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 |   My journey through (and beyond) the valley with Cancer as my companion. |
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Dear Friend: This is not a Blog about writing! (I already have one of those.) This is a blog about a journey I am taking with illness. I have recently been diagnosed with Cancer. My goal is honest therapy as I progress through, and beyond this new reality in my life. I hope that, somewhere along the way you will find some words that will help you too. While this is, in fact, an interactive Blog, I hope that you will scroll slowly down this page. For you see, the front of this Blog IS my journey. The entries are conversations that are held along the journey.Yes, there is a lot on it--before actually getting to the Blog entries. But, I hope that by the objects and words which appear before the Blog itself, you might come to understand just a little bit about me, and my journey, and some truly amazing friends who have agreed to journey with me. I hope that you, too, will choose to accompany me on my walk--through the Valley. I invite you to join me, and discover the wondrous truths, meet some truly amazing people, and share those "memorable" moments this journey will undoubtedly present. Come along, won't you? In His Care, ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Would you like to help me help others? I found this amazing organization, and I am proud to be a sponsor. I hope you will check it out. It's called The Network For Good.  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "RISUS OMNIA - INCRUMENTUS PER DEDECUS - SAPIENTIA PER DAMNUM" ("Every thing is funny - Growth through humiliation - Wisdom through loss") ~Leunig~ The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse. ~Helen Keller~ "If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people." ~Virginia Woolf~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "There is strength in truth." ~The Barton Family Crest~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller, American social activist, public speaker and author (1880-1968) I have moved the list of my thanks for those who have helped to make this little Blog so very special. I hope that you will take a moment to read the list, growing every day, and let these fellow travellers along this journey know that you appreciate the contributions they make to our walk together.
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Please feel free to click on the Blog Rings icon below to be transported to some of the very best of the Best Bloggers around WDC. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** If you are new to WDC, or to our Blogging community, I highly recommend the monthly edition of "The Blogville News". Feel free to click below, and let Scarlett   know that a Blogger sent ya!Hey! We've started a Christian's Blog Ring on WDC. Click on the logo, and join us! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Budroe
 Ring LeaderI have three publications at the moment. Here is a link to purchase my latest one. Buy a great read, and help a fellow writer out, Okay?  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Since I last made an entry into this Blog, on March 8th, 2011, I have not changed. The world, however, has. It has changed physically, as an astronomical entity, with a slight, yet completely significant change in the axis. That, should it be understood, be a simple enough statement. Yet, it is incomplete. Because of a measured 9.0 earthquake, our days are shortened by just shy of 2 seconds. Many thousands of lives have been lost. Many more thousands, and possibly many millions of lives have been forever changed. What I want you to understand here is that, if you keep, measure, or use time, this new reality affects you. Right now, and forever. A relatively insignificant weather event, in terms of all things Tsunami (generally speaking, that is) has created a situation from which the Earth will never recover. Period. As I write this, an entire force of 50 humans are attempting to delay (not counteract, mind you) what is now a mathematical certainty. We have seen, and stand witness to the extreme force of only a relatively small amount of nature. That is, by no means, meant to lessen the devastation and utter destruction that momentary, small force of nature has wreaked upon one of the most developed nations on the planet. At first, the very real lack of damage caused by the earthquake to the island nation was remarkable in its lack. But nature wasn't done, yet. Within thirty minutes, the Tsunami, created by the quake from its epicenter, struck the northeastern coast, with a very large presence felt within Fukushima Prefecture and points north. One city over more than 1,000,000 citizens, Sendai, and countless lesser cities, towns and villages were either utterly or nearly completely decimated as the waves simply did what waves do. To give a sense of this relatively small force of nature, a passenger bus was later found in repose--on the top of a three-story building. I will never forget that image. Tens of thousands, and possibly hundreds of thousands of souls have been forever lost. One of the problems, we are told, with the actual count, beyond the reality that rescue/recovery crews cannot physically deal with hundreds of square miles of debris which is on average more than ten feet deep, is the bizarre reality that many entire families are missing, and there is no person knowing of them left to report their loss. I will never forget the image of that, either. The pictures of the earthquake were just barely able to "make the wires" before the first reality-shattering images of the Tsunami began what we in the United States knew would be a constant, never-ending stream of the catastrophe "as it happened". We were, and still are, correct. It has not stopped. Villages, and enough vehicles to power a major city, floating in places where such things just should not be floating at all, have been screaming into my conscious in a way that even I could not anticipate. But, it very quickly became an entirely different, game-changing reality when the reporters began talking about a damaged nuclear reactor at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, operated by TEPCO, the Tokyo Electric Power Company. We all watched as one of the reactor buildings (Reactor #2) exploded into the sky, bringing the world into a new, never known sphere. In two locations, very close to one another, problems developed very quickly at both the Diini Facility and the Diitchi Facility. Now, four of six reactors in the Diitchi Facility are damaged, with an offline reactor facility housing spent fuel rods (Reactor #4) burning, it's roof cracked and damage too great to mention publicly. At least two reactors (at last known count) at Diini are suffering the same problems, with at least four others between the two facilities of an unknown condition. I (and so have we all) come to learn the problems with these facilities, as we have had more nuclear physicists than anyone knew existed paraded before us in the ever-changing reality which faces not only the entire peoples of a nation, and of a region of our world, but of the world itself. I am typing this today from my home in South-Middle Tennessee, in the USA. I, and my possessions, are safe at the moment. We haven't heard the first report from Hawaii, who also received Tsunami waves, or from California, save the senseless death of one 25 year-old photo seeker. We have no idea what kind of radiation is being emitted from any one, two, or all of these mortally-wounded reactors, or how much. I had truly hoped that, having no significant events prior to my writing this today, that perhaps the 750 nuclear workers at the plants might possibly be getting at least some small victories in their valiant fight to save us all from a reality we have never imagined. This afternoon, that workforce was reduced, voluntarily, to fifty. Fifty souls to try to wrangle, against the laws of Physics, and the forces of nature, to prevent what is a still-developing reality. In the case of a complete nuclear "meltdown" of any one reactor, the explosive result would be, on average (not counting Diitchi #4) the equivalent of 1,000 Hiroshima bombs, hundreds of Chernobyls. I remember once reading that if as many as 16 nuclear explosions were to happen simultaneously, the earth could well be destroyed. This was in the 1960's In the late 1970's, America was baptised into the new nuclear age via an unfortunate accident at Three Mile Island. Three Mile Island is used as the "typical" event that would result in a "6" on the accident scale, with Chernobyl being the highest example, a "7". We discovered that several mistakes were made here, which could have at least mitigated the damage caused by TMI. The first was that the government did not receive, and did not communicate to the people surrounding the facility, accurate, timely and complete information. The Japanese government, and TEPCO have followed this example. The second was that an insufficient "Danger Zone" was established around the vicinity of TMI with enough lead time to avoid impact to the affected people. Again, the Japanese government and the folks at TEPCO have emulated their American cousins. At this hour, radiation levels are being recorded in Tokyo (approximately 35,000,000 souls), spiking at 20 times the usual level, and no meltdown has yet occurred. What of the 1,000,000 souls of Sendai, or the many more within Fukushima Prefecture itself? Will the weather be for us, or against us? I'm really not sure it matters. From the beginning of this entire sequence of soul-shattering experiences for me, things have only happened badly. If one outcome could be terrible, the reality has defined horrific. I hoped today that things might be at least have a chance to be mitigated, lessened by the passage of some time. I don't believe, myself, that is going to happen. Too much has happened, to way too much a catastrophic degree, much too quickly. It continues as I type these words. I am, and have always been a Hope Addict. I am praying without ceasing for those fabulous fifty, for the people of Japan, and for us all. It is my ultimate hope in this moment that they will win--that we will win. I know that nuclear energy is not the enemy, and is not the enemy here. One of the many revealing truths in this time is that nature has always been, is now, and will always be the equalizing force on our planet. God is in charge. He always has been, and forever will be. When this chain of tragedy finally runs out of steam, and those who remain stand as witness of our new reality, we will have learned things about ourselves, and about our world that we just never before conceived. The things you learn on this journey. Until next we meet, I remain faithfully, In His Care. Budroe PS: At this hour, the remaining fifty souls working to save the situation have been removed from the Fukushima Nuclear Power facility because of prolonged and serious radiation exposure. Now He has it. |
| As many of you know, our site relatively recently has seen a wonderful growth spurt, specifically in our themes, WL, and other really nifty user-centric improvements to OUR site, WDC. Today, I actually utilized one of them, quite accidentally. I have chosen, since my beginnings here, the "WDC Yellow" background for my personal use. I can't say I have ever particularly "liked" that color, but I did get used to it. It signaled to me that I was "home". I know it like my home address! (It is!) Today, I used a customized theme which changed everything around in some remarkable ways, from font type and color to imagry...and background. I see solid white now. I'm almost afraid to go back and see some of my previous writings; the colors will probably make my nausea worse! One of the unforeseen results of this change is that I can thankfully read things easier. One of the OTHER unforeseen results of this change is that I can read things easier. I can decidedly report to you that I am, among other things, an absolutely terrible typist! *Scratches THAT off his skill set* Having some of my really good work suddenly come at me like a laser beam has taken me to the woodshed. I apologize to all who already know this, yet are tactful enough to keep silent on this obvious fact! I will strive to do better-ish. The Annual Lenten Adventure:2011 Edition! "Let Lent LIVE!" is now underway. Members are joining, even three days into the adventure! With the previous adventure ("The Annual Advent Adventure") it took about ten days for the adventurers to really get into the swing of things, and the adventure took off like a rocket. Not so with this adventure! It took about ten minutes, and began days before the adventure "officially" kicked off! I've been running full tilt just to keep up with this amazing group of bold and daring adventurers, who are choosing to commit to some fifty days of daily activity to journey from the River Jordan to (and beyond) the Cross of Calvary. Our mission is to attempt to better understand the conditions, peoples, and cultures during the earthly ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The Adventure, as an activity, will end on Sunday, April 24th. My hope and fervent prayer is that, for each adventurer, the REAL adventure will only begin on that day, and last at least for the remainder of their lives! I do truly believe this activity is ordained of God, and absolutely "Dad-Directed"! There is already some astounding proof of that truth within the adventure. That I am a weak, and very cracked vessel to carry this work is immediately and painfully (to some) obvious. Yet, when I am done doing all I can do, Dad is already showing up, and showing off, doing what I cannot possibly do. I hope to be transparent throughout this amazing journey, letting my character speak for me (You didn't know we are creating characters? Pffft. Where have YOU been?) With the amazing graphics of Legerdemain  , a growing and completely capable adventure team, and my questionable ability, The Annual Lenten Adventure promises to be the very best, most life-changing event yet! The Adventure, co-sponsored by The God's Way Group, and The Open Door To Grace group, all donations will be split equally between the two faith-based activities. The application form will remain available through Saturday evening at 2359 WDC time. I encourage my readers to sign up, and join us for this GRAND Adventure!Sara has been, along with my home care worker, caring for me on a pretty much daily basis. She is known as Budroesgirl here (her choice, with my agreement). Her husband and family have been, and continue to be a source of great comfort, support, love and strength for me as I continue the journey. I hope you will think good thoughts, say a prayer, or however you experience your faith for she and her family. Without them, I would be, very simply, lost. I received word today of yet another friend from West Frankfort who has passed away. The list is now at 10 since moving there in 2007. That may not seem like many, but when you insert that number into a population of 85, things change. Given that I probably only knew by name 20 people for my entire time in West Frankfort, well it gets uncomfortably "many". I keep these good folks in my thoughts and prayers, and ask you to, as well. As Sara said to me recently, the prayer list is long, and keeps growing. Indeed it does. But, so do those whom I call friends here in Columbia, as well. There is a brand new grandchild for Sara to love, and for me to meet. A dear friend just announced her pregnancy, and I hear that a new grandchild is coming to the family of my care worker! Okay, you guys n gals: KNOCK IT OFF! We've pretty much figured out how that happens, ya know. And, NO! The Blue Baby/Leafy Cabbage Supermarket has NOTHING to do with it! I am financially, as they say, in a very "embarrassing" condition, yet I have gained significantly in my monthly dollars available. I can pay rent, utilities, purchase food, and see a movie once a month. If I squeeze it. That is a HUGE increase, from only a few months ago. I am so very grateful for the blessings Dad has showered upon me in my finances of late. But, I am a very wealthy man in so many more ways. I have care, medical care, family, friends, and even the opportunity to share in a mighty work of God. Worthy? No. Worthless? Absolutely not! I do remain in HIs care, every day. May YOU be richly blessed, indeed! Budroe |
| It was a Saturday, back in 1967. I did not know it at the time, but that day would forever change my life. It was a Spring-like day, and the sun was shining brightly at 302 Maple Street, Hazard, Kentucky. Yet, there was no doubt that storm clouds were close at hand. I got a weather warning about 3 PM that day, when my Sister came into my bedroom (shared with my Mother), laid across my Mother's bed, and began crying almost uncontrollably. She did not know that I was there, and she seemed to question within herself whether or not she should stay. For whatever reason, she stayed. She fairly flung herself across the bed, her tears very obvious to me, her crying of such heart-rending sadness that I instinctively left my bed where I had (not) been napping. I came and laid beside her, putting my arm across her back. I was eleven years of age. We laid there together for some time. I said nothing, and Anne cried her soul into the blanket covering the bed. I did not know what was so terribly wrong, but somehow I did know what she was considering. "I love you, Anne." "I love you, too, Buddy." Several moments passed, and something passed between us. Her resignation, and my knowing awareness. "Anne, please do not do this thing." "I don't know what else to do, Buddy. He just won't talk to me. He hasn't said one word to me since we came home from Lexington. I'm dying inside." "I love you, Anne. I need you. Please don't do this." "I love you, Buddy, so very much." My Sister put her arm around me. We hugged. She laid on the bed with me for a while, and I hoped she had calmed down a bit, maybe even gotten back to rationality. Anne Lawson Fields, born December 30th, 1949, was that day a Senior at Hazard High School in my home town. She had been selected to be Valedictorian. Her immediate goals had been met. Her desire was to go to College, but not "Just" to College. Anne wanted to attend Duke University to study Medicine, with a particular goal of becoming Hazard's first brain surgeon. She had been offered scholarships across the country, and had come down to Vanderbilt University. Then she heard from Duke, which had always been her first choice. She got an acceptance, AND a full Scholarship. Her dream would be realized. She was an out-going, friendly person who was fiercely loyal to her family, and her friends. She loved her family, and was so happy when she was at home, BEING with her family. It didn't happen often. You see, her parents (and mine) were bitterly divorced, and both our parents were mean, and often violent alcoholics. As a part of a terribly hurtful divorce agreement, Anne had agreed to live with our Father, a man whom she happened to much more than love--she idolized The Senator. They were two peas of the same pod. Physically, the truth was in the looking. This was most definitely "Tug's" kid. They were famous friends, to the point of finishing each others' sentences. But, she never "left" home. Her Mother was her mentor, her friend, and her balance. Our Mother set walls for us to bounce off of that were always in place. Her rules were tough, fair, and absolutely consistent. One of those rules was that no child of hers would ever speak ill of her "husband" (He divorced her, she never did divorce him in her heart, speaking her love of him with her dying breath. I know, because I heard her say it to me.) Anne was forever stretched between two locales, yet most times things worked out alright. Another inviolable rule of our house was that kids did not play one parent against the other--ever. This was Anne's violation. As it turned out, it would also end her life. On the previous weekend, Anne had secured my Mother's permission to travel with my Sister Lyn to Lexington, Kentucky. Their Sister Marcia, and Marcia's first (and, as it turned out only) child Tracye were there. They were going to visit. Lyn would have company for the round trip, and Anne would get to see Tracye, a niece she loved very dearly. But then, we all did. Tracye was the first of what we hoped would be a very populous "next generation", something that my beloved people "of the Hills" treasured. The problem was that Anne would be leaving on Friday, a School Day. She had, at the time, a twelve-year perfect attendance record that was a point of great pride in our family. We did not learn until much later that Anne had asked our Father to go with Lyn, and he (possibly, and most probably through our Step-Mother) had said "No!". She then secured an excused absence from the High School on the feined grounds of "female problems", with makeup work and her attendance record intact. She then got our Mother's permission to leave with Lyn on Friday morning, returning the next (Saturday) evening. This was a complete violation, from the viewpoints of both parents. She knew she would have hell to pay, but she chose to go with Lyn. When last I saw her laying across our Mother's bed, her tears were tears of sadness and fear. Upon their return, she was escorted home to our Father's house. It seems the parents had, in fact, communicated on this event. This was no surprise to anyone; that's how they held their parenthood responsibilities: absolutely. My mother's ire was legendary, and it seems Ann got a full dose upon the return to Hazard. It passed, rather quickly. There was, in its place, great fear from, and for Anne. Lyn drove her home, and forever more felt the ensuing actions were in some part (as did we all) her fault. I mean we all shared that same sense of responsibility for what followed, along with this particular point of my Sister Lyn. Anne had firmly secured her Valedictory position. Her Scholarship was secure. She felt it safe, and reasonable and was seemingly put out at the opinions of her Father and Step-Mother over the event, and showed one of her very rare moments of true independence. She felt "entitled" to a day for herself, to see her Sister and Niece. She countermanded her Father, using her Mother's (unknowing) permission as her CB. For the next week, she endured her Father's choice, and most terrifying wrath: silence. He refused to talk to her for the entire week, implying it would continue until her graduation in May if necessary. I never knew what the "condition" was, but then having suffered this torture myself, one just never did. On that Saturday, Anne had reached, and gone well beyond her ability to cope. At 6 PM, March 4th, 1967, we received a phone call from our cousin, John Fitzpatrick, who was celebrating his birthday that very day. His Dad got on the phone with our Mother. I, my Sister Jean, Marcia and Lyn all happened to be preparing for our supper at home. I, in my room playing, heard the phone. It was a relatively rare occurrence that our phone would ring, and everyone took note. I came to the stairs, and watched my Mother answer the phone. I can see her now, what she was then wearing, her hair pulled back in a pony-tail, her favorite apron around her waist. I distinctly remember two things: My Mother wiping her hands before answering the phone, and my Mother falling to the floor. Three hours previous, Anne was holding me. Now, she was dead. She found a gun, and used it. She shot herself in the head, and died en route to the Hospital. She didn't get to the Hospital in time, but not for a lack of trying. We buried Anne two days later. There was a bit of a hurry because Hazard was beginning to experience what for us at my house (not my Father's) was an all-too-common occurrence: a flood. I and my Sister Jean would sit for much of that week on our steps, looking through a side window as the flood waters covered our yard. All of our lives changed forever that day. For me, it was the realization that I really had known her heart, yet could not persuade it to live. I would be forced to move from that home, and from that town two months later. Our home, the home that was "home" for me, would be condemned in a deal crafted by my Father and sold to the Commonwealth at a very handsome price to the State Highway Department for what would become Hazard's first bypass. The furnishings, all we possessed would be sold to a junk man for $50. I do not know how things would have possibly been different had my beloved Sister not felt suicide to be her only viable solution. I do know, because I have made it my business to learn that suicide is not the act of a rational mind, but rather a completely reasonable act of an irrational mind. This brilliant child's Psyche was torn to shreds, broken by the one known violation of her entire life. We all stopped living that day, and every life would forever be colored by those darkest days. Here, some 44 years later, I still wish I could have reached her heart. I could not. But, in this day, she is lovingly remembered as a brilliant, loving, caring soul who only desired to help others. Her family, friends, and those who dedicated their Senior Year to her remember her, too. They remember the good and worthy things of my Sister that I can only vaguely see, through the mist of decades. I can still see Anne, bringing me a "secret" chocolate milkshake, just as she did every time she babysat me. It was our "secret". We were close, loving, and strongly bonded. Our entire family was like that then. On this day, in my memory of those terrible days, I still remember the strength of our bonds. Love each other, no matter what. Care for each other, no matter what. Live together, no matter what. And please, if you will, in memory of a life needlessly lost, do not presume to know those you love most. Do not presume that they "know" they are loved. Tell them, every day that you love them, no matter what. Had one man, in one moment, done that simple thing, this story would need not be written. It has never been written before today. Now, it is time. I love you, Anne Lawson. So many love and miss you, but there is your brother, again a child, his arm across your back, loving you just as fully and completely now as he did on that tempestuous Saturday, March 4th, 1967. I will see you again, my beloved Sister. I know it. You have shaped my life, and have given my spirit cause: to serve others. I have not done what you might have done, but your example has shown me that I can do my part. Thank you for that. Rest well, in the arms of the Jesus who has received you unto Himself, taken your broken mind and empty heart and filled it with Himself. I will see you one day, in that day which has no dawning or sunset. I love you, Anne. Forever. Remain, with me, In His Care, and help me, day by day. Until next we meet, I remain faithfully, In His Care. Budroe |
| Democracy is an on-going experiment in the United States of America. It flourishes when those who abide in it's precepts are attacked for defending it, or exercising it. Such is the case with the Wisconsin 14. Who are the Wisconsin 14? Interesting question. Yet the answer is even more revealing. These are the fourteen Wisconsin Democratic Senators who have left the State to avoid a bully. Attempting to, among other things, bust the Public Employees, Teachers, Fire Fighters, and Police unions in his state, the Republican Governor Scott Walker has turned what was a significant state surplus into a significant deficit. He now is, after continuing demonstrations, over crowded galleries, outspoken and passionate opponents, on a personal mission. He, seemingly thinking himself a demigod, has declared a personal war against the missing Senators. And, he's got some help.  A Utah group (?) is beginning action to force recall elections for each of the 14 Democratic Senators.1 Governor Walker has today threatened to lay off those very unionized employees unless, and until, the 14 Senators return to Madison.2 (It must be stated that one single Democratic Senator reporting to the Statehouse will give the Republican majority the authority to create the legislation which will destroy the unions, pensions, and benefits of the affected employees.) He has instructed the Senate Majority Leader to fine each Senator $100 per day of absence.3 Trying to find significant allies, Governor Walker has solicited similar actions in the Governors of Ohio and Indiana, with additional appeals not yet answered. The Republican leadership in the Wisconsin Senate is withholding the paychecks of the Democratic Senators for an indeterminate time. This action has the endorsement and support of Governor Walker.4Last Saturday, at statehouses across the country, many thousands of people gathered in quiet support of these fourteen Democratic Senators. Many of them were public employees, but many more of them were average working Americans who understand clearly what is at risk by Governor Walker's folly. It is interesting, considering the history of Wisconsin with regards to Worker's Compensation (first in the nation to have a comprehensive Worker Compensation Act), it's pioneering work historically with unionization, and it's general support of working people in it's boundaries. This is true democracy. It is ugly, and uncomfortable. Wisconsin is also the home of former Senator Joseph McCarthy, of anti-communism fame. He had many supporters in his time, as well. He was wrong then. Governor Walker is not only disingenuous, but wrong now. He knows it, yet cannot fashion a face-saving exit from his position. I heard on television today a sad story of a Medical Doctor who is now refusing to accept, or treat patients who specially had medicaid, Medicare, or "Obamacare" (whatever THAT is!) because he just wasn't paid enough. He is, in fact, retiring. The commentator bemoaned the fact that this is happening to many good members of the Middle Class in America. Middle Class? Really? And, there you have a sliver of truth to this entire problem. Destroy the middle class. Sound familiar? There does come a point, I believe, when peaceable civil disobedience is an appropriate action in a democratic society. That so many millions stand to lose more than they have already lost, only to prove a single point by an egomaniac with a wild hair up his butt over unions is one of those moments. Those very workers are not "given" anything. They pay for it. They voluntarily reduce their weekly pay envelopes to put their money into their own retirement, and to pay for their health benefits. Walker's actions would more than stop that. The money would be taken from them, their retirements extinguished, and their benefits lost for all time. How is that "fair"? These people are no drain on the state budget, other than their significantly above-average paychecks. So, why should anyone care? Why should it be so important that I blog about it? Because I am a citizen of these United States. Workers in America are, yet still again, under attack. By fellow Americans! This just simply cannot be allowed to happen without at least a casual comment. Watch C-Span, and watch Utah Representative King do all within his own personal power to eliminate the Affordable Healthcare Act, simply because it was a plan of the Obama Administration. Nothing more. Watch as Hal Rodgers, one of the more embarrassing examples of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, bring forth a Budget Resolution that would eliminate Planned Parenthood, castrate the ability of states to educate their youth, and put a "So Be It!" on the poor, infirm and homeless of our nation. Have a day's worth of this, and you will wonder why one man, Senator Pence of Indiana, believes that he alone can eliminate paid abortions because HE disagrees with them. Is this what we have become? Corporations have the rights and designations of "person-hood". Yet, while they suddenly inherit the rights of citizenship, many thousands face involuntary deportation because their parents came here illegally to work for minimum wage or less to feed their families, for employers that couldn't be happier. Corporatism is very nearly ready to completely transform this nation into a non-capitalistic corporatocracy. The rights of the people are subverted to the needs of the corporate entity. Democracy is at stake here, and it becomes the responsibility of the people to preserve that democracy. As the Wisconsin 14 can attest, it sometimes becomes not one option, but the ONLY option when so much is at stake. It stinks! But, democracy sometimes does. Until next we meet, I remain faithfully, In His Care. Budroe Footnotes |
| The results of the test are in. The damage is not as severe as first thought. No surgery required. Thanks, Dad. And thank you to all who have been praying with me in this situation. We'll watch it, and see how it goes. "WHEW!" Somehow, I dodged a major bullet today, I think. The situation is still there, and I must be careful. But, at least it's nowhere ner as devastating as it could have been. Today, I have been significantly blessed. I want to share that blessing with those of you with me on the journey, as well. One of my favorite sayings is "Ya know, sometimes things just turn out RIGHT!" That's how I feel about this event. I know it's there, and what to watch for. I know how to respond when trouble strikes. That's information that empowers me. I just HATE feeling like a victim! Don't you? As always, I do remain in His Care. |
| I received this from a dear friend, Kathy Cauthon, today. It speaks my heart: "Dear God, remind me as I traverse the dark valleys of cancer and even as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that there will be a hilltop hour. Ease my dark days with visions of the bright ones to come. And help me to remember always that You are beside me in the dark valleys even as You will be there to celebrate with me in my hilltop hour. Amen" |
| It seems that we sometimes forget that this is a journey--through a valley. Recently, shadows have come, and are covering my footsteps. A long time ago, I explained that the primary problem with my situation dealt not with Cancer, but with blood clots and my heart having to work a lot harder to get lesser results. The other day, I was preparing to give myself a shot of insulin. Because of the "rotation" schedule, this day began with my need to inject into my right arm. This requires me to use my left hand (naturally), stretch my left arm across my chest, and inject into the outside of my right arm. About the time I put the Kwik-Pen into my arm, my left hand starts shaking violently, I get dizzy, and the needle is off on a tour of my arm of its own design. Five holes, some blood, and less than half the injected medicine in my arm, my body begins shaking uncontrollably. Truth be told this is not the first time this has happened; it was the first time it was witnessed. My home care worker nearly fainted. That night, I got to visit my Doctor, whether I wanted to or don't. I don't. Who cares? Nobody. :) We are not precisely certain as to the cause of the problem, but blood clots are a likely candidate. I would go into what now is extensive medical research, but that wouldn't help much. This week, I will have some tests to confirm the presence of a condition called "Subclavian Steal Syndrome". Ultra Sound Doppler, and contrast MRIA (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Angiography) this week will determine presence of the condition, and it's cause. Arterial lesions, clots, or Stenosis are the three main culprits. A positive result will require surgery--if that is possible. Having a name for the problem is bittersweet--again. But the medical folks are going to help me--again. I know I'm not crazy (well....) and everything fits symptomatically for this (yet another) Syndrome. It's a relief on my head to know there IS something going on. Finding out what it is that has come to visit, giving it a name, staring it down are all important steps I must take. Yeah, it's not acne. I think I'm three surgeries behind at the moment. This one has no viable alternative, so far as I know. Sara is a new grandmother, as she and her husband, Ced welcomed young Matthew Reed Peachey to the world on February 14th, 2011. All parts present and working perfectly, "Reed" came to us weighing 7 lbs, 10 oz, 20.75" and eyes wide open! All are doing very well, and Sara has not been seen here for some time! :) They are doing well, although Reed did have to visit the hospital once a couple of days ago to get re-hydrated. He's fine, home, and happy. There are many concerns among our friends and family here. Illness, and problems abound. As Sara commented to me yesterday, "Our Prayer list is just SO LONG!" She's right, it is. There is fear aplenty, for several people. I have urged her to rest as much as possible, and she took me up on it, at least for today. I've got a lot going on, and will be working on those things. When there is something to tell, I will tell it. I hope you will send some good thoughts, and maybe even some prayers upward for all those here who are having some troublesome times. I know your prayers work! I do not ask for myself, but for Sara and her family and our friends who need them so badly right now. The Adventure is upon us soon. I will be advertising that event, and ask you to keep this endeavor in your thoughts and prayers, as well. It is really shaping up well, with virtually all the last adventure participants already committed to journey with us through Lent. "Let Lent Live!" is the theme of this 49 day event . OUr goal is to have 100 new participants with us for the adventure. I recommend this activity to you, not because it is in my port. As those who have shared adventures will quickly tell you, this is a life-changing event. It came specifically from the requests of our adventurers to have just such an event for Lent and Easter. I want to advertise it on-site, yet am not certain how to do that best. So, here we are. I sense the shadows, yet my mind and heart are consumed with the adventure. If that allows me to take the next necessary steps, it is enough. I will have the tests this week. I'll let you know what I learn, when I learn of it. Until next we meet, I remain faithfully, In His Care. Budroe |
| It will not surprise the many readers of this blog that I am of the Democratic Party persuasion. Many of my readers are confirmed Republican believers. That is perfectly alright. We do engage in dialogue here, after all. It doesn't really matter much, at the moment. Our political affiliation is not going to kill us, or save us. Of late, politics has become so completely visible in it's total transparency as to befuddle, confuse...and anger even me. Here's the run-down as I see it. What the Democrats cannot accomplish via legislation, they are working double-time to implement via regulation. The reason for this is because, during the previous two Republican administrations, regulations where eliminated in a "Katie! Bar the door!" fashion in the name of corporate interests. You know, building jobs. Lowering the size of government. No issues were discussed about why those regulations were in place to begin with, but we didn't need conversation with the "Great Recession", did we? Well, to make things even, now the Republicans, unable to foist their sense of American reality upon an unwilling Congress, are seeking to nullify those programs, activities and departments with which they find fault by the simple act of non-funding. One most obvious example of this is the budget war the Republicans are waging against NPR and PBS . They have their reasons, with which I summarily disagree, for wanting to eliminate these two national treasures. Now, however, in the name of lowering the deficit, the Republican proposal is to fund each with a grand total of zero dollars. There! That should do it. The Democrats want to invest in infrastructure, jobs, and re-funding such programs as the Forestry Service and Low Income Heating Assistance. The Republicans call this "spending". It IS spending. Have you driven down our roads of late? When one mile of road construction takes place, well over $1,000,000.00 is funneled into a local economy. Tens of jobs are created immediately. This goes against the Republican mindset, at all points AFTER the contractor gets the funding. The running conversation is that "We can't spend our way out of this recession!" which is immediately followed up with "We have to get people back to work!" People (save the ever-pleasant "Chain Gangs") just don't work for free. So, let's make 'em pay with the Crown Jewels of our nation. Representative Michelle Bachmann (R) Minnesota, spoke at the CPAC, this weekend. She proudly spoke of the $ 8 Billion deficit the Republicans managed to contain until giving it over to the incoming Democrat Administration by proclaiming it to be the accumulated deficit of the entire history of the United States from the time of its inception. She then decried the current $14 Billion deficit as the singular effort of the Obama administration--and the Democratically controlled House and Senate. Historical revision, a little? At the time George W. Bush took office, we had ZERO deficit; in fact we had a very significant budget surplus! TARP didn't happen under Obama. Tax cuts were rife for the upper class during Bush's terms in office, yet the spending by he and his administration dwarfed any previous holder of the office! In an attempt to frame the campaign for 2012, the lies seem to be flying early, in flocks! In the meantime, here we, the American people sit, watching the bursts above us. All we can do is hope that we do not get hit with the flak--again. The financial crisis isn't over. Recovery is still a good ten years out. We have to survive until then, as a people with a single identity: Americans. Anyone--I repeat, ANYONE who does not appreciate the gravity of that is someone I don't want to hear from. Yes, we have a huge deficit, and it is one we can manage--over time. Cutting programs and national treasures like education, the arts, health care and other admittedly costly programs--today, is nothing more than political posturing by both sides, and is irresponsible governance. You can have fun taking pot shots at the party of your choice all you want. But you also have to have upon yourself the obligation to know what is truth, and what is not. The single objective of the Republican Party is the complete nullification of any progress the Obama administration might realize. Isn't this shooting our national selves in both feet? There is no doubt, and no problem realizing that we come to the tasks at hand with different perspectives. That should be a very good thing, the genesis of passionate and reasonable debate. If, however the end result is gridlock, partisan politics ad nauseum, and political slackery, it is the average American on Main Street who will pay the price for the unwillingness of our elected officials to remember that the heart and soul of America itself is just as much at risk as the government of Egypt, or any other nation. Of course, we might well only hear of that on NPR or PBS. We wouldn't want that, now would we? Until next we meet, I remain faithfully, In His Care. Budroe |
| It is not very often that I personally endorse activities on WDC. But, there are a few that I find so worthy as to not only highlight here, but actually participate in myself. Rising Stars has been here longer than I have. This is an amazing program that shepherds new and promising WDC members as they begin, or advance their learning of our craft. It is a warm womb for aspiring members/writers that is of the very highest caliber. I have participated in this activity during my time with WDC, and I do highly endorse the group, its leadership and its members. Within the many activities in our collective portfolio, Rising Stars is among the very, very best. I hope you will choose to participate in their latest worthy cause:
The group asks for little, and gives very much to our community. I hope you will help me thank them by participating in this fund-raiser. I do remain, faithfully In His Care, Budroe |
| In my years on WDC, one of the many privileges that I have experienced have come from a particular segment of our community that I believe is vastly under-recognized: our resident Graphics Artists. I'm going to bore you now, so if you are not prepared to read an essay, now would be a good time to comment and leave; I'm going to say it none-the-less. We have a community of creative artists here at WDC who are specialists in our craft. Our words are meant to draw palettes of emotion, excitement, mystery, horror, and pleasure. They are unique unto us, and to WDC. This craft is not only necessary to the successful presentation of our endeavors, but when it is done with a degree of excellence such as the artists here can deliver, it raises everything attached to it to a previously unknown level. What we so often fail to recognize is the additional value and impact of these artistic wonders in our work. On WDC, we see their work on contests, raffles, blogs, auctions, courses of study, and even individual items in our ports. Groups, forums, Quizzes, and all the activities of our writing craft here on WDC are graced with some amazing and truly gifted craftsmanship from this part of our community. We give them little credit--at least entirely too little appreciation for the gifts they create. Their work is often like an entirely created work, much as our stories, poems, and created words are. They ask little in return, save a minimal payment of GPs and an acknowledgement of their efforts. But, let me ask you something here. Have you ever published a book without a cover? Have you ever sold a CD without a graphic insert? Have you ever created a web page without graphics? Have you ever seen an album without an artistic cover? A deck of cards without a graphic face? In the publication industry, we NEED this talent. I hope to gather our very best artists, and create courses for payment that will allow these gifted members an opportunity to teach their craft, accept mentees, establish their own long-deserved community recognition here on WDC. Illustrators have helped me sell my work to other publishers; helped me get approval for submitted magazine articles, and no doubt hold much responsibility for the success of my novels through their gifted additions on my book jackets. Needless to say, I believe that those offerings I have provided here have been blessed by the graphics provided to me. Here's the problem: One of my primary GA's could not accept an assignment because (as is usually the case) she was over-booked with requests, in the midst of a wonderfully busy real life. Her name is kiyasama, and those of you who know my work are very familiar with hers. She is among the most gifted artists in our community. What was I to do? I had a VERY short list of other GA's who, I felt, could "handle" this important assignment. Where is the directory of available services? Where do we go to hunt down, engage and use one of these amazing community members? My first alternate got an urgent message from me. To my utter amazement, she agreed to help me out with this important task. Legerdemain set to the task, and has provided what I believe to be the "perfect" result. Her work also graces many of my works here on WDC. I didn't have to continue the search in the first place, and I believe anyone would say that the result of my request has vastly increased the value of my work here. We NEED these artists. But, we also NEED to recognize their contributions to our community through the selfless work they provide for us. When you read the header to this blog, friends, you see some (a very small portion) of the artwork that has been created for my efforts. Original artwork that graces my work is a very important part of my identity here: only the best makes it into my port. Where are the members of this community? Where will the new members come from? How can they be appropriately recognized? How can we accept that without them, our work would be less than it could be? Thank you to all our community's Graphic Artists. Your work makes our work just so much better, happier, and significant. I would, if I could, give you all 1,000,000 GP Plaques, just for daring to try to share your craft here. I can't do that right now. But, I can recognize the important and significant impact your gifts have on our gifts. You are heroes to me. I thank you, on behalf of the entire WDC community, and promise to you that I will do whatever I can to bring your work to the light, and the recognition it so valiantly deserves. I call upon all other WDC members to do the same. Become a fan. Send a CNote. Review the work. Recognize, in your work, their work. Honor them. Thank them. Love them. Care for them, because they live with stress in their craft we simply could not survive. These members are some of our greatest treasures. Thank you, kiyasama for your selfless contributions to my work over the years here on WDC. Thank you, Legerdemain , for your amazing and gifted creations which grace so many of my efforts. Thank you, goghvinci for helping me, from the beginning to establish my "brand" here on WDC. Thank you, Sara♥Jean for helping me understand how important "Wow!" graphics can be to any content in my port. Thank you to the countless artists who make my work, and our community, so much the better place to practice our craft. Thank you. |
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