Here is a story that touched my heart, hope it will touch yours too. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Joe had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Joe moved across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Joe had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Taylor died last night. The funeral is Tuesday." Memories flashed through Joe's mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. "Joe, did you hear me?" "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I have thought of him," Joe said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over at his house. "I loved that man and his old house that he lived in," Joe said. "You know, Joe, after your father died, Mr. Taylor stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said. "He's the one who taught me carpentry, I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important." Mom, “I’ll be there for the funeral," Joe said.
As busy as Joe was, he kept his word. Joe caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Taylor's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The night before he was to return home, Joe and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... Joe stopped suddenly. "What's wrong, Joe?" his Mom asked. "The box is gone," he said. "What box?" his Mom asked. "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was the thing I value most," Joe said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Joe remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Taylor family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him, Joe said.” I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."
It had been several weeks since Mr. Taylor died. Returning home from work one day Joe discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next morning Joe retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Taylor" it read. Joe took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope; Joe's hands shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Joe Anderson. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filled his eyes, Joe carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casting, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Joe Thanks for your time! Harold Taylor." "The thing he valued most was my time."
Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Sally, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son and wife, "he said.”Oh, by the way, Sally thanks for your time!"
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it,
but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get
it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
12. Always tell someone how you feel; you will feel much better when they know and you both are happier.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Have a great day; remember life is what we choose to make it. Try to brighten someone's day; it might change their perspective on life, for the better. Be Happy. See you next month, with more moments with Mary.
Fibromyalgia is a word heard more today than ever before. Many people don't have a clue to what it is unless they are one of the unlucky one's who have it. Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue. Some other problems commonly linked with Fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in the hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or lifestyle changes are implemented. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus. Many times laboratory tests are normal.
The overwhelming characteristic of Fibromyalgia is long-standing, body wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis. With Fibromyalgia syndrome alone, the significant joint swelling, destruction, and deformity seen in patients with diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur.
The soft-tissue pain of Fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.
Some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with Fibromyalgia have day long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with overexertion, lack of exercise, damp weather and or high humidity changes, anxiety, and stress. Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the disorder. Studies show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other medications that are used include anti-inflammatory pain medications and medications that work on pain transmission pathways, such as Gabapentin.
Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for Fibromyalgia.
Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms. Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilizes tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Gentle stretching and light massage may help relieve symptoms, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
The disorder has an increased frequency among women 20 to 50 years old. The prevalence of the disease has been estimated between 0.7% and 13% for women and between 0.2% and 3.9% for men. I hope this article has answered some of the questions you may have had about Fibromyalgia. Until next month, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Moments with Mary.
The Boss Got Promoted
We pray the boss gets promoted soon, and then we the employees can hear a new tune.
With Jim there is no right or wrong, we have to remember he sings the same song.
When things start going bad he forgets, that the idea was his not ours as of yet.
Taking a deep breath we must be still, we can't lose our jobs we must pay our bills.
But today is a great day, we heard the boss got promoted and is moving away.
We don't have any doubts in our minds, Jim’s next group of employee's will show trouble signs. Management made a good choice picking him, for none of the employees will miss, good old Jim
Now, several months have passed, and word has come back that the old boss isn't happy at last.
We now all love coming to work once more, no more yelling, bad looks, or picking up papers, Jim has thrown on the floor.
The old boss got promoted and we like the new man, he sings, whistles, and gives us a hand, sharing his thoughts and hearing our ideas he's a man to respect and seems like our hero.
We don't no longer count the hours of the day, time fly's by and we all like it that way.
None of us mind working together again, cause we are happy and on the mend.
Written By Mary D. Johnson
When Times Seem Tough
When times seem tough and jobs are few, it can make a person wonder what to do.
Every day is the same as you job look, but the employer's aren't hiring, not even a cook.
Each day you think it will be better for sure, but the end of the day is just like the day before.
The bills go on, the kids must eat, and soon they will need shoes for their feet.
I pray that tomorrow will bring me some luck, thinking now I'll take anything, just for a buck.
The employer's, I checked with at least ten today, but they just smile, saying the same old thing;
"Thanks for coming by but right now we don't have anything in which you can apply."
Now tired and homeward bound I must stop for some gas, while paying my bill the clerk just happens to ask, "Do you know anyone who is looking for a job today, it has benefits, lots of hours and real good pay, but no big title to put by their name.” Yes, I do as a matter of fact, me and I can start anytime, so very glad that you asked."
Sometimes faith and good fortune is near, we just miss those little things so obvious and dear. Remember, when times seem tough don't give up, keep the faith and endure the game of life and you too will find the right working stuff. (Dedicated to all the unemployed workers out there.)
Written By Mary D. Johnson
