tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76937561346413494402024-03-05T20:46:22.405-06:00Earnest and Roline MinistriesEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-78507211957763132272017-12-08T21:29:00.000-06:002017-12-08T21:29:30.905-06:00The Beginning of Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Readers! Time is moving! I see I went from having surgery the next day, to nothing! Like, what happened with the procedure?<br />
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Yes I had the procedure on my back. For now, I'm still dealing with some pain and will be posting reflectio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNml3_KjubJ4h7hPj2hBVPksjijf7RRLjnGjWyO1OONhl_EUYIBwcP3avQI1Te6tOSiAiYSqUosPhBUes5_9ovBf_rCtoi9pkQfWYOINGLL4lbxce2VxtFuDlGza2btTTkFpDCHZcm1Nl/s1600/reflections+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNml3_KjubJ4h7hPj2hBVPksjijf7RRLjnGjWyO1OONhl_EUYIBwcP3avQI1Te6tOSiAiYSqUosPhBUes5_9ovBf_rCtoi9pkQfWYOINGLL4lbxce2VxtFuDlGza2btTTkFpDCHZcm1Nl/s400/reflections+Collage.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>ns over the year which began a day ago with an introductory video posted on FB. I will continue giving updates as it relations to my health and my<br />
living. Let's begin:<br />
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<b>2017 Reflections - Dec. 2016</b><br style="display: inline; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /> Yeah, yeah, the pic is from 2016. I thought it would be a great place to start. Angie is one of my BFFs and with her husband we try to do a monthly double date night together. Angie asked what were some of the things on my bucket list because she wanted to be a part of at least one. Let's just say the walk through a Halloween maze didn't quite go well. Angie's not a horror fan like the rest of us. <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span> <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span>"Dressing in a gown and <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">going to an elegant event or ball peaked her interest." I didn't go to neither of my proms. I guess I could have gone if 1) I wore one of my sister's prom dresses. Those 3 custom suits and shoes my dad had bought did not allow for me a new dress. 2) My dad would have to comb my hair because I didn't know what I was doing. He said my forehead was too big and needed to be hidden by my hair. {SIGH} Looking back at my school pics of which he was my hair stylist didn't convince me he was the man for the job. <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span> 3) I would have to be home by 11 pm. This was most likely so that my dad could make sure I made it in before he went clubbing until the next day. 4) it's still too embarrassing to repeat. So, with those demands I never wore a gown and felt special for my prom or an evening event. So John and Angie hooked me up with the Governor's Reception at his mansion. I had a good time rubbing elbows with politicians, meeting the Governor, chatting with his wife (I didn't know it was her, I was just running my mouth as always <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span>), and eating, as Big Daddy says, fo-fo food. </span></div>
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Camille pampered me. Resulting from the brain tumors I had/have brain tumor darkness under my eyes, an eye that still doesn't close, and crooked lips. I can't wear eyeliner and lashes because of my eye issues. That girl worked magic on my face. I felt so beautiful. I'm crying again. At that time, and still at times today, it can be difficult for me to take care of personal needs. Camille is my nurse. She said whatever I need done, she'll do it. I'm so blessed. In Cinderella style I went to the ball and had a ball!<span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="clip: auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/fd0/1/16/1f602.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">š</span></span> John and Angie, thank you to infinity and beyond.</div>
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The ending of last year I decided to pursue my Bucket List more aggressively. Being the huge Prince fan that I am, I declared the year 2017 as "The 1999 Tour." Stay tuned.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-26979225687734174542017-09-02T17:12:00.000-05:002017-09-02T17:12:01.597-05:00What? Another procedure???!!!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrrOm_7GB1NLhWd07qnlunDmnBmERSB80i63LEbx1CSlODM91BEoiwUgkOdCXjINd5hghjjuKwEGsWql5gOncS32QsT5WnDczyFWA2OP3gF38aXjlP6CEXHZpZBd-fXHqKJ9KqND1Wpft/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrrOm_7GB1NLhWd07qnlunDmnBmERSB80i63LEbx1CSlODM91BEoiwUgkOdCXjINd5hghjjuKwEGsWql5gOncS32QsT5WnDczyFWA2OP3gF38aXjlP6CEXHZpZBd-fXHqKJ9KqND1Wpft/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Emotionally, things has been
āhorribleā for me since returning home. I am finally at peace with the
decision made upon my return from my 1999 Tour. I am having a "minor"
procedure on my upper spine this Thursday, Sept. 7th. Initially my surgeon who
also is by brain surgeon, wanted to do major surgery. My spine is losing its
curvature, some disc in the upper spine are bulging, and bone spurs are pushing
into my spine. The pain is intense. I canāt wear tight tops or even a bra. They
make the pain even more intense. Although, we are delaying the inevitable, my
surgeon is in agreement with not doing the major procedure just yet. If I do
get relief after the procedure, then I will have the major procedure. I know it
sounds silly but, I am having minor surgery on a major problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Not only do I have severe back pains,
the spine injury is causing severe headaches. I do a good job of hiding whatās
really going on. Those who know me know I donāt like pity. Two of my
girls came home for the weekend. For a minute, it was feeling like a "Farewell
Tour." LOL! They wanted Taco Bowl Salads. I went to the store and
purchased what was needed for a Tex-Mex Feast. Thatās as far as it got.
Catherine had to cook. It is difficult for me to do even light weight cleaning
or cooking. I have to lay down for several hours after doing something light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Iāve been acting like a whimp. I
have been back and forth with this decision and have lost count on how
many times I've changed my mind. Iāve had over 20 surgeries in my
lifetime. Pain did not start with the tumors. Iāve been in pain since 2000
after a foot and ankle issue. That pain from the past is no match to what I am
going through. Through it all God has shown me his power. Whenever I have a
ministry assignment (teaching, preaching, serving others) the pain has been
minimum or non-existence. God never ceases to amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This is for Godās glory. Just
finished up hosting an event for planners. Time to sleep it off. Got
to keep moving tomorrow. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyxvZDpqPFksW7awUSpR1TtGlxtiJ3D1_mcXyc2fPYa22-FTj69wOlh1xRgwFfs3LotrTQ-dRqbobfqPd_5hRzOkPo12OfuLEssrBI5ngDHBw5TjoBox5CQ4t-M2Iu8nhMnywQQXUZrL_/s1600/APA+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyxvZDpqPFksW7awUSpR1TtGlxtiJ3D1_mcXyc2fPYa22-FTj69wOlh1xRgwFfs3LotrTQ-dRqbobfqPd_5hRzOkPo12OfuLEssrBI5ngDHBw5TjoBox5CQ4t-M2Iu8nhMnywQQXUZrL_/s400/APA+Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Your prayers are appreciated.</span></div>
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Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-60029486942653739222017-08-02T22:26:00.000-05:002017-08-02T22:26:29.202-05:00The Return of Rolineās Chronicles Part 1
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Hello there. Iām back to actually placing
info on my blog. How have I been? Thatās a loaded question. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spiritually</b> ā God is still good and
trustworthy. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Physically</b> ā It will be
easier for me to type what I DONāT have. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emotionally</b>
ā You know when your momma took off her shoe to whip you, and the beat down
would last as long as she talked, and the blows took on the force of each
syllable from the words she slowly annunciated and with emphasis pronounced? Thatās
how I feel. Like Iām getting a never-ending syllable whooping where the
vocabulary consists of a minimum 4 syllable words. Friends, your prayers, hugs,
and warm words softens the blows. I was thinking about that yesterday. I ask
people not to forward me those chain letters that I call wolves dressed in
sheep clothes because it clutters my box making it difficult to get to the ones
that bless me.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">August 8<sup>th</sup>, 2017 Big Daddy and I
will celebrate 25 years of HOLY MATRIMONY. I emphasis holy. To commemorate this
milestone we booked our first ever cruise heading to Mexico. You do know this
story is about to take a turnā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My health/disease is doing by definition
what its suppose to do--- getting progressively worse. A month ago I had xrays
done on my upper and lower back. The xrays showed what we already knew was
there has advanced to being a severe problem. It is decision time. The
insurance denied payment of a MRI needed to make a decision, even after 2
appeals. I decided not to stress out over the decision and deal with it after
the cruise. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">After seeing a different doctor from my
team, the insurance company finally okayed the procedure. Thank you Lord. Iāve
lost 35 pounds in 2 months. So Tuesday, the doc said āYou need to lose weight.ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXPTPN2XBYTPyRCWDNufDhOoxzfjOngnKcOUznqtWeu2U0FrqEnTQIpV4493DpXfCcbkPKaAqMrv6SxzoHQ3iqXt1HEQvS_LF6TBCIdCJTu2VbFseqe3bhRKvxqcW130xV7m9mK8oBfTd/s1600/no+coke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="153" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXPTPN2XBYTPyRCWDNufDhOoxzfjOngnKcOUznqtWeu2U0FrqEnTQIpV4493DpXfCcbkPKaAqMrv6SxzoHQ3iqXt1HEQvS_LF6TBCIdCJTu2VbFseqe3bhRKvxqcW130xV7m9mK8oBfTd/s200/no+coke.jpg" width="190" /></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Me: āExcuse me Dr. Stevie Wonder, obviously
you canāt see that I am over 30 pounds lighter.ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Doc: āYou need to lose more weight.ā </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Me: āAnd how am I suppose to do that with the
issue?ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Doc: āWater Aerobics.ā </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Me: āCome through doc.ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Doc: āand lose the Cokes.ā </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Me: āWhat the ham sammich!ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Right here is where I heard the studio
audience gasp for air.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Me, {{Blank stare followed by a Florida
Evans moment}}, āDang, Dang, Dang!ā</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Right here is where the Doc packed up his
things and left like when Squeaky called Ms. Sophia a hefer in The Color
Purple. Then from out of my belly, I started singing, āspeak Lord, speak to meā¦ā¦
(could have been gas)</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Itās my story and Iām sticking to it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I thought some of the procedures/testing
could wait until after my cruise and anniversary, but noooooo, the xrays showed
a ship load (pun intended :-) ) of severe problems, the doctorās office
called yesterday to inform me that the 1st test is next week on my 25th marriage
covenant anniversary, Tuesday, Aug. 8th, 6 days before ship the sails. UUUGGHH!
I WILL BE ON THAT SHIP even if they have to bring me by ambulance, and put me
on a stretcher to get to my room. Smile.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My husband and I may have to face what we
didnāt want to face ----- getting the results before our cruise. We know God is
bigger than whatās going on with me. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We
are not stressing nor thinking the worse. We know God will heal however He
chooses which includes through 1) a miracle 2) medical teams 3) death. I need a
miracle from the Miracle Maker.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Sorry the delay in writing. God never calls
you to something that you canāt do. Iām still praying, preaching/teaching,
leading, and giving. God told me to write, but I stopped without an excuse or
no one to blame. Hmmmmā¦..</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>Don't blame it on the sunshine, </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>don't blame it on the moonlight, </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>don't blame it on the good times, </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>blame
it on the tumor!.................</i></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Drops mic, exit right while moonwalkingā¦ā¦ā¦Sheās
back! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11px; vertical-align: middle;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Laughter does the soul good. Pat yourself
on the back. You made it to--- The End</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-34098298472754526712016-03-16T22:18:00.004-05:002016-03-16T22:22:08.224-05:00Say it aint so!<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once again,
Iāve been experiencing severe headaches. Other symptoms caused my doctor to suspect</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmhdSehA7TtdpgCBY2JLGgXJXWFY-FdZWXscN1rm3LpurDmqB2BSWzbliQHTvFScUa5k6ET3ndpG9xgCDfvc4O5FJZ2IjZHfFCYeKwNFhFosrLK8sDPt8cIs6ENYtIo0rPnr4e7B3f35Z/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmhdSehA7TtdpgCBY2JLGgXJXWFY-FdZWXscN1rm3LpurDmqB2BSWzbliQHTvFScUa5k6ET3ndpG9xgCDfvc4O5FJZ2IjZHfFCYeKwNFhFosrLK8sDPt8cIs6ENYtIo0rPnr4e7B3f35Z/s320/IMG_6497.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
there might be a problem. Following a MRI on Friday, March 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> I received
the news. Another brain tumor has been found. Itās 6mm in size, which is not
good. I knew something was wrong. I just didnāt want it to be a tumor. I havenāt
had a chance to blog about it because I have been busy with weekly speaking and
teaching engagements. I also donāt think I have processed the idea of another
tumor because my mom has been very sick. She has been on a hunger strike and is
extremely depressed. Depression comes with dementia, however, this bout was
caused by a family member giving her the false hope of a lie. She believed it,
and now me, my husband and kids has to suffer through with her. UUgggghhhh! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Today I received
a call from the neurosurgeonās office. I was in the office working on a project.
After taking the call, I was immobilized. The idea of needing to see my brain
surgeon is unsettling. I lost all concentration, so I packed up and went
home-----that is, not before stopping at Michealās to get some scrapbooking materials.
LOL!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have
another tumor.<strong> <u>The tumor does not have me</u></strong>! Tomorrow I have the first of a
series of upcoming multiple appointments. In other words, here we go again!
SIGH! <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>There is a bright side. I get to drive myself to the appointment, and God
is still good!</strong></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-family: Calibri;">It is well with my soul!</span></strong>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-87836465077369379472016-01-15T21:10:00.002-06:002016-01-15T21:40:34.591-06:00A Year in Review ā Part 1 <span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, last year on this date I
had a 7 hour brain surgery. My family (Big Daddy Earnest, Catherine, and
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFVPSrgXMlNO3N9AUjqe5uy-NtPhUHpy8rXT7YgJDC8kOagZ7S0VVLf5TXWAQxoW44HcYq9UvQXvJJ7HzCb-pbxM4RTA70P1ottqMkDAphwLHbI7AvAji-PN9-1NaRQgKDWjMjcUCSoWt/s1600/hospital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFVPSrgXMlNO3N9AUjqe5uy-NtPhUHpy8rXT7YgJDC8kOagZ7S0VVLf5TXWAQxoW44HcYq9UvQXvJJ7HzCb-pbxM4RTA70P1ottqMkDAphwLHbI7AvAji-PN9-1NaRQgKDWjMjcUCSoWt/s320/hospital.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camille) and a few friends {Allison and Annette) were there with me prior to
being rolled into the operating room. Including the doctors, we all were
clueless about what the outcome would be. We didnāt know 1) if I would survive,
2) if the tumor was cancer, 3) if the entire tumor would be removed, 4) what
else would be discovered.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the year I discovered
that I am loved by so many people across this country and abroad. THANK YOU ALL
for your support, encouragement, gifts, visits, and prayers. I have been
overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. I didnāt realize that āGod was going to
make an example out of me.ā I trust Him. I really do. So much so that I have
accepted what He has allowed.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VYedvDWrOHLEsOGqWEDZ9_fNMG0AlQ6TjqOFbrF_6gIcKTe7J4SgoKjMiorn-_Uli8cuVJCPaRu_NDidYBXulsl4bgZeW67yovtA9DvXn39K20qsupImfOqU5QqzUjwfUGt5NksRuwi5/s1600/hospital2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VYedvDWrOHLEsOGqWEDZ9_fNMG0AlQ6TjqOFbrF_6gIcKTe7J4SgoKjMiorn-_Uli8cuVJCPaRu_NDidYBXulsl4bgZeW67yovtA9DvXn39K20qsupImfOqU5QqzUjwfUGt5NksRuwi5/s320/hospital2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tumor was caused by
sarcoidosis. Bernie Mac died of this illness. Close to home, our churchās
outreach pastorās wife died from the same illness during the same time I first
fell ill! She was hospitalized on the second day of my hospital stay back in
December. I attended her funeral. Oh, dear! The thoughts that were running
through my mind while at her funeral--- oh, boy! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtgeIGoiw0riWVt4QmcOOBkxAtIWRy8S39fD7F_G2Z7VErQ2z_u_wSg_qM52SpJ2rpzB9PHzqD4b019xXtrJnnTSk5Y4H4MT28xlgs1ozma96HxtgkHeoCP-XNUJq6EJ7noX9gPtR50W7/s1600/hospital1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtgeIGoiw0riWVt4QmcOOBkxAtIWRy8S39fD7F_G2Z7VErQ2z_u_wSg_qM52SpJ2rpzB9PHzqD4b019xXtrJnnTSk5Y4H4MT28xlgs1ozma96HxtgkHeoCP-XNUJq6EJ7noX9gPtR50W7/s320/hospital1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The doctor told us that after
surgery, I would be moved to the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. I would be in a
comatose state with a breathing tube in my mouth for 3 ā 4 days. I went into
surgery at 7:00 a.m. I was brought to ICU around 8:00 p.m. The tube was removed
and oxygen was given through my nose. About an hour later I was talking to my
family and friends, telling them to go home and get rest. The next day, my
Pastor and Chief Elder visited, and to their surprise I was sitting in a chair
aside my bed in ICU. I still had the oxygen going through my nose but I was about
to eat my first meal. LOOK AT GOD! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">January 15, 2015, I was put
to sleep so that what was threatening my life could be removed. 8 hours later I
woke up to, what I didnāt know at the time, a new way of living. That new way
will be posted tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last evening, I was driving
to a church where I was scheduled to minister. I began to think about this time
last year-I couldnāt drive and was home making preparations to enter the
hospital in the morning. I was crying so many tears of joy because I had looked
back and saw where the Lord had brought me from. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to pull on side of the road for a praise
break!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0hyUGz84G9O_7Wor8OGCvav48cF_w3JZ9v_R5uqsG3httXnA8Da197Gm4Llaij9ZgFYGl1poKKYKyuoeSiPLsSI5PwnB1BxxvCh4bmMMnvmj2jp10xDExh3qN9dIqZZ0vpFf0vwE0Srn/s1600/2016-0114+IHPWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0hyUGz84G9O_7Wor8OGCvav48cF_w3JZ9v_R5uqsG3httXnA8Da197Gm4Llaij9ZgFYGl1poKKYKyuoeSiPLsSI5PwnB1BxxvCh4bmMMnvmj2jp10xDExh3qN9dIqZZ0vpFf0vwE0Srn/s320/2016-0114+IHPWM.jpg" width="270" /></a><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trust God and know He is
working this out for my good. He is my Healer. I have submitted to His plan for
my life. One day, I will live pain-free. One day I will no longer take
medication. To get to that day, I am obeying God and submitting to the process
of treatment that He has prescribed. It is The Great Physician that is working
through my doctors. Surely goodness and mercy is following me! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have said all year, IT IS WELL WITH MY
SOUL! Iām going THROUGH to get TO my due season! God IS getting glory out of my
life!<o:p></o:p></span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-24852316644130178822015-12-31T00:53:00.001-06:002015-12-31T01:03:29.089-06:00Oh, Brother! The Secret is Out!<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I have to applaud my momās dementia for
giving her the inability to keep things she remembers <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ8BOC8jimd3blpX1mlgznXvd06rGua6TxRozUArPVydXeA0wIEDejDZsRmr369PbHMVPb9VjHPABp0gESq9GpsFQdTkkZz0VKGRjVfx5TrCeFSKdNU18kBmQJ6GX1JctjJAH0InFxoDy/s1600/2015-1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ8BOC8jimd3blpX1mlgznXvd06rGua6TxRozUArPVydXeA0wIEDejDZsRmr369PbHMVPb9VjHPABp0gESq9GpsFQdTkkZz0VKGRjVfx5TrCeFSKdNU18kBmQJ6GX1JctjJAH0InFxoDy/s320/2015-1231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><strong>The Acox siblings; Roline, Ryan, & Rhonda</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><strong>Nephew Thai</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
from the past to herself.
The fact that my dad has a son who had been kept secret for 37 years was told
to me during a visit with mom. I remember laughing and telling mom, "so you wait until I'm 50 something to scar me!" LOL! Actually, I wasn't surprised. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dad was uncooperative and refused to
give information regarding his son, BUT, God
has a way of bringing things to the light. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last June, through a series of divinely
orchestrated events comparable to a Tyler Perry Madea play, I was given the name
and cell phone number of my brother. <em><strong>I did not look for my brother. His information
found me.</strong></em> Just when a date was set for us to meet, I ended up in the hospital
with a brain tumor needing immediate attention. <em>For real God! Now?</em> I asked my doctor if the
surgery could be put off until after Christmas. I wanted to meet my brother
before I went under the knife.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Itās been a year of learning about
this blood relative, my brother, my childrenās uncle, my husbandās brother-in-law,
who also has a son, Thai, who too wanted to know more about us. A year ago
during the Christmas holidays I thanked God for allowing me to see my brother
and nephew face to face. It was an instant bond. We donāt need Maury Povich. My
dadās DNA is all over Ryanās face<em>. When it comes to 37 year old Ryan Rose, Roland Acox, YOU ARE the father!</em> (This is the part where Roland runs back stage not wanting to confront what he has done). To add, Ryan has what we call āThe Acox lip!ā We've been blessed with big lips and the lower one likes to "hang out." LOL!
Acox men are tall. Ryan is 6ā 5ā! Thereās no denying Ryan---heās an Acox! Look at the picture below. What do you think?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUg9B_Gi83zGI2UvlqaKcuc2C7mvzslshAyDBpV1cnBjKzxMhlGWNb4Vft75KA0uyIfKyc9mUZvBthNAJ2meUCNADQJIuUceh8i1vv9EUm2p3ksTtgvSSPxAHPYuoYcvbm7MREj_qDQ4i/s1600/ryan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUg9B_Gi83zGI2UvlqaKcuc2C7mvzslshAyDBpV1cnBjKzxMhlGWNb4Vft75KA0uyIfKyc9mUZvBthNAJ2meUCNADQJIuUceh8i1vv9EUm2p3ksTtgvSSPxAHPYuoYcvbm7MREj_qDQ4i/s320/ryan+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over
the year, we have talked several times, and text much. His name was on the list
of immediate family members that I would receive calls from after my surgery. He
has spent time with Catherine in March, and spent Thanksgiving with us at my
nieceās home. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been hinted to me by
Christians that I should keep silent about Ryan nor should I post pictures of
him on social media. I am not ashamed of my brother and I refuse to keep him a
secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do this would be to deny my
brother. I am in no way perfect. However, I donāt apologize for loving the
Lord, my brother, and myself way too much to willingly be ungodly. Now, run and tell that! LOL!<o:p></o:p></span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-22907711934877654852015-12-29T22:15:00.002-06:002015-12-29T22:33:59.409-06:00Once again, I almost let go....and then I came to myself!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5EAb-BiDSNzrCw7mpcU4SVX3_YmgsHrOCEsE4G0UjH3fw0W0gZXWVRZN2zX1uZqdDV-02qLw0faKImnNPpFflZN4xfmGZhbrlL_aujFnp7cpA3e69KyxuQVFC8NODUlYvSCbWYm8syUc/s1600/2015-1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5EAb-BiDSNzrCw7mpcU4SVX3_YmgsHrOCEsE4G0UjH3fw0W0gZXWVRZN2zX1uZqdDV-02qLw0faKImnNPpFflZN4xfmGZhbrlL_aujFnp7cpA3e69KyxuQVFC8NODUlYvSCbWYm8syUc/s320/2015-1227.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dec. 23rd I began having excruciating
pain on the entire right side of my body. Most of the pain was in my hip and
joints. The left leg and foot was hurting as well. Walking was almost impossible.
The next day, Christmas Eve, I was running on adrenaline. I was excited about
my mom coming to my home for her birthday which is Christmas. While cooking the
gumbo the pain got worse. I could not complete the meal I had planned. Thank
you Lord for sending an angel who provided my family with an entire Christmas
meal. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas day through Sunday, things
got worse, so much so that I was contemplating going to the emergency room. I
was in so much pain that I told my husband I was ready to leave this earth.
Umm, no, I was not suicidal nor was I giving up. Itās hard to explain, but I
was tired and hurting-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarcoidosis is just that---- really bad,
unimaginable daily pain. Most days I can handle the pain. Sunday evening I
thought about what may be causing this episode because it was really different.
I had an AHA moment....I came to myself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few months ago, my doctor began the
process of tapering me off my steroids. This would determine if the sarcoidosis
was in remission. Staying positive, I made up my mind that everything was going
to be okay that I NEVER considered I would need the steroids again. A week and
a half ago, I was completely off the steroids. Long story short, Iām back on
the steroids. During this time my short term memory got really bad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Itās going to take a few days for my body to readjust
to the meds, however, I am feeling some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The sad conclusion for me is the fact
that<strong><u> I am not in remission</u></strong>. And so the saga continuesā¦ā¦however, It is well with
my soul. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-14269621935084906572015-12-10T16:38:00.001-06:002015-12-10T18:14:47.617-06:00I year Anniversay of Seizure<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I reflect over the last 365, I canāt
help but say thank you Lord. I had been having severe <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun6E8unT91xg49dv3aBYSK8Y_wjNLRyu6Dj7FVE7FHEjAJwcik3KNrKA-vZ7GyCf4ghEHG9qqT98HEMGmhm4zvJepxFo2ZWFsNsaTtU3uWJRBEVvjlH9OdnatxO810HI8029AkRwTzTHR/s1600/495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun6E8unT91xg49dv3aBYSK8Y_wjNLRyu6Dj7FVE7FHEjAJwcik3KNrKA-vZ7GyCf4ghEHG9qqT98HEMGmhm4zvJepxFo2ZWFsNsaTtU3uWJRBEVvjlH9OdnatxO810HI8029AkRwTzTHR/s320/495.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><strong>Last</strong> pic of me before onset of illness, 12/7/2014</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
headaches and severe pain
in my hip for over a year. Only my household was aware of this. Doctors found
nothing but āminorā issues. I KNEW SOMETHING WASNāT RIGHT. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My left leg started twitching last
Thanksgiving. The earliest a neurologist could see me was February. A good
friend, who is a doctor, made unsuccessful attempts to find a neurologist that
could help me. Her words to me wereāāIf the twitching get worse youāll have to
go to the emergency room. This will force a doctor to see you.ā Thatās exactly
what happened. It got worse, resulting in a Grand Mal seizure which landed me
in the ER, followed by a hospital stay and diagnosis of a brain tumor on the
right and left frontal lobe. Left side facial paralysis set in while I was in
the hospital. Surgery to remove the tumor was projected. I believed everything
would be okay.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I really must have looked horrible
back then, because I get tickled when folks say to me, āYou look better.ā
Unfortunately as of today, so many people assume because I look better, I am
feeling better. The real truth of the matter is, I am feeling worse than I did
before having the surgery. The tumor was the catalyst for the manifestation of
other things happening in my body. I trust God for my healing because He is
bigger than:</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
daily headaches.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
excruciating pain of the incision site. I literally have a hole in my head. (My
skull is still healing. It hurts to wash my hair.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
painful disease Sarcoidosis ā my brain, joints, hip, and spine has been
affected. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chemo
Pills ā I dread taking them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back
pain ā Surgery on my spine has been suggested.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
right side of my body (hand, legs, arms) ā Itās still weak, making it difficult
to do daily household chores. I still canāt cook often.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steroids
ā whatās necessary to treat the disease causes side affects. Iām dealing with
those affects.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eye
pain ā the paralysis in my face is taking a toll on my left eye.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ā·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Short
Term Memory loss<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The biggest challenge for my family
is getting me from place to place. By law in Arkansas, a person who has had a
seizure canāt drive for a year. Even my surgeon said that is too long and would
impose a hardship on me. Even though I am blessed with so many that assisted me
and offered help to me in this area, it is still a hardship. My family, friends,
and church family are the best and have done a great job caring for me, but always
having someone with me at times feels suffocating.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My weight has been a challenge too. I
have a high dose of steroids to thank. This extra 50 lbs Iām carrying is
horrible. Itās very uncomfortable, and I donāt like how it looks on me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In spite of it all, Godās grace is
sufficient for me. His grace empowers me to continue serving in ministry. I
have returned to preaching, teaching, and traveling across the USA for ministry
purpose. I am also back to counseling---I canāt believe I took the whole year
off.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stopped blogging because I went
through a period season of discouragement and depression. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family drama, caring for mom, significant emotional
hurt, unrealistic expectation, and so much more had me feeling overwhelmed. I
had to remind myself that God called me to this assignment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also,<strong> I ONCE AGAIN CAN DRIVE!!!!</strong> Too bad I no longer own a vehicle. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank you for praying for me,
encouraging me, and laughing with me. You have blessed me greatly and played an
intricate role in my healing process. I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-81410068249331478932015-10-15T15:03:00.003-05:002015-10-15T15:03:55.365-05:00But wait, there's more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_kiJINfXA92c9p2zCayz44aJ2VRCNrc913g5ROYKZqtbvNQhuCSx7KRyrgNHVsYlwVtr7U-b1Xnxa6dyAWRDfwxJ0fyYmyfG8g5a6KanTnq_w3G8gLgRTmImJOirou6I3hT5kOOW9Fy7/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_kiJINfXA92c9p2zCayz44aJ2VRCNrc913g5ROYKZqtbvNQhuCSx7KRyrgNHVsYlwVtr7U-b1Xnxa6dyAWRDfwxJ0fyYmyfG8g5a6KanTnq_w3G8gLgRTmImJOirou6I3hT5kOOW9Fy7/s400/IMG_2656.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: yellow;">Skin Sarcoidodis</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Itās been over a month since
my last blog. During that time, my world has been busy. I thought I would be back
at 100% by now. Itās been one diagnosis after another. I let Jesus take the
wheel a long time ago. I know the destination, but getting there on these bumpy
roads is really making the ride rough. If it aināt one thing itās another!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My back continues to pain me.
New meds have given me some relief, however, because my prescription was not in
stock, it took a while for me to physically get the meds. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But wait, thereās more!</i> About a week ago, I noticed what looked
like a rash on my knee. The rash is isolated in that one area, however, it
continued to get worse. The area felt warm and continuously itched. Yesterday,
I went to the doctor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that
the disease has spread to my skin. He canāt officially diagnosis me with skin
sarcoidosis until I have a biopsy done. In the mean time he is treating the ārashā
as skin sarcoidosis and prescribed a topical steroid to put on it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">But wait, thereās more!</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"> The doctor and I began to address the issue with my
eye that doesnāt completely close. Iām starting to feel painful pressure on it
and my eyelid swells up often. Iāve been officially diagnosed with Ocular
Sarcoidosis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM2fqk3GvgUicoYmeqMQp0VzZ0mQ70mqPZx88xNW1N1jf1Lo1PAsNoornz-pfRAhHYiW0aMcL_uFC9IsdNjnuih4NtysI9ckTMf3Pn4Qq7RmcKNipz3voPjFhTU9GD7_d32Bo4LcIat8E/s1600/IMG_2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM2fqk3GvgUicoYmeqMQp0VzZ0mQ70mqPZx88xNW1N1jf1Lo1PAsNoornz-pfRAhHYiW0aMcL_uFC9IsdNjnuih4NtysI9ckTMf3Pn4Qq7RmcKNipz3voPjFhTU9GD7_d32Bo4LcIat8E/s400/IMG_2651.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">But wait, thereās more!</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"> Iāve been having issues with coughing. Pulmonary
Sarcoidosis was suspected. I had X-rays of my lungs yesterday. All is clear!
YAY! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: windowtext;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: windowtext;"></span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recapping, the sarcoidosis is
now on my brain, spine, skin, and eye. Can I have an uncensored Florida Evans
moment? No, I rather keep it clean, āDANG, DANG, DANG!ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a punch bowl, Roline drops her
goblet. She has dropped enough bowls on this journey. LOL!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave the news to Cat & Camille
last night, and the conversation goes like this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Me:</strong> Girls, the doctor said
the sarcoidosis is now on my skin and in my eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Girls:</strong> How are you feeling
about this news?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Me:</strong> Iām going to be a little
depressed for the rest of the night until in the morning. Tomorrow, I must
study to teach the Sex Abuse group session. I donāt have time to be depressed
too long. I have to serve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly, we all laughed. </span></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the laugh the girls
talked about how we donāt have the time to waste by being depressed. Thereās
too much work to be done. (There is a sermon in that)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I</span></o:p></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ām not down or depressed. I
am however feeling extremely overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></strong></div>
<br />
Be blessed, <br />
RolineEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-29289127332509190032015-09-08T22:32:00.000-05:002015-09-08T22:32:01.190-05:00Ummmmm Doc, them fightenā words!<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="hascaption"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I had
a MRI of my brain today and then a visit with my neurosurgeon. I appreciate
this particular </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZigkqFgiG-Jm2BP_Jrdg1sEVoUmBj6H38zbfJyD2mwFmOZGVjMIR8lEzs1XwGlXXAaJ_6QVLTAVcIuU0-QZZBAVyjpqXnoMUfwR2RK_si8DOG3-ARP94viibp1LXKPcGE_v3gDvqKtok/s1600/2015-0908+SpineIssues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZigkqFgiG-Jm2BP_Jrdg1sEVoUmBj6H38zbfJyD2mwFmOZGVjMIR8lEzs1XwGlXXAaJ_6QVLTAVcIuU0-QZZBAVyjpqXnoMUfwR2RK_si8DOG3-ARP94viibp1LXKPcGE_v3gDvqKtok/s320/2015-0908+SpineIssues.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
doctor because he doesn't sugar coat your diagnosis and yet he
really cares for his patients. I was so hoping today would be my last visit
with the surgeon. Not so.<span lang="EN"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span>After
looking at my Brain MRI and a previous Spinal MRI, the doctor said my brain
looks good. However, I still have quite a way to go ---- dang on neurosarcoidosis
is not taking its eviction notice. He then gave me the not so good news. In his
words, he told me. <em>āYour spine is losing its curve and cannot handle the weight
of your head</em>.ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment I thought
to myself, āWhat the what? <strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Did this man just call me big head in a nice way?</span></em></strong>
And why isnāt my husband fighting for my honor? <strong><em>Them fightinā words</em></strong>. I guess Iām
going to have to beat Doc down myself.ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then reality
hit me (POW) after the doctor gave me several non-surgical options ending with, āIām
just trying to buy to you time. We are going to have to fix your spine.ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was talking about surgery.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Today, I had
on my big girl panties. I wanted to cry, but I didnāt. I wanted to be afraid,
but I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to ask God why,
but I thought about His faithfulness. I wanted to tell Doc, donāt push me cause Iām close
to the edge, but I forget the rest of the song. I did tell my neurosurgeon that
I donāt want to have another surgery, so letās do whatever the insurance
pays for-----I havenāt loss my senses, I know all of the options will cost
money that I donāt have so donāt hate on me for counting the cost. LOL!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Guess what I
did after getting that news. I came home, ate, rested for a few hours and went
to the church and conducted a 2-hour counselors training for my churchās
upcoming Sex Abuse Support Group. And the devil thought the news concerning my
health would distract me. HA!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is for
Godās glory, therefore it is well with my soul. HA!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Be A Blessing,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Roline</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-86278267534090736152015-09-07T23:00:00.000-05:002015-09-07T23:00:40.141-05:00I an not interested!Today, was the day that after receiving several solicitations from people, I had had enough! I know people have to make money to live. The strategy used is somewhat offensive. Each person that has tried to sell me a "miracle product" starts out by sending a vague private message saying, "<em>I may have something that can help you</em>." It takes a few private messages and/or texts before the<em> "it's going to cost you money"</em> is admitted. I loathed this tactic. It comes across that the person who is trying to <u>help me</u> is really looking to <u>help themselves</u> at my expense. Unlike the woman with the issue of blood, I don't plan on wasting my money. I've already gone directly to the God, my healer.<br />
<br />
This is a message from me posed on Facebook to anyone who think they have a "miracle product":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11988414_1053699201307963_8482642130704200485_n.jpg?oh=87fe7644c8c3a53fa91b913593fb169f&oe=56A8248C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11988414_1053699201307963_8482642130704200485_n.jpg?oh=87fe7644c8c3a53fa91b913593fb169f&oe=56A8248C" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Please be in prayer for me. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a big day for me. I have "THE" appointment; one at the hospital for tests, followed by one with my neurosurgeon.Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-6114576666142050112015-08-26T22:50:00.000-05:002015-08-26T22:52:59.209-05:00In spite of the craziness, today was a good day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5CHKdukjiNTMvlo2_bREaBDaklsbZ_Y5tfMmYf0akRJlw3_DVuJyx2FLGW83WMlEHMNq_85zih_BGDXM2w6NVUbKLHkh853E0SADthRelqwK3ntJers7Pd4j2eSUvFiANykTv4wFzxxE/s1600/2015-0826a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5CHKdukjiNTMvlo2_bREaBDaklsbZ_Y5tfMmYf0akRJlw3_DVuJyx2FLGW83WMlEHMNq_85zih_BGDXM2w6NVUbKLHkh853E0SADthRelqwK3ntJers7Pd4j2eSUvFiANykTv4wFzxxE/s200/2015-0826a.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #f1c232;">Ut-Oh! I'm in trouble</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I went to the church with my
husband so that he could later take me to have blood work done at my rheumatologistās
office.. I figured I could get some work done while I waited for my husband to
complete a few tasks. The blood work up should have been done by the second
week of July. I had forgotten about it. Blame it on the tumor! LOL!ļ»æļ»æļ»æļ»æ</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I was in my office working when my pain
management doctorās office called to see if I was okay. Why? I missed my
appointment. Thankfully I was only a few blocks away. The catch: I had to drive
myself because my husband was teaching the morning 9 am Bible Study. He was not
happy because I will not be cleared to drive until January 2016. I usually do a
good job writing down my appointments. This shows I see way too many doctors. I
was in trouble.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFJy4xjP8EJ5EI_RhOzGu3QStR7mQe1pFQtIXTU6l9bOIgiWiwKXuzHeiG_gKNzZo19MNcLN0rCsfrMOxEgbvZ-9dqHrNEFVUr6VV5qogeCWJo-gaqbo2vdb3WG3pNIKXNjVgXvnRPiCp/s1600/2015-0826b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFJy4xjP8EJ5EI_RhOzGu3QStR7mQe1pFQtIXTU6l9bOIgiWiwKXuzHeiG_gKNzZo19MNcLN0rCsfrMOxEgbvZ-9dqHrNEFVUr6VV5qogeCWJo-gaqbo2vdb3WG3pNIKXNjVgXvnRPiCp/s200/2015-0826b.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">When I made it back to the
office, the thought of facing Earnest forced me to cope with my drug of choice.
I needed a drink. A CokeHead under pressure is not a good combination,
therefore I hit the can. LOL! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I felt good driving. The joy
ride was therapeutic, lol! I almost stopped at a few stores until my pain
reminded me that wasn't doable. Oh well!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">After Earnest preached at our
noonday service, he <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brought me to have
my blood work done. I'm was whipped! After singing "nobody knows the
trouble I feel," He gave me a get out of jail free card for driving. I was
going to blame it on the tumor anyway. Lol! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jxwj_jxXqNHALd9Xp6OQ7Thln-25fm_ilhNTZlovyCvpwwM-t1QtKZ3SmviwacgA1NjT_j4tg7eMp89npBQ27KW_HjwwFxWrhwPE9MZmikhsfq1BLggraROX72g4AXIgXyX0usYHsIGN/s1600/2015-0826c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jxwj_jxXqNHALd9Xp6OQ7Thln-25fm_ilhNTZlovyCvpwwM-t1QtKZ3SmviwacgA1NjT_j4tg7eMp89npBQ27KW_HjwwFxWrhwPE9MZmikhsfq1BLggraROX72g4AXIgXyX0usYHsIGN/s200/2015-0826c.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Thankfully Camille helped out
today by picking up my meds from Wal-Mart. After driving a car today, I don't
want to go back to my 5 mph Wal-Mart scooter-hog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have a need for speed!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">By 2 p.m. all of my energy
was depleted. I did a bit much today. Since I was exhausted and in bed, took my
chemo pills. They make me sick, but I got to do what I got to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">With all of the craziness, I
must admit, TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY. I had a good laugh at myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-35646903163182407562015-08-18T11:50:00.000-05:002015-08-18T11:50:06.981-05:00Marriage RetreatAs Covenant partners, God has called my husband and I to serve, mentor, and empower other marriages. Satan thought illness would distract us----not so! It is easy to use sickness as an excuse to not serve. My assignment and calling has not been nullified by God, He gives me the grace to do what He has called me to do. Please pray for a transforming experience and for traveling grace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtd4jsk5oihtecIt89uyKdGQSfJumm7Wpt4KV4kIrkfqIjSDLYLTfALzQYVYKp9ErVOfdKgdFhPvMX-AE4BAlut5oboHYsG0oQQfGB9o-BmuXj600U6oC9Z-wMFLdosPnGoPYAorqllie/s1600/2015-0821+ChatRetreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtd4jsk5oihtecIt89uyKdGQSfJumm7Wpt4KV4kIrkfqIjSDLYLTfALzQYVYKp9ErVOfdKgdFhPvMX-AE4BAlut5oboHYsG0oQQfGB9o-BmuXj600U6oC9Z-wMFLdosPnGoPYAorqllie/s400/2015-0821+ChatRetreat.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-82254850045188234672015-08-17T15:34:00.003-05:002015-08-17T15:34:13.593-05:00Another procedure.......<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdTDQMm1ZTC4hPZWwBCTSl647FBOdbLrFOepqrBAsxkV9lVOJizfWbYQngLHki_0oM0qeTcjeWKVYTT3_eyiADWHIIcDwEQpzTRC9lXAgLTTOGucPmBz8pFjOMrHNMIqrRJQNu9QTygSb/s1600/2015-0817+Procedure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdTDQMm1ZTC4hPZWwBCTSl647FBOdbLrFOepqrBAsxkV9lVOJizfWbYQngLHki_0oM0qeTcjeWKVYTT3_eyiADWHIIcDwEQpzTRC9lXAgLTTOGucPmBz8pFjOMrHNMIqrRJQNu9QTygSb/s320/2015-0817+Procedure.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>3 out of 8 injection sites from today</em></strong>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today I had a second procedure in
relation to my spine problems and back spasms. Iāve had great back pain for
several months. Months ago it was discovered I have 2 bulging disc in my spine.
Also, the neurosarcoidosis may be the culprit affecting my spine. The first series
of injections, totaling 6, were done June 8<sup>th</sup>. The earlier
injections failed to give me relief. I had another series done todayā6 injections
into my upper back and 2 into my lower back. I didn't take pictures of the injections on my lower back because this lady is too classy for booty shots!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The lower spine is not paining me, however my upper spine is very sore.
By tomorrow I should feel relief. I pray this works, because I am hoping to
avoid surgery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, Iām taking it
easy. Catherine cooked rice to go with gumbo from the freezer that Camille
cooked last month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Surprisingly my dad called today. He
said he was calling just to see how I was doing. I must admit, I believe
someone told him about my last blog. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt
and just receive the call for the intent he claims. I was very groggy from the
meds, so I could not speak with him very long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-11008649069164088042015-08-13T15:20:00.002-05:002015-08-13T15:29:49.596-05:00Headache, drama, and the world continues to turn<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am experiencing
a major headache today. It is one of the side effects of the chemo pills I take
on Wednesdays. Iām doing my best not to complain, however, youād think these
headaches would be gone by now. At least I have experienced a day headache
free. That gives me hope.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday,
Aug. 12th was my sisterās birthday. Yesterday also was National Middle Child
Day. Thereās a ānational dayā for just about everything. SMH. For the first 50
years of my life, although I </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KK-BEecJWI-h4gmugre-TCKi1ZmW54twLs9vSfnfy18_84fJ1Bt3nuLUbHDZnb9A-WZA7JfobSqsSToJGXssSVia6JipuwP9J0MFb4hx9HZFCXAuK-P-OcVAI901lPwDr3yXYuxJcRun/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KK-BEecJWI-h4gmugre-TCKi1ZmW54twLs9vSfnfy18_84fJ1Bt3nuLUbHDZnb9A-WZA7JfobSqsSToJGXssSVia6JipuwP9J0MFb4hx9HZFCXAuK-P-OcVAI901lPwDr3yXYuxJcRun/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">had my suspicions, I thought I was the youngest
child. Last year it was confirmed that I am the āmiddle child.ā<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I should have been celebrating with
my sister. LOL!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am trying
my best to not stress out over this situation, however, itās very difficult.
Stress is not a good thing for me and my recovery. My new found brother is not
the issue. We have bonded and are cultivating our relationship. I hear from him
frequently. Iāve forgiven my dad for cheating on my mom for 40 plus years. It
was no surprise considering my upbringing. I have difficulty resolving the idea
that my father continues to be a dead beat dad. I am so very disappointed in my
dadās actions, particularly since he has spoken harshly against other deadbeat
fathers. Although I can do nothing to change what has happened in the past, I presently
must honor my dad who still refuses to be a father to his son and who shows my
sister and I no love or concern. My mother, his wife who I am caregiver of, he
never calls or ask about. My mom has built a wall to try to protect the pain of
feeling abandoned by him. Dementia has left her with no filter; she says whatās
on her mind. It hurts my heart to see and hear her pain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During this
course of illness a lot of lies and secrets has been exposed. Drama has no respect of illness. Iām at the place
where I pray there isnāt additional drama because I donāt know how much more I
can take emotionally and physically. I have said many times, āwho counsels the counselor?ā
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In spite of it all, I still love the
Lord, and I know He is the one that keeps me sane. He is my Counselor! I donāt
know what I would do without Him. It is important for me to serve others in
spite of my personal drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only
imagine the headaches being worse if I would sit down and mull over my
problems.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So itās
worship and serving as usual. Iām still teaching and preaching the Word of
God. Iām currently preparing for several engagements, one out of state, between
now and the end of the month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I speak to
God and He speaks to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can do all
things through Christā¦ā¦..including celebrating Middle Child Day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just encouraged myselfā¦..With Christ, I can
handle this! I need Thee because the world continues to turn.</span></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-26021638710109053072015-07-28T21:58:00.000-05:002015-07-28T21:58:44.412-05:00Transformation Tuesday!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2M3hCQNjBpmmmNYBZ0y937XBqdMvDNR5IpMJWnJ7hyF4Vznhpk9BqdoF3CJUsMMDFCPkLbYIPPjZHT-3v1oJrc0xkwAj-OxUvDBChtXvh3RciLwqT38T1XujqqODrSFhVHB_x9WQIh6/s1600/2015-0728+Transformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2M3hCQNjBpmmmNYBZ0y937XBqdMvDNR5IpMJWnJ7hyF4Vznhpk9BqdoF3CJUsMMDFCPkLbYIPPjZHT-3v1oJrc0xkwAj-OxUvDBChtXvh3RciLwqT38T1XujqqODrSFhVHB_x9WQIh6/s400/2015-0728+Transformation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Here is my truth-The pictures were taken 1) Dec. 26, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2014
2) July 17, 2015. Yep, thatās just 7 months. Thanks to a high dosage of daily
steroids my face is swollen, I'm retaining water, and gained a whopping 40lbs.
I'm ready to evict the fat chick! Neurosarcoidosis and brain tumors suck! <span class="uficommentbody">My daughter said my picture looks like it has been altered
and widened! That was a nice way of saying "Dang momma, you are big!"
LOL! I'm just THICKALICIOUS!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span class="uficommentbody"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span class="uficommentbody"></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why am I smiling
in the most recent picture? Although the weight gain is upsetting and
unsettling, it could be worse. I still trust God. This is for His glory,
therefore it is well with my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am grateful to
know that Iām happy in the skin I am in. The fat girl has emerged and I still
love me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-46104759035546966562015-07-27T21:27:00.001-05:002015-07-27T21:27:53.436-05:00Newsflash!I may have aches and pains in my body, but TODAY is the first day I've gone the entire day without a headache in almost TWO YEARS!!! <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/grateful?source=feed_text&story_id=1028439427167274"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl">āŖ#ā</span><span class="_58cm">GRATEFULā¬</span></a> Even the "little things" are great! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnp2-hdlytxSv42_qYItX1fgOfW7OVxX2dpHyt8FYhmZmBPzs0wQ9KrSdfYhihNFpcfmYOMIeQJDGWLELIiFhY8s0bydFqRcQIwKVHDpNwwoUgMNLiJC1nwbMKc1JYEy85wJs-DF0ba0O/s1600/praising+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnp2-hdlytxSv42_qYItX1fgOfW7OVxX2dpHyt8FYhmZmBPzs0wQ9KrSdfYhihNFpcfmYOMIeQJDGWLELIiFhY8s0bydFqRcQIwKVHDpNwwoUgMNLiJC1nwbMKc1JYEy85wJs-DF0ba0O/s320/praising+God.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-31081861093066621572015-07-25T18:03:00.000-05:002015-07-25T18:05:01.749-05:00So You Want To Shoot Me in My Pinky Toe?<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the scene in the movie
āHarlem Nightsā when the characters of Eddie Murphy and Della Reese fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In desperation and because he was getting
whipped harder than a runaway slave, with his gun Eddie shoots Della in the
pinky toe. I also love the scene in the sitcom āGood Timesā after Florida Evans
husbandās funeral where she drops the punch bowl and screamed out in grief. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do these scenes have to
do with my life? Well, either I broke my pinky toe or I have a really </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A7sviSN3j_afvBHU4wqU4IPU3hYMfydA-4xSbUItO0-9JKRIvYHYhEgxFCyNDOU2O7jD3t8X2gyfC6_4pWd18u0yB4saIqdxWO12wtDeenH4zmNTjKc5qUG8Q9j9_ec-CIo9DZ3MwDp1/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A7sviSN3j_afvBHU4wqU4IPU3hYMfydA-4xSbUItO0-9JKRIvYHYhEgxFCyNDOU2O7jD3t8X2gyfC6_4pWd18u0yB4saIqdxWO12wtDeenH4zmNTjKc5qUG8Q9j9_ec-CIo9DZ3MwDp1/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">bad
sprain! When it happened, I screamed in my Florida Evans Voice, āDANG, DANG,
DANG.ā Iām walking with a cane, my foot is in a boot, my toes splinted and my
daughter Catherine says, āI donāt mean to laugh at you but you look like that
lady who got her toe shot off in Harlem Knights.ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was right! We both had a good laugh.</span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After all Iāve been through
over the past 6 months, I had to ask God whatās up? Who do I need to rid from
my life? Who is it that I havenāt forgiven? What changes must I make in my life?
Guess what God said to me-----<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>not a mumbling
word</u></i>! I have a hard time dealing with his silence. However, during the
silence I managed to encourage myself and tell myself to STAY FOCUSED! Okay, now
I see what God was doing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How
did I manage to injure myself? What had happened was------ Iām going to my
grave with that information. When I hurt myself, I do it big and in an unusual
manner. LOL! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earnest said I just want
every part of my body injured. LOL!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was determined come hell
or high water, I was going to visit my mom today. I managed to make it to the
nursing home, but I was a little nervous. As slow as I am moving with the cane,
I didnāt want them to mistaken me for one of the residents and lock me in. LOL!
I cut out the other optional activities that I was going to participate in on
this day. Iām icing my toe, keeping it elevated, and laughing at myself. </span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-41872482636091068432015-07-03T20:40:00.004-05:002015-07-03T20:45:57.911-05:00Whatās next? ............. What else is going on?<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shots I had 3 weeks ago
has not improved the pain or muscle spasms in my upper back. 2 weeks ago, I
began having additional pain in my lower back. I had thoracic and lumbar x-rays
done this week. They turned out okay. With all of the X-rays, MRIs, and Cat
Scans I have had, I should be glowing in the dark real soon. Iām not jumping up
and down cheering about the x-ray results because Iām still in a lot of pain
and x-rays doesnāt always show a problem. Sometimes it takes a MRI. Whatās
next? Additional shots in my back! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My weekly dosage of methotrexate
(MTX) pills has been increased. MTX is used to treat various illnesses
including cancer. The pill is one bad boy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MTX has me feeling nauseated with stomach
pains since taking them on Wednesday evening. Funny, the medicine I need to
make me better makes me sick! The Grill Master, Big Daddy grilled his award
winning (he won the Thomas <em><strong>Grillology Award</strong></em>) chicken wings, Earl Campbell
sausages, and spare ribs. Uuuggggghhhh!! I canāt partake the feast! Hmmmphf!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OF9C3UvP7okeqJhqTXb3lsRurP6Yz4pkcLX2HzXCDy-rjP-ccRYn0BB6J-VzpkGFMsdyq-uvLQYhCe3n_RGrMB23LYaeTcsIuRkuzPTS5-rYxF1-PXe-TSpwGuA6L0-o2PR6LhgKlPjD/s1600/2015-0703+Eye+Patch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OF9C3UvP7okeqJhqTXb3lsRurP6Yz4pkcLX2HzXCDy-rjP-ccRYn0BB6J-VzpkGFMsdyq-uvLQYhCe3n_RGrMB23LYaeTcsIuRkuzPTS5-rYxF1-PXe-TSpwGuA6L0-o2PR6LhgKlPjD/s320/2015-0703+Eye+Patch.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Ahoy Mate!</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What else is going on? Yep, I
have another issue. Nothing that will slow me down, however, it is serious
enough to be addressed very soon. <em>I canāt believe this is happening.</em> Iām not
quite ready to share with the world yet.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My left eye still does not
close, so to prevent dryness and eye damage I must tape it shut at night. I
look like a knock-off pirate! LOL! The tape aggravates me, but I do what I have
to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several people have asked
about my parents. Thereās not much talking going on between my dad and I. He is
who he is. He doesnāt call to check on me or my mom and I donāt call to give
him a report of her condition. Iām pretty ill yet I take care of momās needs, visit
her as much as possible, buy her clothing, attend her care plan meetings, etc.
To add the responsibility of calling family with a report of her status is
unreasonable when the only thing her loved ones have to do is call me or the
facility.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My mom is the same-----a
feisty elderly lady who has dementia. She has recovered since her recent
hospital stay. She looks so much better. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My 38 year old brother, who I
met for the first time in December, is doing well. We talk regularly and we are
not as guarded as we were originally. In May, Catherine spent time with her new
uncle when she was in New Orleans.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a Happy Fourth of July!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roline</span></span></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-11260985259753266152015-06-25T12:54:00.000-05:002015-06-25T13:05:20.378-05:00Look Where He Brought Me From!<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It all started with a
headache. I was having them daily for almost a year. It was determined that I
ļ»æ<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXyIMXyCjv6ln0px_Ws1in8bzD34t0p7Z0M9y6wwD0FqhyILeSjDY1o0eIhmTp5DXhf8GDGNwGhCrhXQB6Am1lglZDqUVbzR0yrASsvbdUhgIkCnhfh1zHLxycLLZFmQ1wKKULfhP5AHm/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXyIMXyCjv6ln0px_Ws1in8bzD34t0p7Z0M9y6wwD0FqhyILeSjDY1o0eIhmTp5DXhf8GDGNwGhCrhXQB6Am1lglZDqUVbzR0yrASsvbdUhgIkCnhfh1zHLxycLLZFmQ1wKKULfhP5AHm/s400/IMG_9541.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: yellow;">Taken Dec. 12, 2014 while hospitalized</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
needed new glasses/contacts for my eyes and the headaches would go away. They
didnāt! I shelved the idea of returning to the doctor because I had other
health issues (that at the time I didnāt know was related to the headaches), my
motherās diagnosis of dementia, and her transition from my home to a nursing facility
to deal with (which was not going well), so I suffered in silence for another
year. Everything came to a head Dec. 10, 2014 when I was hospitalized after
having I had a grand mal seizure. The next day I would be diagnosed with a
Brain Tumor and then suffer from Facial Palsy, paralysis to the left side of my
face. From this day forward, life for me has drastically changed.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I donāt have full
function of my face, I have come a long way. Itās not as difficult to talk as
it was at the onset of the palsy. My face is not as crooked anymore and I can
once again smile. However, I still have to tape my eye shut at night to prevent
dryness while I sleep. I continue to use a straw when drinking beverages. I
still have difficulty chewing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I look at this picture of
me from December, I thank God for bringing me thus far. I may not be where I
want to be, but Iām grateful Iām not where I use to be --- with my face and
with my life! <o:p></o:p></span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-5911720915026271112015-06-16T13:58:00.003-05:002015-06-16T13:58:27.551-05:00Not feeling good
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has been a pretty rough
few weeks. Costochondritis is a beast. The pain is unbelievable. After <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebtrV5FUt96VMcXoyYxQHuK_YQ__yKBsL-tZ2XBYYkGe928oy_X4_5zj_yP8pPM_0Y-tShx3nVh-KZ2vUTTgEV2yFmeAEOdbiRM3hk0mD4wfjXaTkevL9jzAzr_hdUlsHosSjVFIfFPG3/s1600/2015-0616+Church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebtrV5FUt96VMcXoyYxQHuK_YQ__yKBsL-tZ2XBYYkGe928oy_X4_5zj_yP8pPM_0Y-tShx3nVh-KZ2vUTTgEV2yFmeAEOdbiRM3hk0mD4wfjXaTkevL9jzAzr_hdUlsHosSjVFIfFPG3/s400/2015-0616+Church.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">Last Sunday's Photo Shoot. I don't look like what I'm going through!</span></strong></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
finally
getting the treatment meds needed, my pain level has decreased from BEYOND
MISERABLE to MISERABLE to currently REALLY BAD! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may take a few weeks for the rib pain to
stop, and then it may return. UGGGGHH!!! Neurosarcoidosis attacks the body,
joints, and vital organs. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all of the pain, I did
muster up the strength to attend Sunday School and visit my mom last Sunday. Being
able to minister is very important to me. It is helping to keep me sane! By the
time I got to my mom I was so fatigued and in pain that I couldnāt stay long. I
am, however, glad I pressed on to visit her. She was in a good mood.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shots I had last week
doesnāt seem to be working. Oh, boy! This is not what I had been praying for. I
have a doctorās appointment this coming Friday with my neurologist who
hopefully can give some insight on what may be the next step.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did manage to wash dishes
today. It took two days (stacked them one day, washed the next), but I was
determined to finish up the task myself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Iāve pretty much been in bed
the last few weeks. My addiction to Court television shows is getting really
bad. I was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>watching āThe Hot Benchā and
found myself so drawn in that I actually said out loud, āIāve heard enough. Iām
ready to rule.ā <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have got to get a life!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-44318667862143528532015-06-10T11:46:00.003-05:002015-06-10T11:46:49.253-05:00It's me, it's me, it's me O Lord! I got something else for you to handle.
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So much has happened since my
last entry. This illness is trying to get the best of me!</span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyZPNb4zoh7Rt6b9ijAVt7ro74ER0fH51CdCtRh-hIbaJ_st8REahTC4JGqux54zNlhghbV8xsA7GJNbKvsjJxKXhm_POXq17o__husvDDu5n6nbEFn4HHP4-3RAW7pEyriXzePCKOV1-/s1600/2015-0610+Costochondritis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyZPNb4zoh7Rt6b9ijAVt7ro74ER0fH51CdCtRh-hIbaJ_st8REahTC4JGqux54zNlhghbV8xsA7GJNbKvsjJxKXhm_POXq17o__husvDDu5n6nbEFn4HHP4-3RAW7pEyriXzePCKOV1-/s320/2015-0610+Costochondritis.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">Feeling Blah but still have something to smile about!</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday I had injections to
help with the pain from my bulging disc and muscle spasms. I havenāt had spasms
since, however I am still sore and stiff from the injections. This pain should
be leaving soon.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Thursday, I started
having severe pains in my left ribs just below my breast. This is the fourth
time Iāve experienced pain in this area, however never has it been this
excruciating! The pain mimicked that of a heart attack. I didnāt panic, and
pretty much took it like a big girl! By Saturday I was contemplating going to
the hospital because it became too difficult and painful to get out of the bed.
Sunday, I went to Sunday School but not worship services. That was about all I
could do. I noticed Sunday afternoon that I had excessive swelling in the area
of the pain. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A good friend who happens to
be a physician told me what to do to help with the inflammation. Because she is
a cardiologist and asked several rule out questions, I was relieved that she
too didnāt believe my heart was the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After some research, I pretty much knew what the problem was, but was
going to wait until my Monday doctorās visit. After an examination, the doctor
diagnosed me with having Coostochondritis. A description from the Mayo Clinic:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Costochondritis is sometimes known as chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, swelling accompanies the pain (Tietze syndrome).</em></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><em><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Costochondritis usually has no apparent cause. Treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for the condition to improve on its own, which can take several weeks or longer. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Costochondritis usually goes away on its own, although it might last for several weeks or longer. Treatment focuses on pain relief.</span></span></em><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although there is no real
cause for Costochondritis, it can be brought on by a tumor or sarcoidosis, both
of which I have. Neurosarcoidosis is no joke! </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just another thing to give
to the Lord. Iāve pretty much have been in the bed since Thursday. Today I am
attempting to cook my family a home cooked meal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
It is well with my soul! God be glorified!<br />
<br />
RolineEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-88736695248494602042015-05-28T15:08:00.000-05:002015-05-28T15:08:44.100-05:00Something else to give over
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me start by reminding you
that my brain tumor was caused by the disease Neurosarcoidosis which is a rare disease
found in only 10% of people with Sarcoidosis. There are very few doctors in the
country that treat the disease. Even those doctors have very little information
about the illness, therefore treatment is very difficult.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterdayās doctorās
appointment was a bit frustrating. Although my appointment was at 11:30 p.m., I
did not see the doctor until 1:45 p.m. Yes, thatās 2 hours and 15 minutes
later! I understand that sometimes doctors can fall behind and have a bad day,
but I would have loved to hear an apology! They would have cancelled my
appointment if I was 15 minutes late, but I got nothing for my more than 2 hour
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was getting ill waiting because
I had not eaten since 7:30 a.m. I also was in a lot of pain waiting and took
some meds on an empty stomach. Not good!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also wasnāt happy with the
visit. Iām glad my diagnosis isnāt as bad as it could have been, but, I did not
get definitive answers for my symptoms that still raises concern. UUUGGGHHHH!!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Brain MRI did not show
brain damage. THANK YOU LORD! However, the spine MRI showed I have a bulging
disc in the C5 Spine (neck area). It's just something else to give over to there Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
nervous when the doctor asked to send the results to a surgeon. I do not want
to go under the knife again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A less
aggressive treatment will be administered; therefore, I will be having an
injection into my spine as soon as I hear back from the doctor that will be
performing that procedure. Prayerfully, this will relieve the pain and back spasm
and surgery will not be necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
doctor doesnāt believe the disease (neurosarcoidosis) has spread to my spine.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The headaches Iām
experiencing canāt be explained. We are hoping they are caused by the disc and
will leave after the injection. My facial swelling and pains canāt be explained,
but I do have an appointment with my neurologist in two weeks. My eye issues---who
knows! Itās frustrating when you have no answers, but thatās what happens when
you have a rare disease.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Iām also am dealing with a
flare up of bursitis in my hip. I have some PT exercises to do. This will be
interesting with an excruciatingly painful back! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Additional rest is not the
cure. It doesnāt help or harm. I get plenty rest! So, back to doing what I do.
SERVING and doing what I can, when I can, while I can.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought Iād add a picture
of me before and after steroids. The December 2014 picture was taken 2 weeks
after I began taking steroids. The other picture was taken 3 weeks agoā¦.so that
means I have a few more pounds on me. The fat chick has emerged! LOL! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UGGGGHHHH! Good news! The doctor decreased my
daily intake of steroids from 60 mg to 30 mg! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTN15IxfSpy1H94W9OOjW_k2BBzThvQEX1wLBNriTA1ff7fFrPqoV7e0dl6abeioOYXvDJIpO6nqt0V3Zuf_RZ8cN3CRtxdkWkDKGMPh0oxppQDD8GGOkm0_Y91HPqkMFSuX9U4clFCk0/s1600/BA2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTN15IxfSpy1H94W9OOjW_k2BBzThvQEX1wLBNriTA1ff7fFrPqoV7e0dl6abeioOYXvDJIpO6nqt0V3Zuf_RZ8cN3CRtxdkWkDKGMPh0oxppQDD8GGOkm0_Y91HPqkMFSuX9U4clFCk0/s400/BA2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-9177578625907735422015-05-27T10:39:00.001-05:002015-05-27T10:40:16.717-05:00Almost Time to Face "One More Thing"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMG9yyNJCrbeNpmI1EdpV3ZD5VwoDiaSxldXc4Mx1mYoOGE8-mfF2xmcL-6RQxXV-LzeAkbE0VgEi3HUTNoeD2pUJ2yG2o22ho0GiSYKQIjE9S0FNgn90yRGNpMtGgrtixFoNtHZPUHJ6/s1600/ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMG9yyNJCrbeNpmI1EdpV3ZD5VwoDiaSxldXc4Mx1mYoOGE8-mfF2xmcL-6RQxXV-LzeAkbE0VgEi3HUTNoeD2pUJ2yG2o22ho0GiSYKQIjE9S0FNgn90yRGNpMtGgrtixFoNtHZPUHJ6/s200/ready.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">As I was getting
ready this morning for THE doctor appointment.I noticed that I can't frown. As hard as I tried, my smile would not completely turn upside down. </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">My palsy lips just won't allow it. LOL! You got to learn to take the good with the bad. I can't blame it on the tumor !
The joy of the Lord is my strength! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">I
asked my husband how was he handling all of my issues. I had to put
myself in his shoes-- it tore me up! I'm so glad to have this man in my life. Pray with me for him. Taking me to appointments, sitting in
hospital waiting rooms, watching my health's decline & witnessing
the bad days, getting food for us to eat, maintaining the home, working
on his job, etc. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCCNh5fWYuzYss_8o97zHF9yNCwWT4u8ypICWXnH2BzzNZsEximgfphL5mydkplEiUh4KF0r_iHWWhCFc8eRI_0SEYRmeec41oWQQEHhpvuYZwscDK9IWGL73OAvky6Fa1EMJKiFegaal/s1600/earnest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCCNh5fWYuzYss_8o97zHF9yNCwWT4u8ypICWXnH2BzzNZsEximgfphL5mydkplEiUh4KF0r_iHWWhCFc8eRI_0SEYRmeec41oWQQEHhpvuYZwscDK9IWGL73OAvky6Fa1EMJKiFegaal/s200/earnest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
is draining. It's a huge task to be a caregiver. I love
me some him.<span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><br /></span></span>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">It's almost time for me to get the news. It's currently 10:35 am. My doctor's appointment is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. I am ready. God won't allow what I can't handle and He will never leave me nor forsake me.</span></span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693756134641349440.post-14885277820188884982015-05-26T21:56:00.005-05:002015-05-26T22:07:41.446-05:00One More Thing<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing Iāve learned in all
that I have been going through is ādonāt ignore your body when itās talking to
you!ā Iāve been experiencing additional challenges that has caused great concern
for me, my family and the doctors. Funny, these challenges hasnāt stopped me
from service. Thought Iād interject that for those who need to know Godās grace
still works! Anyhoo, I had a brain and spine MRI done last Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was to get the results of the test on tomorrow
(Wednesday) during my visit with my doctor. Unfortunately the test showed
another problem that need immediate attention and required my approval to be
submitted to another specialist; therefore my doctor called first thing this
morning and gave me a portion of the results. I had a shaking like a leaf
moment and then I researched the internet to educate myself about this "one more thing." WOW, this is really
happening.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I am a little nervous
about going to the doctor tomorrow, but I am glad to know the portion of the
results that was shared. I already know to brace myself and I am ready to get
to the appointment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iāll be getting full
information tomorrow and then notifying my family before I share with all of
you wonderful people that have helped to keep me going. Love you all dearly and
please whisper a prayer for me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbvM9r63Vj_VozqVPf4zNIRjuSChuBj3AKTm2cHJht_lMceYnHf-a35hfW7md9CS6Xg3PURKjSSS13TYif0bTwKb1eqB_unyO-EKuMJ5rce8XJjE1Fyz_2r99J4YGZyle_8zRzenDZPWp/s1600/2015-0526+no+makeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbvM9r63Vj_VozqVPf4zNIRjuSChuBj3AKTm2cHJht_lMceYnHf-a35hfW7md9CS6Xg3PURKjSSS13TYif0bTwKb1eqB_unyO-EKuMJ5rce8XJjE1Fyz_2r99J4YGZyle_8zRzenDZPWp/s320/2015-0526+no+makeup.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: windowtext;"></span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A dear friend called and told
me to keep calm and donāt stress. The only way I could achieve this was through
the Word of God. Iāve been reading, meditating, and studying all day. I even
started preparing a sermon. In spite of it all, itās been a productive day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this raw picture of me some of my symptoms are prevalent. Here you see the darkness under the eyes and
facial swelling (not as bad right now). Itās amazing what make-up can hide. At
church, people are always encouraging and telling me how great I look. Inwardly, Iām
thinking, āYou just donāt know!ā Make-up is a beast! It can hide a lot of pain.
The good thing is, I can function without make-up and I can function in pain.
GRACE is powerful! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
Be blessed,<br />
RolineEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com3