Friday, December 28, 2018

May you Be Blessed with a Precious, Happy, Healthy, and Wondrous New Year of 2019!



Happy Happy 2019



Wishing for YOURS to be one of good health, wonderful memories, new memories, family, friends, and full of "great surprises"... and not as the end of mine of 2018 has been....



Well, hope 2019 GETS BETTER! The "end" of 2018 has been yet another one for the records, my shower drain has been clogged now for 5 or 6 days, and I've tried everything. I could not find an "old fashioned" type of plunger, so i had to run to 3 places in town till I remembered a hardware store right downtown who keeps EVERYTHING!!! They have been there forever, and keep any and everything especially for the older homes here in town, so I got that, I tried salt, baking soda, vinegar, Dawn dish soap, hot water, bleach, (not all at once of course) and it is not completely stopped up, and it's strange because never have I had issues with my drain on my shower.... it's just odd... well, so it has to be just where my toliet pipe and the drain for the shower pipes meet...because if the shower clogs, I can "plunge" the toliet and then the shower will finally drain... but if I don't let it go down for a bit, then it does not "flood" the toliet, but will back water up in it and "gurgle" and I can plunge that, and it all goes down... so that is ONE issue.... 


a few weeks back, I got a letter from the IRS, about taxes I filed in 2016!!!!!! for the 6 months after Mom passed away... there was not much there, because I did not really "take money" but what little I got was "invested" so I just had a bit of interest to file, which I usually don't file at all because I never even come close with my SS to make enough to file.. but due to the passing away and the stuff with her things, I knew I needed to send in and file mine also for that 6 months, well THEY SCREWED UP OR I DID, the company sent me a form showing, some funds that were "not income" and were supposed to be just a bit of interest like 125.00 and due to the way the financial people sent it in to me, stating this was NOT income (the money invested) they did NOT file it "as income" to the IRS, BUT I guess I missed a form, that should have showed that along with the other forms I filed that did show the interest, and the Form B (I believe a Form D) is also what should have went in, SO the iRA tells me I owe almost 500.00!!!!! which I knew was wrong... so I sat down, got all of my 1099's, all of my other forms from everyone, wrote a letter, sent in the Form D partially done, and asked them to "re-figure" from the forms from the investment company... 


well that has been 8 weeks ago, and I got a letter a couple of days ago stating they GOT my paperwork, they are going over it all, that I don't need to do anything at the time, and they will contact me in about 6 weeks... so I think I am correct, BUT it's the IRS.... so who knows.... they my deep freezer (I had a very small chest type one) that I had hell with the lid not being correct, and they came out three times replaced the lid and even put a new one on, where the hinges are on the back of it, they never held tightly enough and ice would build up down from them inside the freezer after a few weeks... anyway, they never did get it right, but I gave up, kept the one they sent me... it worked fine I just had to watch to make sure the ice didn't build up too much, but a couple of weeks ago, I moved it to get ready to redoing, painting that backroom and thought the old carpet back there felt "damp"... at first I thought it was just the cold, but then I knew it was not "soaking" wet but damp... so I defrosted it, which there was not much in it, found a piece of ice in that drain, I read that could have caused the problem, and figured I would plug it in, 


watch it and see what happens, well it still felt "damp" to me... and I put a mat under it, so I could better watch it and see if I was feeling just "humidity" and cold or actually wet... well, I turned it off, and it said there could be a small "hole" causing a leak that is not hitting the pan under it, so I knew that a couple of times, I had let a huge hen, etc "drop" being so heavy and hit the bottom that it could be a pin hole somewhere, so I "sealed" off any and every place that could have been either a tiny dent, or where maybe the aluminum appeared to maybe have came loose a bit just with age... plugged it in, and I "think" it's okay... it is fine and been freezing, I am not worried about that, but I don't want it seeping water slowly on the carpet, so I did put a mat that keeps it from doing that under it, and am going to watch it for a few days, then put a couple of things in it to see what happens... okay, so then my big light in the back that has a sensor on it for movement suddenly began coming on and off, or staying on for hours etc, and then even came on during the day, so I even turned off the breaker, got up there and made sure everything was pointed correctly, etc... and read sometimes just turning off the breaker and resetting it will remedy the problem, well it did for a few days then it went to doing the same damned thing... 


SO I've had a new one here for a long while, I planned to put on the other end of my house, and I had not gotten around to doing that, so I've been trying to get between the weather, being stupid, raining too cold, or HOT ENOUGH THAT YELLOW JACKETS, BEES AND RED WASPS come out if the weather gets a bit too warm, so either I don't want to fight them, or it's too cold, or too rainy, I finally took out the big halogen bulbs and put in small CFL's for now, so I am not using up a whole wad of electricity on those huge bulbs until I can get that new one up....I had 4 dr's appts from about the 2nd to the 4th week of THIS MONTH, which I went and had my pain pump refilled and called and rescheduled the others until after New Year's, it was too much and especially with the weather and traveling people during the holidays to go to Dallas for a couple of them, so I postponed those...then due to the issues I had with the "prep" for the colonoscopy, I cancelled it, long story, but I cannot do the "prep" the way they want me to, they now want you to drinks 2 32 ounce Gatorade's with 7 DAYS OF MIRALAX IN THEM EACH WITHIN 6 HOURS OF ONE ANOTHER, plus fast which is fine, and then take another pill with it, well I won't go into what happened, but I cannot do that and I won't.... I had a colonoscopy 10 years ago, and did a prep for it. I now they used to use "Go-Lightly" etc but this thing with 14 DAYS OF MIRALAX WITHIN LESS THAN 24 HOURS IS CRAZY!!! 


It made me so sick, I had to cancel both the endoscopy and the colonoscopy... SO I was going to reschedule the endoscopy, which all you do it not each after midnight for that one, and forget that damned colonoscopy for now... well I did one of those "occult cultures" for the colon a few weeks back. I get a phone call from the doctor's office that does the scopes 2 days ago saying that my PCP called and said that the "occult test" came back with "blood showing" in the colon so NOW THEY WANT THAT DAMNED TEST AGAIN!!!! WELL, I TOLD THE nurse I would call AFTER THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY, AND COME IN TO HIS OFFICE AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE ENDOSCOPY WHICH I WAS GOING TO DO ANYWAY, BUT we will have to figure out something else on the colonoscopy OR I WILL NOT DO IT!! I refuse to go through what I went through about 8 weeks ago again.. and I know there is probably something else, but between weather, drains, lights, doctors, tests and just bull, 2019 BETTER BE BETTER!!!! I AM so sick and tired of crap.... I feel like my New Year is now even here and I am already cursed!

Saturday, December 15, 2018

2019 - "Doing What YOU LOVE", dishes, laundry can wait, friends passing away, & making sure life does not pass you by...

Great "Lessons" from an awesome writer... I am giving thought to also "rewriting" my two published poetry books.  I want to make them "shorter" and have 4 or 5 "shorter" poetry books. And within those, add some of my Dad's "sayings" that I have here. I had thought I would write a book of his sayings all on its own, but I think it would be more interesting to "add them" into the poetry books.

As I do that, I "hope" to get myself motivated to get up off the sofa at 3 or 4AM every morning and rather than cook, bake, clean, do laundry etc... take that "early" time of quiet and try and put use to it by getting back into where I've just left off with my writing. After all that happened, with Jim's accident, all of my surgeries and illnesses, then Mom becoming ill and passing away so suddenly, then me falling within 6 months fracturing my hip in two places, losing two of my fur-babies in between all of that, and all of the "other crap" of life, I've kind of been "lost" from the things that I loved to do,... the writing, the painting, yet also my "body" at times won't allow me to sit long enough to write (type) and just the 1001 things that tend to interfere... and 'sound like excuses"... and maybe some are, but also, it's very difficult as many of you know to go through "harrowing" issues, and try to do what you love to do... so as the new year is upon us and I've given thought to just how quickly life has flown by. All of the wonderful memories of my own childhood, my Grandparents house with my Aunts and Uncles, cousins... all of that seems like it was just yesterday.


We were in Elementary school, with programs, and the wonderful times that our lives were "simple"... we didn't have to be concerned about getting "harmed" at school, or someone taking us for all kinds of horrible reasons... we could ride our bikes, I rode mine all over town by the time I was about 14 or so, never gave a thought about someone running over us. We could go out to eat, to the Mall, to the movies, out at night to ball games, we didn't have to "worry", things were simpler.... so, now just what seems such a few shorts year later and life is ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE, EVEN FOR OUR OWN KIDS!


So, before I blink again, and I can't see (my eyesight is really getting bad the double vision seems to get worse by the month), or I can't type, or hell half the time I can't keep my thoughts straight now at times... i should "do what I love"... take the time to not worry over the leaves in the back yard, or a tree limb hanging too low... or the roof of my house looking like it "may leak" when for now it's not... so as I enter hopefully a new phase of living, I hope you also find that spot to say, " I'm going to do something I LOVE", and that load of laundry can wait till tomorrow......


https://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-king-on-how-to-write-2014-8?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=topbar&utm_term=desktop


Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Clinical Trial for Parkinson's Disease sponsored by Cure Click


                                         
        https://curec.lk/2CZN7S       
                       

    Hashtags    
#parkinsons #PD #parkinsonsdisease #levodopa #sponsored #cureclick #ad 

Today, researchers are evaluating an investigational drug that focuseson the earliest stages of Parkinson’s disease that may potentially offer a new option for recently diagnosed patients.
If you have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may want to consider a newly opened study. It is evaluating the safety and potential efficacy of an investigational drug that targets alpha-synuclein (α-syn), a molecule associated with Parkinson’s disease. The investigational drug is being studied to see if it may potentially help to slow or reduce disease progression.
For people who:
-- Have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the last 3 years
-- Are 40 to 80 years of age
-- Have not received levodopa in the last 12 weeks
Learn more! #sponsored #cureclick



Tuesday, November 27, 2018

After All of the "Buying" Now is the Day to "Give" - #GivingTuesday!

Giving Tuesday! Now that we have given Thanks for our loved ones, friends, and had our meals, shopping for days, and all of the "buying" - TODAY is the DAY TO GIVE -  #GIVINGTUESDAY  

Pick One of your Charities or reasons, or places to give to and give in order that we may help to either cure illnesses, bring change to stop illnesses, to raise awareness, to feed the hungry, or whatever you may feel needs to be done or changed... Raise your Hands and Help to Giving Tuesday!






Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Family and Friends - "Open Enrollment" falls during the holidays.... Decisions to make...

Global Healthy Living Foundation 


Here is a great URL and information for your Guide to Open Enrollment brought to you by the "Global Healthy Living Foundation".....


https://www.50statenetwork.org/patient-guide-health-insurance/?utm_source=50-State+Network&utm_campaign=6055d3a2da-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2016_11_22_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a423dd451-6055d3a2da-232458653




Along with Wishing you all a Peaceful, Family and/or Friends, Laughing, Eating, Making New Memories, and Recalling the ones past... May you have safe travels if you are traveling about, may there be harmony around the nation & world, and may the Thankfulness in your Heart be filled and overflowing... Whether you are in a room full celebrating, or like myself, at home with my two "fur-babies" Bella and Peanut, having our own small "family" Thanksgiving, may you find the blessings wherever the days take you....


Be Safe, Take Care, and Find Something to Feel Proud for, Thankful For, and to feel Gratitude for during the holidays and reaching into the upcoming New Year....


Rhia







Friday, November 16, 2018

"Pain News Network" - Articles "CDC gone WAY TOO far with quick changes of Opioid Changes",



"The American Medical Association has passed resolutions urging insurers, pharmacists, federal regulators and states to stop the "inappropriate use" of the CDC opioid guideline. Although the guideline is voluntary, many of its recommendations are being regarded as mandatory."


"The head of the AMA says the crackdown on prescription opioids has gone too far and is harming pain patients. Dr. Barbara McAneny says one of her own cancer patients tried to commit suicide after a pharmacist refused to fill his prescription for pain medication."


What about no Mention of "Kratom" n the DEA's Annual Assessment to Drug Risks?
"The FDA and DEA have warned for years that the herbal supplement kratom is risky and could lead to addiction or even death. But why is there no mention of kratom in the DEA's annual assessment of drug risks? "


And HERE is some PROMISING NEWS - You Must Read This Article!

"Experimental Gene Therapy made drastic reduction in a Dog's Chronic Pain After Being Hit by a Car" And this is a Pup That was Assisting His Human Companion Who has Seizures..."

Researchers at the University of Colorado say an experimental gene therapy significantly reduced chronic pain in dogs after one injection. Human trials on the promising treatment are now underway.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

"Thyroid Awareness Month" and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Do you know the signs, symptoms, and more...

Thyroid Awareness Month - Did you know that certain types of "Thyroid Problems and Diseases" are actually "Autoimmune Illnesses? And that having "other" Autoimmune Illnesses can put you at further risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Disease?








https://www.holtorfmed.com/thyroid-awareness-month/



https://www.holtorfmed.com/hashimotos-disease/



Symptoms of Thyroid Disease (as well as others depending on whether you have a "hypo" or "hyper" type of Thyroid Issue...

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Inability to tolerate heat or cold
  • Muscle/joint aches and pains
  • Unusual weakness and fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Swelling of the feet, hands and face
  • A hoarse voice, problems swallowing, or a tight feeling in the throat
  • Irregular periods
  • And more
See much more information at the links provided above...


"Giving Tuesday November 27th 2018" STOMP OUT BULLYING!!!! The "Global Movement"

Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. On this day of GIVING, we ask you to think of the youths who we work to keep safe at school every day .. the youths who we work to keep safe online... the youth whose lives we save every day.





World Kindness Week is November 13 - 20th. The purpose of World Kindness Week is to highlight good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness that binds us. Today and every day, focus on the good and spread kindness wherever you go. One way you can do this is to stand up for people who don't have a strong voice. You can also use inclusion, unity, respect and acceptance to spread kindess to the people around you. YOU can make a huge difference.

At STOMP Out Bullying, we LOVE to share messages and stories of kindness, and to hear yours. What are your plans for this World Kindness Week? Share your thoughts with us on social media and let’s keep the global conversation on kindness going.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

New Clinical Trial for - Primary Biliary Cholangitis (and my story about a nightmare gallbladder surgery gone very wrong)


Primary Biliary Cholangitis brought to you sponsored by Cure Click




About 65 out of every 100,000 women have #PBC in the U.S. Researchers are looking for volunteers who experience itchiness as part of PBC. #primarybiliarycholangitis #sponsored #cureclick 


New Clinical Trial! This none is critical to me... due to me having what they thought was gallstones, or my gallbladder inflamed and possibly infected, I had an emergency surgery to remove it. During that, the surgeon "nicked' a bile duct. Which caused poisons to empty out into my body cavity... almost like blood poisoning/.. 

I was rushed to a hospital in Dallas to a specialist or let's just say MORE than one specialist. One of the main surgeons tried at least 4 times to do surgery and repair the duct. They "called in" my family, on the last two not knowing whether I would survive. She finally was able to repair the nick on the 4th time and stop all of that poison to stop pouring into my body... BUT, I did NOT EAT one bite, or even drink anything for over 6 WEEKS!! I was on so many IV's that I had a special IV "holder" to keep them all separated and in order. They "mixed" special bags of nutrition to hang and give me through IV's that entire time. I had 2 drainage tubes in me, and even came home with them still in for several weeks. They never really "knew" exactly what all was "wrong", more things though than the bile duct issue also. 

It was not enough to go through that, then I began to have (sorry I'll try not to be too graphic) to not be able to get up or call quickly enough to get to that bathroom, so for about 4 or 5 days I would wake up literally covered in incontrollable Diarrhea, and the nurses had to force me to get up, completely shower me and change my bed sheets and all, sometimes several times in just one night. It was the most frightening experience I've ever had. I guess after I was finally home, I figured out all of the antibiotics they gave me, and not eating for weeks, and all of the toxins, it "killed off" the good bacteria in my intestines that caused all of that uncontrollable mess. Then they came in, BEFORE I EVEN HAD TUBES OUT AND WAS STILL REALLY NOT EATING, and tried to get me to "come home"... I literally within hours had a 2nd heart attack (10 years almost to the day of my 1st one)... from the cardiologist said the stress on my body, plus the extreme fright I was in, scared I may die if I went home... fortunately I didn't have a blockage, so once again I was able to get over the heart attack with medications. He said that you "hear" of people dying from a "broken heart" from being so upset for reasons, such as losing a loved one, a terrible break up, divorce etc... that was the type of MI I had... he called it a "broken heart "MI") - I had heard the term used about having a broken heart, but I didn't know it was a real medical emergency and a real type of heart attack that can happen. When I got home, again still with two tubes draining, they stayed in another 10 days...

 I went to the "office" to have then out finally, and I nearly passed out when they took them out... LITERALLY SHE PULLED OUT FEET AND FEET OF DRAINAGE TUBES THAT HAD BEEN IN MY BODY CAVITY!!! I could not FATHOM I HAD THAT MUCH "DRAINAGE TUBE" INSIDE ME THAT ENTIRE TIME... SO, WHEN I SAW THIS Clinical Trial, it brought up all of that mess I went through and just how closely I came to dying a couple of times while in the hospital.. the ORIGINAL SURGEON WHO CAUSED THE NICK IN MY BILE DUCT WAS FIRED IMMEDIATELY! It was an experience I NEVER WANT ANYONE TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH AGAIN.... not that it has to do with "this exact clinical trial BUT anything to do with your bile ducts, liver and gallbladder is nothing to "fool around" with... go immediately to a specialist if you have issues with something such as this and get checked out!



Tuesday, October 30, 2018

From RA, Chronic Pain, Lupus, to "PTH" labs "off" and more new specialists like an Endocrinologist (HAPPY HALLOWEEN)



"Chronic Illness and Pain - NEVER TAKE A HOLIDAY! Yet, I hope your Halloween is filled with "good spooks", wonderful costumes, party with friends, "candy but not too much".... and that your Autoimmune Illnesses will give you a reprieve for an evening...
Alas, then we can say "TRICK OR TREAT"!!!!!

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Colonoscopy and Endoscopy - Just another procedure to put us through....n Life with Chronic Pain, RA, Lupus & chronic illness

Going through the Ordeal to get Ready for an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy!


Also Barrett's which I have and my Anemia is getting worse every 3 months, and my Parathyroid Labs are all "off" also....


So, I started to see the surgeon on Thursday afternoon, to see about scheduling that endoscopy and colonoscopy... and about the time I was leaving the house, I "felt" one of those drenching sweats coming on, plus they were supposed to put the holter monitor on me for 24 hours while I was there... I almost called and cancelled, but decided I would "try" to at least get into the surgeon... 

and wait on the monitor... because the leads will not stick on my skin if I am having one of those horrible drenching cold sweats... so the doctor was running over an hour late! I knew I was getting worse, but fortunately it was not a terribly bad one, but I did put off the monitor and told them I would try next week... and I did get in, so I have the endoscopy and colonoscopy on November the 14th!!! And now the way they "clean out" your digestive tract is almost silly.... 

rather than drink that "lime stuff" like you used to, you get 2 32 ounce bottles of Gatorade or Pedialyte... 2 bottles of "Miralax"... and 5 Ducolax pills... and mix the Miralax in the Gatorade and drink it like a glass every 10 minutes until you are finished with it, this is at noon and you are "fasting" anyway, with jello, etc the whole day before", and then at 6PM you drink the other Gatorade and Miralax and I think in between take those Dulolax pills!!!! 

Good Lord I hope that does not make me sick... that is a lot of Gatorade, and I guess it helps to "hydrate" you, rather than used to, you would be almost dehydrated doing it the old way.... anyway, I just hope they can do it early in the morning on the 14th and get it over with... I've got to get hold of my son, and see if he can get off work to take me... of course they put you to sleep so you have to have someone to drive you home after it's done.... I still have not heard from the Endocrinologist... but I guess I will call myself and try to schedule an appt if I don't hear from them by early next week....


Tuesday, October 23, 2018

My Latest Addition of my Newspaper! For Tuesday!

Tuesdays Addition of my Newspaper containing some great articles and information from the Arthritis Foundation and the College of Rheumatology and the Annual "CARRA" Conference!




http://news.autoimmunearthriticsystemiclife.com/#/
College of Rheumatology



Annual Meeting of "CARRA"

http://blog.arthritis.org/news/american-college-rheumatology-2018/

Monday, October 22, 2018

Another NEW Parkinson's Clinical Trial by Cure Click!



Another New Clinical Trial for Parkinson's sponsored by Cure Click!




A new #Parkinsons disease clinical study is evaluating an investigational drug to see if it may potentially help slow or reduce disease progression. Learn more! #sponsored #cureclick https://curec.lk/2CZN7SF

























Wednesday, September 26, 2018

New Clinical Trial Sponsored by Cure Click For Parkinson's Disease

Many Parkinson’s treatments have challenging side effects. A new study is researching whether an investigational treatment is both as effective and safer than existing options. The study is looking for volunteers who are not currently taking medication for their Parkinson’s symptoms.
You may qualify if you:
  • Are between 35 and 80 years of age
  • Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
  • Have not been taking Parkinson’s medications for more than 4 weeks
Key benefits to the patients include:
  • Investigational medication
  • Study-related medical care by Parkinson’s disease experts
  • Trial lasts 14-18 weeks and requires 7 site visits
If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last 3 years and haven’t started medication yet, or started four weeks ago or less, a clinical trial near you may be an option.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Animal Pain Awareness Month! Our Pets have Pain too!

 Our Animals and their Pain is REAL ALSO!


We even as pet owners, don't "think" that one of our fur-babies" might be in pain. In fact my little terrier Peanut, "suddenly" started holding a back foot up, and he can't stand to put it to the ground. I was in the shower, and before I got in he was fine. But, when I came out int the living room, I noticed he was having a hard time getting up.... 


I went to him and asked him if his foot or leg hurt, but I believe it's a nail he probably hung while I was in the shower, and him and Bella were playing and he probably pulled a nail to the quick... They will NOT behave for me, if I try myself to cut them, and Bella keeps her front ones "groomed herself.. but taking them to the Vet is also a pain, they are just nuts in the car, and they are like two bulls in a china closet to get them out, in the car, out at the Vet, inside, and then to the car again, and home... But. when I saw this article in my newspaper today, it dawned on me, pets show :pain" in different ways"....


 I can tell which one of mine maybe hurting or not feeling well, but the other acts completely different. Anyway, a reminder to keep an eye out for a limp, or licking a paw, or Bells "whines" and mopes .... He is better today... I am glad. I thought I may have to take him to the doctor, and I FINALLY JUST GOT TO GET THE LAB WORK DONE YESTERDAY!!! Just 2 or 3 weeks LATE! I have felt like heck, this weather is really effecting my joints etc badly









Saturday, September 1, 2018

Chronic Eczema New Clinical Trial Sponsored by Cure Click







Chronic Eczema affects millions of Americans. Are you one of them? Research studies now enrolling. Payment varies by study up to $1,750. #eczema #sponsored #cureclick Volunteer today! https://curec.lk/2NeRo9DChronic Eczema affects millions of Americans. Are you one of them? Research studies now enrolling. Payment varies by study up to $1,750. #eczema #sponsored #cureclick Volunteer today! 


       
            https://curec.lk/2NeRo9D

Friday, August 31, 2018

"Some Gave All"... "Senator John McCain In So Many Ways, and We Continue to Know Each Day is A Gift, Memorial Day, "Invisible Illnesses, and those Visible....

One of those of the VERY BRAVE, who served, who protected, who gave ALL, and then continued to give even more, for so many, many years. I loved what our "Last Vice President, Joe Biden" said, about him "they were like Brothers, and they "fought" at times like brothers, and also came together often as brothers"...

I have really never "stepped" on "either side of party lines"... I've felt that the "person" man or woman who serves our nation best, is the one who should take the roles of serving our nation, in Congress, in the roles of the Senate, of Commander and Chief, those who go into battle, knowing they may "give all", and those families, who know as their loved ones leave on those trips to protect our country, that they may never "see them again" other than lying still, until someday they meet again in the heavens above. It is not just those who fight, who serve, who run our states, run our nation, but also the families that stand beside them, and have to be as brave,

if not more brave knowing there could be a "grave loss" of life, of limb, of body, and often times, come back without the "emotional" ways they had before they went to see the horror things they must see and endure daily on foreign soils... yet even on our own soil, all too often now we see such danger, such damage of life, of sorrow, those who go to school, to college, to work, to a concert, and never know how that day may end.... it is for this we Celebrate Memorial Day... Celebrate Life, and Celebrate those who give their own life, in order that we may carry our own lives forward... May everyone reflect upon the Greatness of Ours that give, in every way... Be safe, be proud, and hold the "freedom" in your heart that we have today... for we never know when that moment may come, that "freedom" may not "ring our as loudly" as it does at this moment.