And The “Who Let the Dog’s Out” Contest Winner is…….

Congratulations Abby and Zoey!!!

Congratulations to Abby and Zoey on winning the Cutest pet contest!  The judging was left up to my wonderful family and you have been declared the winners!  Thank you to all who participated.  It was great fun to see photos of your wonderful pets!

One day, one hour, one minute at a time…………..

When I was growing up, my mother was one of the people I could consistantly turn to with whatever issues of the day I would be facing.  She was always there.  Always a “safe place” for me to land and I knew I could always count on her for some good solid supportive, loving and understanding direction.  One of the things she invariably used to say to me was  “One day at a time, my son, One day at a time.”  I find myself asserting this same phrase over and over again to others who are faced with whatever issues of the day they are facing.

It’s Okay

 It isn’t often that I am at a loss for words.  Talk to anyone who knows me personally and you will find that to be true.  LOL   However, sometimes there just are no words. Sometimes you just do not feel inspired.  Period.  I’ve been busy going to a few wrap up doctor appointments this week in preparation for returning to work after a long illness.  It has been a long road and I am tired.  I have no words of wisdom to share at the moment and that even makes me step back and tilt my head a little.  

“Who Let the Dog’s Out?”

This gallery contains 10 photos.

OK.  So it’s time for a little “Dog Therapy.”  I’ve been home a lot since I became ill with Sarcoidosis in July of this year.  My wife has been out working like a trooper and my kids are in school … Continue reading →

My Chains Are Gone

Here I am again so exhausted and yet in so much pain and discomfort I cannot sleep. Sarcoidosis is such a crude spiteful disease! I am so beside myself at moments like these that I find myself being able to do nothing else but cry out to God. Trying to find any distraction, I peruse through the many internet options at my disposal and as usual I am drawn to a place of peace and comfort for me and that is worship music. Tonight I have stumbled across an old familiar song but it has taken on new meaning for me tonight.

Moments Like These

I spend so much of my time either thinking about, talking about or dealing with Sarcoidosis these days.  It can be difficult to step outside of that mind set.  One thing that has hit me recently, however, is that as time flies by I need to remember to breathe and to be sure I do not let every day “moments” pass me by without notice.  It is easy to get caught up in things, like the every day pitfalls of our disease, that may seem important to us, so much so that we miss the moments that really are!  

Now and Forever

My wife and I celebrated our 18th anniversary this past summer.  We have been through a lot in those years just like most couples.  This illness brought its own set of “opportunities” to overcome.  When our youngest son Justin was two, sometime around our 5th Wedding anniversary (I’m sure Julie would correct my memory on the exact timing) I sat down and wrote my wife a poem.  It is entitled “Now and Forever.”  At the time I was so proud of myself for penning it out.  Now I read it and “grin” as it seems a bit corny although still as heartfelt as it was back then.  Funny how once you do pen something out it becomes a lasting testament to you and your “creative mind” of the day.  I hope you can enjoy it with a smile……………………..

Moments with my Sister

Lorie and me after my round of Zometa for Hypercalcemia and her Chemo for Leiomyosarcoma. We could barely keep our eyes open!

My oldest sister Lorie was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma when she was 35.  She was given roughly two years to live.  She is now 51.  She has been through so much in her years battling this wretched disease.  Through the years  she has had numerous surgeries, chemo., radiation, cyber knife, etc.  with tumors in her lungs, neck, spine, pelvis, scalp, arm etc.  

“I Look to You”

So many times in life we can get beaten down for any number of reasons.  Life is a battle.  We get so busy sometimes going to this meeting and that meeting, to this ball game and that dance recital that we don’t even know if we are coming or going anymore.  So many commitments and so little time.  We just can’t seem to please anyone no matter how hard we try……….

As Fall Fades Away………..

Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year.  I love the feeling of the cool yet fresh breeze in my face.  I love to settle in to a nice new pair of jeans and soft cozy sweatshirt, as I stroll down the sidewalk taking in the beauty of God’s scintillating pallet of colors that He has once again brushed onto a panoramic canvas for all of us to behold!