INVICTUS--Old Friend of many freepers

email ^ | 1-31-04 | Basil

[basil]

Long time freepers will remember with fondness this wonderful, sometimes cantankerous freeper who added a lot to FR a few years back. He and I used to email back and forth a bit, and today, I thought of him, and realized that I hadn't heard from him in a long time, so I sent him an email. Here is his reply:

Well, Mari: old friend.... thank you for your e-mail.

It has indeed been a long time... I haven't been able to "tune in" on FreeRepublic for.... I guess it's been well over a year, since my Boss decided to take my eyesight through a tricky little deal called "macular degeneration." Since the sight is gone, it makes participation in FreeRepublic all but impossible.

I miss you, and all the other "friends" that I used to be able to communicate with..... Billie, LadyX, Badjoe, ah...far too many to name them all.... I miss the good times on Freeper Island, and all the nonsense that went with it..... so... I miss all of you. I can't see to read anymore...but I can still type.

In spite of the loss of sight, my Boss does a good job in taking care of my being. There really isn't much worth seeing anymore, anyhow. Over the years, I think I've seen it all.....been there, done that. So... I continue to have good health, and I hope THAT continues until He takes me home.

I sincerely hope He continues to bless you and yours, and that you continue to be one of the shining stars of FreeRepublic. I miss you all, more than I can tell you.

God Bless...... Invictus

[basil]

If anybody would like to communicate by email with his fine old gentleman, freepmail me for his e-addy. I have a feeling that hearing from some "old friends" would brighten his days.

[basil]

ping!

[basil]

ping!

[maestro]

Also,..............INVICTUS.............is a grand old march for concert bands etc!

[JennysCool]

Basil, give Invictus my regards. Also, I just picked up, for free, a program that reads the type on your screen to you. Perhaps this might help get Invictus back in the swing?

[RightOnline]

Great guy. Give him my best........and prayers are up for restoration of his eyesight.

[VOA]

I don't know if "Invictus" has tried the "Ocular Nutrition" vitamin formula that
is advertized on Paul Harvey's radio shows.

Maybe Invictus should give it a try, even if he seems to be at peace with what seems
to currently be the decision of "The Boss"
The product is listed here:
http://www.hihealth.com/shop/product.aspx?prodid=174feaeb-777c-4f8c-9815-3f957253091d&catid=06F51DB4-69CC-4521-B8F4-B42979F42DF9&catuid=

[WinOne4TheGipper]

I'd be better be on my best behavior, then... Dammit.;-)

[arasina]

I don't know Invictus but he sounds like a mighty fine FReeper. I hope he has people who get him Books on Tape and things like that. How sad to lose one's sight!

What is the free program that reads the type for you? Does it work well?

[cyborg]

Or maybe a FReeper that lives close by or read him threads over the telephone

[EllaMinnow]

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul

by William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903

I never saw his name without remembering the poem, which is one of my favorites.

[Peach]

Please tell invictus we will keep him in our prayers.

[basil]

It was because of this poem that I first contacted this gentleman off line. In the 8th grade, I was required to memorize that poem, and it has been a guidepost in my life ever since.

[basil]

I will pass this information on to him. Thanks!

[Mike Darancette]

I am the master of my fate:

No Comment.

[VOA]

"I will pass this information on to him. Thanks!"

I'm not a physician, or affiliated with Hi-Health, etc.
And my limited understanding is that this vitamin mix seems to be helpful only with one
type of macular degeneration (can't remember if it's "wet" or "dry").
Plus I don't know the percentage of patients helped by "Ocuular Nutrition"...or how
much it can "reverse" a dondition.

BUT, if the good eye-doctors had told me I should resign myself to the condition,
I'd probably still give it a good try.
Just my inexpert opinion.

[Feiny]

I wondered where he went. Too bad about the MD, I had a friend who lost eye sight that way. If I got it, I would not be able to type....I still have to look at the keys!

[kristinn]

Thanks for letting us know.

[TomGuy]

If Invictus has some vision, he might investigate a web browser called FastBrowser. It has a built in audio capability. If he can mark text, it will read that text aloud. The audio uses any of several free text2speech engines.

http://www.fastbrowser.net/

[OldFriend]

Have tried a similar product and am amazed at how quickly my eyesight improved. Nothing in the formula can cause harm so I would definitely give a try. There are sites on the web where discount vitamins can be ordered and delivered right to your door at good prices.