Re: Updated profile/changes

[Guest guest]

Jim says: " I just wish I could turn the clock back to

when the photo was taken. That photo was 9-10 years ago in my better

times. You would not want to see a current photo. "

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I think that would be true of all of us. I know you probably did not mean this,

But it got me to thinking. That is a dangerous thing for me to do! When you

think what the years have done to us, often years are not kind. However the

years have done this to us when we think about it.

Those many pain wrinkles, have taught us how to feel for others who suffer, even

if not as we do.

Those many grimaces, if even on the inside has shown us that others at times may

grimace for things not even related to pain and we know how to say, " Is there

anything I can do to help? "

Those awake nights, when the rest of the world is peacefully asleep, have taught

us to appreciate the nights that we can sleep and to be grateful for things like

the quiet breathing of a spouse as they sleep through the night, because some

night they will be gone and lying in the cemetery. That is why the bags are

under our eyes.

Those alone days, when every one is at work and we can no longer work because

the pain is so great: have taught us that even when we did not like our job, and

wish we could work again, we can appreciate the day we can walk from the chair

to the kitchen and wash the dishes just so our hands won't won't hurt as bad.

That is why our hands are red or white and funny looking.

Those days when even those who love us think we are either crazy or just plain

lazy and don't understand the pain in our back, or why our legs spasm as we say

they do have taught us: that though we may not walk straight up enough to

balance a book on our head, we can get around even if we have a walker,

wheelchair, or cane. That is why there is that permanent frown on our forehead,

it is just plain hard to balance while walking anymore!

Those times when getting out of bed is the hardest thing you do all day is why

you appear to be gritting your teeth all day. You just may be! If not for the

strong will to press on you might just lay in bed all day, so when others see

the determination on your face and think you are mad, you are not, you are just

determined to keep going, they just don't understand!

I could go on and on. Suffice it to say. SURE! You look different. You are

different. You should be. You are changed. It is not for the worst. It is for

the better. You have changed so that you can help others who need your help,

just as you need them. Do not ever apologize for changing, no one can stay they

same. There is only one other alternative. If that happens my son will see you.

He is a mortician. I love my son, but he is the last person I want anyone to

call to come see me! Gwen

[Guest guest]

--- Gwen wrote:

> and to be grateful for things like the quiet breathing of a spouse

as they sleep through the night, because some night they will be gone

and lying in the cemetery.

Ain't this the truth, Gwen? Every time my husband wakes me up

snoring (because he insists on sleeping on his back with his arms

over his head - try it, you can't do it and NOT snore!), and I punch

him to roll over for the 6th time that night, I grit my teeth and

remind myself - " Be grateful that you can hear him snoring, because

you don't want the alternative! "

Joy or sorrow is all in your perspective.

Cheryl in AZ

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