Four Boyfriends....a must read!!!!

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends. 
  
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best. 
 
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another. 
 
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times. 
 
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend, although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him! 
 
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be alone.' 
 
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. 
 
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart. 
  
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold. 
 
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 
  
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' 
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated. 
  
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. 
  
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!' 
 
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives: 
 
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die. 
  
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you die, it will all go to others. 
 
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave. 
 
And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. 
 
However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity. 
 
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray. 
 Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. 

Random Acts of Kindness... The CAB RIDE story

The Cab Ride

 

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I walked to the  door and knocked.  

'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.  All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a card board box filled with photos and glassware..

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

 She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good  boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a  hospice.

 I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.

'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an  elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds 

She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home with a driveway that passed under a  portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

 'There are other passengers,' I responded.

 Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she  said 'Thank you.'

 

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. 

What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What  if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve  around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people. 

But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending. it on and reminding us that often it is the random acts of kindness that most benefit all of us.

Thank you, my friend...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Judi Shaughnessy...pray for her peaceful passing... CANCER...please find another planet.

Please pray for Judi Shaughnessy. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer a few months back and unfortunately went home on hospice today. Judi is the mother of TJ, a friend of mine from high school. She is a very sweet and incredible woman...I pray she finds peace and continues to be comfortable during her remaining time. I also pray she and her loved ones have the opportunity to continue making memories together in the very precious remaining time. May God truly bless her.

- Maria 

Hi Sylvia,

I'm asking for prayer for a special intention for all of Thursday morning. Please call down the Holy Spirit to guide my words as I speak fro 9-12 Thursday and please God put your words on my lips and open the listeners hearts. I'm in a awkward spot  and would be braced with the prayer warriors support. Thanks,

Maureen 

Please also pray for Karen Guman's family - Karen's dad passed away  - this morning they gather to celebrate and remember a life well lived.  

Hello Prayer Friends

--Celia, who sees Dr. next week to discuss back surgery. For referral to the "right" surgeon and God's perfect timing for surgery. 

--Celia's son Grant and his family who have financial difficulties...for guidance and direction in the difficult decisions they face. 

--Uncle Bill (Josh's uncle) who tore his meniscus last week. Sees Dr. next week for more tests and possible surgery.

--Linda, my friend Laura's sister for whom we prayed 7 years ago when she had a double mastectomy.  Has been having back pain and finally saw a Dr.  Cancer may be back, in her spine.  Awaiting more test results.

--Adam, my friend Meg's son who leaves for Ireland on Sunday to study there for the semester.

--Nicole, who continues to do well after surgery, and her husband Scott, who continues his training in his new job with CSX railroad. Please pray they are able to sell their house so they can live together in their new apt in Ridley Park. They face many changes and challenges in their future and all things are possible with God and our prayers!

--Meg, a praise that her recent brain MRI/MRA showed no change in the area of concern.

Thank you.

Pat

THIS WAS SENT YESTERDAY...

For today, please pray for healing for Rich.  He is scheduled for repeat cognitive testing tomorrow.  Has symptoms of allergies/cold, not at his best.  It took 3 months to get this appt. and he already has f/u appt. with Neurologist on Tuesday to discuss results and fulfill compliance regulation for Medicare to pay for his cpap machine ($700- started using Oct. 21st and must see referring physician within 90 days).  Rich does not know he has testing appt. by prior agreement so he will not stress all night anticipating it.  Thanks!

Pat

AND KNOWING THAT WE ALL KEEP EACH OTHER IN PRAYER, HERE IS AN UPDATE FROM PAT TODAY:

Your prayers, Vit. C and abundant supply of Gatorade have resulted in a turnaround for Rich. A miracle compared to last night when his eyes were nearly swollen shut. His symptoms are nearly gone and he is full of energy. So, we will keep the appt. tomorrow. Last time I told him where we were going on the way to Raleigh.  I'm packing a lunch and we'll have it before his testing at 12.  We did this last time and he was fine. Thank you.

Pat

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR NICOLE'S PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALING SINCE HER SURGERY:

​Nicole called the Dr.'s office Friday night and spoke to the nurse on call. Was told to follow her discharge instructions; not helpful.  Last night she emailed her Dr. who emailed her back today. He addressed her concerns and gave her much needed assurance regarding these changes in her body. She is scheduled to return to work on Jan. 23rd. 

Thank you for your prayers. 

Pat

Hello all...this is a group update!

Rich had his testing today with a great Neuropsychologist at Wake Med.

His diagnosis following comparison of results with identical testing 2 years ago is Mild Cognitive Impairment, Amnestic Type (with additional modalities this time). The areas of severe deficit last time, memory and learning, showed increased deficit today. She explained it this way... when processing information, our brain goes through stages: we receive, store, and retrieve the information.  Last time Rich was able to receive and store but not retrieve; today he was able to receive but not store or retrieve information.  In other areas such as thinking, judgment, language etc. there were no significant changes.

We will see the Neurologist tomorrow to discuss results of CPAP usage and today's testing.  

What does this mean?  According to Dr. Mathes today, 50% of folks like Rich go on to develop Alzheimer's Disease.  The other 40% stay the same and 10% show improvement (those whose cognitive issues were related to medical condition which were identified and treated).

Plan:  Medical intervention.  Psychologist said there are new meds available which have had good results in slowing progression.  

Lifestyle changes, many of which we have or are making. Downsizing will be a big, positive step. 

Repeat testing in a year to closely monitor any changes.

Thanks for all of your prayers. Rich felt them. Me, too. As we were driving to Raleigh today and I told him about the appt., he was fairly calm.  We had an hour to talk and eat some lunch before it began.  We took a walk while waiting to hear the results and affirmed that we are a great team, facing this together, with gratitude for all the blessings we do have. 

Love,

Pat 

UPDATE ON JIM WHO WE'VE BEEN PRAYING FOR

Hi Sylvia,
Wanted to update all your prayer warriors with regard to my friend, Jim, who was battling liver cancer. Jim passed away Friday night in his sleep at home with family by his bedside. Thank you for your prayers which I believe helped him pass peacefully. If I may ask for continued prayers for his wife, Maggie as her mother passed away less than 12 hours after Jim. Please keep Maggie and her two children in prayer. Thank you.

In Christ,
Marie

ALSO, MY COWORKER'S AUNT MARGIE WAS ADMITTED HOSPICE ON FRIDAY AND PASSED AWAY AT 130PM ON SATURDAY.  CHERYL THANKS ALL OF YOU FOR PRAYING FOR HER.

PRAYER REQUESTS FROM CAROLE Y:

Good All,

     Please offer prayers for a 17 yr old , Norton who had brain surgery this week to rid his head of a tumor.

we didn't find out if it was cancer or not, so please help him with your prayers.  Love you and with each of you every day praying for your petitions. 

       Carol,

                                               Always read your prayers and now will ask for prayers for Andrew, John’s son. Just this Wed. he had his second hip replacement . first hip was replaced in Aug of 14 and now the other hip needed replacement. He is up at college in Rochester and had surgery done there. Just came home yesterday. Problem with the hip bones arose from intense chemo he received about 2 yrs ago for lymphoma. The chemo destroyed his hip bones.  Drs. did not want to replace because of his age (21) but the pain was more than he wanted to tolerate. Andrew is a very intelligent guy and in fact has a chance to go to California this summer for an internship for a company that is part of NASA.  Pray that God will see him through this and have a healthy future for him. Thanks!

                                                            Love , Betty

I just received an e-mail from Melanie Newhard, many of you know her from Curcio.  Her mother just passed away 12/27 and the family if having a very hard time dealing with this saddness .  She is an extremely religious woman and I know she is trying to help them all, but they need prayers.  Please remember them.  Love you all Carole Y

UPDATE ON CAROL C'S AUNT DORIS:

Thank you all for your prayers for my Aunt Doris, her surgery went well. Now she is filling up with fluid. Today she is being sent home to be with one of her daughters. Hospice will be coming in to assist. Please ask the good Lord to be kind and merciful that she might not suffer. May the Lord grant her a peaceful passing.

Thank you

Carol

Megan Kinsella Quaranta's THIRD chemo is this Wednesday - saw her over the weekend as well and she looks wonderful and said she is feeling good!  

OHHHHH.....and another good news update!  We have prayed for Michele's friend Lauren - she has a five year old and has been trying for the past few years to become pregnant - and did have a miscarriage - SHE IS PREGNANT AND DUE IN JULY!!  Please continue to pray for her and the baby that all will continue to go well.  

Thank you all so much for praying with us.  Much love, Sylvia 

Friends are such a lift...

Thanks for the email, Rick.

I sent your blog post to my father, who holds a PhD in epidemiology (so not a practicing physician-but still in the medical field), and he said it is really too early to tell if there is real concern.

If it is cancer, the fact that they are small is a sign they are early and more easily treatable.

Overall, it sounds like today's good news should outweigh any concerning news, but definitely keep me updated and good luck on March 20th!

I'm sure you will be fine.

-Mike

Easily said...profoundly challenging

God, Your Word says that You are bigger than I could ever imagine, and I thank You for Your bigger plans for me. Give me the strength to trust You and expect You to do great things in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bock Update. More info on Richard Bockwinkel Page...click tab above

January 16, 2015


Cat Scan today...
Neck, throat and lymph nodes CLEAR!

However, three "new" suspicious spots have shown up on my lungs.  They are VERY small...but they were NOT there last July when my last chest scan was done.

The doctors said, sometimes treatments for Head/Neck/Throat Cancers chase the cancer to the lungs.  

SO....antibiotics are prescribed for ten days to be sure it is not just remnants of an infection showing up... (hmm sounds familiar...same medical course as last year...)

In two months, another Cat Scan; March 20th.  The "spots" may be from an infection...but...I have not been "noticeably" sick.

Anyway...if the spots are gone...great!

If the spots are still there, or they are larger, or there are more...then we start considering courses of action ranging from surgery, to chemo, to radiation...and possibly a mixture.  It all depends...

There was no discussion about the severity of "lung cancer" and survival rates...too soon for that "lecture".

So...here we go...

Thanks to you all for visiting this blog.  NOTE...you CAN participate/comment in this blog...it is NOT password protected.

All the best to you and yours...
Bock

How much do we notice as we go through a day????? Lisa Beamer, wife of "Let it Roll" hero 911

FROM OUR FELLOW PRAYER WARRIOR MARIAN IN BOISE....WORTH SHARING.  xoxo

Lisa  Beamer on Good Morning America - If you remember, she's the wife of
Todd Beamer  who said 'Let's Roll!' and helped take down the plane over
Pennsylvania that was  Heading for Washington , DC back on 9/11.

She said it's the little  things that she misses most about Todd, such as
hearing the garage door open as  he came home, and her children running to
meet him.

Lisa recalled  this story: "I had a very special teacher in high school
many years ago whose  husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week
after his death, she  shared some of her Insight with a classroom of students.
As the late afternoon  sunlight came streaming in through the classroom
windows and the class was  nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge
of her desk and sat down  there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and  said, 'Class
is over, I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is  unrelated
to class, but which I feel Is very important. Each of us is put here  on
earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us
knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any
moment.

Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make  the most out of
every single day. Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on,  'So I would like you all To make me a promise, from now on, on your way to  school, or on your way home, find
something beautiful to notice.

It  doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of
freshly  baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound
of the  breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the
way the morning  light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the
ground. Please look for  these things, and cherish them. For, although it may
sound trite to some, these  things are the "stuff" of life.

The little things we are put here  on earth to enjoy. The things we often
take for granted.

The class  was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out
of the room  silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home
from school than  I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think
of that teacher and  remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I
try to appreciate all  of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of  something special you see on your lunch Hour today. Go
barefoot. Or walk on the  beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to
get a double dip ice cream  cone. For as we get older, it is not the things
we did that we often regret, but  the things we didn't do.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!
GOD Bless you every day of your  life.
The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts
The  safest place to be is in someone's prayers,
And the very best place to  be is....
In the hands of God

Greg Sturges seeking cure for enlarged mitochondria

We have been praying for more than a year for Greg Sturges, son-in-law of my prayer sister, Pat.  We prayed that Greg will be accepted into the NIH Rare diseases study and Pat just got word that HE WAS ACCEPTED!  Now we pray hard that they can find a solution to his enlarged mitochondria throughout his body, causing him to always be in pain and sick.  He is unable to work, and we pray there can be a solution to this debilitating condition.  Bock and others - please add Greg by name to your lists.  Love, Marilyn

GARY JAMES...and the FLU fighters

Please pray for Gary James who is in hospital having tests done re chest pains after the flu over New Years

Also, my coworker's aunt - I do not know her first name but God knows who she is - she has COPD quite bad - she came down with the flu after New Year's - was admitted to the hospital - now also has pneumonia - there are so many battling this flu.

FROM OUR EVER FAITHFUL PRAYER WARRIORS IN BOISE - FR COOK IS A FRIEND OF OUR FELLOW PRAYER WARRIOR MARY:

For prayers...

so – my dear friend Father Rob Cook was diagnosed with a brain aneurism – they don’t know how serious it is yet, and as usual, he is playing it down – but would you all lift him up for me please?  He is such a good and faithful priest!!

Katherine...Senior in High School fighting Cancer(s) needs your prayers

WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR KATHERINE "KAT" FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS - BACK WHEN SHE WAS DX WITH A BRAIN TUMOR - SHE MOST RECENTLY WAS DX WITH STAGE III COLON CANCER - POOR THING - SHE'S A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL - AND THIS ROUND OF CHEMO HAS TAKEN A TOLL ON HER  -  PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY IT IS A SIDE EFFECT OF THE CHEMO VS SOMETHING ELSE GOING ON.  THANKS SO MUCH! xoxo

Katherine had been doing well and recovering well from her last chemo on Friday Jan. 2, 2015.  She went back to school last Friday and we thought all was as usual.  On Saturday she suddenly became very sick.  She couldn't keep medicine down and so we took her to the ER Saturday night.  They gave her IV Meds and fluids and sent us home early Sunday morning.  She has not improved and I knew the dehydration was back this morning so I brought her in.  She is getting fluids and IV meds and we are waiting for a room. They plan to admit her to the hospital and run some tests to make sure everything is ok.  

Please pray that they find out what is what and get her back on the road to recovery.  It's scary to see my girl this sick.  Thanks to everyone and I'll update as I know more.  

Doris needs a prayer from you

FROM CAROL CORINGRATO:

Please pray for my Aunt Doris, she is my Dad's sister, the one who was so much help to me when my dad was in assisted living. She has always been like a big sister to me. Please read below:


Subject: Mom update

Hi Carol! Just wanted to give you a quick update on my mom...
She has been complaining of fatigue, exhaustion and difficulty breathing. Judy and I finally convinced her to go to the cardiologist yesterday. It took us 3 hrs to get her ready and out the door. Once there, they ran additional blood work and took a chest x-ray.
Long story short, mom will be having surgery on Monday. The doctor was pretty blunt when giving her the options of balloon valvuloplasty or home with hospice care. She chose the procedure knowing it's a temporary fix. May last 3-9 months, but should make her feel better in the short term. Dr. Piegari only performs that surgery at St. Joe's. When I expressed my concern over the problems that arose during the last visit, he assured me mom would be on his service and those issues would be avoided. I sure hope he's correct. She will be in at least overnight. I will keep you updated...
If you have a chance to call her this weekend, I'm sure she would appreciate it.
Ok, that wasn't really a "quick update". Prayers appreciated!!!
Cheryll

Janey ... Alzheimers Jim H ... Cancer Jed ... Surgery

I JUST RECEIVED TEXT FROM MY DEAR FRIEND ANN MARKS - WE'VE BEEN PRAYING FOR HER SISTER JANEY WHO IS SUFFERING WITH ALZHEIMER'S  -  JANEY IS NOW UNDER THE CARE OF HOSPICE - IN ADDITION SHE HAD A FALL THIS PAST WEEK AND FX HER ARM.  PLEASE PRAY FOR JANEY AS SHE PREPARES TO MEET HER MOM AND DAD - FOR ANN, AND FOR HER BROTHER AND HIS WIFE WHO ARE DRIVING FROM FL TO TX.   LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.  

*******************************************************************

PR FROM CAROLE YEAGER:  

Good afternoon every one,

 

     Please remember a friend of mine and my daughters, Jim H.  He told us last evening he was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer.  He is very nervous.  So he asked me to put him on our prayer lines.  I told him before he goes in for surgery to ask the Blessed Mother to watch over him and for Jesus to bless him.  I promised he would feel comfort and trust.

 

 Also a friend I asked you to pray for before Christmas,  was very happy to report all went well with his surgery and he thanks everyone for their prayers.  Jed is our friend who has gone through much surgery and problems in the last year. but said he is comforted by all the prayers being said for him.

 

Thank you all, and please keep my daughter Elise in your prayers.  She needs to change her life around.

David Doskocil TRANSPLANT needed

Hi,

Please remember David Doskocil in your prayers.  He is the son of a good friend of mine at St. Jude's:  Mary Doskocil.  He needs a liver transplant and is on the waiting list.  Thanks and God bless you.

Mary Whitehead