Remembering Love Lost

Gone - flitted away,
Taken the stars from the night and the sun
From the day!
Gone, and a cloud in my heart.
~Alfred Tennyson

Your life is filled with people that you have grown so accustomed to being around, that when they leave we suddenly realize just how much we are bonded to them. Our lives can become so intertwined with another, that we fail to see just how close the bond is until they are gone.

Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle
Everything I do is stitched with its color.
~W.S. Merwin

We find ourselves trying to regain the image of these people, a loved one or maybe a friend that has slipped from our sight. We try to pull our dreams at night out into the gathering light of day. To experience their presence once again hopefully.

Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream.
And I seek thee in vain by the meadow and stream.
~George Linley

With each passing day, we look for anything that will remind us of that missing piece of us. Is it the green leaves of a tree rustling in the wind, a child laughing as she skips down the road or the circus noise from high upon a Ferris wheel; where can we capture that moment again?

Oft in the tranquil hour of night,
When stars illume the sky,
I gaze upon each orb of light,
And wish that thou wert by.
~George Linley

As we gaze upon the stars or look to shapes within the clouds, we each will find that reminder of ones gone before us. It might be a star in the sky, the floating cloud formations above us or the gentle trickle of a stream.

"Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it's one day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the next time you will."
~Author Unknown

It will become easier as our memory grows deeper with the spirit of a loved one. We experience that in a much different way and grow closer to them by keeping them within our hearts.
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Hope For A Cure

The year goes wrong, and tares grow strong,
Hope starves without a crumb;
But God's time is our harvest time,
And that is sure to come.
- Lewis J. Bates

So here is a good one to write. On Saturday, November 15, I ran in the Purple Stride - Atlanta 5K Run. Many of you contributed and have heard me talk about this event. The local affiliate is in its third year of existence and this is the third annual event. Its intention is not to only raise funds for research, but it is to raise awareness of the fourth leading cancer killer of the major cancers...but is the least funded. In raising funds we help with research to come up with early detection, better treatments and ultimately a cure.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide group of people working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has grown into the only national organization fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way. They accomplish their mission by directly funding research and demanding that the federal government increase research dollars for pancreatic cancer; by providing patients and caregivers with reliable information to make informed decisions with their health care teams; and by helping individuals and communities work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer

So for this local event being held in Atlanta, GA (USA); it was a bit cool but the colors were wonderful in the trees. Our mother would have loved the beautiful colors of fall, the briskness of an early morning but more important; the laughter and chatter of people gathering together. There were 750 runners this year and our local group raised nearly $104,000 dollars, much of that support coming from folks like you that supported my efforts.

Also, I want everyone to know that I came in first place in the 45-49 year olds that were born in Fremont, Nebraska. It turns out that I was the only one in that category! But I did run the 5K in 39 minutes, 20 seconds and feel pretty good about it as this was quite a hilly course. I don't fancy myself a great runner but at this age, I feel great that I can. I also enjoy the idea of just feeling alive when I run in these events.

I submitted a "Tell Your Story" and picture for the local affiliate to use. These stories and pictures will be heading up to Washington DC given out to all of the congressman/women and Senators. The bigger story with all of these individual ones is that there are real people associated with this cancer and personal stories of hope, loss and survival. There is also possible testimony to be given in a committee meeting and I hope to possibly be there and speak myself.

The event also featured a "Remembrance Wall" that was very touching. In the upper middle part of the board I placed our Mother's picture with our Dad. I used a picture of them both as two become one in so many years of marriage. The love of each other's lives is the way I choose to remember.

The other stories on the wall are ones just as heart touching as our own. Lives shortened but not forgotten, so many that didn't last as long as our Mother, so we have to feel blessed by the amount of time she was able to stay with us.

There was information from a research doctor at the University of Alabama who talked about new treatments that are promising. But the thing I didn't hear about is early detection except for a young woman whom is a four year survivor. Her early detection was a nagging stomach pain deep inside that she wouldn't let her doctor simply pass off. They did the CAT scan and found the small tumor in a very early stage in the pancreas. Surgery, lots of weight loss as one expects, months in the hospital and lots of support from family and friends.

All touching, all encouraging news, but everyone I talked to say that even though we have come a long way, we have a whole lot further to go. So thank you everyone for supporting me in running for all of you, your loved ones and the survivors.

More importantly, thank you for expressing your love for Mom.
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Fitness

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports launched its Adult Fitness Test in May of 2008. I am one of those that missed this announcement as I am certainly not one that does a very good job of watching my own fitness. I tend to focus on other parts of my life and find it difficult to balance out those Six Spokes of Life.

So recently I was reading the October issue of Readers Digest and found a pretty simple and easy guide to measure yourself as an adult. I found that I'm not close to these particular and simple tests. Yet I'm setting a goal for myself to achieve these.

You will see they don't take expensive equipment or gym memberships to achieve them. So we will see how I do and how long it takes.

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The Test: Push-ups
The Goal:
Women (on knees): 33 without stopping,
Men: 40 without stopping
Tips to Boost Your Score (gradually, to prevent injury): Work your chest and triceps three days a week. Vary the push-ups by doing them on an incline or decline, or do some chest flies or chair dips, says personal trainer Kelli Calabrese, author of Feminine, Firm & Fit.

The Test: 1.5-mile run
The Goal:
Women: under 12 minutes,
Men: under 10 minutes
Tips to Boost Your Score (gradually, to prevent injury): Walk/run three times a week, and do non-impact activities like swimming or cycling on the other days. Add a day of interval training (going faster than your normal pace with periods at a much slower pace).

The Test: Half sit-ups
The Goal:
Women: 60 in a minute,
Men: 65 in a minute
Tips to Boost Your Score (gradually, to prevent injury): Do a variety of abdominal exercises three days a week. "Core strength is so important because it improves posture, can reduce back pain, and may help stop a fall as we age," Calabrese says.

The Test: Sit and reach
The Goal:
Women: 9 inches beyond heels,
Men: 8 inches beyond heels
Tips to Boost Your Score (gradually, to prevent injury): After warming up, Calabrese says, increase flexibility by doing the yoga pose downward dog: Position your body in an inverted V, with your hands and feet on the ground and your butt in the air.
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But why get fit? Will it add years, days or just minutes to the length of my life?

The point in my mind is not how much longer one might live by being more physically fit. What it will do is make all of your years of living that much better. One can live to be 85 years of age, but if you are so unfit that walking six steps is a struggle for the last 30 of those years, then the quality of those 85 years just isn't very good.

So try to achieve the goals above; try to join the President's Council and take the Adult Fitness Test. Enjoy a more fit life; enjoy life!
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Open Road Missions Update

Go to Open Road Missions.

Find the DONATE button to support Paul in his efforts.

Bless him with our giving and then pass it along to your friends.
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Congratulations Barack Obama

Congratulations to our newly elected 44th President of the United States.

His opponent John McCain said it best in his speech:

"In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too."

All of us as Americans have much to be proud of in this historical moment. The days will pass and the ideological differences will remain among us. But the inspiring aspect is that we will peacefully transition power. We've done this fourty-three times and it will happen this fourty-fourth time on January 20, 2009.
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Halloween Fun

The October Game by Ray Bradbury

"Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night."

-Steve Almond

Halloween is upon us and little kids in costumes of ghosts, witches, princess' and Spiderman will be filling the streets. The origination of this holiday is rooted in the (from Wikipedia) ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year."

Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the alive and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops.

The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.

In modern terms, it has evolved into a a fun and spirited time to simply enjoy the fall weather and gather candy; lots of candy. So the bags will be filled, tummies will be bursting from chocolate and bubble gum. Little feet will be tired and the morning will come all too soon.

But this year it falls on a Friday night so it is likely many will be out much later. Heck, the kids can sleep in on Saturday morning and miss some of the cartoons. Parents can rest and possibly sift through the candy finding the good stuff before the little ones wake up.

With all of the fun and good cheer, drive careful, walk careful and above all - have fun!

Boo!!
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Oh Happy Day

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake." -Victor Hugo

My wife has such great patience with me as I struggle to come out of my 'man cave'. It is a term that relates to how men will retreat into a quiet area internally to work through things. I have been working through the death of a loved one and it is not as if I'm depressed.

What I have found is that I am struggling at getting back to an ability to 'multi-task' in my daily life. Each of us in our lives have many things going on in our worlds. You juggle each of them in some manner, handling them as best one can. The work of 'living' must go on and we must enjoy the act of 'living'.

So just keep telling yourself that these are happy days for all of us. The problems and issues that arise around us will pass.



We played this song along with images of her life during a tribute to my Mother during a memorial service. I smile every time I hear it and think of her. These are happy days.
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Open Road Missions in Peru

I wanted to pass along an update from my friend Paul O'Connell and his Open Road Missions work being done in Peru.

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Ho la from Peru,

Trying to stay connected with everyone is always a challenge but this certainly makes it easier..if you're interested, here is the latest from Peru.

Hot off the press..we had an earthquake last night..well technically the epicentre was in Bolivia. It was a 5 point something, but never-the-less a nervous experience. I don't believe things were meant to move like that. I am up on the 4th floor so not much chance of making it out if it was a big one, but it wasn't my time.

I have just returned from working at an orphanage high up in the Andes. There are about 100 orphans and they have a school along with a small medical clinic. I taught English classes and worked in the bakery. No machines here so all is done by hand. There was about 60lbs of dough to mix, a good workout to say the least.

The kids were great and teaching them was a highlight. The school also accepts kids from the surrounding area. One of the boys in my class walks 1.5 hours each way to get to school..unbelievable.

The altitude also takes a few days to adjust to. You feel short of breath and tend to have headaches for the first few days. A few minutes on the soccer field had me thinking I was having a heart attack. Yes, when you come to Peru, every day you get to experience near death emotions (just kidding). Not really, but it just reminds one of just how awesome life is and to enjoy the most of it.

If you would like to help out down here, you can donate by visiting my website at: http://www.openroadmissions.com/ or send a check to ORM P.O. Box 491985, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30049, USA, which is my home base. It is real easy and it would help me out big time.

Talk to you later! Paul
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If you have the chance, check out his website, pass along some of the information for others. He could really use your support in his efforts.
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Lessons Learned

Bear with me as I bring myself back around to writing again. I arrived on Tuesday, October 7th to be with my family as we helped our mother in her final days. They are days I will write about and days that will not soon be forgotten

The stories she told us and lessons learned in those days will become clear. My writing will be a release for me and also a way to impart some of her wisdom into your lives. I have learned to be content with my circumstances through out the years. Much of that I owe to my mother.

As I complete these last few days helping my father start to rearrange his life, I know that my sister and brothers will all be there to brighten his days. Each of us will cherish his remaining days and in knowing that our mother rests with angels.

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Gone From Our Sight

Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

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Passing Of A Loved One

Rose Marie Primm
(January 27, 1931 - October 14, 2008)

Rose Marie Primm, 77, of Fremont died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, in Fremont, Nebraska.

Rose Marie Gale was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Hawarden, Plymouth County, Iowa, to Ralph F. and Josephine R. (Boden) Gale. She was schooled in Akron, Iowa, and Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from Sioux City Central in 1948. She married William L. “Bill” Primm of Elk Point, S.D., on Sept. 26, 1949, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akron, Iowa. They moved to the Fremont and Cedar Bluffs area in 1951.

She was credit manager and store manager during 19 years of employment at Philips Department Store at Fremont Mall from 1967 to 1986. She was also an active member of Credit Women’s International, Altrusa, Crimestoppers and the Personnel Managers Association. She also lived in Elk Point for 15 years, working as a county social worker, a charter member of the Union County Historical Society and was a 30-year genealogist.

Surviving her is her husband of 59 years, Bill; daughter, Pam; sons, Jeff, Jim (and wife, Jeanine Helen) of Fremont, Jerry (and wife, Linda) of Omaha, John (and wife, Karin) of Gillette, Wyo., and Joe (and wife, Laura) of Buford, Ga. She is the proud and loving grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She also has several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, dear cousins, Aunt Sylvia and many friends.

Preceding her in death were daughter, Patricia (Primm) Goeschel; parents, Ralph and Josephine Gale; and brothers, Gerald, Arnold and Arthur.

A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 17 at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. The Rev. Ron Battiato of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont officiated. Burial took place on Saturday, October 18 in Elk Point, SD. Her wishes were for her cremains to be buried in the Elk Point cemetery family plot and at her favorite ancestral area of Cobh, Ireland, near the Celtic Sea.

Memorials may be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Research or Diabetes Research funds.

What is life?

As I sit here with my father, brothers and sister comforting my dying mother, she continues to teach us as she continues her final steps to God's eternal love. I felt a powerful urge to share two thoughts that she spoke last night. The words speak deeply on their own. It is my mother's gift to all of you for you to share with others.

What is life? Life is prayer.

Prayer was for us before we knew what it was about.
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Creating Memories

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." -Ida Scott Taylor

I am spending these days with my dying mother, Rose Marie Gale-Primm. Along with my father, sister and brothers, it is a time that we have known would come and we are experiencing so many emotions. There are many that have gone through this before us and many that will do so after we have grieved.

But for now, we are reminiscing with her as she prepares to take her final breath. The Lord is giving us these final days after having blessed us with so many. You see, back in March of this year (2008) she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. It was already advanced and most Pancreatic cancers are once found will result in a rapid decline.

The average life span is less then 6 months so we feel fortunate that Dr. Solomon Haroon in Fremont, Nebraska has done an excellent job in treating her. We are so thankful for the absolutely wonderful work he has done. Yet now we are in our time of hospice, in giving Mom a comfortable place to find the peace she so deserves.

We don't grieve of past pain or issues, we live to make life worth remembering. That in the end, we can truly say what a great time we have had with each other. This week we are creating wonderful memories even in the saddest of times.

When our mother finally passes, it will be with the full knowledge of the love she has given to so many people. It will also be with the full knowledge of the love that so many of you have shown her. Take a few moments to tell those you know that you love them, create a moment worth remembering.
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Helping Hand

Peyton Conway March said, "There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else." This past weekend I tried to impart some of that to roughly 85 men that attended a Men's Conference.

This conference was three nights, two days of teaching, learning and general brotherhood of guys looking to experience something greater in their lives. Some were impacted in huge ways and others found small things to take away. In all cases, lives were moved in ways only they will know.

But it does not require a conference for you to impact the lives of another. It only takes a caring heart for others. If you simply give a small piece of yourself to help someone else, it can have a huge change in their life.

Stock Market Tumble

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.

-William Shakespeare

The events of the last day and what could turnout to be a couple of bad days is nothing new to the world at large. The good and bad economic times tend to 'come and go' in sporadic cycles. As the picture depicts, the 'bubbles' are chased and eventually those 'bubbles' break.

The hardest part is trying to keep your wits about you and to not let fear grip your entire being. Marie Curie, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 said, "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." This current economic crisis is no different.

Now is the time to read and learn as much as you can. In doing so, you will better understand what is happening, it will lessen your fear and give the ability to make smarter choices. There is a great cartoon by Gary Larson, which shows a bunch of lemmings walking down and into the water. About half way up in the crowd of lemmings, one is wearing a life preserve ring. He is going where circumstance is taking him, but he is prepared.

As Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "Buy the ticket, take the Ride." You're here and life is not going away. Prepare yourself, let go of fear and enjoy the ride.

How To Mend A Fishing Net

I have had many people come to my web blog looking for ways to 'mend a fishing net'. Most times they end up with my article Mending Fishing Nets that speaks about keeping the 'network' of friends you have in life close and in repair.

But in fairness to those that have commented and are looking for a way to 'really' mend a fishing net, then I provide the following article, Diy fishing tips: fishing net repair, from the folks at eSSORTMENT.com.

It is a starting place for those in need of net repairing information. I don't receive any money if you click on the link. I just felt it necessary to give those that want that type of site, a link to get there.

And if you need some encouragement because your net is in bad need of repair; read some of my articles and see if it helps.

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Is The Sky Falling

Sky Is Falling by Christian Mcleod

"If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there and worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the loss of sleep." -Dale Carnegie

Things are tough out there are possibly getting worse. As American taxpayers, we are now part owners of million dollar homes, shopping malls, investment firms and we are also in the insurance business. All of this is due to the recent government bailout of many firms, all in the name of saving the American economy.

I understand that I am getting a bit judgemental about things here. I am just a frustrated taxpayer like many others. I could write and complain for many paragraphs, yet it wouldn't accomplish much other then making me feel slightly better.

What I can do is offer some tips that I collected to help you possibly ride through this cyclical thing we call the economy.

No. 1: Do not panic. The sky is not falling and yes, there will be people that get hit hard as many have already. But to panic will not do you any good. Sit back, stay calm and start thinking of ways to find your way to the other side of this.

No. 2: Prepare for adversity. We don't say this enough, early enough to our kids and to ourselves, save, save, save. By establishing emergency savings and preparing for these times will soften the blow. Now that we are in a downturn doesn't mean to stop saving, keep saving if even in smaller increments.

No. 3: Tighten your spending. Go over your personal spending with a fine-toothed comb and look for areas to cut back, such as dining out and entertainment. Put big-ticket purchases on hold. Downscale or delay vacation plans. Look for bargains and shop for the best deals.

Even though the economy rides on the shoulders of consumer spending, people must contain their expenditures during a slowdown. Otherwise they are at risk for personal financial crisis, experts said. "Overall, more consumer spending is obviously a boost to the economy, but at the individual household level, more spending may not be the prescription for your financial ills."

No. 4: Proceed with caution. You need to continue to spend and invest, but be more cautious, especially if you fear that your job or your company may be at risk. Life requires living and to live we do need to spend some amount of money. But evaluate your your job or industry. If either seem tenuous, you should be more conservative about your spending until the economy strengthens.

No. 5: Plastic Diet. The credit-card rates continue to soar reaching into the 20 percent range. Cut down usage or pay it off; it's like earning double-digit returns on your money by cutting out credit card debt. Easier said then done, families in shaky financial condition or uncertain employment may have to make a difficult choice. If your earning are steady and secure, then continue to whittle away at the credit-card debt. For those people with unstable incomes or a chance of being laid off, it's better to beef up emergency savings. Just know that those interest charges will build, so curtail credit-card spending to limit the growth of those credit charges.

No. 6: Manage your credit smartly. Check your credit report routinely and keep your credit score high so you can get favorable interest rates if you need to obtain financing. Pay bills on time, even if it is just the minimum required. Don't open a lot of new credit-card accounts. Don't respond to repeated "special offers" for credit cards in the mail or online. Resist the temptation to get discounts at retailers by opening an in-store account.

No. 7: Think fuel efficiency. Consider buying a more fuel-efficient car. Just remember, though, that spending on gasoline is a small part of the budget for most people, about 5 percent, and trimming your gas mileage likely won't make a huge difference in your budget's bottom line. If you take on a higher auto payment, you might even end up with less discretionary income at the end of the month.

So there it is, seven tips and by reading, I am positive you will find more great advice out there. I'm no financial expert, but want to ensure each of you have an idea of what can be done. Keep your focus, keep your attitude, keep your sanity and you will get through this.

Many have before us; Wall Street Collapse of 1929, the "dot-com" bust of the late 1990's and many others have shown that by staying calm and sensible, you will survive. I fully understand it doesn't seem that way when you are going through it. I was first married in 1980, with a child and the highest interest rates our economy had ever seen. I had thoughts that we would never make it through, but we did...so will you.

So those seven tips...the number seven that I've written about before. Take a few minutes, possibly seven, reflect and consider what you do have. It might be the most important seven minutes of your day.

Pancreatic Cancer - Raising Awareness

"You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it." - Albert Schweitzer


Today I'm making an appeal for donations to an effort to fight cancer. Many of you only know me through my writings and book. But please know that your personal decision to participate or not is fully respected...so thank you for reading on.

My intent as with anyone else is to go those last steps to not only help my own mother, but to maybe give hope to others. Back in March of 2008 my mother, Rose was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She was already stage three at that time with not a very good prognosis, so much that we never expected her to make it to Mothers Day in May.

Here we are in September and she is still fighting and surviving. We know the inevitability and most of the fight is to maintain and make life as enjoyable as we can. But all of this would not be possible without research dollars and new treatments that are being developed.

In trying to help raise more research dollars, my wife Laura and I are participating in an event for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This is a 5K Run/Walk type of event and to find out more and to make a donation, you can click on the link below. We are also putting together a team of walkers/runners for those that are local to Atlanta and would like to get out and participate.

If you are not aware, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a non-profit organization working to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization funds research grants, provides information and resources to patients and their families at no cost, pushes for increased federal research funding and educates the public about this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it receives less funding per patient than other leading cancer killers. Your support helps the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fulfill its mission and provides hope to the over 37,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and nearly 35,000 will also die from pancreatic cancer this year.

Please visit my personal page to learn more. Thank you for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in our efforts to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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http://pancan.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=284819&u=284819-231695357&e=1890504881

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Security

"The ultimate security is your understanding of reality." -H. Stanley Judd

With all of the technology that exists in this world, it has become a bit easier for those that wish to do us harm. There will be those that wish to take from us our money, the base reason that identify theft exists. It isn't about becoming you because they like your name or your life. It is the money that they want to extract from your life before moving on to their next victim.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that identity theft happens to nearly 10 million U.S. consumers annually. Nearly 4.6% of us report each year having been a victim of this crime. This happens either by new credit cards being opened under your name or thieves gaining access to existing accounts.

So how can you protect yourself? In a recent State Farm mailing, they reported that many experts agree the following tips will help you guard against identify theft.

- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, public trash cans or unattended gasoline pumps.
- Shred pre-approved credit card offers before discarding them.
- When making an ATM transaction, block the screen and keyboard with your body.
- Memorize your Social Security number and all of your passwords. Do not record them on any cards or on items in your purse or wallet.
- When writing a check for a credit card payment, do not write the entire account number on the check. Instead, use just the last four numbers.
- Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
- If your credit cards are stolen, immediately call the three credit bureaus (listed below) and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your name and Social Security number.

Equifax: 800-685-1111
Experian: 800-682-7654
Trans Union: 800-916-8800

- If your credit or bank cards are stolen or you believe they have been tampered with, contact your financial institution immediately (so know their number).
- Immediately file a police report in the jurisdiction where your credit and bank cards were stolen. Request a copy of the report in case you later need proof of the crime for your credit card company.

Technology is here and there are people out there that will try to use it to harm you. Just embrace the technology and learn how to protect yourself. Use technology to your advantage.

Celebrating Labor Day; Celebrating Life

"If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend." -Doug Larson

We just completed a three day weekend, which is an end to the summer holiday season here in the United States. Jerry Lewis and his 43rd Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon raised $65 million dollars. A hurricane, Gustav made land fall just west of New Orleans along the United States Gulf Coast region.

So many people out travelling, visiting friends, attending weddings; a full three days for everyone. We move on now to fall activities with eager anticipation of Thanksgiving in November and of course the Christmas and New Years holidays.

The holidays come and go, but keeping in touch with those around you is very important. Family and friends can lift you higher then anything else. I have high spirits as my mother passed the six month mark of being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She is an inspiration to all of us and I can only hope that she celebrates so many more milestones.

As we celebrate the holiday, let us also celebrate life. Congratulations Mom and congratulations to everyone, we each deserve the kind thought.

No Easy Way To Cry

"I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey. I wish you peace in the world in which you live... More I cannot wish you except perhaps love to make all the rest worthwhile." -Robert A. Ward

We fill our daily existence with the things currently at hand. The bits of getting to work, working through the day and the little things we do to end the day. We tend to lose focus on family and friends at times. It is the immediate and near that capture our attention.

I am no different then each of you in that respect. I can get consumed by what is within my small area of existence. But once in a while you get a shock to that existence. Recently this happened to me and it reverberates in my mind still.

Having friends that were once very close, we drifted apart by distance and time. Donna and Lyle are the kind of truly great people that everyone should have as friends. I have kept loose contact with Lyle over the years, missing the nearer connection we once had.

So it was with heart break that I had learned that their daughter passed away in May of 2006. Two years ago, could it be possible that we let our friendship slip this far. To know that their beautiful and very talented daughter was taken from them so young in her life.

Shelley was 18 years old, a gifted student and athlete. I like to say that she obtained all beauty, grace and talents from her mother Donna. This mostly as a gentle ribbing to her father Lyle. Along with her brother Scott, this family is just wonderful, yet now with one missing piece.

The loss of a child hurts beyond anything I could possibly write or imagine. As Lyle said in a news article, "We loved her very much and we’re going to miss her like I can’t even describe.

David Gray put out a song a few years back entitled "Easy Way To Cry." The words he sings could speak into many different types of relationship loss. For me the lyric he sings which has the most meaning, the only thing that I could possibly so to my friends, "there ain't no easy way to cry."

Hold onto those around you and let them know you care and love them.

Visions Realized

"Before you begin a thing, remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead. If you could see them clearly, naturally you could do a great deal to get rid of them but you can't. You can only see one thing clearly and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin." -Kathleen Norris

What a world this could be if we arose each morning knowing exactly what would happen that day. The entire day's events would be laid out in front of us. We would know that traffic was going to be nightmarish and that first cup of coffee gets spilled on a report due later in the morning.

We could plan that lunch time meal is going to be great and that the afternoon will be filled with lots of bathroom breaks due to the salad dressing. The work day is going to end with your boss congratulating you on a great report despite the coffee stain. The evening sets up to be very relaxing before you will head off to sleep.

Having this type of vision would be great for planning where you are headed and how you will get there. You will be able to avoid the spilled coffee and that lunch time salad. But too bad to say, our life isn't that simple to foresee. All we can do is set our sight on a goal to achieve; for the day; for the week; for our life.

What happens many times is out of our control. What is in our control is how we react to it. If we hold onto the vision of what we want, then our path remains in focus. Now granted, the path is unlikely to be straight and easy. In fact, your vision may appear to be off in one direction while the road is leading in another.

Keep the vision in sight, correct your path towards that vision and you will eventually reach it. Overcome the daily obstacles that you know will come into your life. Accept that the path isn't necessarily easy. You will succeed at reaching your vision, believe in it.

Life By Example

"Let us so live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." -Mark Twain

Kindness and gratitude to others in life is a simple thing to do. A smile to the grocery clerk, a thank you or letting someone into traffic are not so difficult. Live your life with meaning so that all will learn by your example.

Growing Happiness

"The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes us feel more comfortable, peaceful, and even blissful. In fact, the role of most anti-depressants is to stimulate the production of serotonin chemically, helping to ease depression.

Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results.

Imagine this! Kindness extended, received, or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved! " ~ Wayne Dyer

So one may ask, 'where do I get this serotonin stuff?" Well, serotonin is naturally produced within the Pineal gland deep in the center brain. As adults, we possess only 5 to 10 mg of serotonin, 90 % of which is in the intestine and the rest in blood platelets and the brain.

One of its roles is to be a neurotransmitter, a sort of relay station that allows the many functions in our bodies (control of appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood, behaviour, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation and depression) all to function properly.

But how do you get more? Well, it is found that the most effective way of raising levels of serotonin is with vigorous exercise. Studies conducted show levels increase when we increase our level of physical activity. This is the safest way of increasing serotonin levels as well as the many other benefits result from regular exercise.

Your serotonin levels can also be controlled through the diet. A diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may lower brain levels of serotonin and cause depression. Complex carbohydrates raise the level of tryptophan in the brain resulting in a calming effect. Vitamin C is also required for the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin.

There is a connection to happiness that has been found as well. Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression.

Happiness itself does not produce or increase the production of serotonin, but it can trigger increased levels of serotonin. Without serotonin, there would be no happiness. But understanding how your happiness can improve your attitude, which in turn changes much of your outlook on life in general.

As I wouldn't pretend to be a doctor, I encourage you to read more. Find out about your health and body. What makes it function, what things cause your physical and mental well being to be in a better state. It is part of tending to all six spokes of life. Find a way to chart your life and all of the parts within it.

And to start, be happy!

Teamwork Synergy

"Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people." -Stephen Covey

Our world today is a wired, full-on technology wonder. We go about our day texting and being able to look up information at the click of a mouse button. The invention of the computer, Internet, cell phones and all the other gizmo and gadgets have changed our world dramatically.

But there was another huge invention that profoundly changed human existence by illuminating the night and making it possible for humans to experience the night time. Something that seems rather odd to imagine, but imagine a night without the light bulb. It is one of the every day conveniences that most affects our lives. It was invented in 1879 by Thomas Alva Edison.

He was not the first nor only person trying to invent an incandescent light bulb. At one point after being successful in bringing light to the night, many considered him an absolute genius. They marvelled at how he alone was able to achieve this great success. When asked though why he had a team of twenty-one assistants, he would say, "if I could solve all the problems myself, I would."

As it is, we are all brilliant in our individualism, think of how much greater that brilliance is as a group of people supporting and helping each other. So it is in life that if you make connections with other people, building friendships, when something needs to be solved in your life, collectively the support network is there.

"Teams share the burden and divide the grief." ~Doug Smith

There is a great story told by ex-Navy pilot Charles Plumb. On his seventy-sixth combat mission, he was shot down and parachuted into enemy territory. He was captured and spent six years in prison from which he survived.

One day, a man in approached Plumb and his wife in a restaurant, and said, "Are you Plumb the navy pilot?"

"Yes, how did you know?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied.

Plumb was amazed - and grateful: "If the chute you packed hadn't worked I wouldn't be here today..."

Plumb now refers to this story lectures he gives about his experiences. He refers to it as his realisation that the anonymous sailors who packed the parachutes held the pilots' lives in their hands, and yet the pilots never gave these sailors a second thought; never even said hello, let alone said thanks.

Now Plumb asks his audiences, "Who packs your parachutes?..... Who helps you through your life?.... Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?....... Think about who helps you; recognise them and say thanks."

Collectively we can make a big difference in life. We can make change happen as a group of people moving together, helping each other. Alone you can cause a ripple effect in the water that touches others. Together we create lots of ripples and much bigger waves upon the shore of life.

So give yourself forgiveness to know that we can not always do it alone. Especially as men, we fight with pride and honor in our attempts to master all that happens in our life. Take that forgiveness and allow yourself to connect with others. Max Depree, writer and former CEO of the Herman Miller furniture company said, "Without forgiveness, there can be no real freedom to act within a group."

Take your life and the lives of others to a higher level. There is so much left to do and we can accomplish a lot if we do it together.

Telling Stories

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." -William James

Many times we go through life believing that the path we are on was pre-chosen for us. All we can see is one narrow vision of a road that leads off in a direction that we simply are not happy with. So we try to adapt to the road, to the scenery and make the best of our travel.

We may pass an intersection along our way and wonder. We stop at this crossroads and see something different on the horizon of the other path. Our interest is heightened but the Garmin in our mind tells us to 'stay on our own path'. So we continue down the same path, but with a growing sense that this isn't the correct one.

The feeling grows until one day you are standing at another 'crossroads of life' and make that decision to make a change in life. It is this change that I want to hear about. I want to hear your story of change in attitude, in personal revelation or change in direction.

These stories of change can impact other people and that's what we can do together. We will impact others with our stories of what we did to change the course of our lives. I have heard some say things such as, "no one would want to hear my story", or "it was such a small and insignificant thing." Those are precisely the stories I want to hear about. They are precisely the stories that other people need to hear.

Leave a lasting impact for all of time for others to hear. Send me your story of change, the thing that happened which changed it all for you. We are gathering these stories to share with those that might be standing at their own crossroads and are unsure.

Send your story to me at josephprimm@bellsouth.net.

These stories will become part of a book that will impact others. You can find yourself helping others with something as simple as your own story. If you are unsure, then guess what...you may very well be standing at that crossroads looking down the path at a new horizon.

Make a difference, make a change, tell your story....

Finding Happiness

Happiness depends upon ourselves. -Aristotle

The trailer for the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" was on the other night and it was a great reminder to me. It is only yourself that can determine your happiness in life. There are great obstacles and circumstances in life that can make it very difficult. Yet it is up to the individual.

Happiness as defined by Harvard social psychologist William McDougall is that "people can be happy while in pain and unhappy while experiencing pleasure; To understand this, two kinds of happiness must be distinguished: feel-good and value-based. Feel-good happiness is sensation-based pleasure. When we joke around or have sex, we experience feel-good happiness. Since feel-good happiness is ruled by the law of diminishing returns, the kicks get harder to come by. This type of happiness rarely lasts longer than a few hours at a time."

Value-based happiness is a sense that our lives have meaning and fulfill some larger purpose. It represents a spiritual source of satisfaction, stemming from our deeper purpose and values. We experience value-based happiness when we satisfy any of the 16 basic desires--the more desires we satisfy, the more value-based happiness we experience. Since this form of happiness is not ruled by the law of diminishing returns, there is no limit to how meaningful our lives can be.

So the clinical view of happiness can be examined and debated, but the one thing every study shows is that happiness is individualistic. Those that were experiencing this 'value-based' happiness were much happier for a much longer time. The 'feel good' happiness was short lived; much like the sugar rush from a candy bar.

So find something longer lasting for your life that makes you happy. Choose to find 'Happyness' in your life.

Change To Move Others

Things happen in our lives when we 'step out in change'. We each have a story we can tell about what it is we did or what happened that changed our life. I would like to hear your story, those of life changing events, the ones that either moved you or caused you to shift things in your life.

You may think that "no one would have interest in MY STORY." But you might be surprised and I'd like to collect these stories to share with others. If your story moves even one person to make a change for the better, that 'ripple' from your life has again done something good for another.

Our own humanity is a community of people learning from each other. The stories we tell each other come from the past, recent past, the young, the old and everyone in-between. These stories could have been moved by faith or circumstance. Even the smallest story of success or inspiration will touch many others.

Email your story to josephprimm@bellsouth.net and I will do the rest. I'll collect these stories and make them available to everyone. Don't worry, I won't use your full name but will let you know that I received it. You can pass along this request to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others that may have a story to share.

We can touch others with our stories of break-through. Each of us have a story that can inspire or encourage others. There are others out there waiting to hear your story which will move them to make change in their life.

Thank you and let's effect change for others.

Joseph Primm
Atlanta, GA
josephprimm@bellsouth.net

Dance To Feel Good

"You have to learn that if you start making sure you feel good, everything will be okay." -Ruben Studdard

The following video pretty much speaks for itself. Each of us will take many things away from this but I believe one of those things will be feeling good afterwards. The video is safe and viewable by all ages. Pay attention to the dance style and where he is...something for everyone.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

For more about this video, visit Matt's site. Thank you Matt, the ripples of what you do are touching so many. Everything is going to be okay.

Inspirational Steps

Picture comes from Sarah Binette's blog.

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action." -Frank Tibolt

The hardest thing to do when achieving a goal is in taking that first step. We sit and procrastinate and plan and ponder, trying to set the entire course out. We then over think the course we are going to take, allowing doubt to creep in.

To sit all day reading inspirational books and watching motivational speakers on television extol great words will not put us closer to our dreams unless we take that first step. By creating movement, other things move in your life.

Some will say it is God moving in your life, others say it is opportunity moving in your life while others will say it is karma. Whatever your belief is, the movement will place you on a course in which you will find opportunity and inspiration.

This course may not be the one envisioned while sitting there planning your future. But as you move, things that you had not envisioned will present themselves for you to take hold of. Yet it all begins with a single step.

Inspire yourself to stand up and move, create a wave with your movement and ride the waves of other peoples movement. Grab hold of the sun and use it to light the path to your goals.

Course Of Life

"Even though I focus on the priorities in life; God, Family and everything else, I drift. My humanity pulls me off course. Life will always have a way of doing this. Learn to recognize that you have drifted and then correct your course. Align yourself to what is important." -Dean Sweetman

It happens to all of us, we are cruising along the highway of our lives and we become distracted. We take a wrong turn or see something off to the right that looks interesting. The path we are taking goes off in a direction that pulls us from what we know is important for our own life.

Accept that each of us stray from our own path and that finding our way back is always possible. Learn from the experience and let it give you greater strength to keep on track.

Trust In Yourself

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." -Foster C. McClellan

Possibility always exists when a dream develops inside of you. You can work on the dream yourself or with others. People, when working together, can create an atmosphere in which possibility can become reality for you and many others.

If possibility did not exist, then we would be fools to make plans for our lives. Yet it does exist and we dream about all that we can achieve. And it is in believing in that possibility which drives us towards the achievement.

Happiness

"Happiness depends upon ourselves." -Aristotle

So much depends upon our own attitude about life. We choose to be happy or not. Your circumstance may weigh heavily upon your ability to be happy, but you get to choose your own attitude.

Back To School

School will be starting soon for so many kids, in fact nearly 50 million students are heading off to approximately 97,000 public elementary and secondary schools for the fall term. Many of them grade school aged children.

If you are looking for some way to involve yourself in helping others, which you should be. Then think about getting involved in or starting a 'Back-To-School' program to help those in need. A way to help them get the supplies, back-packs and other essentials needed for a good year of learning.

One such program is administered by a group called S.M.A.R.T. - Single Moms Acquiring Readiness Training. This particular program is giving away backpacks filled with school supplies to Solo Parent Families. But you can start your own, find a program in your city or if you know a family in need, simply help them.

Goodness can and will flow from your heart if you let it. Do something for others and it will come back around to fill your heart once again.

Randy Pausch and Living

"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people." -Randy Pausch

Someone that you may have known and if not, should have known about died this past Thursday night (July 24). Randy Pausch was a Carnegie-Mellon professor who happened to get pancreatic cancer. He is best known for his gift to everyone in the form of a lecture called, "The Last Lecture."



A very inciteful and wonderful example or 'roadmap' on how to live ones life. I feel close to the stroy only because my own mother is battling Pancreatic Cancer.

So in rememberance and thankfulness to him sharing with all of us, I give you thoughts from his lecture (by way of The Social Capital Blog".

- "When there’s an elephant in the room introduce him."

- "If there’s anything I want to do so badly, I should have already done it."

- "We can’t change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. If I’m not as depressed as you think I should be, I’m sorry to disappoint you."

- "Tell The Truth. All The Time. No one is pure evil."

- "Be willing to apologize. Proper apologies have three parts: 1) What I did was wrong. 2) I’m sorry that I hurt you. 3) How do I make it better? It’s the third part that people tend to forget…. Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself."

- "Show gratitude. Gratitude is a simple but powerful thing."

- "Find the best in everybody…. Wait long enough, and people will surprise and impress you. It might even take years, but people will show you their good side. Just keep waiting."

- "If you want to achieve your dreams, you better learn to work and play well with others…[you have] to live with integrity."

- "Never find anger a way to make things better."

- "How do you get people to help you? You can’t get there alone. People have to help you and I do believe in karma. I believe in paybacks. You get people to help you by telling the truth. Being earnest. I’ll take an earnest person over a hip person any day, because hip is short term. Earnest is long term."

- "Loyalty is a two-way street."

- "Get a feedback loop and listen to it. Your feedback loop can be this dorky spreadsheet thing I did, or it can just be one great man who tells you what you need to hear. The hard part is the listening to it."

- "When you are doing something badly and no one’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are the ones still telling you they love you and care."

- "Don’t bail: the best gold is at the bottom of barrels of crap."

- "Don’t complain, Just work harder. [showing picture on screen] That’s a picture of Jackie Robinson. It was in his contract not to complain, even when the fans spit on him. You can spend it complaining or playing the game hard. The latter is likely to be more effective."

- "Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted…. I probably got more from that dream [of playing professional football] and not accomplishing it than I got from any of the ones that I did accomplish."

- "Decide if you’re a Tigger or an Eyeore. I’m a Tigger."

- "It is not about achieving your dreams but living your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you."

- "Never underestimate the importance of having fun. I’m dying and I’m having fun. And I’m going to keep having fun every day, because there’s no other way to play it….Having fun for me is like a fish talking about the importance of water. I don’t know how it is like not to have fun…"

- "You can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs. But at the end of the day, a whole lot of people will have a whole lot of fun."

- "Better to fail spectacularly than do something mediocre." [Randy Pausch gave out a First Penguin award each year when he was teaching to the biggest failure in trying something big and new because he thought this should be celebrated. First Penguins are the ones that risk that the water might be too cold.]

- "About his pancreatic cancer: It’s unlucky, but it not unfair. We all stand on a dartboard and some of us randomly get hit by pancreatic cancer. But my children won’t have me for them and that’s not fair."

- "Someone’s going to push my family off a cliff pretty soon and I won’t be there to catch them and that breaks my heart. But I have some time to sew some nets to cushion the fall so that seems like the best and highest use of my time and I better get to work."

- "I’m sorry I won’t be around to raise my kids. It makes me very sad but I can’t change that fact, so I did everything I could with the time I have and the time I had to help other people."

- The importance of people instead of things. Such as the story he told of buying a new convertible that he was so proud of and taking his niece and nephew for a ride. Randy’s sister, the kid’s mother was telling them how important it was to keep the car pristine and the kids were laughing because at the same time he was pouring a can of orange soda on the back seats. His sister asked what are you doing and he said “it’s just a thing.” And nephew Chris wound up being really grateful because he had the flu and wound up throwing up on way home. “And I don’t care how much joy you get out of owning a shiny new thing; it’s not as good I felt from making sure that an 8 year old didn’t have to feel guilty for having the flu.”

- "It is important to have specific childhood dreams." (For example, Randy wanted to play football in the NFL, write an article for the World Book Encyclopedia, experience the Weightlessness of Zero Gravity, be Captain Kirk from Star Trek, work for the Disney Company.)
- "Be good at something; it makes you valuable…. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome."

- "I’ve never understood pity and self-pity as an emotion. We have a finite amount of time. Whether short or long, it doesn’t matter. Life is to be lived."

- "To be cliché, death is a part of life and it’s going to happen to all of us. I have the blessing of getting a little bit of advance notice and I am able to optimize my use of time down the home stretch."

Thank you Randy and peace be upon your family.

End Of The Universe

Problems in getting my blog written the past few days. We'll start up again next Monday and see how things go. Until then, "chin up, the end of the universe is not really in sight!"

Helping Others Cheerfully

"When there are opportunities to help others, do so with a cheerful heart. In doing so, goodness will fill your heart and mind and others will see it within you." -Joe Primm

The words and advice flow easily but can be difficult to employ. Each of us are faced with these opportunities and I am no exception. We struggle with trying to understand what is the right thing to do.

The idea of helping others has been around since the beginning of time. Humans have always looked for and found ways to help each other. Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said "if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." But I'm not talking about welfare and government assistance. I am referring to what you as an individual can do. It isn't even just about money or the poor, its about all types of assistance to others under all conditions.

The government, the church and other well meaning organizations are out there to help people. Most of them do very good work, but the individual helping another is the most personal. I am no different in that I wonder just how far individual kindness can be taken. Some times though you have to simply go forward with the opportunity to assist someone in need.

People encounter at times in their life a loss of direction and ability. Their need is something to help them past the darkness of the situation. Albert Schweitzer is quoted saying that, "in every one's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."

So search inside yourself, figure out what the right thing to do is for the situation and do so with a cheerful heart. Consider what your need might be one day and know their are others with cheerful hearts.

Build On Life

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” -Unknown

There is an owners manual which comes with most every new item you purchase. The car manual which reminds you how to turn the ignition on and exactly what most of the buttons do. Or maybe its that new vacuum describing how to empty the bag or to replace the belt.

Yet there isn't one that comes with life. There is no manual to pick up and find out when something goes wrong; no owners directions telling you how do you fix it. It is just you learning and moving through life. Information abounds in books and magazines, all giving you pieces of advice to help. There are experts out there that can give you guidance and direction.

But it is you that must build your life. You are the one building an 'ark' which will carry you through times of trouble. Do not be afraid to begin that building process, you will get it built and it will be your achievement.

Blessing From The Ancients

“May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.” -Irish Blessings

Celtic / Gaelic Triscele

The triscele has been used since ancient times in Celtic culture to symbolize the cycle of life. If we can learn from our ancient histories, then our future is guided by what once was.

Going The Extra Step

Each of us goes about our day performing our daily duties, whether they be at home, work or play. It is the ability to do more then expected which can turn the ordinary into something much grander.

Take the story of a young post World War II pilot going about his duties in Europe. It was a time when Germany was split into east and west. Berlin was even split in half although it was surrounded by much of communist controlled East Germany. It was a time of mutual distrust politically and tensions could run very high.

This pilot, Col. Gail Halvorsen performed a daily job of delivering goods to West Berlin over the blockade imposed by East German officials. Yet the one thing he saw were the children. Thus was the start that would eventually become 'Operation Little Vittles.' As they flew their planes to deliver needed goods, the crews would drop with hand made parachutes, candy and sweets for the children.

Col. Halvorsen would 'wiggle the wings' of his plane and earned the nickname, "Uncle Wiggly Wings". What began as a small gesture of kindness, going beyond his normal duties, he saw a need and addressed it. One person with a single idea blossomed into what turned out to be 227,000 'candy bombings' over West Berlin.

Years later, Col. Halvorsen was met by a 60-year old man that so many years ago on a rainy day grabbed a tiny parachute which had fallen from the sky outside his school. Attached to it was a Hershey chocolate bar, never eating it and treasuring it for many years. He told Col. Halvorsen "it wasn't the candy that was important. It was that somebody cared."

Take a step further during your ordinary day and do something above and beyond the normal. You may see it blossom into something so much bigger. It will create something bigger in your life and in the lives of others.

Connection To Others

When it comes to connecting with people, communicating in various methods is a must. My book, "Attitude In Words" is available at many locations such as;

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Books Unlimited - http://www.booksunlimited.ie/
Lulu - http://www.lulu.com/)
Eruditor - http://www.eruditor.com/
Libreria Universitaria - http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/
Target - http://www.target.com/
Blackwell - bookshop.blackwell.com

There are so many other places it is available as well. A shameless plug I realize, but it is only one method of impacting those near and far. There are so many ways we can communicate with each other including the internet. Our church has a great website that allows people to connect with each other. I like to think of it as "MySpace on steroids". This form of communication allows us to reach others across all geographical boundaries and to form closer connections.

I am constantly amazed at how the words of a person can spread so quickly and to such a wide audience of people through these forms of communication. My own blog touches people all over the world and it creates connections to so many.

History has seen so many advances in these various forms of communication. The spoken word, the written word, the recorded word and the various types of medium through which the word is communicated. Think of the advances in communication shown below. The list is only a small record of how humans have advanced our ability to communicate with each other.

3500 BC to 2900 BC - Phoenicians develop an alphabet.
1775 BC - Greeks use phonetic alphabet.
1400 BC - Oldest record of writing in China on bones.
1270 BC - The first encyclopedia is written in Syria.
900 BC - 1st postal service for government use in China.
776 BC - 1st use of homing pigeons to send messages.

500 BC to 170 BC
Papyrus rolls and early parchments made of dried reeds.
They are the first portable and light writing surfaces.

200 BC to 100 BC - Human messengers on foot or horseback.
100 - 1st bound books
305 - 1st wooden printing presses invented in China.
1455 - Printing press with metal movable type invented.
1714 - 1st patent for a typewriter.
1793 - 1st long-distance semaphore telegraph line.
1831 - Joseph Henry invents the first electric telegraph.
1835 - Samuel Morse invents Morse code.
1843 - 1st long distance electric telegraph line.
1861 - U.S.A. starts the Pony Express for mail delivery.
1876 - Alexander Bell patents the electric telephone.
1877 - Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.
1902 - 1st radio signal transmitted across Atlantic Ocean.
1914 - First cross continental telephone call made.
1925 - 1st experimental television signal transmitted.
1930 - Radio popularity spreads, the "Golden Age" of radio.
1939 - Scheduled television broadcasts begin.
1944 - Government owned computers put into public service.

** The age of Information Science begins **

1958 - Photocopier or Xerox machine is invented.
1969 - ARPANET, the first Internet started.
1979 - 1st cell phone network started in Japan.
1981 - 1st laptop computers sold to public.
1983 - 1st cell phone network started in the United States.
1994 - American government releases control of internet

** WWW born, allowing for communication at light speed **

Today, we sit and wonder how we ever got along without all the devices to communicate with each other. All of it is great, it improves our ability to connect with others. We can learn about each other, find out about each other and perform all of this nearly instantaneously. Prior to the popular use of cellular phones, the one question people never asked on the phone was, "where are you?"

The point being, when you called someone on the phone, the phone was tied to a specific location. Today with cell phones you could be almost anywhere in the world.

In the end, when it comes to 'connecting' with people, the best method is 'face-to-face'. To sit down across a table from someone and share a cup of coffee or a meal remains the greatest form of human communication.

By all means, use the various methods of communication to spread your words and ideas; use the various methods to stay in touch with other people. Yet do not forget to take the bold step in communication; communicate one on one with people and find out how much more you can learn.