Paul Smith, a well lived life

He types his art with One finger
Paul Smith confirms a God-given
talent and "my finger".

My aunt Wilma sent me a video of Paul Smith who is an artist that uses a typewriter to create his art. It is an older story but I was not aware of. What interested me was his self education. I took time to observe him and get to know him like I have hundreds of disabled kids. He blew me away!

In 2004 a local news program where Paul lives in a nursing home in Oregon at the age of 83 Paul demonstrated How he used the typewriter to draw. The video clip that I saw was just under 5 minutes. What makes the video so powerful is the fact that Paul is severely disabled with cerebral palsy. With one finger he uses eight keys on a typewriter to mark out his drawing. I thought the report also drew attention to the character and personality that Paul had. I saw the date 2004 and I thought it would be unlikely that Paul was still with us. So like I often do I search the net to find out more about him. 

As I studied his artwork I noticed not only the keys used to draw his art but also the way he uses the ink on the ribbon to create his colors, light and shadow and wonderful feel he generates using techniques that went beyond just to keys. As type writers and inks changed so did his art. He was able to express more as the years went by.

He would work 3 to 4 hours a day on his art. When you watched him work you could see the effort it took to do it. Paul himself did not concern himself with the effort but with what he was trying to create. If you got caught up with how he moves in his handicap you may miss what are you seeing of him as an artist. With Paul it wasn't anybody could do this if they work hard enough but that he had a God given ability to do the art. Most people would seeing this video see what we would tell students; “See if you work hard enough you could fulfill your dreams.” It is kind of like watching Michael Jordan and if you work hard enough you could be like Mike. Paul said, “It is not, if you work hard enough you can be an artist; but it is about, ‘What can you do?’”

FDR, more than keys

As I spent time getting to know Paul and seeing how he work the ink and keys into his drawing I can see the artist at work. Paul was born in 1921 and he wasn't expected to live out of infancy. He never learned to read and write. He lived at home with his parents until 1967 when his parents passed away. In is 46 years with his parents traveled with him all over the US. He took a trip to the Bahamas. Like many handicapped kids the parents gave Paul many wonderful experiences.

At 11 years old he began to use the typewriter to draw experiences. One person commented this is not about the content of his art but how he does it. I can see getting wrapped up in the amazement of Paul working through his handicap. But I think it did matter because it is what made him an artist.  What Paul drew was his life.There is a beautiful picture of a squirrel who came up to him to be fed. You can see in his drawing how the squirrel comes to life. He drew people and you can see in his art the people that he cared for. Look at the FDR painting.  He loved trains and art. 

His art today eight years after his death has grown in popularity and is being sold. In Paul's life most of his art was given away or was displayed in the nursing home where he lived. He loved music, church and prayers, chess, and people. He lived over 40 years in a nursing home and was well cared for. It is a lot easier for people to care for you if you're a nice guy. In 2004 Paul moved to be closer to family but he soon missed his friends of 37 years in the home and move back to Oregon. He passed away in 2007. 

Can us see # ( ) - detail of Mona Lisa 

Today Paul would've learn to walk sooner and maybe learned to read and write. His ability to play chess and express his artistic ability in words leads me to think that he would've learned to read and write. But I'm not exactly sure because each person's learning disabilities are unique to them. Paul said, “I am a self-made man, but I goofed.” Would we in his education today miss the mark completely on Paul's ability as an artist? Would Paul have the three hours a day to develop the techniques of the typewriter to do his art? Would that be encouraged or would emphasis be on a watered down curriculum that would've put his art in the closet? Reading and writing may have open doors up for Paul. Working with Paul earlier in his life may have opened up of their experiences as well. School, art, and thinking don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. 

Paul was an accomplished chess player, music lover, and spiritual person. These are probably things his parents built into his life and I don't think they would've been developed in school. What do you think? 

Doctors thought Paul would die in childhood. This self-made man lived almost to 90. The value of his work has grown since he died. He was a good man and friend to those who knew him. He lived in one room. He designed his own furniture. His life was well lived. Keep walking

Why we play the game - life?

All the greats have been here

This week's superbowl was a blow out, the game settled early. One team and fans elated and another team and their fans deflated. In general most people were rooting for Payton Manning and still taken back by the rudeness of Richard Sherman. Winning doesn't change that, but it shows again defense wins championships. The game's lopsidedness was re-mindful of the Bears winning the game in 85. Different from rudeness the Bears were bold and daring as they sang the Superbowl shuffle. In the game they were stronger, faster, and at every point dominate. Seattle's game was the same. On the run of the Bears like Joe Namath's prediction in Superbowl 3, they had fun. I think Seattle did too. Richard Sherman's tantrum leaves a bad taste in my mouth, the smell of it is fowl, the touch is cold and harsh, the sound and sight of it speaks for itself.
The 85 bears long since retired remain heroes in Bear lore. They will always be the team bigger than two coaches and as big as the city with broad shoulders. Seattle will have their heroes too. Sherman as talented as they come, will get other opportunities. Will he learn and man up? If he does he too may be the better.
I came across a quote John Wooden was used to saying and his players never forgot it. "When the great scorer comes to Mark against your name, he writes not that you won or lost but how you played the game." Grantland Rice I think that is largely forgotten by today's athlete. Every athlete if he or she stays in the game long enough will face defeat. Y.A. Tittle ends his career bloodied and broken, Johnny U on the bench. Brett Fayre cold and old looking, Ali can't punch back, Michael Jordon can't get back to the championship. Defeat is part of the game. For a champion and competitor it will come back to how you played the game? No one is perfect and in our youth and strength we may have be unwise at times. If the game somehow didn't challenge us and made us better for the process; we may have forgotten why we play the game. Somewhere between the joy of it and the lessons learned is the balance. Keep walking. 

Aging Graceful sometimes we have to be "Mad as Hell"

Peter Finch portrays the angry Howard Beale in the 1976
movie “Network.” Have you ever been "Mad as Hell"

Working through some arthritic pain right now. Lots of studies show how moving helps. Sometimes we have to take time to move right with skilled therapy. Often it comes down to little moves you wouldn't think of. I have a few weeks before I measure waist again. Each day I try to do the right thing in regard to eating and moving. here I am just saying I am working on it.
Several articles I linked happiness and faster walking to graceful aging. There are reason why we may not walk as fast as we should. But here is a goal for you this year - walk a little faster than what you can do right now. If you walk 1/2 hour miles, a stroll try to walk 20-25 minutes miles. If add the end of the year you walk 26 minutes per mile, give yourself a hug. If you are walking 20 minute mile, try to reach 16-18 minute mile. Your getting in the aerobic area and based on age and conditioning you may be there. Somehow this all makes a difference.
Are you a a happy person or a grump? Apparently it matters in healthy aging. If you are a grump how do you get happy? Think about it because I am not sure myself how to change. In the movie "Grumpy Old Men" They were always in a bad mood toward each other. The bright spot was they saw humor in playing tricks on each other. They also had joy with their kids. Problems came where they actually cared about each other. It is a movie, but maybe we are not grumpy about everything. Finding things we can find joy or good feelings about may be what we should look for each day. Get a notebook, use a notebook or program on phone or computer. Write down each day something that makes you happy, smile, feel good about. Do have somebody when you gripe with can laugh about it? Write it down. Some of my favorite conversations are mutual complaining. Barb is not very good at it. She is a happy person. Keep walking

Losing our Marbles, what is on your mind?

Where did I put my marbles?

Losing our Marbles

Memory and mental functioning as we get older is on our minds. How many times have you heard, “I am having a senior moment?” I am good at trivial pursuit. I seem to know a lot of everything. When I can’t remember something I wonder why? When I think about it I remind myself why I should know some little fragment of useless trivia and there are still a lot of things I don’t know. Forgetting and recall should be normal in a life that keeps moving. Our brains are always making new pathways over older non used pathways that are natural and because one has lived long enough for this to happen should be expected.

In keeping with the Walking with the fat man are there things I can do to keep the brain healthy and functioning as I age? Here are some ideas I have found the last 7 years:

·       Walking and moving makes our brains grow more than crossword puzzles

·       Eating a heart healthy diet helps our blood vessels to stay open and prevent strokes and prevent development of dementia

·       Learning new things helps our brains to keep changing and growing.

·       Making new friends and experiences help our brain

·       Coping with stress is good for our brain

·       Staying hydrated helps the brain

·       Forgetting is part of life. Remember when you couldn’t recall something when you were young. Well you are still capable of forgetting. That’s life!

I was just reading WebMD an article by Dennis Thompson, “(Health Day News) -- Elderly people who participate in "brain training" classes to keep their minds sharp continue to see positive benefits 10 years after the training, according to a new study.” Particularly problem solving does better than memory. If we live long enough our brains will have wear and tear like the rest of our bodies but we can through life style changes do better along the way. Keep walking

Not a resolution but a revision

Not really a resolution but maybe a revision is what I have been acting on of late. BMI we often think of a weight we need to be at. A good goal if you are obese is to become over weight. The weight loss there is huge for your health. As long as you are improving your diet and fitness you are your way to greater health. Diet to me is about portion eating and eating smarter and for your health. BMI has some variable in it based on muscle to fat ratio. The best way to know that is when you get closer to a healthy weight check in with your doctor.
Another way to look at it is your waistline. How ever tall you are your waist should be 1/2 that. I know there is a difference between men and women so look up what is for you and check with doctor. For me my waist should be at 35 to 37 inches. Well my doctor would tell me to get real. So my first goal is 40 inches. Once a month I will take a measurement and report the loss or gain. When I get close to 40 I will reveal my waist size. I have to have some dignity.
My old man exercises have been a real encouragement. They are sit-ups, crunches, push-ups, dips, squats, lunges and flexibility moves. I am also going to work out getting off the floor. Working to increase my flexibility will help here. As we get older we should do these body exercises and find ways to get the practical benefit from it. I am not a doctor or qualified to advise you but I am thinking about it for myself. If you are unsure of yourself to get off the floor practice with the kids around or people that can help you get up. Use a stable chair right next to you or a bed. And if you need to check with your doctor first that is always the best. Try first from a sitting position, then from a laying down position. It is good to know what you got to work on. Do you play with the grand kids on the floor than you know. Maybe that's why people find yoga useful or Tai Chi. Learn more about senior fitness. Check out Web MD or Dr. Oz for ideas on flexibility. Another place may be the National Institute of Aging. Keep walking 

Loss can be very hard...big part of who we are

My dad and still have coffee
He would laugh at this

One therapist shared with me as I was dealing with depression that eventually all therapy deals with loss and leads to the ultimate loss of our own mortality. Loss in life is hard and painful. I read an article today, Running Away From My Grief–Literally By Alicia Sparks 

Alicia has some good ideas, but I believe we should take time to grieve. Getting back into our life will happen but grief will happen and it is normal. We may have an idea of 30 minutes then I will move on. 30 minutes may work for a sitcom but it won't work for grief. I believe it gets in-touch with needed emotions that we need in loss. Grief like love is to be experienced. I can't say I like the experience but I needed it just the same. 

From the Bible death is our enemy because of sin and the fall all experience it. Some may become aged and welcome death but for many death comes to soon. There is an immediate separation between the living and the dead. The desire to have one more conversation, one more cup of tea or coffee. Regret and re-do-over, I wish...all come into play. 

If grief is hard you know you loved the one departed. If grief is not what others experience, know that like every other experience each one is as unique as a finger print, a snow flake. 

Grief has its limits. For the Christian their is hope in eternal life, there is a reunion where we will recognize our love ones and continue our relationship with them. This is called in part the Christian's hope. "To be absent from the body and present with the Lord".

There seems to be a common grace where grief eases up and we are able to move on. We are not alone in this experience and we are comforted by others in their experience with grief. 

Alicia shares nine things which you can look at the link below on how to use running to help your grief. I might add you can use biking, walking, swimming in the same way. 

I few ideas I gleaned was

1. Honor and respect the one lost.  Ken Bruen's Jack Taylor from "The Guards" respects and honors his father's memory. His fathers love of books and love for him makes Jack a very human character you care about. But his mother was harsh and sucked the life out of others. Jack can not respect and honor her loss and it may be that which hooks him into alcohol and prevents him from making intimate connections with loved ones. He can not change who his mother was nor gloss over it. It is the stuff of abuse and betrayal. Honor and respect helps us moved to a good place with those who are gone, but if something happened that hinders us we may need help to forgive or let go the negative impact on our lives. 
2. Talk to your loved ones while you walk or run. Me I talk to my dad when I feel like it and I have a cup of coffee on Saturday mornings in the very kitchen we used to have a cup of java. I think we all talk to our love ones or am I wrong here?
3. Do something for them. In NCIS Gibbs works in a work shop in his basement doing different projects where his lost family memories are kept, his ex partner Mike. I believe working wood is a therapy for him. Tommy McDonald has a work shop program where he keeps a picture of his sister lost early in life. I think there is something to this. Alicia writes about running for your loved one. Doing something with our bodies I think will help us process grief. 

Any way some thoughts I hope you find helpful. Keep walking

Independence in Retirement? a few thoughts

If he is like me there may not be bait on the line -
Sorry dad and Rich

Independence in Retirement? I read an article today where people over 45% of people 65-69 will need some assistance in their daily life. That may include devises and Tech stuff that are used independent of others such as a cane. Many of us have already used eyeglasses and in the future hearing aides. Life can be adapted and enjoyed. In my blog I have talked about walking, strength training and flexibility as a way to slow down the aging process with the idea of greater control over our activities and life. In retirement now I have been able to get back on track to lose weight. Why? I want to live better in the years ahead.
I have been thinking about independence has to be more than self reliance. Independence has to be more than a second childhood. You and I have seen the ads, retired people walking the beach, dancing, eating in restaurants in exotic locations. I am all for that stuff on vacation, dinner dates and times to relax. Not doing that stuff all the time keeps it special. Today I was watching my wife and grand-daughter making cookies and doing homework together. Listening to them, they were having fun. Both of them were sharing their memories together. We actually had the privilege of being to the beach with that grandchild and it was a memory. But I can't say it was better than what I saw today.
Working on our health is about the ability to move and think; but it is also about to feel the ones in our lives, friends and family still kicking and enjoying the day the Lord has made. Independence to not be lonely. I got a big kick out of my three grandsons doing stuff for me this year. To see them flex their muscles and brains to do some projects around the house. I could have hired it out, but their help was better. They did most of the work and I mostly watched fetched, and talked. My littlest grandchildren bring their own joys.
Time brings its challenges and we may need a little help from time to time, but that ain't all bad. Keep walking.

Is it wise to extend life? Weighing in

Getting older and is it wise to extend life to 100 or beyond is in public debate these days. At the heart of it will be cost. The focus has been are we extending life to be lived or prolonging the time we die. We know as government takes control of medical spending inside the beltway elitism will swing to saving money by limiting end of life medicine. I have been looking at articles meant for student interest and education and the articles are framed in such a way that extending life is either wrong or unwise. Like many social issues kids are being programmed to accept the idea of what the elite think is best for them. Increasingly the elderly will be seen as a burden to a growing number of people who have come from fragmented and dysfunctional homes.
I would like to look at aging science from a different point of view. Learning and research has a way of filtering down to better ideas and care. There are a lot of people who are living better because of aging science. The three things that matter, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, care has improved and people live better and longer. We know a lot about preventative care and I have seen it out in the neighborhoods and parks where people walk. Obesity has become the new smoking warning and I believe we will see improvement.
I believe it is important to value seniors. Their contribution and presence gives perspective that glues us together. In our lives they still means a lot. My parents passed early and when they are gone they are missed. Living well and even experiencing the effects of aging are part of the human experience.
In the Bible a few thoughts center on human value:

Net Ps. 92:14 "They bear fruit even when they are old; they are filled with vitality and have many leaves."

NASB Job 12:12 "Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding."

NASB  Zech 8:4 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age." 

NASB Ps. 71:9 "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails."

NKJV  Isa. 46:4 "Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you ! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."

NASB  20:29 T"he glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair."

I wonder as the "Great generation (those who went through the depression & WWII)" passes if we will respect the baby boomers. 

A friend of mine shared the view it is good we old guys retire and give our kids an opportunity to work. I actually have seen many articles and discussions on that point. What I think is more crucial is creating more jobs that matter. Inside the beltway doesn't seem to have much thought on that. 

I hope we keep aging science out there and deal better with those who are in there last moments. I know it will improve living. Something more than cost is at stake. Keep walking

Hurtful wounds

As we get older sometimes our words get a little looser. I remember in Bible College profs talking about a ex-prof suffering from dementia then in a nursing home swearing like a sailor. Of course many are like the dad in Christmas Story who swear like an art form. But in many work places public talk can be different from private talk. Working in a hospital and school for over 40 years I have chosen not to swear. That doesn't mean never.
But more than word emotions seem harder to control for many seniors. Then there is the other side of it how often do we lose our cool and words, with seniors. I imagine there is a little give and take. If both parties are trading insults that may be the way it is. But how many of us say something that we regret? I have seen kids wanting to clear the air to only hurt and break relationships. They didn't have that in mind when they started to share feelings. Parents have done the same and where we hurt is with those we love. In the New York times Paula Span's article Words that Wound, reported the senior's point of view concerning verbal abuse. I think we can all understand the situation of a caregiver getting frustrated and a senior getting upset over the struggles of aging. Lemon and Matthau in their many versions of the Odd Couple gave us insight with their humor of grumpy old men.
To me the first step to healing starts with here is where we are at. There is not a course that prepares us for getting old or dealing with those that are. We are each of us unique. We are either the child or parent in the changing of our relationship. Care-giving in this relationship is far from easy. Receiving care from someone you gave care to is harder than we have imagined. Changes are more difficult and with less support we find ourselves unprepared.
I don't think it is easy nor should it be, but we can work towards it being caring and in the end something we are glad we did. There are resources out their to help the caregiver, but what about seniors? Many are members of AARP or other senior interest groups. There are web sites designed for seniors, some I have a page about good sites. What ever end you are at here it is good to share with your friends.
Reading other experiences may be helpful. Getting involved with our friends who need care may also give us insight on how we can make this experience better. It may be helpful to reach out if you feel lonely or frustrated about getting older. I have mentioned before 25% of us experience depression. For me it was better to seek help than remain depressed. One thing that happens is who cares what others think. What is best for me and those I care about. It may be a road less traveled. Keep walking.

November 1963 three great minds passed that day

C. S. Lewis 1898-1963

On November 22, 1963, 50 years ago, three significant men died. John F. Kennedy’s deaths took center stage and in the minds of most still do. Those of us who were old enough to remember can recall on that clear fair fall day what we were doing. I was out on the football field playing a touch football game when the news spread out to where we were playing Kennedy was shot. A little later in the classroom we heard on the radio that he had died. That week end glued to the TV we watched several times the events that unfolded.

I know Billy Crystal remembers with fondness listening to the World Series on radio in a happier memory. I know my friend Ken does. Bless those teachers they knew what they were doing.

At the time I was unaware of the other two men who died that day. Now that awareness would come much later for me.

On October 25, 1960 I was sitting on a front lawn, where the old farm house sat in a hill. There was a large barn and small one in back of the house. To the right was the new ramps and highway of I 55. Across the street was a gas station. The house and station are gone now. Route 30 has been expanded. In 1960 an eight year was sitting on the lawn when a motorcade came by

Joy Davidson Lewis
Romance started through letters
married

with American Flags. I waved as they passed, hoping Kennedy saw me. He was going into to Joliet for a campaign appearance. Dr. Robert Sterling a local historian recorded the event in his book on Joliet. I was not certain what time of the year it was. Kennedy needed Illinois and Mayor Daley counted all the votes, including the ones in the grave yards and they voted early and often. For me I saw somebody who may become president and at eight that is a big deal.

When I became a Christian in the winter of 1972, while doing my laundry in my Grandmother’s kitchen where I pulled out a track a fella gave me three weeks earlier. As I read the track I remembered the conversation I had with the fella and things my friend Judy Cronk had told me over a period of two years. I knew I need Christ as my Savior and trusted Him for my salvation right there. About 10 months later I met Mark Huber who served as a medic in the army. Mark was 6’7” and still growing. He had a great smile and a love of books. He was the one who got me to begin reading Clive Staples Lewis. First book Mere Christianity, Miracles, Screwtape Letters and that was it; I had to get my hands on everything I could. Between 1972 and 1975 I had read in the neighborhood of 3,000 books.  My mind was alive; quite a change from a fellow who read only 5 books in school.

Reading about Lewis, I loved his struggles, his triumphs, his late marriage and loss. He loved to go on walks, challenge his students, engage with his friends and his writings were like conversation. He was brilliant that way. He passed away at the foot of his bed and was found at 5:30 P.M. in his home in England. An hour later, Kennedy would die in Dallas.

Aldous Huxley 1894-1963

Aldous Huxley also died on November 22, 1963. He was agnostic and is most known for the book, The Brave New World. My advice read the book first before you read what others think of it. Also read the book before you watch a movie about it. Mortimer Adler writing on the reading of books, my paraphrase "read the best books, that is all you have time for"

The sun is out much like it was in 1963. Keep Walking

California woman, 86, dies after marathon finish: 'What a way to go'

Joy Johnson now with the Lord

You can read the LA Times article about the 86 year old woman who died after finishing the New York Marathon. She refused to go to the hospital after a fall, the next day she had an exiting interview on the Today show, went back to her hotel. She told her friend she felt tired and went to sleep and never woke up.  Should she have gone to the hospital, yes but it was her choice and she went out running and finished the race.
She apparently went to 25 New York Marathons over the years and traveled to many more marathons. She trained and enjoyed the travel. After her husband's death it was run, run, run. Her daughter spoke of her as faith first then family and then run. her daughter said she went out like she wanted too.
Joy Johnson finished well, not just moving but running. Twenty six miles and like the Greek hero who started the Marathon thousands of years ago inspires us even in death To test the boundaries of life and live it. For her it was a life of faith. She encourages us to keep living and moving. Keep walking

Retirement a 2nd or 3rd chance at life

I was reading a book about retirement and the author said,"we don't die of old age, we die of retirement." One could make an argument the other way around, but let's go with it for a minute. Do we suffer from lack of purpose and the benefit of work? There is a certain security of a paycheck. My dad worked and died at work. Growing up through the depression and living poor left its mark on him. There are countless people who worked till the day they died. There has also been those who worked for less because of being old made them less productive.
Things happen so I am glad we can retire when we get older. But can we continue with purpose and value. In truth more of our time is taken up with health concerns and most seniors take an active role in the family care. But there will come a time when the aged are cared for.
More many of us years have been put into jobs with little payback or personal satisfaction. Work has value but some jobs can test that theory. Retirement can be a redo in something that interests us and something that can benefit others.
For me there is a passion to walk and share what walking has done for me. There is a passion to change the way I eat to live better. There is an offshoot passion about aging and rounding off the curve where more of my life is independent and I feel better. I am reading tons of stuff with the passion to share what I have learned to help others live well as we age.
Along the way I have a passion to understand mental illness and not be controlled by it. Related to this is abuse won't be who I am and I desire to help those caught up in the darkness of abuse. These new energies give a new way to look at retirement. Keep walk

Assisted Suicide, let's slow down a minute

Let's take time to enjoy the path for a while

Today I am writing about a not so nice topic, but laws are being passed and attitudes are being accepted which will directly effect our aging experience. We need to be careful that we are not being set up or becoming lulled to sleep about who calls the shots when we age and face the possibility of dying.
Different states have ruled for assisted suicide for those very old of sick. I believe it will become the law of the land within five years. Doctors assisting suicide will no longer be criminals. They will instead be there to offer another option. Proponents are already aware that how they pose the option directly effects the response. Would you like a more natural death or would you like CPR not to be performed. A nice warm and fuzzy approach is to be preferred.
Our children who have no idea of what it means to get older or value the experience of being aged will often be in charge of our time to terminate.
Death will be free of pain and we will be made comfortable. Self murder if you survive can get you hospitalized today, but soon you will be able to go to a clinic and be helped.
For sure at first it won't be that easy and it will be a lawyer's and doctor's nightmare. At least I hope so, because this option should never be easy.
Ending life should never be easy and it should not be with the promise of no pain. The Bible makes it clear "that it is appointed unto man once to die and after that judgment." Like birth, life, school, work, marriage, having kids, raising kids, aging, we get one go around. It goes pretty fast. We need to smell the roses. Death like everything else is unique to each one of us. For those who love us, death separates us in this life. Let's pause a minute.
People dying recover, hang on, get worse. What ever their experience it is their time. While we live in this life there is hope, but everyone will expire save a work of God. There comes a time when we won't recover and a time when all that is left is the last moments. I am all for hospice and pain management, but just lost of awareness so we have personal peace and comfort is not enough.
I am all for the argument of are we extending death or the chance of extending life. The debate will come to each one of us. Also will come is the time we die however unpleasant, letting go and making peace with ourselves, loved ones and God. These things have never been easy and I don't think they should be assisted by suicide.
The next move will be people making this decision for us. Hope of recovery won't become optional.
If we keep walking, they won't catch us for awhile.
 

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

Mom

I was watching "On Golden Pond" with teens the other day. They wanted to know why we were watching this old movie. When I think of an old movie I think of "Bringing up Baby" a 1937 movie with Hepburn and Grant. All a matter of perspective.
One of the kids said with the approval of the whole room, "I don't never want to get old" he had been watching "Norman" the old poop, complain of aging. I responded after concidering his observation, "none of us plan to get old. It just happens."
He told me, "You ain't old mister."
I thought about being 61 and that I was closer to Henry Fonda in the film than I was to the group of teens in the room.
Many have told me when they get aged how hard it is to be old. Nothing works right. Katherine Hepburn herself wrote about how difficult is was to get old. Kate faced age with courage and grit and lived well into her 90's.
Pictured in the blog is my mother. One one of my visits she let me take a picture of her. She always did, but she said something I obviously never forgot.
"Why is it when I am old everybody wants a picture of me?" Painfully when she was younger we were separated from each other. Kids, take a lot of pictures of your parents when they are young. You will love them later.

 

So thinking of Mother's day I enjoy looking at my beautiful mother. She was quick witted and  full of fun. As an adult I had many visits with her and our conversations were priceless to me. She really took to Barb and Barb was always very relaxed and comfortable with my mother. By the way mom never sided with me about anything concerning Barb. It was probably right that I was wrong, but how wise she was.
I was never the best on the phone as I was in person. My only regret would be to have visited her more. I am glad I did visit her over the years.
You will see a lot of flowers on the blog, a gift to me from my mother, keep walking

Dad's birthday, triggers kind thoughts

Dad reading the
Herald

Today is my father's birthday, he would have been 86 today. He has been gone now nearly 18 years. Every Saturday nearly I have a cup of coffee and I recall in his later years how he used to come over for a cup of coffee and plan some rehab project at my house or his. We talked about alot of things and I wouldn't trade those times for the world. I also recalled the ballgames and basketball games we watched together. His TV was bigger than mine. He liked comedies and didn't care to much for movies, he liked reading the paper, doing the crossword puzzle and talking in the kitchen. We both love the outdoors an gardening, he was the better athlete, but then I have CP, I wasn't bad.
He never went to college, but he was smart. He worked hard for me to have care I needed to live strong the way I do, I owe a lot to him and he always had my heart. I don't think he would be on the Internet but happy birthday dad.
When I was a kid I fell a lot and he would never pick me up. The specialist told him it would be better for me if I picked myself up. He told me later that it bothered him every time I fell. I fall less today because I am more mindful of the pain, but I still don't like people helping to get up. I naturally get a little gruff. That doesn't make me right for I think people are being kind. It is just old habits are hard to break.
I was touched today by the Principal's kind words and a nice visit with a friend. Later I enjoyed the company with my daughter.
My knees are healing and I a able to stretch a bit without pain of injury. The paved trails are great for movement an healing. Tomorrow I hope to walk a new trail and I will be fun to see that trail through the seasons. Kind thoughts for my dad and keep walking 

Barb is the real deal

Today was a gray day, sort of what you expect in an Illinois winter. Tonight a light dusting of  snow. I am thinking about my wonderful wife who has had a great career helping thousands of people with her medical knowledge and experience. She excelled in emergency and intensive care for over 20 years. She was excellent in setting up a clinic in Africa and in home health. For the last 12 years she has cared for kids with severe disabilities many of which are life threatening. She also helped set up a week of handicap camp that still carries on over 35 years. Is there a greater service then caring for those who can't care for themselves.

In James 1:27 it tells a pure religion is one that cares for widows and orphans. Barb has done this all of her adult life. In the last two year an administrator has come who is very toxic and has run the place into the ground. What is sad are the kids who won't receive the services they need for their survival. Many good qualified people have been forced to leave. Leadership is noticed when their is none. Leaders who toot their own horn but are themselves an empty shell can destroy many things. Who gets hurt the most orphans (severely handicap). Barb is a contrast by her skilled and caring ways. It is a no brainer, I will walk with Barb, keep walking. 

Nice hear from old friends

We had good shade for people as they waited to be treated.

I heard from Maggie today who with her husband George were very helpful to Barb and I in Africa. They had very practical advise on how to run a bush clinic. We charged 25 cents per patient and we able to pay for all our medicines with that revenue. If someone didn't have it we treated anyway. Our total budget was user $700.00 a month. Money they gave went for the medicine not us. We ran a clinic and school, paid for gas and food. When I came back to the states I had $1.00 in my pocket.
George was a WW2 pilot who had flown the highest ranked generals through an ice storm. George is with the Lord but Maggie and her daughter live in the Houston area. She is quite the lady.
Went and watched Skyfall over the weekend, the view of Scotland was cool. I don't think I want to walk in the tunnels under London. It be easy to get lost.
Here is another article on how exercise builds brain muscle. Keep walking

 http://healthmeup.com/news-buzz/exercise-mental-activity-vital-for-brain-health/17908

The politics of walking

Win or Lose the sun comes up tomorrow

Ah the election is over and soon no one will be happy. Politics
One thing we can choose is a walk today or a healthy meal. The returns can be encouraging.
I began reading Billy Graham's book NEARING HOME Life, Faith, and Finishing Well Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. In his introduction, he writes, "old age is not for sissies. Get any group of older people together, and I can almost guarantee what their favorite topic of conversation will be: their latest aches and pains." Graham is now in his middle 90's and in the last year he has experienced the down side of aging. His mind is active and upbeat and I will look forward to what he has discovered. Having gone through a few problems I have learned sharing you find those who are in a battle.
I have read alot of WW2 vets who faced the horror of war with great courage, but I have also spent time with those who have faced health issues and aging and seen their courage. Walking with the Fat Man is an attempt to round off curve of aging and decline to live well longer. In the Cooper newsletter for November the articles discussed how to prevent, deal with, and win over pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. I strongly encourage you to sign up for the news letter. It is good science and very practical in lifestyle changes at any age. Type "Cooper newsletter" in your browser and check it out. You will find the link in my pages as well. Our enemies most of us will face is heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Whatever our politics, life on this planet comes down to these battles.

from Anne's blog

Reading A Walker in the Suberbs, Anne Cassidy writes of a loss of an high school classmate who was full of adventure and life. Such loss pointed her to the need of the individual after the focus of an election. I don't know Anne personally, but I enjoy her blog. I was encouraged by a recent comment from Scott, paraphrasing, "walking may begin with health but becomes a enjoyment in itself."
I have noticed in my walking an improvement in my conditioning from adding strength training. I get a sense we do these things for the long run and journey of our lives.  Keep walking

Great website for Bible study and exercise and aging

OK Walking won't make me young again, but what it does
ain't bad

I was listening to a recording of Lewis Perry Chafer in a series on the study of He Who is Spiritual, also a title of a book he wrote back in 1918. The lectures were given sometime before his death in the early 50's. Included in the lectures is an update on the subject, which basic notes can be found in Chafer's 8 volumes systematic theology. The personal antidotes and perspective of an older man I find of interest. With his writings the study is well worth the serious student of Scriptures. Visit http://www.raystedman.org/chafer/
Go to http://www.raystedman.org/complete-library and you can get access to a life time of a very good pastor, Ray Stedman. If you like good bible study, this site is outstanding.
Dr. Chafer talks of people telling you to to live a good life, he teaches how. As you listen to the audio you can hear the age in voice.
Walking with the fat man our subject matter is basically about my experience and learning how to live more healthy. What is the impact of walking, healthy diet on my life and how does my experience benefit you in your journey of better health. Usually once a week I share how walking with God impacts my life and health. The stereotype is usually spirituality is counter productive to healthy living. Fanaticism and extremism and control makes people skeptical. On every blog I invite you to share your opinion, but I don't think many feel comfortable with that. I hope you find my blog safe to think and check out. I love giving you websites you can check out. My biggest hope is you find all of this helpful.
It sure helps to take walks all day at work and do my workouts at home. Resistant workouts can be 100 steps per minute in walk conversion. As we get older we really need them. In aging we lose muscle and bone, resistance helps us to slow down the loss or actually add muscle and bone. I am invested in it because of my handicap and my tendency to fall. Falls are huge in our health as we age. I know how they have hurt my friends and family as they aged. So I walk and workout. Is it my personality to fight back? I think so, but it is also based on science and research that points out it works.
Resistant training along with walking makes my joints and muscles feel better. We were made to move. How does walking help you? How does resistant training help you? Both activities can be added to your life as you move toward retirement or are retired. A half hour walk and a 10 minute workout - what a difference. Keep walking

William Willberforse lived a round life can wedo the right things

Thanks Scott, what  great, Scott ran half a marathon

Would we make the mistakes of the past? In Matt. 23 Jesus addressed the crowd in Jerusalem the day before he would be arrested. He talked about their ancestors killing prophets they honored. Their response was no way we would have done those things, yet within days they would kill the greatest prophet ever. Would we kill Indian tribes to near extinction, own slaves, not work children in workhouses, Abuse our mates, children, use the poor to make our riches? Surely not! But all of these things are found in our world and many bad things right in the US. I am not so confident we are capable of not doing terrible things. Jesus pointed out how we may attend to the greatest detail of our life for the way we may live, but forget the things that are important. Jesus infers to an Old Testament verse which helps us with the important things of life. "He has told you O man what is good and what does the Lord require of you to do justice, to love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" NASB The verse cuts through the heart of it don't you think.
I was watching movie Amazing Grace and it is a story of William Wilberforce conversion and purpose in life to practice Micah's truth. He gave a quarter of his annual income to the poor. He work against child labor, wife battery and abuse, he worked to end the slave trade in England, on his death bed emancipation of slaves in England came about. He was an Evangelical Christan and politition who used the political tricks of the day to win these causes. The social call of the Wesleyan revivals had their effects on changing the face of England. Historians debate whether their efforts stoped the revolution of France spreading to England. These evangelist gave more power to the house of commons and led the way in the change of the English experience in the 19th and 20th century.
These movement came to the US and would seek rights of slaves and women and their right to vote. Probation may have failed but there was a need to challenge the alcoholic behavior the day. Women we getting the crap beat out of them and losing money to raise families to a growing abuse of alcohol. Preachers joined the sufferets to stop the abuse. Women get a right to vote and prohibition gets repealed but alcohol and abuse continues. We put a bad name on those ladies and the preachers who spoke out on the evil. I have talked to several girls in therapy who give vivid pictures of men who drink abusing the families awfully. A Battered child or wife may not be able to fend for herself. That IS GOING ON NOW. I have feared a man but none other.  I am committed to stand in harms way for these children and Ladies.
William Wilberforce lived a long life, doing what he could to the diseases he had of the stomach. He changed his diet and social games, he worked with purpose and died an old age of 73. He rounded he curve and made a difference.
My punch to night is Micah 6:8, memorize it an have a go of it in practice.
Thinking of important things that are important to health: walk, eat well, medical counsel - Keep walking