Monthly Archives: February 2016
Monday February 29 2016 YOUR THOUGHTS WILL SPEAK IN SILENT WORD
Monday February 29 2016 YOUR THOUGHTS WILL SPEAK IN SILENT WORD
Today, being the extra day in Leap Year, always reminds me of the presidential race. And I just realized something this very moment as I typed the above date. I am already looking forward to four years from now when we will have a new leap year, and a new presidential election. I know I promised to not get political, but I want it on the record of my blog journal, regardless who is elected, it will be a sad day for me. And regardless of who loses, the greatest loser of all will be our country, The United States of America.
So, on to reality!
My mother died at age ninety one due to a strangulated hernia that caused gangrene to become sepsis in her entire body. In other words she died of acute irreversible infection. My mom also experienced progressive dementia. When did it begin? I don’t really think anyone knows with certainty. Though I was only with her on intermittent visits to Arkansas, I began to notice it after she turned about eighty one or eighty two. And because my visits had long months in between, I would notice a progression of the dementia each time I was there. Before turning eighty she was a bit forgetful, just as most of us become after sixty five or seventy. She was still able to care for herself, her garden, hold interesting conversations, drive, attend church regularly, as well as devour book after book. She moved slower, her walking sometimes painful, but every day she was up by the crack of dawn. By sun up she was in her garden planting, hoeing, snipping, transplanting, and picking huge bouquets of flowers all through the spring, summer, and fall. She always had a huge fresh flower arrangement in the middle of the table by breakfast time. So many times it were so big that one could not see who was sitting across the table. The first person who happened by to visit usually received the flowers as a gift to take home. When someone came by later she would go out with the guest as they were leaving and pick them a fresh bunch of her beautiful flowers.
Mama’s flowers were her gift to the world. And then one day she went out to weed and upended all of her little sprouts, unbeknownst to her. Over the course of time is was obvious that she no longer knew which seedling was a flower and which was a weed. Her gardening days were over. She lived with her sister who owed the property. Her sister, being ten years younger, understood what was happening to my mother. Both their mother and their mother’s mother exhibited the same symptoms at about the same time in their lives. And after that, things changed for mama. This happened in her early eighties. By eighty five my mother no longer knew who I was.
When mama was seventy nine years old she announced to everyone that it would be her last year of driving. She had given some thought to her progressing years, and realized she was no longer “a spring chicken” (her words). Mama decided that she would extend her car insurance so she would be covered for three months past her eightieth birthday. She would then have time to sell her car while it was still insured. And true to her word, on her eightieth birthday, she gave up her driver’s license and never drove another day in her life. She had her car checked out, and cleaned up, and then placed an ad in the newspaper. It sold on the first day of the ad. Her life was different after that. She knew she would no longer be able to attend the church she had been so involved with for the past twenty five years. Now she would be a passenger in her sister’s car and would attend the church her sister attended which was in the opposite direction from her place of worship. That was hard for her, but she did it without complaint. She decided ahead of time what her attitude would be.
Even prior to giving up her driver’s license my mom knew the tail end of her life was being lived. She began sorting through all of her personal belongings. Some she gave away, some she saved to give to her children and grandchildren. My greatest sadness was when she went through all her personal correspondence, read every single piece of mail one last time, and then burned everything that she believed was too private for others to read. She possessed very old letters and documents that she thought would cause sorrow to others, and she never wanted another eye to “set upon the pages”. There was always so much heartache that she and her siblings shared through letters and she did not want any of the writer’s descendants to know what their parents and grandparents had said in the privacy of a personal letter to her. Oh how I would have loved to have known those secrets! I think that must be the “writer” in me. There was no changing mama’s mind. As I look back, I do believe that some of her dementia had already started and was in its early stages. And then again, perhaps she was exhibiting much more wisdom than I will probable ever aspire to.
Mama would become quarrelsome when someone confronted her with facts she no longer remembered. Subtle changes at first, but unrecognizable to herself and most others around her. But as the years rolled by it became more obvious to others that she could no longer make her own decisions and had to have someone with her at all times. As subtle changes escalated, I do believe that even mama became aware of something happening within herself. We found notes left behind in her dwelling that attest to the fact that she felt like she was “losing herself”. The notes are heartbreaking to read.
I said all of the above in order to arrive at the ultimate discourse of this blog. This morning Dave and I were discussing our future and what we need to be aware of and what we need to be prepared for. Yes, we are already a bit slower in both body and thoughts. Yes, we both feel as if we still have some good years ahead of us. Realistically, we both understand that what happened to my mom could happen to one, or both of us. My mother never agreed that she was changing and needed help in making her decisions. Finally when it was no longer feasible for her to manage her own decisions, someone else had to step in and make the decisions for her. Was it easy? No, neither to mama or my two sisters who took over her care. But it was determined by all of her children that mama no longer had a voice in the matter. In other words, mama no longer had a vote.
This morning as Dave and I discussed this scenario in our lives Dave said something profound and sobering. He said to me, that should one of us exhibit dementia, regardless of who it is, that person will not have a vote. In other words it will not be the one who is exhibiting the symptoms that can vote on whether or not it is true. That sentence alone gave me the topic for this blog. What if it were me? When you put yourself into the first person of that scene, all of a sudden it becomes a big issue. How do we prepare for that possibility? Can we prepare for that possibility? I think there should be some thought and discussion that goes into that possibility. We long ago decided that we want to be as prepared as we can be, regardless of how our ending years play out.
I believe it is important to discuss these matters while we are still of sound mind and good judgment (assuming that time has not already passed). We need to convey how we want our lives handled and to give permission to the one that must make the decisions as to when and how the one with dementia will be cared for. We need to give our consent now, while we can still make sound judgement calls. Dave needs to know how I will take care of his situation and he needs to give me input as to how it should be handled, even when he may no longer have sense enough to agree. And I must do vice versa. Realities and decisions such as this are not pleasant to think about, much less discuss. But I really do believe pre-planning should be discussed and brought out into the open. And if you are a single person, you should have someone you trust enough to have power of attorney over your health. And your wishes should be discussed while your mind is healthy and you can make some of the decisions of where you might go or who would handle setting up personal care. And make certain your legal affairs are in order with trusted trustees and a trusted and competent attorney who is YOUNGER THAN YOURSELF.
I made up my mind to enter these years with a good attitude, with a love for life, and a zest for living. I also want to enter into them without clutter in my home. My mother was wise. She relived her past through her letters and she gave relics of her past to those she loved. She enjoyed the two passions of her life, both God and gardening, with constant attention to both, as long as it was possible. She was most content if she were employed in doing something constructive. As crippled as her hands were, she would sit in the kitchen and peel peaches by the hour during canning season. As feeble as she was she would be right in the middle of harvest, culling bushels of black eyed peas for winter dinners. She would scrape corn off the cob until she no longer had the strength to do it. And she never complained. Again, she chose her attitude.
And eventually, the life she knew and loved, was over. And she no longer had a vote.
I wonder how long I will have a vote?
Be ready people. Think about these things. Don’t let life happen around you, instead, become involved with what is happening. Be real and true to yourself. Give as much of your heart as possible to others, and accept the graciousness and heart of those who love you. And most of all, make your decisions now, while you still have the ability to do so. Make your vote count while you still have a voice.
AND THE PLEASURES OF LIFE…
By Kathleen Martens
February 29, 2016
Life is too short to waste an hour.
Boost yourself, hang on to your power.
Someday your voice may not be heard
Your thoughts will speak in silent word.
Do what you can to stay healthy and strong,
Tuck in your heart a happy song
Live life to the fullest, each and every day,
And speak the words, you yearn to say.
Life has a way of ending too soon,
Allow in your heart a lovely tune.
It takes so little to find joy and peace,
That pleasures of life seem to increase.
Good night and God bless you.
Sunday Sabbath February 28 2016 JESUS IS A MIRACLE
Sunday Sabbath February 28 2016 JESUS IS A MIRACLE
Soup for breakfast, yogurt, cereal, and fruit for lunch and we plan to have Subway Sandwich for dinner. I guess today was a good day for me to start on mixing up my recipe for living.
Our son and his family are coming over to help move furniture while I sew patches on my grandson’s Karate outfit. At least that is what I think I’m supposed to do. And, rather than me spending time cooking this afternoon, we all decided to go out for Subway’s special, which is a foot long sub for $6.00. The special ends tomorrow February 29th. We never want to pass up a special price at Subway’s. Dave and I order one, foot long sub, and then split it. Afterwards, we go next door to MacDonald’s so the boys can run and climb on their indoor equipment. When they tire out we all indulge in a soft serve vanilla cone and head for home. No need to wash dishes or clean the kitchen. My kind of day! Dave would have cleaned the kitchen, but it takes me a lot longer and a lot more work, to get it messed up in the first place.
And the best thing about today is that it is Sunday. A day when we do try to get extra rest. So this blog will be short and sweet (I hope). I will tell you about one little story that an older man at church told me today. I’ve known this man for 30 years. He will be 80 years old this year. I went up to him and asked him to share some of his wisdom with me. I told him I like to hear what those who are older have to say. And I am rapidly running out of people who are older than me.
This is his story. I don’t know all the fine details of this man’s life but I do know he has children. He told me that all his children and grandchildren are in some ministry of service to the Lord. He advised me to be sure and pray for my children and grandchildren with great fervor that they not wander from God’s presence. Then Mr. “R” told me about a story that happened recently. One of his granddaughters has just returned from a mission’s trip. She was in Thailand and two other countries. Of course I can’t remember the names of the other countries but she had a story about what happened while ministering in the last country she was in.
Mr. R’s granddaughter and another person on her missions team decided to go out and minister to the children. They purchased 10 candy bars to share with the children they they might meet. Shortly after leaving the store they came across two young children, gave them each a candy bar, and told them about the love of Jesus. And then it seemed there were no more children to be found. Finally, they decided to walk to the beach and see if there were more children there. When they got there the children gathered around them. The twosome with the candy bag started to hand each child a candy bar. All total, they handed out 18 candy bars and when all the children had one there was one left in the bag. Add the 18 candy bars to the first two handed out, and all total they handed out 20 with one left over. They had only purchased 10.
The above story reminds me of the scriptures in the Bible in Mark chapter 6 and Mark chapter 8 about Jesus taking the loaves of bread and the fish, blessing it, and feeding over 5,000 or more by each account. It was recorded as a miracle. And miracles still happen today. And I believe that this miracle of the candy bars is no different than Jesus having faith for His Father’s provision and having it come to pass. Jesus spoke to His disciples and instructed that they do as He did. And we today, are still the disciples of Jesus. And we today, are also instructed to do as Jesus did.
There is so much to know, and so much to learn from God’s Holy Word. It’s as if I can never absorb enough of the wonderful teaching within its chapters. I just wish I could retain it all.
JESUS IS A MIRACLE
By Kathleen Martens
February 28, 2016
God of creation
A wonder to behold.
A marvel more awesome
Than silver or gold.
And we His children,
Disciples of His Son,
Are initiated to do
What Jesus has done.
We are instructed
To heal the lame
With the faith of a seed
Spoken in Jesus’ name.
We are to believe
In God’s provision
That He supplies our needs
Without derision.
So why should we be
So surprised
When our prayers are answered
Without compromise?
A miracle to us
Is not the norm,
Yet we believe in the virgin birth
When Christ was born.
SINCE JESUS IS A MIRACLE
To Him nothing is new.
To us a phenomenon,
To see a miracle come true.
My prayer for you today is that you would allow God to open the eyes of your heart, and that you would see, as He sees.
God bless you and have a great Sunday Sabbath.
So when a miracle happens
Know it is true
That God the creator
Is creating miracles through you.
Saturday February 27 2016 DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE
Saturday February 27 2016 DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE
“Don’t be afraid to change the recipe.” That is a direct quote that my husband said to me just the other day. Again, I had asked him for a blog title, and that is what he said to me. His comment came on the heels of a discussion about people and situations in our lives. He inferred that perhaps I should just mix things up a bit and not be afraid to change the recipe of my life. Anyway, that’s the meaning I understood from his comment. If I am incorrect about his meaning he may make a comment about my understanding of what he said if I am incorrect. But, regardless what he may or may not have meant, I am going to roll with that premise.
I get so used to doing things a certain way, such as writing my blog, or always doing certain things in a certain order, or always cooking with the same ingredients and finding the results are always the same. Perhaps I should become a bit bolder and not be fearful of experimenting. I’m always bold about my cooking. I’m not afraid to change a recipe when food is involved. After all, what is the worst thing that could happen? That it won’t taste good? Well, there is always a remedy for that. Just add jalapenos peppers to anything and it is immediately improved. But all kidding aside, perhaps I really do need to take a closer look at my life and be willing and daring enough to change the “recipe” of the way I live. It is easy to get stuck in the same routine. Especially when you get into retirement age.
I’ve listened to those who are older than me, I’ve read books, I’ve had a limited time now in the old age bracket, as well as a few short months of retirement. I can understand how it would be very simple and easy to just find the “perfect” way to do something and then just stick with it, day in and day out. After all, routine makes life easier. It is helpful when we have a pattern of how and when we do certain things so we don’t forget how it is done, or, that it needs to be done. I get that. But you know, sometimes we might just want to jump out of the box and try something new. That is when experimenting with your new recipes come into play. I find myself trying something one way, if it doesn’t work, trying it another. After I’ve tried a few things and nothing seems to make me any more satisfied than my old recipe, then I can just go back to the tried and true. But I have decided I will not be afraid to try something new. Who knows, I might find something that is even better than the original recipe.
And that is where I am in my life right now. Sort of like a young child, finding their way around in a world that they are getting used to. Retirement feels similar to that. I see that happening in my world at present. My world is different now. My world has expanded and opened up. Before I went on my trip I was rigid with myself and my routine. Up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., then a quiet time with the Lord, go to the gym, get home and finish up my photo work. Home on Thursdays for the produce box, and then cooking and preparing foods for the freezer for the next couple of days. Not every week was exactly the same but there was still a rigidity about it. And now it is different. I still long for structure, yet there is a freedom that I am tasting and can’t seem to get enough of.
Nothing has been the same since I arrived home last July. I have not been able to adapt to a true routine. I’ve tried. But, it is sort of like every single day is Christmas. I so anticipate it, waiting to see what gifts it will hold, how it will unfold, and how much I can get done in the course of its hours. It seems like the last few months have been full of experimental recipes. Maybe it is getting used to Dave being home. However, I can’t blame anything on him because he is such a great help to have around. Especially when it comes to cleaning up the kitchen, doing the laundry, helping me strip and remake the bed, cleaning the front bathroom (and I do the others), and he also does all the vacuuming. Plus, now that winter is making an early run for it, he is out in the yard doing spring cleanup. He can keep that recipe going! He really enjoys working in the yard. I fear when he gets back out in the yard I will have a lot more to do inside. We haven’t yet experienced a “normal” year of retirement at home. From the time he retired in July, all the way until the beginning of January, he was either sick or recovering from surgery, or we were on a trip. And it may be happening again, the trip part that is.
So, what I guess I am saying is, I’m not afraid to change the recipe, but it’s been so long since I made the original recipe that I can’t quite remember how to make it again. Perhaps I need to go back and take stock of my larder and make certain I have everything I need to make a new recipe work. Life does not stay the same even from one day to the next. I must be prepared to go with the flow and use whatever I have in my pantry to make the recipe needed for today. It does make life a bit spicier.
My ultimate goal is to just go with the flow for right now. Accomplish what I can, enjoy every moment of everything I do, and not worry about all that is not getting done. It may not yet be the right time to add one more ingredient into the mix yet. I’ll just give it another taste test in about month.
THE PERFECT RECIPE
By Kathleen Martens
February 27, 2016
The perfect recipe is only perfect
If the tester likes the taste.
Someone else might not like it at all,
To them it would all be a waste.
Each one has their own desires
Of what a flavor should be.
And with a bit of experimentation
Another ingredient might be the key.
Each one to his own fondness.
And so it is the same with life.
What may work fine for some,
To another would cause much strife.
So we must each choose our path
And taste the world on our own.
And what ingredients we add today,
To others may not ever be known.
What is important is we chose the course,
For we answer only to self.
And if we ever need a new ingredient,
We can always take it off the shelf.
A difficult blog to write for it to be such a simple topic. All I know is that my key ingredient for life is GOD!
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!
REMEMBER: DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE!
Friday February 26 2016 A THOUGHT PROVOKING TALK
Friday February 26 2016 A THOUGHT PROVOKING TALK
It is so awesome to have two adult children, who, when I talk with them, still light up my heart. Heart to heart talks are more the “unusual” rather than the “usual”. Life seems to be so busy in all our lives that our phone conversations are often to convey necessary information about upcoming events, where to meet, what we need, how everybody is, and bam, the conversation is over. That’s just life in the fast lane I guess.
But…every once in a while a time coincides when you catch each other in a quiet, unhurried moment and the heart opens up. That happened just a few moments ago when I called to talk with our son. Dave is at the gym, this is my morning off, and I just wanted to check and find out some information from Courtland and ask him if he has time to come and help us move a huge couch through a small door. We must be ready to receive delivery of Dave’s retirement present, a beautiful Lazy Boy leather recliner for his office.
I invited Court and his family to dinner on Sunday hoping that might entice him. I knew the dinner wasn’t needed but it is something I like to do. Dave and I really enjoy seeing the kids as often as possible.
Now, to the conversation. It was one of those rare times when Courtland was off, the boys were home, Amy was at work, and both of our homes were quiet and peaceful. Courtland is a great conversationalist and extremely interesting to talk to when he is not in a hurry. I enjoy hearing him talk about that which he is learning in law school. I also enjoy two way dialogue regarding all the political issues brewing during this upcoming presidential election. I like hearing his slant. Though we don’t always agree, I always know so much more, after having talked with him.
Of our two children, Courtland is the most like me in personality. He far surpasses me in the intellectual and retention level of brain power but he also has a tender and compassionate heart. Courtland brought up the topic of his children going to college and actually how soon all the changes in his life will take effect. All of a sudden a flash of realization hit me. There is coming a time when Dave and I will no longer be a part of our grandchildren’s lives. Even if we maintained a close relationship for all the viable years we yet have, there will come a time when we are no more. I actually felt a deep mourning in my heart for my own demise. I have never experienced that before. I know our kids have thought about losing Dave and I. It shows when we discuss our estate planning and what is to be done when we are gone. Even during those conversation I am aware how difficult it is for them, realizing that someday Dave and I will not be part of their lives. Well, I actually had tears fill my eyes for my own death. It wasn’t because of the loss I would be to others, it was because of the loss I felt, knowing I would no longer be able to partake in the lives of our grandsons. Someday we will be gone. It is as simple as that. Court also sounded a bit emotional. He reminded me that he had thought about it before and it was not just our grandsons’ lives we would no longer be part of, but also his, and his sister’s lives and their spouses.
Somehow we still feel like the kid, young and invincible, with a long life ahead when our parents are still living. I remember when my mom died realizing that I was now the elder generation in our family. Yes, I still have aunts and one uncle, lots of cousins, some who are older, some younger, however, in my lineage I am now the oldest generation living. And even when I realized that, I still wondered if I was truly grown up. Even in my 60’s I felt like I too young to be an orphan. I think it may be a sobering thought for our son to look ahead and see himself as the “elder generation”.
So this is the time to live. This is the time to create memories for future generations. This is the time to love vigorously, laugh heartily, hug tightly, and spend as much time with each other as possible. This is the time to say “I LOVE YOU” every single day. With all the random shootings happening in the past few weeks it causes me to pause, giving me insight to how precious and wondrous is each and every day that we survive. As I write these words I am speaking them to all of you who read them, “NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED EVEN ONE HOUR OF ONE DAY”. Reach out to those who are close to you and let them know how much you love and care for them. Just to hear my little grandsons say, “I love you so much grandma” is like depositing riches into my bank account. How much will all the richness of my words compound for them over the years? Be generous with your love. Be generous with your words. Let your love be substantial deposits into the lives of others.
Now is the time to forgive those who have hurt you. Now is the time to ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt. Renew and rebuild the relationships you have. Take time to live, not just to work.
There was so much that was said in today’s conversation with Courtland. So much that I hold close to my heart, knowing how very fortunate I am to be blessed with the children God gave to Dave and me. God is the sustenance of my very being and it is through His grace and love that I am who I am today. He put a love in my heart for our children that burns deeply to this very day. When I became a mother my one prayer to God was that He would allow me to live long enough to raise our daughter. The same prayer was prayed when our son was born. I would not be the person I am today if God had not blessed me with two such precious eternal lives to rear. It was not all easy, but it was all worth it.
And so today is one of those days when it absolutely was worth it. Our conversation touched the deepest part of my soul and I don’t even think my son realized it. I never thought I could love anyone else as much as I loved our children…until our grandsons were born. There are some things you just have to experience for yourself before you can believe it. I thank God for that experience. My prayer for them IS THAT GOD WOULD ALLOW THEM TO OUTLIVE ME.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
By Kathleen Martens
February 26, 2016
Nothing quite like
Holding your new born baby.
A love so profound
That never is it maybe.
So unconditional,
Even before birth.
Cradling life in the heart
Understanding its worth.
A daughter and son
God graciously gave.
One of each
For both me and Dave.
Nothing in the world
Could I love more,
Because I had yet to experience
A future knock at the door.
This time a grandson.
I felt no pain at his birth.
But that didn’t mean
I didn’t understand his worth.
And then number two
Came to tug at my heart.
Unconditional love realized,
A brand new start.
Because two little boys,
Multiplied a mother’s love
As it kissed my heart
With gentleness of a dove.
A vulnerable deep love
Was born with each one.
Both were the children
Of our only son.
And then I realized
That my love was the same
As it was for our children
But each given new names.
I will take this opportunity to say to both of our children:
REBECCA AND COURTLAND:
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!
I AM HONORED TO BE YOUR MOTHER!
I pray God’s blessing on each one who reads these words. I hope that something I have written today will tug at your heart until you tell those in your life, just how much you love them. Never wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow never really IS.
Thursday February 25 2016 LEFT BRAIN-RIGHT BRAIN
Thursday February 25 2016 LEFT BRAIN-RIGHT BRAIN
Isn’t it wonderful how God created every individual so unique? And for some reason it seems as if God’s sense of humor is to allow opposites to fall in love and to live together as husband and wife under the same roof…for 43 years! And we are still together!
Tonight, I again asked Dave if he might have a topic for me to write about. He started sharing his ideas but they went right over my head. I could make neither heads nor tails out of what he was explaining. Or for that matter, why he was explaining what he was explaining. When he was all finished I simply asked my question again, “Do you have a topic idea for my blog?” He looked at me exasperated! I looked at him perplexed. His mind, and my mind, are two polar opposites. His brain is orderly, compartmentalized, and full of facts and figures. My brain is full of imaginative thoughts, artistic ideas, and full of sunshine, flowers and sentiment. I wouldn’t know what to do with a brain like he has. I guess his would best be described as a left brain and mine as a right brain. I suppose we can’t both be right. If we were both like me our house would be even more topsy-turvy, we’d never get to our destinations on time, and we’d probably have way too much fun. If both of us were left brained I think things would be a bit boring, uncluttered, and all the walls would be painted brown. But, we would probably always get to our destinations on time. YET SOMEHOW, WE GET ALONG GREAT TOGETHER!
I need Dave to be just who he is, solid and staid, while balancing the check book to the penny. He needs me too. He needs a little of my spontaneity and creativity, as well as my willingness to hand over my check book for him to balance. However, rarely does it balance. It’s close sometime, but there is always something I wrote down incorrectly. That is why he does the figuring. I can do it (if I have to), it just isn’t something that comes naturally to me. And that’s why I do all the art projects.
And we know God created us different for a purpose. He brought us together for a purpose. And He loves us both just the way we are. And I think the best thing I can do is to just try be the best “me” that I can be. And the best thing that Dave can do, is to be the best Dave, that he can be.
Today a young woman said to me she wished she could be more like me. I told her no, you should just try to be the best YOU, you can be. And I believe that is what each person should try to aspire to. It doesn’t mean we can’t do some things to change if we know we have areas in our lives that need improvement. There is always room for change. But the change should be, not to aspire to be like someone else, but aspire be, the very best YOU, you can be!
I never did really get a blog topic from Dave, but somehow I wrote something anyway. Short and simple. And because of living out of the right side of my brain, it probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to all you left brainers out there. I send you my sympathy.
HOPEFULLY IT’S A SANE BRAIN
By Kathleen Martens
February 25, 2016
Left brained, right brained.
We each have one brain.
And the thing that really counts,
Is hopefully it’s a sane brain.
Each so different
From the other,
Be it friend
Or a brother.
No matter all the millions,
Each person unique.
Each brain on its course
To pursue and to seek.
The Republican debate is coming on and I look forward to joining Dave in the living room so I can watch to see which candidate is going to shoot himself in the foot tonight.
Good night and God bless you.
Wednesday February 24 2016 WHAT WE DO TOGETHER
Wednesday February 24 2016 WHAT WE DO TOGETHER
Earlier today my husband and I were doing our morning routine and we found ourselves leaning our backsides on the bathroom counter, facing away from the mirror, both holding hot washcloth compresses to our eyes. He kiddingly chided me in a sing-song cadence, “Things we do together”. And we laughed hilariously because that is something we do together. We do a lot of things together and bathing our eyes in hot compresses, both morning and night, is one of those things. How is that for letting you see into the privacy of our morning routine. Well, I bring it up for a good reason.
The first reason I have, is that when he said it, right away I thought, “Hey, that would make a great blog.” So much for blog topics! I only need 365 topics a year so this is just one to help make up that quota. The second reason is, I thought it might be information that needs to be passed on.
A lot of people, both old and young, suffer from a condition of dry eyes or excessively oily eyes. There are also other eye conditions that seem to crop up now or then, but I am referring particularly to a condition of a chronic, dry eye situation that often plagues a person as they age. Different illnesses or autoimmune conditions can also contribute to this malady.
I have been inconvenience by this condition for many years. One thing that exacerbates it for me is a chronic (long term) condition called Sjogrens Syndrome. The syndrome is just one reason dry eyes can happen, but, it happens more so because of aging. For whatever reason, dry eyes are a nuisance. Unless you suffer from it you may not understand. One of the causes for dry eyes, is that the glands that secret the moisture our eyes need to function properly, become clogged and sluggish. These glands are found on the little strip between the lashes and the lid’s contact with the eyeball. Pull down your lower lid and you can see the little tiny pin-like indentations on that little strip of eye. Several years ago I was instructed to take a hot folded washcloth and cover my eyes from anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes or more, once in the morning and and once at night. That is usually enough to heat up the oils in the glands and help them excrete what is needed for the next 12 hours or so. I have been faithful to that practice from the first night I did and discovered what a great difference it made in my eyes. Up until that point I was putting drops in my eyes many times a day. I have not used eye drops since I began the heat therapy.
Personally I also have another condition that causes dry eyes but I have a different therapy I must do for that. I had a surgical procedure several years to remove something in my forehead, and the best solution was to go through my eyelids rather than have my face peeled down from my hairline. Since the surgery my eyes will not close completely when I am relaxed in sleep. That too is dangerous to the sensitive moisture balance in the eyes. So, for that I must use a salve each night on each eye ball and then cover my eyes when I sleep. It’s a nuisance but well worth the health of my eyes.
Now, back to “our togetherness”. Over the past few months Dave has been suffering with an eye condition. His eyes were itchy, drippy, red, and swollen looking. When he had his yearly eye exam recently he came home with the news that he would be joining in the ritual of eye soaks morning and evening. So there we are, chatting and having a lively morning conversation when he comes out with his statement “Things we do together”. And yes, now we have one more thing to do together. And by the way, in just a few days his eyes looked better, the redness left, and I haven’t noticed him rubbing his eyes because they itch. The treatment really works! I do not know if he is still using the eye drops.
I tell you the above because I want to educate people. I want others to be aware of situations that many doctors don’t even think to discuss. Be certain to bring up every little body grievance you have with your physician when you go in for your yearly physical. You must learn to become your own best advocate. Ask for literature, ask to be referred to a specialist for a further look at your condition if your physician does not have answers as to what is going on. And most of all, do some investigating on your own, read some books, read articles, search the internet, talk to other people, AND READ MY BLOG! As I experience more of the aging process I intend to go public with what is going on just so I can educate and bring out in the open what might be expected as one ages. I have spoken with people who are so embarrassed to speak about the aging process and the changes that happen to and in their bodies. Because of people not wanting to admit to others that they too are aging, so much gets swept under the carpet, and older people sometimes feel as if it is only happening to them.
Aging happens to those who are fortunate enough to live a long life. I love my gift of life and hope that I can live as long as I can take care of myself. I am doing all I can to learn how to take care of myself, both mentally and physically. Never give up learning. Keep your mind active. Make certain you have a social life, stay connected to your family, keep your heart connected to God, and be willing to share the wisdom of living your long years with others who are still forging their own path. Today is the offering of my wisdom about dry eyes. Do I know everything? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And all dry eyes may not be related to what I am discussing in this blog. My recommendation for you, if you suffer from dry, itchy eyes, call your GP or eye doctor, and make an appointment to discuss what I have told you here. Below is an excerpt from a web address that identified the condition, the symptoms, and what the usual course of therapy is. Read it, and then find out first hand for yourself if this pertains to you.
The following is a quote from the enclosed URL address:
http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/141Meibomian Gland “Dysfunction and Treatment
What are Meibomian (Oil) Glands?
Meibomian glands are glands that are arranged vertically within the eyelid near the lashes. The force of an eyelid blink causes oil to be excreted onto the posterior lid margin. The oil is the “staying power” of the tears that helps prevent rapid tear evaporation. In a patient with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), vision is affected because there is too much or too little oil in the tear film.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
MGD, also termed posterior blepharitis, is the most common form of lid margin disease. In the early stages, patients are often asymptomatic, but if left unmanaged, MGD can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation. The oil glands become blocked with thickened secretions. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil which results in permanent changes in the tear film and dry eyes. Symptoms include:
Dryness
Burning
Itching
Stickiness
Watering
Light Sensitivity
Red Eyes
Foreign Body Sensation
Chalazion/Styes
Intermittent Blurry Vision
What is the Treatment?
1) WARM COMPRESSES
Heating the lids will increase oil production and melt the oil that has solidified in the glands. Use a warm washcloth to apply heat on the eyelids for two minutes. This warms the oil, allowing it to flow more freely, and helps soften lash debris.
2) MASSAGE
Apply light pressure with your index finger or a Q-tip to the lid margin near the lash line. Roll the finger upward on the lower lid while looking up, then roll the finger downward on the upper lid while looking down. Excessive manipulation of the lids can cause additional irritation, so lid massage and scrubs should be performed only twice a day during the acute stage, and once daily during maintenance.”
In reference to the above “once daily during maintenance”, I just want you to know that both Dave’s doctor and my doctor told each of us to do it twice a day as ongoing therapy. SEEK YOUR DOCTORS DIRECTIVES!
A MELODY IN MY HEART
By Kathleen Martens
February 24, 2016
Age is just a matter of course
That happens every day.
Each day when I view the mirror
I fail to see yesterday’s decay.
Every day I just look the same
But how is it when I look back,
That that smooth unblemished skin
I now seem to lack?
Exactly when does youth leave?
When every day is just twenty four hours?
I’m just happy I don’t wilt
As quickly as does a flower.
And what about these aches and pains
That just seem to come and go?
What’s today’s flavor of pain
Is something I want to know?
I am always so surprised
Each day that I find,
That something else doesn’t work
And it seems one of a kind.
Today it could be the big toe,
Tomorrow an ankle or knee.
And some days my back goes out
Yet there’s days I’m flying free.
So who knows what this day will bring
At times there’s just something wrong.
But I find true joy in each hour,
For in my heart I carry a song.
A melody about love and life,
With praise to God on my tongue.
And no pain will dampen my spirit
When in my heart my song is sung.
Have a great day. Now I am off to work. Still putting the final touches on my now, decluttered, office. YEAH!!!!! Two big file drawers left to sift through! Everything I throw away is making me feel lighter. Try it. You might like it!
Tuesday February 23 2016 DON’T GIVE UP
Tuesday February 23 2016 DON’T GIVE UP
Today is another one of those days that have caught me shorthanded in the hour department. There just aren’t enough hours to finish all I would like to do so I must compromise as to what will be finished. Today I have no alternative except to inform you that I do not have time to sit, think, and compose a blog. So this will be very short. But please DON’T GIVE UP ON ME! I plan to write more in the future.
I just walked in the door and it is almost 4:00 p.m. We have a commitment to be at our son’s home by 5:00 p.m. and it is about 40 minutes away if traffic is good. Between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. is commute time here in Madison.
I do have one important matter to let you know about. I am a “real” blogger now. I have graduated from a free website to a domain website. What that means, is now I must pay for my domain name, and I can take the word “wordpress” out of my URL address. It will also be more easily accessed by the general public. IMPORTANT NOTE HOWEVER: Whichever address you use will take you to my site.
Since I am committing to writing my blog for at least another year I would appreciate if you would share my site if you know others who might enjoy it. It was about three years ago that I felt God prompting me to start a blog. I told him I would and then it took me about two years before I really fulfilled my commitment. I originally began writing it so I would be able to log information about my travels and allow Dave to follow my daily course. Through God’s intervention I connected with a very knowledgeable man that manages about 10 or more of his own blogs. Just so you know, it’s more difficult for an old dog to learn new tricks. It was so confusing for me at first. I still don’t keep it up like I should, nor do I feed all the information into the right categories. But, I did get the hang of it before I left. I met with Len for many weeks on Sunday afternoons until I was adept to pretty much take care of it myself. A few times on the road he had to bail me out of sticky situations. I sure am grateful for Len.
When we go to Monday night movie nights it is at Len and his wife’s home. We always have such a great time. And the good part is that I can ask him questions if I am stuck somewhere in the blog and need some help. Last week I was informed by another friend, that because I used the free website from WORDPRESS, that WordPress actually had content rights of what I write as long as I used their site. I have hope of publishing some of what has already been written and did not want to ask for permission to use my own compositions. Once I no longer am under their free site I hold my own rights of everything that has been, and will be written. So, I said that to say this: my new web address is the same, except it no longer has “WORDPRESS” in it. Now it is:
You are welcome to share it with your friends and I ask that you please do so if you think someone else will enjoy it or may benefit by some of what I write.
Visions of Poetry
By Kathleen Martens
February 23, 2016
My new little address
Is now all my own.
And I write to tell you,
So it is known.
Now what I write
All belongs to me.
So if it gets published,
To do it I’m free.
Please tell your friends
So they will tell more.
And I hope that their hearts
Will walk through new doors.
And I pray God will bless
The words that I say,
As well as the poem
I write each day.
And thanks to you all
Who faithfully read.
May what I have written
Plant new seeds.
My hope is to give
Others a smile.
And to fill them with joy
As they walk their miles.
And I pray God will bless
Each and every one,
As they read when they can,
And hopefully have fun.
And for another year
Now I must write.
So invite new readers
At least one each night.
For it would surely be
Such a great shame,
If others don’t know
About God’s great fame,
For that is my message
That I desire to share,
To let others know
That God for them cares.
Good night and God bless you.
Monday February 22 2016 MY INSIDE SOURCE
Monday February 22 2016 MY INSIDE SOURCE
My inside source knows who the next president will be. Of course I hope it will be the one that I will vote for. As of this moment I do not even know who I will be voting for. The main reason, I’ve yet to know who will be on the ballot.
I have prayed that God will give me wisdom when I vote and that the most qualified person will become the victor. However, it is God who is “my inside source” and He already knows exactly who will become the next president. And actually, my prayer is not for any one candidate to be voted in, rather that God’s perfect will is done. We are in precarious days and I believe, that Biblically speaking, the calendar is already ticking in the end times. Many may not understand what it means when the words “end times” are used in reference to what is going on in the world. In a nutshell, the Bible actually tells about what will take place during the “end times” before Jesus returns to earth. The scripture also makes reference as to what the conditions of the world will be at that time, both physically and spiritually. There is also a glimpse in the scriptures as to what kind of situations will be faced by those who believe in God. There will be great persecution. Though persecution is not unknown throughout the history of the world, it has never been as blatant as it appears so now, especially in the mid-Eastern countries. So my supposition is, if the end times are already in motion, God is the only one who knows which man or woman is needed to be in place to fulfill that which the Bible recounts. Only God know who needs to be voted in to fulfill His ultimate plan. The scripture mentions in several places that it is God who appoints the ruler. I’m leaving this election in His hands. Yes, I will vote, but the outcome is up to God. My prayer is, that His will, will be done.
My husband and I have taped each debate so as to be sure and not miss out on getting to know each candidate’s stance. I recommend following both parties, to learn from each side firsthand about what they speak and reflect on the values of each candidate. See how their past records stand up, and by all means, I recommend listening to different news stations because each one has their own slant. Don’t go into the polling booth with a preconceived notion that you can only vote for this party or that party because THAT’S WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE IN THE PAST. Become educated in our country’s history. Try to imagine what the future will be like in regards to each candidate being voted in. What changes will be made? How will each candidate affect our economy? Depending on who wins, how will it affect our heritage, our future, our personal finances, our national resources, our constitutional rights, and our freedoms? And most of all, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!
VOTING IS A VERB
By Kathleen Martens
February 22, 2016
We are a country that stands free
As free as a country can be.
But slowly and surely our freedoms wane
Never again to be the same.
Stand up, stand firm, on what is right.
Be willing to fight the fight.
Do not lay down your absolutes,
Hear the voice of each repute.
Know the principles on which you stand,
And reach out to others with a helping hand.
Each person’s voice needs to be heard,
Remember that “VOTING” is a verb!
And know that God is in control.
Regardless the outcome be consoled.
God has a plan and it will take place,
Regardless the outcome God offers grace.
No fear is needed when we look ahead,
God’s plan is in motion, His words have been said.
Regardless who wins, God’s plan is in gear,
And it’s just a matter of time, He’ll soon be here.
I choose not to become a platform for the political world. I know that primaries are cropping up all over the country and I just wanted to remind everyone to become as educated and informed as possible about each candidate. And also to remind you to VOTE on the day of your caucus or primary.
Good night and God bless you.
Visions of Poetry 