HEALTH UPDATE

In the fall of 2017 I spent 5 weeks in Madigan Army Medical Center hospital diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a non-curable but treatable blood cancer. Following intense chemotherapy I spent the Christmas holidays recuperating at home.

In the spring of 2018 I spent 10 weeks at the Seattle VA hospital where I received a stem cell transplant a difficult and at times brutal procedure but well worth it. I am happy to report that I continue in remission. I was especially blessed by Melba and other family members volunteering to be my caregiver for a week or two so I could stay in the Marriott instead of remaining in the hospital for the duration.

In 2023 I underwent a cardio ablation to stabilize my heart rate which was severely accelerated. The procedure was successful and my heart continues to beat at normal levels, unless, of course, my sweet wife, Melba, gives me a kiss, then my pulse rate soars!

Finally, my treatment for glaucoma is successfully keeping my eye pressure under control.

As always, I am eternally grateful for the prayers and support given me by my family and my friends—you are all dear to me!

 

The Joy of Mantras

A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that is repeated during meditation or during times of stress to focus the mind and quiet the chatter of thoughts. Mantras can be derived from spiritual traditions or simple phrases that resonate with the individual. They can be used to promote mindfulness, calm anxiety, and cultivate positive thinking.   Here are a few examples of mantras:

·       “My mind is brilliant. My body is healthy. My spirit is tranquil.”

·       “I create my own path and walk it with joy.”

·       “I am conquering my fears and becoming stronger each day.”

·       “My body is a temple. I keep my temple clean.”

·       “My commitment to myself is unbreakable.”

I have found mantras to be very helpful in keeping me anchored to what is really important in life.  Here are three that I use frequently:

Ø At times, uncomfortable and unwanted memories will surface, reminding me of past mistakes, decisions that hurt others, and even sins.  This mantra is helpful in keeping me in the present and reminding me of my Christian discipleship:

 

“That was me then—that is not me now.”

 

Ø Everyone has problems in life that can be small or huge—I am no exception.  This mantra helps me stay focused on solutions, not the problem:

 

“Every problem has a solution.”

 

Ø It is human nature to think that everything is about yourself.  This self-absorption prevents us from living according to the two great commandments given us by Jesus:  Love God—Love your neighbor.  This mantra reminds me of where my primary focus should be:

“Look up—Look out.”

GETTING USED TO THE NEW NORMAL 

As I approach my 82nd birthday, I've been reflecting on what this life phase means to me.  Many times I have bounced back and forth between "speed bumps" and calm waters and found myself waiting for things to settle down and get back to normal.  The other day, however, it struck me that this is normal--the "new normal".  Friends and family get sick and die, my wife and my health, energy and sense of well-being fluctuates almost daily, friends at the senior living community where we live respond to their myriad challenges in different ways: anger--kindness--sadness--weeping--involvement in the activities provided here--isolation--quiet contemplation.  The result of all this "new normalization" has actually been a blessing.  When things get a little crazy or I'm feeling depressed because of my challenges, it helps to remind myself that since this is really the "new normal" no amount of wishing/longing/hoping will change that and as strange as it seems, at least to me, that settles me down and speaks peace to my mind and heart.  I count this as one of God's many blessings He has given me over the years and I am so grateful to Him for it.