A different but nostlalgic view of my visit to Mexico in 2012.

24 HOURS AT SCRIPPS INN IN LA JOYA, CALIFORNIA USA

THINGS OF SOME VALUE

VALUE is relative when we are speaking of possesions. The striving after them will lead to disappontment. This is a short video of some possesions I have and my view toward them.

ALL KIDS BLOOM SOME NOW SOME LATER EVEN ANGELMAN SYNDROME

A short video of the progress of our Angelman Syndrome grandson. His cognitive skills are improving. His progress is notable!

Visit to Safari Park

A beautiful day, animals and scenery at the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park in Escodido, California. With the birds singing, who could ask for more at this time?

REMEMBER WHEN...........? MEMORIES OF TIMES PAST!

Remember Vick nosedrops and vaporub..when your mother had you eat a teaspoon of that creamy vaporub..yucky!...when you would have to put a pan of water on top of your free standing heater to moisten the air in your house...when you could take a carload of family to the Motor Movies (movie drive-in) for only a dollar.....when an indoor toilet was a luxury...and a bath meant "get out the round tina"....and all the kids used the same water (we were six)...when we would walk to school two miles (true)....when we were skinny because there were no computers and we would be playing outside....when after school there were activities like needlecraft, ping pong, "punching bag" (tether ball)...when we would chew Fleers Bubble Gum and there was always a comic on back of the wrapper...when you could buy a pound of hamburger for a dollar...when ten dollars would buy bags of groceries...when milk came in glass bottles...when the doctor would come to your house for a sick call....when girls wore hair rollers and wrapped it with a bandana....when our skirts were to the ankles....when girls were not allowed to wear pants at school.....when you bought your vacuum cleaner from a door to door salesman....when encyclopedias were in book form and you had to turn pages.....I DO!

.....Or when we got home from school, homework was a priority....when everyone prepared dinner.....when Saturday was cleaning day.....when we learned the domestic part of life, boys and girls.......when bedtime was 9:30....when we could watch Ozzie and Harriet, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Amos and Andy, Dinah Shore Show, Leave it to Beaver, Sid Cesear and Imogene Coca, The Amateur Hour......when we could safely walk to the store at night....I remember all of these thing and more....Some say the changes in the current mode of things is progress......I beg to differ!

Cancer: I Dodged The Bullet

While being a couple months late for my yearly exam, I certainly did not have cause for alarm. After all, I had routinely included a breast exam with my self-care concerns.

This year I was reminded various times to get my mammogram exam. I would think: I will, I will! A generic reminder from Kaiser generated a new reminder which caught my attention. It gave me statistics of age groups. I looked up information of Google. It seems the risk goes up as you get older. Get older? I am now 70 years old. Maybe it's time to take this risk more seriously! I waited a couple more days, then made the appointment. It was a week later. I kept the appointment. How I hate that test! The discomfort! But just a moment in time.

Now, I thought, to wait for the results!The following week, I received a call from a number unknown to me, so ignored it. Then another call, this time from the hospital. Well, I thought, it must be from my primary care doctor. A message was left on a third call, the same day I received a notice in the mail that I was to return for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Mini panic ran through me! I immediately made the appointment.

From Thursday through Tuesday, my appointment day, I became quite nervous. In and out of apprehension, dread and emotions most of us will feel of the unknown. Finally the day came. My husband accompanied me, being as optimistic as he could. I was beginning to feel silly because of my worry. Surely, nothing to worry about!

A repeat mammogram was given, then wait again for my turn for an ultrasound. Then wait again for the radiologist to come in and give me results. "Good news", she says, "it's a cyst, common, a lots of women have them". Then she said, "See you next year"! A sigh of relief for me!

On the way out, I ran into my daughter who is 32 years old. She was scheduling a mammogram for herself. We had been discussing her care now that she is reaching the age of concern. I told her the good news! Of course, I didn't share the emotional toll I had experienced for a week! But I am so happy that she has started her self-care!

I guess you can say I dodged the bullet! Yearly exams that include mammograms are super necessary.
There are members of our family that have not been so fortunate. I certainly do want to gloat. We have felt the pain of losing family members and friends with the terrible disease of CANCER...

Cancer is a disease that reaches past the patient...it affects us all but soon we will not have to worry about any sickness! In addition to that, we have the hope of welcoming back the victims of this terrible disease and all other diseases that have taken the lives of our loved ones! Revelation 21:3, 4 ; Acts 24:15.

My sense is that caring for our health is necessary to continue caring for our loved ones. We want to be in the best possible health!

Dancing Alex

When there is a disability in the family, we have to learn to live with it or at least make it our new "normal". That is what we had to do with our adult grandson. I have videotaped Alex enjoying himself dancing as well as learning new tasks. This is our life! We have decided to make the most of it! With a routine at home that we all participate in, it becomes just a bit easier. I do have to admit that when Alex was young there were a lot more frustrations. Possibly, because we didn't know where this Angelman syndrome would lead us.  Add to that, the frustrations and hard work of raising any child.

As it is now, he has become a bit easier, in that he cooperates and has become very teachable. That is our life with Alex. Each parent, I believe, can reach their own "normal" with theie special needs member of the family. We have found ours and I am trying to document his life as much as I can. He matters! He counts! He is 25 years old!

A VOICE FOR ALEX My personal view on Angelman Syndrome

Although I am usually behind the camera, I thought I could benefit some in the Angelman community as well as others with this short 7 minute video. My comments are candid and are my personal expressions. Alex is my grandson.. Enjoy!

CANCER INVASION

It seems everywhere I turn I hear cancer.. stage, something or another...chemo..radiation.. It has become the illness of our times..and it is sad.

It has been blamed on the air we breath, the foods we eat, family history, substances we smoke and even the sun. I remember when the sun was a good thing. Get out in the sun for good health. Our children need it to grow healthy. Now it is something to avoid for long periods of time for fear of melanoma...or skin cancer.

Smoking cigarettes was a very sophistocated thing to do in the 20's forward. By the time, the call was out that it caused cancer, many were addicted. It was difficult to quit. More than 7,000 chemical have been found in tobacco and smoke, of which 70 are cancer causing. The nicotine habit has become so pleasurable that it is not an easy habit to stop.

I would imagine that there is no one clearcut reason we get cancer. There are so many variables that make up this terrible illness. It devours the victim with no mercy. In front of our eyes, we see them deteriorate. What a dreaded diagnosis!

I am an ordinary person who has had the opportunity to live a long life. I want to continue, but like everyone else, have no hold on perfect health and longevity. It saddens me to lose relatives and good friends to this monstrous disease. Today, I am feeling the pain. I am losing a long time friend who has battled this disease and is now losing.

My comfort is the hope of seeing her again under perfect conditions here on earth. Act 24:15 that speaks of the "resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous". In Psalm 37:34, we find the hope of "taking possesion of the earth". That is my comfort..seeing her again without the cancerous condition she is now suffering.

My heart is heavy for those who are suffering the deluge of all illnesses and suffering under the burden. To them, I say "lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near"! Luke 21:28. All sickness and death will be gone. She has the same hope as I do..That is an additional comfort.

WINTER BLUES

I sound like a complainer with no basis when I begin complaining of 60 degree weather in southern California USA. There are so many snowed in, this month of January 2012 with highs of 3 or lower in other parts of the country and world. For this old grandma of 70 years, it is getting difficult to stay warm on a rainy day.
Bundling takes on a meaning of "layering" on the clothes. Sweater, scarf, and a wool poncho. I am inside my house and still am working at feeling comfortably warm. Today, I have forgone any cooking. If I should do any cooking, I surely would have have solved the cold issue, only to create a fire that would begin with igniting my sleeve or the end of my scarf! Yes, I am serious, otherwise I wouldn't go through the trouble of blogging any of this!
There is something biological and scientific going on in my body. I cringe when I think of those in colder states that lose their electricity or run out of fuel. Or could it be that these ones have acclimated to the weather. At any rate, it is cooooold!!

I look forward to Tuesday when we can enjoy daytime weather at 75 degrees. That is what I like!  After all, this is southern California! It is what we expect!

ALEX'S PERSONALITY WITH ANGELMAN

From the outside looking in, there appears to be only a lot of work caring for Alex. He has Angelman Syndrome. There are, however, many joys in seeing him reach new milestones as he get older. Years back, he was relentless in handflapping, which is common with Angleman persons. Now, his environment can be calming to him with soft music and a quiet surrounding, such as when we are listening to a discourse.  I have made a video of his demeanor when alone with him. In contrast, you can see how reactive he is around a crowd of persons!

All videos, amateur as they are, are for the benefit for anyone that would choose to know about Angelman Syndrome.

My videos are to document Alex's life!

MY ANGELMAN LIFE AS ALEX

My Angelman Life As Alex...that is the title of my latest video. It's basically ordinary things we do with Alex with emphasis on his new iPad. He loves it and we feel it can be a good communication tool! This is just the beginning of his new experience with his new iPad. I battled with the editing feature of Windows Moviemaker and wasn't pleased with the quality of the video. However, the finished product is as good as it could be when a program freezes and does not allow you to see a preview of the video! Oh well, I AM an amateur at videotaping! Take a look and see if you like it!

EARLY ONSET OF ALZHEIMERS....A MENTAL ILLNESS ONGOING!

Let me be candid about events in our life that may be useful for many. It is about MENTAL ILLNESS. In particular early onset of Alzheimers! I will omit dates, location and names to protect the privacy of family members!

I come from a large family of eight including my parents and lived in a small town in northern California, USA. We were an inquisitive bunch who wanted to know about our grandparents. What child does not ask questions about family! We were no different!

I will begin with the illness of an uncle, my mother's brother. He began with difficulty in walking! Back problems, the doctors would say. He was 41 when this problem began. Many medical visits over a course of years that finally resulted in an Alzheimers diagnosis. My uncle's condition became progressively worse, even having personality changes such as aggression! His wife patiently cared for him as long as she could, then placed him in a convalescent hospital. She visited him every day. He died at 49 years of age. During the course of his illness, my sister investigated into the death of our grandfather who died in our hometown. His death was never discussed! 

You see, there was a shame that beclouded any conversation about my grandfather. He died in a mental hospital in our hometown. Mother would never talk about it! But now, it was important! Grandfather had shown the same characteristics of this phantom illneness!
In the early days treatment of mental illness was rather crude! Lock them up and medicate them. Shock treatment was the quick fix! My mother would later tell us that he would say he was mistreated, but no one listened! Part of his illness? Who can say! His death certificate would reveal cerebral dementia, not exactly in those words but similar! He also died in his forties.

At forty years of age, a cousin began showing the same symptoms of Alzheimers. He progressively became ill with dementia and personality changes. It continued for years and was placed in a convalescent hospital! Again, his mother visited every day, taking his laundry home to wash and return the next day! Yes, she was wife to the uncle mentioned above and now was caring for her son.
He died in his late forties!

By now the family has accepted the fact that this is genetic! Through a search of our family history, we found that two additional cousins as well as an aunt, has died. All in their forties! Currently a cousin (not in this country) is showing the same Alzheimer symptoms as well as another here nearer to home! It is disturbing to us to have this menacing illness in our midst.

In 2005, we lost our elderly mother in death. She lived a long life with no symptoms of Alzheimers until one year before she died. The doctor's classified it as dementia. It was NOT an early onset of this illness. For that we are grateful! Her cognition would come and go. She never lost the ability to recognize her children. She did periodically forget what day it was and would cry uncontrollably. We feel she dodged the bullet! She was directly related to all persons mentioned in this story

Of course, it is of concern to us...this menacing illness. We realize the Alzheimers is not the only disease to fear. Other mental illnesses can invade the family...we have prepared ourselves! As a family, we trust that ALL diseases and sicknesses will be wiped out. Revelation 21:3,4. This is not a fantasy! It will happen! This hope sustains us while we cope with any death dealing diagnosis coming our way!

I Knew What I Wanted And Waited! Married For 35 Years

Preparing for a lifelong marriage takes some planning and a great amount of consideration to the ideal mate. I do not use the word "perfect" because there is no such person. At least we could come close, thus the "ideal"

My first marriage was not a well thought move on my part. There was no planning. I was quite young...17 years old. What did I know and why do I need to consider my future! NOW is what matters, or at least that is what I thought. The marriage did not last and children were left to feel the affects of divorced parents. That marriage lasted 12 years.

So, when I was alone with four children, I begin to look to the future with more seriousness. For the first two years as a divorced woman, I was fully content with raising my children alone. After all, I thought, who would want me with a big family! I was content with my life!
After these two years, I began thinking of a mate to help me, share my goals, be my partner in this busy life I had started. The attention I received for the next three years from men was encouraging, but I made no marriage decisions.

I was determined to find a marriage mate that would be as devoted to our family arrangement as I was. Of course, he would need to have a job, be kind and find me irrestible! To find me attractive would be a plus. I would have to find him attractive as well!
I did find him when I was the least bit interested in looking for anyone. I was invited to a gathering, and there we met through a mutual friend. Who knew?

Below is my "ideal" and myself. Photo was taken about ten years ago!

We met in April.....married in August...after five years alone, and now have 35 years of marriage! We have two daughters and five grandchildren in addition to my "first batch".

I knew what I wanted in a man and waited until I found that person. My expectations were high but not out of reach!

We now serve Jehovah God together along with our family! It was well worth the wait!

Cancer: Why Is It Important What I Say Or Don't Say!

Most of us have been touched by this terrible dreaded disease. CANCER! The name somehow carries with it a death sentence. Of course, the many cancer survivors are changing that! For the purpose of this blog, we will speak of those are terminally ill!

There are routine exams that will detect a potential problem long before it becomes serious. For men, prostate, lung and colon cancer are the most common. In women, breast, colon and lung are more prevalant. There are routine exams that will help deter a major illness.So it is important to be cooperate with our physicians when asked to participate in one of these tests! Now the lecture is over....getting back to our demeanor when we are with our sick loved one.

We have been personally touched by cancer by many of our family members. It is never easy. You read text on how we should make them feel comfortable. Is there any rule on how to do this? Certainly the sick individual and his personality is to considered. Focusing on his appearance before his illness helps to stay focused on him as an individual. Holding his hand and saying nothing, and crying  is useful and can let him know how much you care.

Photographs of the person in his days of health can help focus on who he is as a person. Illness can change our appearance. Some prefer to have only immediate family visit them. Some patients prefer to have all his friends around him at this crucial point in his life. Certainly we would want to respect the wishes of our loved one and maintain his dignity.

Another matter to be considered is TREATMENT. Does the patient prefer to have treatment or not have treatment! If he chooses to forego treatment, are we ready to support him in that decision? This is more difficult as it requires a sincere demostration of love. It is the most common topic for discussion when the family rallies for the solution. Ultimately, the decision falls on the patient!

For the most part, our family have lost spiritual brothers and sisters, that is, those that are related to us in the faith. We have said goodbye to family members also. We have been able to share with them the hope of all sickness and death wiped out forever in the near future. Revelation 21:3,4. Of course this is their belief, so it is comforting for them to hear it from us. They realize that they will only be "asleep" for a short time before they are resurrected and restored to perfect health. Sickness and death will soon be things of the past! John 5:28,29. In general, all sickness will be gone. No more sadness and tears for losing those we love! Rather there will be tears of joy when we see our loved ones alive again!

How do we start to be a part of this joyous time? John 17:3 says the "this means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ"
There are seven million dedicated persons all over the world declaring this wonderful message for the benefit of all mankind! They are Jehovah's Witnesses.

If We Live Forever, Where?

My last blog was reasoning on why we die and on living forever according to the bible. The first mention of death is in Genesis 2:17.

For the sake  argument and differences in opinion, let us say we CAN live forever! Where do we live? This earth as we know it is polluted and ruination is what we see! It is  full of crime, immorality and hatred. Who would want to live forever under these conditions?

The bible has the answers. Psalms 37:10,11 says "...the meek will possess the earth and find your exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.." Better conditions to be certain! How will this happen and when?

Please read Daniel 2:44. This is definitely Good News! Presently there are close to 7 million persons announcing this fine message for the benefit of all! Take a moment to listen to it!

Is It Possible To Live Forever? Yes It Is!

The Bible book of Genesis speaks of seven men who lived more than 900 years, all of them being born prior to the Flood of Noah’s day. They were Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Jared, Methuselah, and Noah. (Genesis 5:5-27; 9:29) Many of these men may be unfamiliar to most people, but all of them were among the first ten generations in human history. Methuselah is well-known for having lived the longest—a record 969 years!

The search for the "fountain of youth" has been ongoing for so many years! Why are our bodies degenerating when scientists say the body is so well constructed so as to continue living! Professor of Medicine Tom Kirkwood once said that aging “remains one of the great mysteries of medical science.” The effort to find the key to stop the aging process continues to this day.

The Authority on the biological make-up of humans should certainly have the answer! After all, he created the first man. Please don't be quick to be sceptical about this comment! We are touching on a very important topic! Who does not want to continue living? To be true to ourselves, let's consider the word of the Highest Authority that knows us better than anyone else. He placed our cells in motion. He knows how they work and why they work. We give tremendous credit to scientists when they discover an intricate part of what makes us function, even in awe of that one! Certainly, we would want to consider the Grand Creator in this mix!

Consider:
To Jehovah God, aging is neither a mystery nor a problem without a solution. He created the first man, Adam, perfect and purposed that humans should live forever. Sadly, Adam decided to turn his back on God. As a result, he fell into sin and became imperfect. Herein lies the explanation scientists have been looking for: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) It is because of sin and imperfection that we get sick, grow old, and die.
To believe this, we must know the person who inspired this to be written.."upon the basis of a hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times long lasting" Titus 1:2.      Our Creator cannot lie!

What Is The Condition Of The Dead?

What is the condition of the dead?  Seems like a subject you would pass up immediately, but a very appropriate subject today at a funeral discourse.

Our dear relative is now gone...so, where is he now? There are so many diverse opinions, but to stick with the facts, the bible says they are "conscious of nothing at all". What a relief for those who may have thought he was suffering a torment or enjoying bliss in the heavens. Ecclesiaster 9:5. They are simply unconscious...asleep..feeling nothing at all. He certainly will be sadly missed, but he is not suffering nor feeling anything at all!  Why do we die in the first place?

It wasn't meant to be that way....the problem started with the first human pair. Their disobedience to God's law to stay away from one fruit tree cost them their lives and those of their offspring. Genesis 2: 15-17 So the very first mention of death was in Genesis. However, we were meant to live forever!

But some say "I have seen a dead relative..she is not dead at all..I spoke with her". Actually the person is not alive. You may definitely have seen something, but remember that 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that  "Satan keeps transforming himself into an angel of light". We may need to read the above text in Genesis again to see how we are all affected by the first disobedience. We die..plain and simple, and isn't it wonderful that our Creator tells us what the condition of the dead is. Without that knowledge, we may think up many possibilities and not be comforted at the time of our loss.
We will miss our relative but we have the assurance that we will see him again in perfect health here on this earth. John 5: 28,29

What Is A Realistic Goal For Alex With Angelman's Syndrome

There are no marks, limitationes that I could see or even know of, so I would guess that the sky is the limit...How could we know what is locked up in the brain of a speechless person. How do we unlock Alex's potential. Pleasant surprises is my goal! Expose him to different program on his new iPad and watch him go. I have started this and will admit to frustration....but trying to be empathetic....feeling what he is feeling!

For certain, he is interested in his new "tech toy"...turning it into a means of communication is another matter. His fine motor skills need fine tuning......but that is ok....we will work with what he can do! Music is absolutely a motivation! This gives me a place to start!

Expensive...yes! However, he will not be driving a car nor riding an expensive bicycle, so....why not!

My Alex is my grandson. We have been caring for him since 1990. He is part of our family in all the senses! We love him and will continue to hope for his betterment now and in the future. Of course the basis for perfect health in the future for him is based on Isaiah 35.

I am currently working on a video that will show his progress in using his iPad! I will share it with you when completed!