Death is a topic that generally is not talked about by most people. There is always a sense of finality and sorrow associated with it. We are saddened by the mere thought of it. Though we as humans do our best to avoid death, it still happens.
Twelve days ago, My dad lost his Rita. Thirteen and a half years ago my Mother died, leaving my Dad in a world of hurt. God brought Rita into his life the next year. She gave him balance again. We, as a family accepted and loved Rita, as did she of us. Her death came as a sudden shock. She was diagnosed with cancer three weeks prior, had just completed radiation treatments and been told that she could expect 2-7 years before it took her. She didn't get her 2 years, but rather a mere 3 weeks, passing in her sleep - peacefully and now pain free.
The grieving process has set in for her family and my Dad. This has presented opportunities for me to share God's love for us and His plan for our eternity with my Dad. Does this remove the grief? Not really, but it does change the perceived finality of death. As each of us must deal with death at some point of our lives, it is easier to accept knowing that only through death will we see life eternal.
Friday, December 31, 2010
The End of a Year
Why is it that the end of a year brings on a time of reflection of the past year? I have wondered and pondered over this question multiple times - usually at the end of a year. It seems that we do our reflecting at this time of year for several reasons.
1) A new year is ready to begin. As we look ahead, we are determined to try to make it a better year than we have ever had, thus we look back to see where we can improve.
2) We tend to not be satisfied with areas of our lives and we go into recall mode to identify these areas in order to remedy them.
3) We have made it through the Holiday season of hustle bustle from mid November through Christmas, finally able to relax and let our guard down.
4) We anticipate expected changes ahead of us and want to compare the changes to the past and plan ahead.
All this reflection leads us to (again) make a list of 'New Years Resolutions' Do we really plan to make all the changes we resolve to do? Usually, we begin with the full intent but life doesn't always cooperate with our plans.
This year, my resolution is to seek more fully what God desires for me to do. Do I expect a full list to be revealed on January 1st? No, this list will most likely change and be added to quite often. I guess then, reflecting on the past year(s), I can honestly say that my New Years Resolution is to become a better servant, becoming more pliable and available to be used of Him.
That being said, I can now say: HAPPY NEW YEAR - Ed
1) A new year is ready to begin. As we look ahead, we are determined to try to make it a better year than we have ever had, thus we look back to see where we can improve.
2) We tend to not be satisfied with areas of our lives and we go into recall mode to identify these areas in order to remedy them.
3) We have made it through the Holiday season of hustle bustle from mid November through Christmas, finally able to relax and let our guard down.
4) We anticipate expected changes ahead of us and want to compare the changes to the past and plan ahead.
All this reflection leads us to (again) make a list of 'New Years Resolutions' Do we really plan to make all the changes we resolve to do? Usually, we begin with the full intent but life doesn't always cooperate with our plans.
This year, my resolution is to seek more fully what God desires for me to do. Do I expect a full list to be revealed on January 1st? No, this list will most likely change and be added to quite often. I guess then, reflecting on the past year(s), I can honestly say that my New Years Resolution is to become a better servant, becoming more pliable and available to be used of Him.
That being said, I can now say: HAPPY NEW YEAR - Ed
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Still Shrinking
It,s funny how just one year ago, I took a lot of pride in losing 5 lbs, yet now after losing 55 lbs, I,m not content. I have stopped making excuses for why I couldn't lose the weight. Now I blame myself for interrupting my weight loss. I guess this is because I know that I can do it and should continue.
The Holiday season is upon us, Thanksgiving in a week, Christmas in 5 weeks, then New Years the next week. This season will be a real test for me since I really like food. I especially like sweets (fudge, mints, brittle, etc...) and Turkey with the works. Interesting, unlike many past years, I have developed a good appetite for green salads, maybe this will help me survive the temptations of the season.
This new attitude should help me to enjoy the Holidays with out feelings of disappointment, thinking up more excuses. If I happen to stall or even gain a pound or two, I will just have to accept the blame then get right back at it. I know that 55 lbs is something to be happy about, but I will not be satisfied until I lose at least another 30 pounds. Till then, I hope to remain 'the incredible shrinking man'.
The Holiday season is upon us, Thanksgiving in a week, Christmas in 5 weeks, then New Years the next week. This season will be a real test for me since I really like food. I especially like sweets (fudge, mints, brittle, etc...) and Turkey with the works. Interesting, unlike many past years, I have developed a good appetite for green salads, maybe this will help me survive the temptations of the season.
This new attitude should help me to enjoy the Holidays with out feelings of disappointment, thinking up more excuses. If I happen to stall or even gain a pound or two, I will just have to accept the blame then get right back at it. I know that 55 lbs is something to be happy about, but I will not be satisfied until I lose at least another 30 pounds. Till then, I hope to remain 'the incredible shrinking man'.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sports page
One of the things in the last 35 years that has remained a constant has been that the sports section of the newspaper is mine. My wife, Laurie really doesn't care much about sports and practically never even touches the section. My 2 daughters were almost the same, Heather only glancing occasionally at one page during High School looking for her own or a friends name or to get upset that the local paper didn't (again) cover her School's sporting event at all.
My son I expected a bit more from, but he enjoyed playing - not reading. He was content to allow me to read the pages and tell him if anything important (to him) was in there, like his goal the day before. Other than that, it was my section to read, mostly about something involving the Ducks.
These family principles have taken a hit recently. During a recent visit in our home, my 6 year old Grandson has totally violated this tradition. He has been introduced to the NFL and scores/stats as a means of making the learning of math more fun. He had the audacity to actually remove the section completely from the unread paper and dive into the pages. How am I to react to these actions???
I have to admit that watching him become so excited in this activity and then spend hours telling me the details just made me smile. His knowledge of the NFL supersedes my own vastly. His excitement in telling his Papa on the phone was a beautiful exchange. I must conclude by saying, "Solomon, you can take my sports page any time you like."
My son I expected a bit more from, but he enjoyed playing - not reading. He was content to allow me to read the pages and tell him if anything important (to him) was in there, like his goal the day before. Other than that, it was my section to read, mostly about something involving the Ducks.
These family principles have taken a hit recently. During a recent visit in our home, my 6 year old Grandson has totally violated this tradition. He has been introduced to the NFL and scores/stats as a means of making the learning of math more fun. He had the audacity to actually remove the section completely from the unread paper and dive into the pages. How am I to react to these actions???
I have to admit that watching him become so excited in this activity and then spend hours telling me the details just made me smile. His knowledge of the NFL supersedes my own vastly. His excitement in telling his Papa on the phone was a beautiful exchange. I must conclude by saying, "Solomon, you can take my sports page any time you like."
Time
Where has time gone? I can't believe it has been 4 months since I last wrote on here. So much has happened in theses last 120 days that I can never try to recall them all. I will try to catch up on a few over the next week or 2.
Time, an interesting topic to discuss. For some, like my newest granddaughter, four months is practically a lifetime. For others, like my wonderful Mother in law, the last four months are seemingly a count down to the end of her time. She is such a trooper, sometimes leading us to believe she might just out live all of us. As her health and body move through the process of finalization, she amazes us with her stamina and desire to enjoy every moment possible with those she loves. Though her heart is intent to stretch those times out, her body tells her to rest - rest for another time.
She knows her time here is nearly complete and has accepted the truth of that statement. With her though, until that final moment comes, she will continue to grab hold of the time she has and enjoy what she can. Is this hard for her to do or is it more difficult for those around her that love her the most? I'm not too sure how to answer that.
As we define time, having a beginning and an end, I am reminded that with God, time technically has no beginning or ending. We have the assurance that we will, upon leaving this life, have life eternal with Him. The very thought of this for my other Mother is a joyous one. Having lost my own Mom 13 years ago, I know the pains of loss, yet I rejoice in the knowledge of a better life that she and soon Mom (Grammy) will be abiding in.
Time, an interesting topic to discuss. For some, like my newest granddaughter, four months is practically a lifetime. For others, like my wonderful Mother in law, the last four months are seemingly a count down to the end of her time. She is such a trooper, sometimes leading us to believe she might just out live all of us. As her health and body move through the process of finalization, she amazes us with her stamina and desire to enjoy every moment possible with those she loves. Though her heart is intent to stretch those times out, her body tells her to rest - rest for another time.
She knows her time here is nearly complete and has accepted the truth of that statement. With her though, until that final moment comes, she will continue to grab hold of the time she has and enjoy what she can. Is this hard for her to do or is it more difficult for those around her that love her the most? I'm not too sure how to answer that.
As we define time, having a beginning and an end, I am reminded that with God, time technically has no beginning or ending. We have the assurance that we will, upon leaving this life, have life eternal with Him. The very thought of this for my other Mother is a joyous one. Having lost my own Mom 13 years ago, I know the pains of loss, yet I rejoice in the knowledge of a better life that she and soon Mom (Grammy) will be abiding in.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence
July 4th and I find myself independent of almost 50 lbs. this year. With the first goal of reaching 250# before China, I am only 2 lbs. away with 20 days to go. With three different celebration gatherings in 30 hours I'm hoping not to completely blow it.
As time permits, I will expound upon the details of my (our) weight loss program. I say our since my wife is supporting me in doing this with me. Before we finish we will have shed over 100# combined. More on this later, Ed
As time permits, I will expound upon the details of my (our) weight loss program. I say our since my wife is supporting me in doing this with me. Before we finish we will have shed over 100# combined. More on this later, Ed
Celebration
The 4th of July. It is a day of rememberance as well as celebration. I used to believr that if creatures from outer space were to come that night, they would determine the earth's air had too much sulpher for them and leave us alone. The fireworks, parades, and gatherings with family & friends is all so exciting, almost a rushing in (finally) of Summer. It is important to remember the sacrifices so many have made so we could enjoy our freedom. Following are a few clips from two of my favorite actors on the subject.
The pledge by Red Skelton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI
And this from John wayne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc&NR=1
And TAPS
One version of the origin of the song:
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach the through gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern, suddenly he caught his breath and went white with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier, it was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The father chose the bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted.
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk81XVsE9o&feature=related
Here are the words to TAPS:
Verse 1:
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Verse 2:
Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Verse 3:
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
As with most of this countries patriotic songs, Taps is as much a prayer as it is a song. What better words for our fallen comrades to rest with than "This we know, God is nigh."
The pledge by Red Skelton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI
And this from John wayne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc&NR=1
And TAPS
One version of the origin of the song:
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach the through gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern, suddenly he caught his breath and went white with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier, it was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The father chose the bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted.
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk81XVsE9o&feature=related
Here are the words to TAPS:
Verse 1:
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Verse 2:
Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Verse 3:
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
As with most of this countries patriotic songs, Taps is as much a prayer as it is a song. What better words for our fallen comrades to rest with than "This we know, God is nigh."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Birthdays
Yesterday was Laura's Birthday, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY". Some people look at birthdays and other holidays as just another day in their busy schedules but not my wife. Holidays, and especially birthdays are semi-major events on to be observed. this is one of the things I love about her. It seems the only one she doesn't build up is her own (she shouldn't have to). I love to try and please her in little ways to remind her of my love for her.
We went to dinner this evening and she was a bit concerned that her mother had not remembered her birthday. This changed when we got home and heard Grammy's sweet voice wishing her a happy day. No big party this year, No kids in the entire State, yet contentment in phone calls and messages. Another message saved on the answering machine of 3 grand children singing "Happy Birthday" to Grandma.
So, another birthday passes, and others come. David's is next in 2 days. will his day be forgotten? No way! The timeless tradition has passed to the next generation. Did we have multiple parties? No we didn't, not like in years past. Mothers day and Laura's birthday are now past, but there is always another holiday just around the corner. Memorial day, Fathers day, Anniversary, Independence day, ..., each another reason to celebrate. Isn't that what life is about sometimes, a reason to celebrate? Live a little then and pick a date for any special reason and celebrate.
We went to dinner this evening and she was a bit concerned that her mother had not remembered her birthday. This changed when we got home and heard Grammy's sweet voice wishing her a happy day. No big party this year, No kids in the entire State, yet contentment in phone calls and messages. Another message saved on the answering machine of 3 grand children singing "Happy Birthday" to Grandma.
So, another birthday passes, and others come. David's is next in 2 days. will his day be forgotten? No way! The timeless tradition has passed to the next generation. Did we have multiple parties? No we didn't, not like in years past. Mothers day and Laura's birthday are now past, but there is always another holiday just around the corner. Memorial day, Fathers day, Anniversary, Independence day, ..., each another reason to celebrate. Isn't that what life is about sometimes, a reason to celebrate? Live a little then and pick a date for any special reason and celebrate.
Still shrinking
I haven't posted in a while so I need to catch up. I am currently down to 268# and on target to be down to the 250# mark before China. After my surgery, I slowly crept back up to 287# and knew I had to do something else. I will give more detail later, but I (with Laura in full support) have jumped full bore into a plan where I subside on around 1000 calories per day in a controlled program. In the first 19 days I have lost 19# and 5 1/2" off my belly.
I am encouraged by what I see in the mirror and the scales. That would be the scales at Courthouse. Our home scales still just tell me "ERROR" when I step on them. I did get a reading finally the other day and it said I weighed 125#. I really miss some of the foods that I can not have, such as peanut butter, but it will be worth it in the end. Enough on this for now, I will provide all the details in another post.
I am encouraged by what I see in the mirror and the scales. That would be the scales at Courthouse. Our home scales still just tell me "ERROR" when I step on them. I did get a reading finally the other day and it said I weighed 125#. I really miss some of the foods that I can not have, such as peanut butter, but it will be worth it in the end. Enough on this for now, I will provide all the details in another post.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Vacations
Needing a break from things around here, Laura & I took off in the Rented car and drove to Santa Rosa to see H & D and the California Grand kids. So much to do and so little time to do it, this would describe our trip. Parks, Doughnut castles, Train town, San Francisco Pier 39, Redwoods, Sunshine, Rain, Lots of food, Olives, Hotels, ... These are some of the things that kept us busy for a week.
Coming in July, we have the amazing opportunity of going to China to visit M & H and China Grand kids, for 16 days. Harm pointed out that 30 years to the day after having our 1st child (her), we are finally traveling outside of this country. We were searching for tickets to fly and the average was looking like it would be about $1100.00 each but I found tickets on the exact dates we wanted for $605.00 each - after tax we got both tickets for about $ 1300.00 so I had to buy them. Now we are locked in, July 24 to Aug. 9. We are very excited as we look ahead to this. More on the planning stages will follow.
Sandwiched in the middle of these events, in June Harmony will have her baby, resulting in another trip to California (maybe just Laura).Now, if we didn't have to deal with School & work, things would still be busy.
Coming in July, we have the amazing opportunity of going to China to visit M & H and China Grand kids, for 16 days. Harm pointed out that 30 years to the day after having our 1st child (her), we are finally traveling outside of this country. We were searching for tickets to fly and the average was looking like it would be about $1100.00 each but I found tickets on the exact dates we wanted for $605.00 each - after tax we got both tickets for about $ 1300.00 so I had to buy them. Now we are locked in, July 24 to Aug. 9. We are very excited as we look ahead to this. More on the planning stages will follow.
Sandwiched in the middle of these events, in June Harmony will have her baby, resulting in another trip to California (maybe just Laura).Now, if we didn't have to deal with School & work, things would still be busy.
Recovery & Rehab
Recovery, it's not what you might expect. As much as I thought I was prepared for this, the(self)rehab is slow going and painful. Part of the problem is the continual dealing with my injured foot. This makes it difficult to walk, even in the pool. My Dr. feels the foot is healing with time and believes he may not have to cut & repair it, now that's a blessing. I see my Back Doctor tomorrow, will get an updated prognosis on the healing process.
As I expected, I did not keep down below 280 post surgery, I find myself at 283 lbs. This gives me a good starting point to jump start phase 2 of my mission of reclaiming my body. My wife & I have been looking at several options of things I (we) can do next. I am mentally prepared to continue this battle (physically, I'm still in the battle too). To complete preparations for events this summer, I have to really kick it into the next gear.
I really put my back to the test over the last week. We put on about 1400 miles of driving over 6 days. I absolutely felt the results for several days afterwords, requiring heating pads and rest. The pain pill (Happy pill) phase is over. As tempted as I may have been, I am not taking them. The last 2 days have been a lot better, I haven't needed to use my back brace. After I see the Back Dr., I will have a better idea of when I can expect to return to work and be able to start lifting weights to work out.
More later.
As I expected, I did not keep down below 280 post surgery, I find myself at 283 lbs. This gives me a good starting point to jump start phase 2 of my mission of reclaiming my body. My wife & I have been looking at several options of things I (we) can do next. I am mentally prepared to continue this battle (physically, I'm still in the battle too). To complete preparations for events this summer, I have to really kick it into the next gear.
I really put my back to the test over the last week. We put on about 1400 miles of driving over 6 days. I absolutely felt the results for several days afterwords, requiring heating pads and rest. The pain pill (Happy pill) phase is over. As tempted as I may have been, I am not taking them. The last 2 days have been a lot better, I haven't needed to use my back brace. After I see the Back Dr., I will have a better idea of when I can expect to return to work and be able to start lifting weights to work out.
More later.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Happy Pills
Post surgery, a time for recovery. The Surgeon came to my room the day after the surgery to look things over & see how I was doing. He seemed pleased with my progress and said I could go home after my back brace came or I could stay another night if I wanted too. Why would I want to stay – no sleep, nurses every ½ hour taking stats, lights on all night, …the happy pills were always being brought in. Happy pills in my case turned out to be percocet’s. Upon going home, Laura went to fill my prescription. The surgeon, as it turned out, prescribed a bottle of 200 percocet tablets – up to 10 per day. There’s a nice way to start an addiction.
For the last 3 days, I have needed to take a total of 10 tablets (no addicts here). I believe I am handling the recovery pretty well right now. I was able to walk about 7-8 block circle today after walking a few blocks yesterday. I am trying to keep a grip on my diet till I can start back up at the gym. Matthew asked me last week to tell if & when I am tempted to “cheat” on the diet. I was tempted on Monday at Walgreen’s in the candy isle, but walked through it to just pick up my vitamins I needed. It really was a challenge for me, tried to justify only one before the Surgery. Besides, I had reached my next benchmark of 280 lbs. (279 on Monday, 280 was my goal before surgery). I found a compromise in a healthy 100 calorie bar, I can live with that.
Laura counted 17 staples in about 8” on my back. These are painful to put pressure on, so I have trouble sleeping still. Next Thursday, Feb 11th they come out @ 2:20 PM. Until then, Laura gets to be my nurse & change the dressing daily. I really couldn’t get through this without her. My dad & Rita came over last night; I struggled to stay focused since I had just taken a happy pill. I have a lot of paperwork and school work to do as well as taxes, but I need a couple more days to clear my head & become less dependent upon the little round feel-goods. I believe it will happen soon enough.
Well, I’ve reached my limit for sitting for now, so I'm off to take another happy pill, more later ...
For the last 3 days, I have needed to take a total of 10 tablets (no addicts here). I believe I am handling the recovery pretty well right now. I was able to walk about 7-8 block circle today after walking a few blocks yesterday. I am trying to keep a grip on my diet till I can start back up at the gym. Matthew asked me last week to tell if & when I am tempted to “cheat” on the diet. I was tempted on Monday at Walgreen’s in the candy isle, but walked through it to just pick up my vitamins I needed. It really was a challenge for me, tried to justify only one before the Surgery. Besides, I had reached my next benchmark of 280 lbs. (279 on Monday, 280 was my goal before surgery). I found a compromise in a healthy 100 calorie bar, I can live with that.
Laura counted 17 staples in about 8” on my back. These are painful to put pressure on, so I have trouble sleeping still. Next Thursday, Feb 11th they come out @ 2:20 PM. Until then, Laura gets to be my nurse & change the dressing daily. I really couldn’t get through this without her. My dad & Rita came over last night; I struggled to stay focused since I had just taken a happy pill. I have a lot of paperwork and school work to do as well as taxes, but I need a couple more days to clear my head & become less dependent upon the little round feel-goods. I believe it will happen soon enough.
Well, I’ve reached my limit for sitting for now, so I'm off to take another happy pill, more later ...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Surgery
Surgery day is upon us on Ground hogs day. In just over 12 hours, the surgeon will start cutting but I wont really feel it till later. The actual procedure will take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, followed by 2 hours in the recovery room. The surgeon will cut out the entire L-4 disc in my back and replace it with a synthetic disc, attached with 4 titanium screws. The entire idea of the procedure amazes me.
Growing up as a child in the 60’s, just knowing someone who had gone through a surgery was not very common. In fact, Going to the doctor was not even that common of an event. With a back problem like mine, the surgery would have been a fusion, keeping the patient hospitalized for a week. Now, 1 night and go home.
The best part of having the surgery is the anticipated results. My prognosis is to have 97% total mobility in less than 5-6 months, something I have not had in 5 years. My surgeon is very good at what he does and has a high success rate, so I feel pretty good about it. Based upon my prior surgeries, I know this will be a rough time of recovery over the next 4-6 weeks. I really pray that laura, my loving spouse, can tolerate me through all this.
As I recover, I will keep this blog site posted when I can bear sitting at the computer.
Growing up as a child in the 60’s, just knowing someone who had gone through a surgery was not very common. In fact, Going to the doctor was not even that common of an event. With a back problem like mine, the surgery would have been a fusion, keeping the patient hospitalized for a week. Now, 1 night and go home.
The best part of having the surgery is the anticipated results. My prognosis is to have 97% total mobility in less than 5-6 months, something I have not had in 5 years. My surgeon is very good at what he does and has a high success rate, so I feel pretty good about it. Based upon my prior surgeries, I know this will be a rough time of recovery over the next 4-6 weeks. I really pray that laura, my loving spouse, can tolerate me through all this.
As I recover, I will keep this blog site posted when I can bear sitting at the computer.
Monday, January 25, 2010
HOSPITALS
There is something about a Hospital that causes you to act or think differently than you normally do. Laura's Mom (Grammy) was recently in the place again. Laura & her sisters all pulled together and spent the time they could with her & each other.
It becomes a time of reflection on the things in life that are really important. Grammy came home again, surrounded by those she loves. Yesterday, we found out that 2 of our friends were in the Salem Hospital. Laura & I went to visit them last night. Friend #1 is in her 80's (like Grammy). This is her 3rd time in about a month and the doctors are still trying to figure out the problem. She was looking & feeling good. Just down the hall from them was Friend #2, recovering from an emergency surgery. We could not see him since he was sleeping.
Today I went back & visited with Friend #2, he is doing a lot better & plans on going home tomorrow or the next day. I also wanted to visit Friend #1's husband. It's hard for him to watch his wife of over 60 years suffer. She is again very ill today. I talked and prayed with him. Fortunately, they also have family support. I find it interesting to have all these Hospital experiences as I prepare to go in for my surgery on Feb. 2nd. I know that I will only be one night then home. I already know what the problem is as I go in, unlike all the above. My expected outcome is no mystery.Laura will be at my side through this event and I know that God hears the prayers of everyone who is praying for me. How can I worry about the surgery? I know that God will guide the hands of the surgeon. More later on this topic - after the surgery.
It becomes a time of reflection on the things in life that are really important. Grammy came home again, surrounded by those she loves. Yesterday, we found out that 2 of our friends were in the Salem Hospital. Laura & I went to visit them last night. Friend #1 is in her 80's (like Grammy). This is her 3rd time in about a month and the doctors are still trying to figure out the problem. She was looking & feeling good. Just down the hall from them was Friend #2, recovering from an emergency surgery. We could not see him since he was sleeping.
Today I went back & visited with Friend #2, he is doing a lot better & plans on going home tomorrow or the next day. I also wanted to visit Friend #1's husband. It's hard for him to watch his wife of over 60 years suffer. She is again very ill today. I talked and prayed with him. Fortunately, they also have family support. I find it interesting to have all these Hospital experiences as I prepare to go in for my surgery on Feb. 2nd. I know that I will only be one night then home. I already know what the problem is as I go in, unlike all the above. My expected outcome is no mystery.Laura will be at my side through this event and I know that God hears the prayers of everyone who is praying for me. How can I worry about the surgery? I know that God will guide the hands of the surgeon. More later on this topic - after the surgery.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weight loss
Why is it so easy to gain weight yet so hard to reverse the process. Could it have anything to do with food? When I was a lot younger than I am now. I never worried about gaining weight since I naturally burned about 4000 calories a day. I ignored the little bumps in pounds as I got a little older then finally took notice after I had a major injury and put on 60 lbs. The shocker came as I approached the threshold of 300 lbs.
It is easy to blame others, people, events, activities, and circumstances. I must have blamed all the above as well as God to justify myself. I have come to rationally realize that the only thing to really blame is ME. I have to admit, I really enjoy food. Not just any food, mostly the wrong kinds of food. Honestly, isn't Chocolate one of the major food groups? I am not good at "keeping track" of calories but I do know how to monitor volume of intake. I also know that given the choice between 70% cocoa bars and carrots,which one I prefer to to eat and I should eat.
I am re-discovering how to eat, the right things and when to eat. I have resolved that I will only "treat" myself with purchasing and eating a good candy bar as I reach my downward spiral benchmarks at the even 10's. My journey began on 1 Jan 2010 at 297 lbs. I skipped the treat at 290 since I was fasting and didn't think I deserved it yet I am currently at 282 lbs and will have to think about it as I reach 280. My ultimate goal is to reach 250 by this summer as my wife and I are making plans to travel. My extended goal is to get back to 220 lbs, the weight both my Doctor and Naturopath would like to see.
For the first time in years, I am excited about the possibility of being fit again. I actually thought about asking my Surgeon if he could suck a little of this fat out while he is already in there to fix my back (funny thing is Laura - my loving wife - thought of the same thing).
Isaiah 10:6 says "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
These goals are the basis behind the name of this blog. I really hope to outwardly exhibit the signs of being the incredible shrinking man.
It is easy to blame others, people, events, activities, and circumstances. I must have blamed all the above as well as God to justify myself. I have come to rationally realize that the only thing to really blame is ME. I have to admit, I really enjoy food. Not just any food, mostly the wrong kinds of food. Honestly, isn't Chocolate one of the major food groups? I am not good at "keeping track" of calories but I do know how to monitor volume of intake. I also know that given the choice between 70% cocoa bars and carrots,which one I prefer to to eat and I should eat.
I am re-discovering how to eat, the right things and when to eat. I have resolved that I will only "treat" myself with purchasing and eating a good candy bar as I reach my downward spiral benchmarks at the even 10's. My journey began on 1 Jan 2010 at 297 lbs. I skipped the treat at 290 since I was fasting and didn't think I deserved it yet I am currently at 282 lbs and will have to think about it as I reach 280. My ultimate goal is to reach 250 by this summer as my wife and I are making plans to travel. My extended goal is to get back to 220 lbs, the weight both my Doctor and Naturopath would like to see.
For the first time in years, I am excited about the possibility of being fit again. I actually thought about asking my Surgeon if he could suck a little of this fat out while he is already in there to fix my back (funny thing is Laura - my loving wife - thought of the same thing).
Isaiah 10:6 says "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
These goals are the basis behind the name of this blog. I really hope to outwardly exhibit the signs of being the incredible shrinking man.
Finally blogging
For those that know me , welcome. For those that don't , I am Ed, am married to the most supportive wife, have 3 children (plus 2 more by marriage), and 5 (soon 6) grandchildren.I realized just a few days ago that I created this Blog site about 3 years ago and never posted on it. Now seems to be a good time to begin for those that care to follow my journey for the following reasons:
1) My progress towards completing my return to school - I started back @ Corban College to complete my BA in Business, after a 30 year break.
2) My progress in weight loss - My goal is 80 lbs. over the next year. I am off to a pretty good start, having shed 15 lbs the past 3 weeks.
3) The continuation of my physical well being - I am currently scheduled for Back surgery on ground Hogs Day - funny when I think of the movie by the same title compared to my doing this surgery all over again.
I may not stay consistent in my writings here, I may even be all over the place at times, you can even expect to here a few things about God or the Ducks on here. I just wanted to push myself over an edge and hopefully create a level of accountability. So, do not be afraid to push me further, ask me about where I am at on these topics and others as I add them. I hope that I can keep you informed and at times, amused and entertained.
1) My progress towards completing my return to school - I started back @ Corban College to complete my BA in Business, after a 30 year break.
2) My progress in weight loss - My goal is 80 lbs. over the next year. I am off to a pretty good start, having shed 15 lbs the past 3 weeks.
3) The continuation of my physical well being - I am currently scheduled for Back surgery on ground Hogs Day - funny when I think of the movie by the same title compared to my doing this surgery all over again.
I may not stay consistent in my writings here, I may even be all over the place at times, you can even expect to here a few things about God or the Ducks on here. I just wanted to push myself over an edge and hopefully create a level of accountability. So, do not be afraid to push me further, ask me about where I am at on these topics and others as I add them. I hope that I can keep you informed and at times, amused and entertained.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)