The following e-mail exchanges are between a dear friend of mine, Toni, who I met through a web site discussion board devoted to End Times prophecy in which I share with her some of my experiences during my July 19-22, 2007 hospitalization caused by a serious staph infection in my left forearm.
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August 3, 2007
Greg
I've been occasionally stopping by PT, to quickly skim around, so I had no idea something had happened. I'm truly sorry I missed it or I definitely would have written. In any case, I'm really glad you're okay now - and that you've, somehow, managed to escape the wrath of those darn nurses yet again!
Things have been fairly quiet, thank you for asking:
Last weekend, I'd helped my daughter and her husband pack up their apartment so they could move to the Kansas City area of Missouri (I fantasize about moving in Eminence - probably a little too much!). It was rather emotional, but I'm holding onto the thought that this is a really good opportunity for them.
There are lots of medical tests scheduled for August. I need to go every six months, to make sure my cancer hasn't returned / spread. It's my only reminder of what once was, as I rarely think about it until the doctors draw me back into that world. However, so far, so good!
On the 11th, I turn 50. This is the first birthday that has truly given me pause. I look back and wonder where all the years have gone, and feel I should be doing more. Yet I haven't an inkling as to what that "more" might be!
Gratefully, hubby has settled nicely into his new job. His work and personal schedule are beyond hectic, which conflicts with where I am: having survived cancer and turning 50, I now stop and smell the roses... and the lilacs... and the wisteria, while he's off trying to survive a very chaotic dog-eat-dog world. Thus, my Eminence dream.
Besides my flower beds, I have a very secluded vegetable / herb garden that I toy with every day. It simply amazes me that I've grown all of these wonderful things - from seed, no less! It's very tranquil and, somehow, makes me feel closer to God, so I really love it.
My 40 year old nephew, who has been in the reserves since high school, has suddenly been called. They were to give him three months training, but at the last minute, changed it to one. Then they're immediately shipping him off to Iraq. I don't know the details, of course, but I have been informed, behind the scenes, something massive is in the works.
I've noticed you've really gotten into international news, as it might relate to prophecy. That's what I try to keep an eye on. I'm looking for the downfall of Damascus, which I suspect will be our next huge sign. I'm wondering what your thoughts are on that?
Take care, and please write when you're able.
Love Toni
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August 3, 2007
Toni,
Yes, the Big FIVE-OH is a milestone that ought to give one pause for thought! I'm glad that everything is going much better for you and your husband.
I saw my doctor on the 16th of July with a sore left forearm and he gave me antibiotic pills to take and told me to come back three days later. It got worse that night and the following days but when I saw him three days later, I was shocked to hear him tell me to admit myself into the hospital pronto to get on an antibiotic IV drip (twice a day, 2-3 hours each). I have to admit, the thought crossed mind that I might lose my arm but it did start getting better on Day 2, the total stay was three days in the hospital.
A couple of my exchanges with nurses were:
As I was talking to a nurse in the hallway, we were standing by an unusual device that I learned from this nurse was used to warm up about 28 towelettes in separate compartments. As I had not yet had my shower, I told this nurse, "You know, I have an idea. I haven't had my shower yet and there are not many things that a man enjoys more when he gets out of the shower than to put on a pair of warmed up underwear. Can you use this to warm up my underwear for me?"
This nurse laughed and said, "No," but she wanted me to ask this question to another nurse. I went through the same explanation and request and I asked this second nurse, "Have you ever had that request before?"
She tartly replied, "No, because my husband goes 'commando'", causing me and this other nurse to laugh.
Another experience is when a nurse named Heidi came in to my room to ask me if I wanted her to change my bedding. I told her, "No," and I asked her if she was good about keeping her own home clean. Heidi told me that she spent so much of her time cleaning her own home that her husband tells her that she spent too much time cleaning house.
I suggested that her husband tells her that because it takes away from time that he'd rather her spend on 'other' activities. Heidi replied, "He gets plenty of time with those 'other' activities."
I asked, "Oh, are we talking several times a week?"
Heidi adamantly replied, "Once a day!"
I laughed and told Heidi, "Wow, he's got really good recharge power."
And then there was a young (early 20s) attractive nurse assistant who is on the slender side and a little on the shy side and was all business. I told her, "Oh, so you get paid the least but you do all of the work?"
She simply replied, "The other nurses do some work."
On Day 2, she came to my room with a clipboard and she got my vital signs and, as she was leaving, she asked me if I had been to the bathroom to urinate.
I replied, "Oh, two or three times, but not enough volume to write home about--or even to your supervisor."
I watched her as she slowly stepped towards the doorway, writing on her clipboard, and then she stopped in the doorway and very slowly turned around to see me slightly smiling at her. She then allowed herself to have a small coy smile on her face before she continued on to the nurses' front desk.
As far as your comment on Damascus, I still see relative calm in the Middle East with no major war and the Mideast peace process will continue to struggle forward in fits and starts. I have high hopes for the international conference being held on this matter this fall initiated by President Bush. It looks like even the Saudis will attend, which is a major coup for Israel.
I need to run--library is closing.
Love,
Greg
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August 4, 2007
Greg,
You are such a flirt, and you have such a sense of humor! I prefer to be around upbeat people, so I really enjoy reading about your latest escapade. Although they sometimes have very serious undertones (you had to admit yourself to your hospital), you tend to turn the situation around, and take only the good from it. To be able to do that is a gift and a blessing - not to mention the fact that you must make a nurse's day!
The Bible says we're supposed to hear "Peace, peace; when there is no peace." - Jeremiah 6:14b kjv. So this constant talk of peace doesn't surprise me. In fact, it simply tells me we're on His path, and that everything is falling into place. I could be wrong, of course, but I feel we're further along than most people realize.
It's your typical warm and sunny summer's day in Pennsylvania! I've been up for three hours and have completed my housework. However, I am now at a loss as to what I should do next. A nap sounds great, but it's only 10:30AM! Hopefully, I will find something, so I can feel I've had a productive day.
Love Toni
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