sometimes more than 1 a year. I needed help just to get my house work done (mostly , by the hubby). I dealt with fatigue, vomiting, severe pain, migraines and depression that comes with a cronic illness (fibromyalgia). My family and friends watched me get worse and worse over a dozen years.

  As this 4th of July passes, I haven't had a surgery in more than 4 years. I clean my own house again. I hunt lost golfballs for the hubby on a regular basis. And even play with my youngest son (9) and grandchildren.

  I am independant. I have a life. I try to fill it with good people and good times. If I had to endure everything in order to stand in this spot right now, it was worth it. When ever things seem to be hopeless, it's an illusion. There is always hope. A saying I heard years ago that seems to sum it up.  "There is no place the will of God can take you, that the Grace of God will not protect you."

  Blessed be to all who read this.

  I moved to the White Mountains of AZ. when I was 23. At 24, I was given a hysterectomy. At the time I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. One of the first things I figured out was that just because I couldn't have children didn't mean I couldn't have them in my life. My husband (not at the time) has 4 children from previous and I thought they were (are) great kids. We watched each other go through rough times with other people and we were there for each other.

  One day, he stopped by and told me he wanted to talk to me about something and could I take time out to go for a ride. Sure! We pulled into his mothers driveway and he said he needed to talk to his brother. I started to get out to say hello to his mother (another good griend) he caught my arm and said wait a second. I stopped, not knowing what to expect. He says "I'd kind-of like to spend the rest of my life with you". (kind of?) I asked "Is this kind-of a marriage proposal?" To which he answered "Well, no, not kindof. I want to marry you. You don't have to answer right away, you can wait." I told him "I don't need to wait and the answer is yes." We then went inside. As he talked to his brother, I was standing at the end of the counter. His mother asked if I was okay. I'm guessing I had a goofy look on my face. I told her Jim had proposed. She said 'Wonderful! When did he ask you?" I said "Just now in your driveway". She smiled and hugged me.

   Since then, this wonderful friend has gone through more than anyone one should. In the 15 years we've been together, I have undergone more than a dozen more surgeries. He has been there through it all. I even offered to leave if it would make his life easier. He replied "Nothing would be easy without you." Over the years he has been the greatest support I could ever have hoped for.

When we had an opportunity to adopt a son together, he was great about everything. He knew that with my health issues, I would need his help. He has never made me feel bad about it. He just keeps assuring me that together we can get through anything.

My husband is not the kind of guy one would concider romantic, but he certainly has a way with words. Once when I was thanking him for a beautiful watch, he said "Just wanted you to know I'll love you for all time." Needless to say, I cried.

I know that's lots of women have wonderful husbands and great children, but I'm not sure they know what a precious gift it is.

  I'd like to quote a line from an old Bonaza episode:

     'To walk 4 feet without him would feel like a mile.'

My son Bob

  I hope I don't offend people when I tell them I will keep them in my prayers. I have a very strong faith and believe in the power of prayer. I have recieved the blessings too. I don't think it takes being in a chunch, on my knees, with holy water on my forehead. I believe all it takes is "Lord, please help FILL IN THE BLANK get through this."  That is enough to send positive energy to the person who needs it.

   My theory how the energy of prayer works goes like this:

  One prayer, is one prayer

  Two prayers, has the energy of 3. Each single prayer and the combination of the 2.

  Three prayers, has the energy of 7. Each single prayer, each combination of 2, and the total of the 3.

  Four prayers, each single, each combination of 2, each combination of 3 and the total 4

  Well, you get the idea. That is why prayers can be so powerful. Not by themselves, but shared with others. It is the greatest blessing you can get, give or share. So, to all who read this, I keep you in my prayers. Good thoughts and God bless.

 I would like to apologize in advance for my lack of words.

  I love to IM with friends. I love read what other people write.

 The problem is..... my name should have been brb.  My computer is on constantly, but I don't get to stay there much. I have a young son (9) and one of the grown children has moved back home and I have his son (3) most of the time.  In between is the usual, dishes, vacuuming and laundry. I am constantly trying to take care of misc little things.

  So if you IM me and I don't answer, please don't be offended, I don't mean to be rude. It just seems a little silly that the only thing I've said for the last 3 hours is 'brb' and 'bk'.

 Grab is my reward. I use it to get through the chores I hate.  If I get the dishes done, I can sit for 5 rounds of Text Twist. A load of laundry is worth 15 rounds (5 after starting the load, 5 after getting it into the dryer and 5 once it's folded). To tidy the bathroom is 5 rounds but if I really have to clean it, it's worth 20 rounds. It gets my work done and I still get to play!

So again My Friend, if I don't answer, I will be back again in a bit.

  I'd like to think there is a reason for everything. So far, the concept works for me. Although, sometimes I don't see it. Here lately, I see so many people going through so many things. Cancer, car accidents, and even death. I can't help but wonder how much closer to home can it get. My prayers go out to them. I really hope things turn out for the best for all.

  The reason I'm writing this is because we never know when one of those moments are going to happen in our lives. So I thought I'd take a moment to say thank you for your place in the world. We need each others friendships. I think the internet could be used as a powerful tool in making this a better place to live. By talking to one another, we may be able to look at others with a little more understanding of what they may be going through.

 Thank you, my friends for making my world a better place. I hope to return the favor. Good thoughts and blessed be.