I want to take just a little of you time today to talk about spreading some true joy this Holiday Season. It’s not about a gift, it’s not about doing anything monumental other than just saying, we are wishing you luck, joy and happiness this season and you are in our prayers. There are 56 MILLION Americans with so called disabilities. I prefer to take the DIS out of DISABILITY and focus on the ABILITY. By age 65, one in three of us with will develop some type of neurological disease. That’s a staggering number of people who will need some type of assistance. I have many friends, from all backgrounds and all part of the globe. This is why Facebook is so important to me. I try to, or have met many of you in person and my goal is to eventually meet everyone I’m friends with. Many of you I have made friends with through various ventures and we have remained friends even though these ventures have not always proved fruitful. I am blessed to have all of you as friends and a few of you Ive been friends with for more than 17 years (Claudette, Greg, Janis…). But today, I want to recognize a couple of friends who need a little lift and could truly appreciate you warm wishes. First is my cyber mom, you know her as Berth A. Bjerke. She is simply a beautiful person both inside and out and has dedicated the balance of her life to making something very special and unique for others; The Rex Ranch, out in Tucson AZ to help those with Parkinson’s and provide for an active community which may serve as hope and comradely as they battle a disease which is both progressive and non-curable right now. Beth has fought PD for many years and recently, learned that her sister in law was diagnosed with MS, also a non-curable disease. From Beth just a week ago, here is what she said. “Its been a little tough today. When you have a progressive disease ones heart opens in away … well I cant really describe it. It’s as you want to see the world as a much more peaceful and loving place. Its as a gift is handed to you overtime. You see and perceive things so differently. And we tend to cry more deeply for others. Last night and today I feel my heart being more heavy and worrisome than usual. My brothers dear wife has been just diagnosed with MS. I wish I had the words to tell her all will be ok. But I do know many will be there for her to surround with love and hold high. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Love and Peace to you and yours.” Beth remains positive and upbeat and focused on her mission of helping others. You just can’t get more beautiful than that! Parkinson’s is a real and legitimate brain disease which is progressive. It’s a lot more than just having shaking external hands or legs. Most people do not understand how it affects your mood, digestion, your ability to think and so on. But here’s Beth, making something special for others; putting their life savings into making a better place for those who need some hope and friendship. With her very loving and supportive husband of over 30 years, Steve, they have jointly put an action plan into place and are investing everything to make this happen. They don’t talk the talk, they live the talk! Next is my very dear friend, Susan Hagglund Keady. Susan will have DBS surgery this Tuesday, not a light decision by any means. DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is what I had done in November of 2013. It is a very lonely and scary thing but will likely alleviate many of the external symptoms and provide for a much better quality of life. PD continues to march on as a full fledged brain disease. I was very lucky to have my family and so many friends support me during my DBS. Again, DBS is NOT a cure, but can lead to a more productive and better life for sure. Susan has three beautiful children, a former long distance and a graduate of the University of Oregon. Please wish her luck, keep her in your prayers and just send her a good luck note, keeping you in my prayers message. Sometimes, particularly during the Holiday season, we just need a little note or acknowledgment to get us through. Not asking for anything more than to keep Susan and Beth in your Holiday wishes this season. They are both wonderful and courageous people. It really can make a difference. Happy holidays to all my friends and family on Facebook land. God bless you all XOXO
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:48:30 +0000
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