We All Should Be Grateful.

It was so nice out Sunday I decided to walk past the Nursing Home on 43rd and Wabash, just to visit a few ex-homeless buddies of mine.
Most seemed generally happy with their current situation, and even my good friend Steward looked hail and hearty compared to the look of death he exhibited while out on the street.
Not everyone was so lucky.
Take my friend, Marty. He has prostrate cancer that had spread to other parts of his body before he had it diagnosed as such.
To my shame, I didn't even recognize him at first, as I stood looking at his spare, bony body; such a shocking difference from the last time I saw him as the tall, strong-as-a-bull dude.
They had operated on him and taken out his kidney, and I had this image of a bored doctor snatching out body parts and selling them.
From what I could see, both he and his roomy (cancer as well), were on Death Watch, with a room hugging the front desk where the nurses gather.
Needless to say, I left hurriedly, not wishing to spend too much time in a facility that I might have to be soon, since I, too, have prostate cancer. I will revisit my friend Marty more frequently, and see if there is anything I can do to ease his pain.
I was blessed, in that I was diagnosed early and had the option of having radiation theraphy. I spent the Winter at Bourbonnais (summer home of the Bears!) in a nursing home when I was treated.
Remember, as bad as it seems sometimes, it can always be far worst! Don't ever forget that!

This Old Body..

I never truly appreciated how hard this life is on one's poor body. I routinely carry 50-70lbs of "stuff" with me everywhere I go. These things represent everything I own in the world. When you see the weary carrying their goods on their backs, stop short of pointing fingers and laughing.
Pray for them instead.
This poorly maintained physical form breaks down over a period of time, anyway. Those who live on the street have very serious health issues as a rule. Every new sickness that hits the country starts first in the homeless community.
I remember when I was diagnosed as having prostate cancer. I had no idea that the things I was going through (inability to hold urine, sleepiness and endless fatigue)wheren't just old age, but really symtoms of cancer.
This is the way it is for the majority of homeless people in varying degrees.
But enough of the sad things in life, lets consider your cell phone bills and how to lessen them. Be sure to click on the link and get some great deals on cell phones and other electronic must-have items. Do it! Until next time...