10 year Anniversary - A Miracle

May God Bless you every day of your life!

Letter to self – recap of the past 10 years:

2008 – In July you were turning 65 when you were diagnosed with a

rare terminal Cancer that had metastasized. After much soul searching

and prayers you made the decision to stop treatment. You turned your

life over to God. You sold your condo, got rid of all the material things

that no longer meant anything to you, and set your affairs in order to

include funeral arrangements. You chose quality of life over quantity

of life.

When you quit treatment and refused further treatment the doctors

were upset and most discharged you immediately. To date they cannot

explain why you are still alive so they do not use the term “in remission”

– they will only say it is “not active”.  Oh well, it is just terminology and

you know that the glory belongs to our one and only Savior Jesus Christ.

You moved into low income senior housing that was run by Franciscan

Ministries. Nine years later you are still living there. Many things have

changed but you are hanging in there and making the best of it and

continue to trust God.

After your second surgery you continued to refuse treatment. The

surgeon was angry and  informed you that your God cannot do

everything. I loved your response to her – “Then you don’t know my God.”

2013 - In July you celebrated God’s goodness by showing you that your

life was not finished here on earth and you were to continue doing His

work. You threw yourself a beautiful birthday party with about 90 family

members and friends in attendance. God gave you a few more years than

diagnosed and you turned 70 years old.

After being diagnosed you had to give up working while going through

two major surgeries. After sitting around for about 5 years it was time

to get back in the swing of things and you were offered a position with

Dayspring Villa Assisted Living as Life Enrichment Associate for 18 hours

a week. That has been perfect for you.

2018 – You have said all along that you were going to retire when you

turned 75. Well plans do change and I guess you have decided to go PRN

instead, reducing your hours from 18 to 4 a week. You just cannot give up

your Bible Study on Wednesday afternoon and Church Service on Saturday

evenings. Grace Church of Arvada supplied Dayspring and your group with

a 62 inch Smart TV so that your elders could watch the service live-stream

on Saturday evenings. Grace is a non-denominational service at

5 pm held in the community room. Mass is at 3 pm in the dining room.

There are church services for elders that want to attend. It is obvious that

you love doing God’s work. Such exciting times for you. God has blessed

you beyond measure and you continue to be thankful. No party this time

but I am sure you will celebrate God’s love in your own way. In fact

something has come up. You will be celebrating with your Bible Study

group. You have your quarterly lunch on your birthday. Perfect!

You will turn 75.

You still have your medical challenges like most people of your age but

so far you are able to handle them as they come along. In October when

you had the pulmonary emboli, both lungs, the doctors ordered a PET scan

to check on the Cancer before they would treat you - all was clear.

Thank you once again Lord.

The Bible verse, your favorite, that gets you through each and every day:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,”

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

My "Thank You" to everyone who has prayed for me and offered
encouragement over the years. I pray for each of you as I read your posts
on Facebook. Much Love to all of you and to my 28 nieces and nephews
plus a new baby one the way in December 2018.
Katherine, Kathy Jo, Kathy, Kate

Katherine Johanna Crofford - Europe 100%

Katherine Crofford IRELAND - 46%
Primarily located in: Ireland, Wales, Scotland
Also found in: France, England
Ireland is located in the eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean, directly west of Great Britain. A variety of internal and external influences have shaped Ireland as we know it today. Ireland’s modern cultural remains deeply rooted in the Celtic culture that spread across much of Central Europe and into the British Isles. Along with Wales, Scotland, and a handful of other isolated communities within the British Isles, Ireland remains one of the last holdouts of the ancient Celtic languages that were once spoken throughout much of Western Europe. And though closely tied to Great Britain, both geographically and historically, the Irish have fiercely maintained their unique character through the centuries.
People living in the Ireland region today have a slightly admixed genetic structure, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we see some similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 95% of a typical Irish native’s DNA comes from the region of Ireland.

Katherine Crofford EUROPE WEST - 35%
Primarily located in: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein
Also found in: England, Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic
The Europe West region is a broad expanse stretching from Amsterdam's sea-level metropolis to the majestic peaks of the Alps. Geographically dominated by France in the west and Germany in the east, it includes several nations with distinct cultural identities. From the boisterous beer gardens of Munich to the sun-soaked vineyards of Bordeaux and the alpine dairy farms of Switzerland, it is a region of charming cultural diversity.
The people living in the Europe West region are among the most admixed of all our regions, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we often see similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 48% of the typical native’s DNA comes from this region.

Katherine Crofford GREAT BRITAIN - 8%
Primarily located in: England, Scotland, Wales
Also found in: Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Italy
The history of Great Britain is often told in terms of the invasions with different groups of invaders displacing the native population. The Romans, Anglo-Saxon, Vikings and Normans have all left their mark on Great Britain both politically and culturally. However, the story of Great Britain is far more complex than the traditional view of invaders displacing existing populations. In fact modern studies of British people tend to suggest the earliest populations continued to exist and adapt and absorb the new arrivals.
The people living in the Great Britain region today are more admixed than most other regions, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we often see similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 60% of the typical native’s DNA comes from this region.

Katherine Crofford ITALY/GREECE - 6%
The people living in the Italy/Greece region are admixed, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for individuals native to this area, we frequently see some similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 72% of the typical native’s DNA

Katherine Crofford SCANDINAVIA - 3%
The people living in the Scandinavia region today are slightly admixed, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we see some similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 84% of the typical native’s DNA comes from this region.

Katherine Crofford IBERIAN PENINSULA - 1%
The people living in the Iberian Peninsula region are fairly admixed, which means that when creating genetic ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we see similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 51% of the typical native’s DNA comes from this region.

Katherine Crofford EUROPEAN JEWISH - <1%
The people living in the European Jewish region are much less admixed than most other regions, which means that when creating ethnicity estimates for people native to this area, we rarely see similarities to DNA profiles from other nearby regions. We’ve found that approximately 96% of the typical native’s DNA comes from this region.

2017 Updaate

At any moment in life, anything can happen to permanently affect your life. Have you ever taken anything for granted? When was the last time that someone said to you, “You never know what tomorrow will bring”? Well, that little voice inside says that "it will never happen to me" - so we end up learning the hard way.

It all started on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Rebecca was in town and we were going to lunch in Georgetown. After lunch we were going to shop a little bit before going over Guanella Pass. By the time we got down the street to the second store I could not breath. Rebecca shopped and I sat down on some steps in the shop. She found me and we headed back to the car. I had to sit down two more times before we made it and it was not that far. Yes, we went over the pass before coming home...I insisted.

I still had some shortness of breath after I got home but I made it through the night. Got dressed  and headed to work the next day,  walking. I almost did not make it. By the time I got there I could not breath. They rushed me to the hospital, I did not let them call 911.

I walked into the ER by myself and told them I had severe shortness of breath. Within five minutes I was stripped naked with five/six people in the room at any time...mostly men. I did not even care. I just wanted to breathe...oxygen please.

I don't remember the last time I saw eveyone moving so fast. Oxygen, Blood draw, Chest x-ray and then CT scan. Results not good. It was determined that I had two life threatening sub-massive blood clots, one in each lung. My heart was working too hard on the right side and the EKG was abnormal because of the blood clots.

Now it became even more challenging because of my Cancer diagnoses nine years ago. Diagnosed with two different cancers, one kind straight forward and one rare aggressive metastatic. After five chemo treatments I refused further treatment I was given approximately two years to live so I saw no need. However,  after many, many consultations  it was decide to not to give me the clot buster TPA.  The pulmonologist said they could not risk it because of the high risk and the uncertainty that I had active cancer cells in my body..

Heparin was given and then I was moved to ICU so they  could watch me. Now that I can breath with the oxygen I did not feel sick.-sick. PETscan ordered for the next morning. I was moved to the oncology floor. Listen to me, “I do not have cancer”.

The PET scan was clear - no cancer noted. I told you that my God takes care of me. Thank you Lord. However there was a small spot on my 3rd rib and they did not know what it was. I pointed right to where it is located. With all of the falls I have had I believe it is just a bruise so hey are going to watch it. The doctor wanted to do a biopsy but I explained to him that even if it was cancer I would not have it treated.

The doctor said  that I will not have a stroke from this experience but that I will be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I will be on oxygen for a couple of months. By then the blood clots should start being absorbed by the body.  I need to be super careful of any falls or hard bumps and brain bleed.

Just before discharge I had to go for a walk. My heart rate shot up to 177 and I was in tachycardia. It went back down pretty quickly. I went for another walk with a different nurse and it only went up a little. They called the doctor. He explained something that I had never heard of. When you are talking you are not breathing - what?  The first nurse and I were talking, the second nurse and I were not talking. WOW  - who knew. I look most everything up just to verify what I am being told.

https://www.breathingcenter.com/breathing-and-talking-breathing-difficulties-asthma

I was discharged on Friday evening with oxygen. All new to me. The gentleman did not finish installing the oxygen concentrator and teaching me how to use it until midnight.  Yes, I slept in on
Saturday morning.Felt good.

Oxygen is an experience in itself. It drives my nose crazy and it dries my nose like crazy. And my big problem is that I forget to put it back on after I blow my nose. That causes the oxygen level to drop really fast. I think my problem is that when I put my reading glasses on there is something on my cheeks so I forget the tubes. I do have a pulse oximeter thank goodness. The tubing keeps getting caught in my recliner. Lots and lots of tubing for the little apartment. I have to rest a lot, no choice. And I am being extremely careful not to trip and fall.

It seems like I am learning to breath all over again. When I eat, my oxygen level goes down. When I exert myself in any way I start breathing through my mouth and my oxygen level goes down and I get short of breath. I catch myself breathing through my mouth at other times while I am on oxygen but I really notice it now. I  wonder if I have always done that. Breathing is normal - I have just never thought about it. Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?

While I was sitting in the ER,  my question to the doctor was, “Can I go back to work on Friday”. I think you can guess what his answer was. So I like my job, what can I say.
Home now and bored. I cannot go back to work until the doctor says so. Ugh!

Jeremiah 29:11 will be my verse to lean on until the end of my days. I made it through cancer and I will make it through this. I am one of God's miracles and I love Him so!

Jennifer Nettles - O Holy Night/Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) // Siri...

Christmas Letter 2016

I pray that everyone had a Blessed Christmas (2016).

It has been awhile (years) since I have posted on my blog...maybe today is the day. What and exciting year 2016 has been, full of changes at almost every level. I will be starting my 9th year at Francis Heights, May 1st of 2017, and continue to enjoy my view every single day. I just started my 4th year, December 6th, working at Dayspring Villa...How time flies. I do work part-time...3 6 hour days. The commute time is about 5 minutes.

I am doing very well health-wise. No signs of Cancer...Praise God. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in July of 2008. However, I do have osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and both knees. I was in a lot of pain but have found two different things that help tremendously. I am  90-95% better on any given day than I was a year ago. I’ll take it.

There is so much history where I live. There are 16 acres between 26th and 29th on Osceola. All of this property was managed by the Franciscan nuns until about 10 years ago when the nuns went back to the main headquarters in Wheaton IL. There are many other properties in CO that were originally run by the Franciscan nuns. On this property it started out as the St Clara Orphanage from 1890-1967. Francis Heights opened in 1972 - independent living. Two buildings hold about 400 apartments combined. Clare Gardens opened in 1973 - low income family housing. One to 4 bedroom units. Dayspring Villa Assisted Living opened in 1996. There are about 64 residents at any time.
At the bottom of the picture is Dayspring Villa, where I work, it is 3 stories. The tall building behind, Francis Heights, where I live, it is 16 stories...west building, and I live on the 15 floor.

“The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change -”

- Heraclitus

Early in the spring Fransican Ministries announced that they were selling all of their properties. We were sold to Mercy Housing which was started by the Mercy nuns. One big problem. Mercy Housing is “Affordable Housing” and they do not have any Assisted Living facilities. They had to find someone to manage Dayspring Villa. Dayspring was taken over on July 1st by Christian Living Communities...what a blessing. Francis Heights and Clare Gardens were taken over on August 1st by Mercy Housing. Talk about change...my goodness.

Now on to more change. 2 years ago in April I left the church that I had been going to for 18 years. It turned out to be a harder move than I had anticipated. I did find a church that I honestly love. Grace Church of Arvada. I started a weekly Bible study for the residents at Dayspring. When I would talk about my new church they became a little envious and made it known that they would like to go to church. Well the church is live and I would watch it on-line when the weather was bad. I started going back to work on Saturday evenings and we would watch the sermon together on our little computer screen. When Pastor Rick visited with our Bible study group he looked around the room and asked how we watched the sermon. He was in shock and within the month the church had installed a 62 inch Smart-TV. I just could not believe it.

God does work in mysterious ways. I know that He was not finished with me yet and that is why I am still here. I think most of you know that the Bible verse that I clung to all through my illness and still do:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

PS - To my Burnell Family: I truly feel in my heart that this man is related to Annie Walsh somehow...if that is so then he is related to all of us. The orphanage had a coach - John Walsh in 1937.
Quotes from the History of the Orphange.
"People gladly PAID to see John Walsh's 'Little Fighting Irish.'"
"John Walsh was the hero to more youths and adults than we would dare to guess."
"John Walsh was with St Clara's four years during which time he earned the title, 'The Father Flanagan of Denver.'"

Don Williams - Lord, I hope this day is good

One Pair of Hands - Carroll Roberson

Merry Christmas 2013

 

Last fall (2012) I had to make a choice to put more money into my 11 year old car, or buy a new one. I made the decision to buy a new one with the idea that I would pay for it by getting a part-time job. I had already tried working at Little Sisters of the Poor but I only succeeded in progressing my spinal osteoarthritis. The job lasted about 6 months before I realized it was not worth what I was making. So, for the past year I have been searching for a job that would fit with my back and knee disabilities. Easier said than done. I applied for several part-time receptionist positions only to have them not return my call or, I received an email or letter of rejection. I am no dummy, who wants a 70 year-old lady working for them when they can hire someone much younger. Age discrimination would be hard to prove when there are so many people applying for the same positions.

A couple of weeks ago I was downstairs talking with my Resident Service Coordinator when she asked what I had done in the past. Turns out that we had both worked for the same Sunrise Assisted Living facility but not at the same time. She said that she had heard about me and the position that I had there as Activity Director. She said that Day Spring Villa had a part-time Activity Aide position open. I went right over and talked with them, filled out an application on-line to the main office in Wheaton IL and then waited for a phone call. After the phone interview from Wheaton and personal interview here, I had to wait on a decision. They had told me what they would pay but when I was finally offered the position the pay had increased considerably. What a blessing. God knows when I am at the end of my rope and once again answered prayers. It took over a year but this turned out to be my Christmas present from God. I started on Friday the 6th of December.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Highlight of 2013 (in earlier postings) - My celebration of LIFE and thanksgiving to God our Father. What fun we all had at the celebration. And then, the cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. I am so blessed.

Ember, my little cat,  was very sick with Renal failure this past year but with an excellent vet and a lot of TLC she came out of it. This was a surprise to all...but I knew it was a blessing from God. "He is in control." (in earlier posting)

It is now December 20th and I absolutely love my new job. God knew what I needed and when I needed it. All I can say is that I am very blessed and thankful. It is so good to get back to work after a five year layoff. I am a changed person.

 

Legacy Five. Christmas with a capital "C".

I will be 70 years old

I do hope that my celebration never comes to an end. God has given me so many blessings that I cannot possibly list all of them. All of my family and good friends are a true blessing from our Father above.

 

How can I ever thank everyone for the beautiful gift that they gave to me. When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer five years ago - I only had about 24 months to live. God chose to keep me around because He decided that I was not finished doing his work. I do have momentary lapses of exactly why I am still here on this earth and not in heaven with my Father. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

About six months ago I decided that I would throw myself a party to honor what God has done for me and also to celebrate my 70th birthday, which I was not going to see with my original diagnosis.

As I planned my celebration I knew I could not do it alone so I asked Rebecca to help me,  she did - most graciously. However, she also decided that I should have a money tree so that I could take another trip to Hawaii. (Many of you know how much I love Hawaii.) But, I had told her (and kept repeating) that there would be no gifts - that was not why I was having a celebration. Needless to say there was a money tree and the donations that were given allowed me to take a cruise to my beloved Islands of Hawaii. I never thought that I would get another chance.

There really is no way to thank all of you who gave so generously. It was decided rather quickly (because the price of the cruise was right) that there was enough money to take a cruise. If I did not do it right away, and use the money for its intended purpose then it would gradually get spent on something else and I did not want that to happen.

My celebration was on July 13th and Rebecca and I left on August 17th for Honolulu to board the ship, "Pride of America". Rebecca had never been to the Hawaiian Islands so it was such a treat for me to watch her taking pictures and loving every minute of being treated like royalty on the ship.

 

When we returned on the 25th of August, we were both exhausted after being up for 36 hours straight. We had to be off the ship early on the morning of the 24th and our flight did not leave Honolulu until 10:20 pm. Yes, we flew overnight as most of you know who have been to Hawaii. Then on Sunday we had a five hour layover in Phoenix. We finally arrived home at 3:00 pm MT but we were still on Hawaiian time so it was 9:00 pm by our internal clocks - jet lag - big time!

I had a worse time getting over the jet lag than Rebecca did, but I am also older than Rebecca - good excuse, right! I became a little depressed and grouchy for the better part of last week - I just did not want it to be over with so soon and I was so tired! Someone sent the "Breaking News" posted below - how appropriate.

 

All-in-all this has been the most marvelous year of my life and I would not trade it for anything. God is good - All the time!

Aloha!

Celebration to God

The party is over, however the celebration will go until my days are over and I go home to be with my Father in Heaven.

The morning of the 13th I woke up and just stayed in bed for a few minutes remembering what day it was. I asked myself, out loud, "What in the world are you doing?" I had been planning this celebration for months and all of a sudden I was just a little panicky - not sure why - except what if no one showed up. I got ready and went to the church where Rebecca had everything under control, as I knew she would.

I did make a serious mistake on the invitation - I put 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This gave people the impression that it was like an open house which it was not. I did have a program and had Marcus to go ahead and start at 1:30 so that we could eat. Guest did continue to come after the program started but it turned out okay and there were about 90 people in attendance.

Cake made by Rebecca Turner

We had a very good light dinner, pina' colada punch to drink, and a beautiful cake made by Rebecca Turner. Natalie and Marcus Allen and Phil Fortenberry sang two of my favorite songs, "He Is In Control" and "For I Know" (Psalm 29:11).

Natalie Allen, Phil Fortenberry, Marcus Allen

My concern was that as the program went on I realized that I did not get around to seeing everyone that was there. I had family members there from California, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. I just felt so blessed that came all that way to celebrate with me. I felt so blessed and it was so much fun.

I had my birthday celebration on the 13th because that is the day I could reserve the Fellowship Hall at the church. My birthday is actually on the 18th. I had Marcus (MC) recognize others that were there that also had birthdays. On the 18th, beside myself, was Mike Reed, Nadia Solorio, and Diane Murphy. On the 16th, was my friend, Ruth Ann Bradshaw, and my cousin Glenn Hedges who is just 2 days alder than me. I loved being able to celebrate with him again, it had been a long time. And on the 13th was Karen Johns birthday - she asked me not to mention it. Sorry Karen It really was your birthday.

Marcus Allen, MC

Marcus had a friend set up his photo booth and everyone was able to have their pictures taken in crazy glasses and hats. It was a huge success.

The purpose for the celebration, well, five years ago, the month that I turned 65 (July 2008) I was diagnosed with a rare terminal endometrial cancer. It was determined that the doctors really did not know how to treat is so I refused further treatment after the fifth chemotherapy. I also had breast cancer at the same time which they would not treat until the endometrial cancer was under control. You see, the cancer was still in the para aortic lymph node that could not be reached because it was behind my lungs and my heart. The cancer continued to metastasize to yet another lymph node and to my liver. After I refused further treatment I was sent home with no further treatments available. I wanted quality of life over quantity of life.

I changed my diet to the Acid/Alkaline diet. Cancer cannot live in an alkaline body - it can only live in an acid body and my body was extremely acid. After less than a year on this diet my oncologist told me that my cancer was not active. "You are not in remission, it is just not active." I will take that and Praise the Lord for everyday that He gives me. You will notice at the top of my blog is "One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus" and that is exactly what I do - take it one day at a time.

 

I wanted no gifts at this celebration but Rebecca decided that financially I would not be able to make a trip to Hawaii. Everyone knows how much I love Hawaii and would move there in a heartbeat - but that requires $$$$$$. So she put a note in with the invitations that there would be a money tree at the celebration so that I could make another trip to Hawaii. WOW!

Money tree made by Bill Turner

The purpose of my wanting to share my celebration with you is because in July of 2013 I turned 70 years old. At 65 my life expectancy was 24 months. Only my God can do these miracles. And yes, I do consider myself a miracle of my Lord.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

 

Let's Celebrate

In July of 2008, I was diagnosed with a rare terminal endometrial cancer. I turned 65 that month. I did do five treatments of chemo therapy and decided I could no longer live that way, especially since the cancer was still in the para-aortic lymph node. I also had breast cancer which they decided not to treat since there was nothing they could do for the endometrial cancer which had quickly spread to another lymph node and to my liver.

I was told about the acid/alkaline diet. I researched it and decided that I had nothing to lose and started eating properly. Cancer cells cannot live in an alkaline body. Cancer cells live rampant in an acid body. I wanted to follow the progression of the cancer so I continued to have PET scans every six months. In February 2010 my doctor called and said, "The cancer is not active!" I have been cancer free since and continue eating an alkaline diet.

This July (2013) I am turning 70 years old. I have decided that five years is worth celebrating and I am throwing myself a "Birthday Party". Everyone is invited to celebrate with me.



Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

  

It Won't Rain Always [Live]

My Journey is on a new course

 

I have wanted to get a job, needed to get a job financially, and applied for an "almost" perfect position about a month ago. A friend called and said that they were looking for a part-time receptionist where he worked. It is an assisted living facility and right up my alley. I did go right over and applied for the position. Turned out that it was a part-time position but it was three, ten hour days. Not exactly ideal but I would have taken it. Oh well, I never even heard back from them. It is obvious that my age gets in the way.

It is so amazing that God knows what we need and when we need it more than we do.

On April 16th I took my little Ember (cat) to the vets because she had not been eating for a couple of weeks. The vet was so impressed and what good health she was in, and the dentist also, that they did not draw blood which is what I really wanted. The not eating continued and I tried one cat food after the other to include baby food (chicken). I could get her to eat a bite but that was all. Then I realized that she was not drinking that much water either. I found a vet near where I live, Planned Pethood Plus, and I took her there on May 13th. My vet, Dr. Ivan Ivanov, was wonderful. He took the time to get to know Ember and her history of idiosyncrasies, she is a very different little cat. She had lost 2 lbs and weighed only 8.6 lbs. He checked her over, drew blood, gave her fluids and said that would call me in an hour with the results of the blood work. He determined that it was not liver failure but thought it could possibly be pancreatic. When he called he told me that she was in renal failure and that we could work with this. I took her back in the next day and learned how to give her the infusions of fluids. She will be on them the rest of her life, every third day. She did start eating and drinking water immediately after the first infusion. However, the problems came when it was time for me to do it. Between the two of us we became so upset that I could not infuse her - she would squirm and the needle came out. There was more fluid all over the room than there was in her. I tried several times and finally called some friends and they came over and we got it done but she was so stressed out. I decided that I would just take her back to the vets to let them infuse her. It works out so much better. They are only a couple of miles from the apartment.

This is where God comes in once again. He knew that I could not deal with a job of that many hours and take care of Ember also. As far as the job that I need desperately - I will continue looking for something where I can work from home.

When God closes one door I shall pray in the hallway until He opens another door.

On this trail called life, all of us are following someone’s directions. None of us are really blazing our own trail. We all follow a path that’s been laid out for us by someone claiming to know the way. The question is: whose directions are you following? What path are you on? ~Completely Committed Follower

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Short Trip to Kansas City

I finally made it to Kansas City. Rumor has it that the third time is a charm. Rebecca and Bill were going on a 3 week vacation to Chorpus Christie and Bill was in Kansas City on some other business. Rebecca wanted to meet him there and continue on their vacation.

I had been watching the long range weather forecast to make sure the weather was going to be okay - all showed good weather so we took off after lunch/staff meeting on Thursday afternoon on the February 14th. By the time we all finished having lunch for Rebecca's birthday, it was snowing - hard! We did finally drive out of it and it was a beautiful day. We did not get away until two o'clock so we stopped in Hays KS and stayed overnight. On Friday we arrived in Kansas City around the lunch hour so we had lunch before I dropped her off by the Country Club Plaza where Bill was staying. Three weeks is a long time not to see Rebecca.

Since Kansas City has changed so much in the 17 years that I have been gone, Bill loaned me his GPS - it was a life saver. They both have GPS on their phones so they did not need it.

When I got to Betty's house (my cousin) we just talked and talked for the rest of the day. Lisa and Darin, Reagan and Roman, stopped by to say "hi" - Betty's daughter's family. So long since I have seen them.



Betty, Sister Johanna

Sister Johanna was going to come down from Omaha on Friday afternoon but at the last minute found out that she had a meeting Saturday morning that she had to attend. She did not get there until Saturday afternoon and had to leave Monday morning but at least I got to spend some time with her since I did not go to Omaha this year for Christmas.

Me, Shalom, Cheyyenne, Callie, Felicity, Brooke

SaturdayBetty and I went to Shalom's house. I met Kevin for the first time and of course Callie. She made up with me right away. She is so much fun. Brooke and Felicity have met me before but I don't think they remembered me. I have not seen them for many years. My niece Cheyyenne, who is 16 now, was coming up from Oklahoma just to meet me - for the first time. Cheyyenne did not get to Kansas City until late so we will meet for breakfast. She is so pretty. I must say I have gorgeous nieces. Valetta had to work and was not able to come up. Hopefully, I can see her next time. Yes, I plan on there being a next time.

Sunday - a very busy day! We left early in the morning and got back late at night! Betty, Johanna and I went to church. Then we went to have breakfast with Shalom and her girls and to meet Cheyyenne.

Me, Christopher, Kimberly, Hannah

Then went to see my nephew Christopher Crofford and his family. I finally got to meet Kimberly who is an absolute delight and so good for him. He makes a wonderful daddy to his one year old daughter Hannah. She is so precious and so photogenic. It was so good to see his mom, Tammy. It has been a very long time since I have seen her. She is fighting a battle with cervical cancer and I pray for her daily that she is winning.

Johanna, Me, uncle Larry

Then we headed for Kansas to see my uncle Larry and Johanna Schwed. We met at Houlihan's and had a wonderful dinner. Uncle Larry is 94 years old and sharp as a tack.

Melissa, Jillian, me, Stevi

Monday
Betty and I went to Independence to meet with Melissa, Jillian and Stevi. My first meeting with Stevi - she is now three years old and Jillian is five.

Tuesday
Had to cut my trip short because of the snow storm coming into Kansas City so I left a day early. I was supposed to meet with Connie in Salina to have lunch but since I had to change my date of departure she was not able to meet me because of a doctors appointment.

Once on the road I heard nothing but bad weather report from every direction. It was a beautiful day otherwise. I made it to Goodland KS and decided to stay overnight there. When I left the next morning I turned onto the wong highway and did not realize it until I got to Limon. It might have saved my life in one way - there was zero visability and there was not much traffic and no big trucks. When I got to Limon I stopped to relax for a minute and that is when I found out that I was not on I-70. When I left Limon it started lifting and it was clear sailing on into Denver. I stopped and had breakfast and went on home. I was there by 10:30. I did not sleep very well the night before worrying about the weather so I took a short nap and when I got up it was snowing and I could not even see the lake a couple of blocks over.

All-in-all it was a fast trip but I got to see all my nieces (that were in town) and my nephew. And that was really my intent when I left. The time I spent with each of them was so short but I would not trade it for the world. I love them all so much and miss each and every one of them.

Save the dateJuly 13, 2013 - my 70th birthday party here in Denver. Everyone is invited. I am going to try and make special arrangement with LaQuinta (for those coming in from out of town) over by the church so that everyone can stay in the same place. Please come and share my joy!  More information to follow.



"A joy that is shared is a joy made double."  ~Anonymous

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

This amazing story was originally posted on Facebook. It is a touching lesson on being patient - you HAVE to read it, it'll change how you think.

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

 

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated. 'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'  'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said, 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped

in what others may consider a small one..'

Christmas Letter 2012

Once again I am going to depend on electronics to deliver my Christmas Letter 2012. After all, what do we have all of these fancy gadgets for anyway? Some of you do not use the computer so I printed my letter just for you!

This is not Ember and this is not my tree!

The year was probably a little uneventful but the main thing is that my health is so good (Cancer wise). Now of course the rest of me is falling apart but so far nothing I can not deal with.

Early in the year, March to be exact, I decided to get healthier only to find out that does not always work to my advantage. Blew out my right knee walking around Sloan's Lake. It is approximately 3 miles around the lake give or take a few feet. The knee of course has not been the same since and hurts most of the time. I have learned to live with the pain from osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine. I did have to quit the job at Little Sister of the Poor right after the first of the year....it was doing more bad things than good things to my health. Just not worth it. I do still volunteer at the church but no longer at Frances Heights where I live. Okay enough about my health. I have it way better than many people I know.

Planned a trip to Kansas City by way of Omaha in the spring but that fell through. I made it to Omaha and back home but not to Kansas City. Then I planned another trip to Kansas City with a friend from church. She was going to a conference so I was going to ride along. Those plans, once again, fell through. I will get there someday, hopefully sooner than later.

I did do an overnight to the mountains with Rebecca in the fall and it was an absolutely beautiful time of the year despite the little bit of snow we encountered. Actually, that is what helped it to be such a beautiful trip.

I had many friends die this year that I am sure you read on my blog. I do not post on it a whole lot anymore because my health is so good. I started the blog as a journal to follow my cancer to the end. Well, what can I say other than the "Cancer is not Active". Thank you Lord!

I did have to give up my Grand Prix this fall. I had it for a little over 11 years and I just was not trusting it anymore. I did get a new Mazda 3 and I love it. (Cash donations accepted!) I leased instead of buying because the payments were much, much lower. I was broke before I got it and I am still broke...Story of my life but I couldn't be happier.

The week before Thanksgiving I joined TOPS. I needed the accountability of losing weight. I was doing pretty good until I stopped walking. I did not gain any back but I just could not lose anymore. Now I am on the right track again.

SAVE THE DATE: July 13, 2013

God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. In July it will be 5 years since I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I was 65 years old. In July of 2013 I will be 70 years old and I am going to have a Birthday Party to celebrate. I have reserved the fellowship hall at the church building for July 13, 2013 to celebrate. Marcus and Natalie are going to cater the dinner and decorate the hall, Laurie will be helping with the center pieces, Anita is going to cook and Rebecca is going to bake a professional cake. The plans are in the works. For my 2013 blessing I would like for as many of you as possible to be here to celebrate with me. An invitation will go out a little later. I just wanted to put the date out there so if you are planning a long weekend or will be driving through Colorado at that time you could stop by. Those of you that live in Denver I will expect to be there.

Until then we will Celebrate the Birthday of our Savior, Jesus...Afterall,

"He is the Reason for the Season."

May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2013!
 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.