[Havoc]

Guys, I have an announcement to make.

Some of you may already know. Ksen knows, and I asked him not to say anything; but, after some long thought today having been down sick yet again, I felt it is in the open now and maybe some would wish to know.

Many of you know my story from 4 years ago when I was hospitalized with pneumonia. At that time, I was also diagnosed with Emphysema.

I don't know what I should tell you beyond that. The doctor initially told me that the disease is pretty much terminal; but, terminal usually means 3-10 years.

I don't wear this on my sleave because I don't want people looking at me as someone with a disease. Nor have I ever wanted to be accused of using it for leverage. But in a heated couple of debates this past week on non-religious issues, it came out in anger. So it's out, and when ksen became aware, I was pretty much horrified at how ya'll would take it. I told him I can take care of myself. I told him I've lived with it and getting healed doesn't matter to me. I'd just as soon go home if I get that chance to go early. I'm not in a huge rush persay; but, given the choice ;)

I'm here doing what I can until the bell rings and it's time to go. The rest is in God's hands. I generally don't mind seeking help for my brother; but, for myself, I'm not one to put anyone out on my behalf if I can find a way not to. I walked a mile to work in subzero weather last winter and got really ill rather than put anyone out at the last minute. It ended me up in the hospital. So you'll appreciate that I'm pretty stubborn about doing what I have to to get a job done even if it kills me (lol). It is ironically humorous to me anyway.

So, there it is. I don't know what else to really tell you.
But I thought if you were going to find out, it should come from me.

Grace & peace.

[Havoc]

please see above

[malakhi]

God bless you, my brother.

[CindyDawg]

Good to see you back. None of us believer may be here in 3-10 years. Is it ok, if I add you to my prayers? :')

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear this.

How old are you and what kind of treatment if any are you taking?

BigMack

[Quester]

I know of a couple of persons (one, ... an uncle) who have been managing their Emphysema for about 20 years now.

You really should take good care of yourself. We need for you to continue with us as a force for God in this world.

Part of our challenge, as Christians in this life, is to allow ourselves to be served, ... even as we serve.

Remember Jesus washing Peter's feet ?

There is no way someone with your condition should have walked to work in subzero weather.

Allow someone to do for you. Think about how easy it is for others in your life to ask for your help. Turn-about is fair play. It won't kill anybody to help you out every now and then.

That is why God places us in families ... and faith communities ... so that we may do for one another.

I, too, as a fairly self-reliant person, needed (and continue to need) to learn to do this.

Many times, people ae thrilled to be able to give you a hand. (I know that that isn't true all the time ... that's what makes it hard).

Anyway ... you didn't say for us not to pray for you ... so, I'm going to.

Work with God to manage your condition (if God doesn't heal). You, likely, have many many years left to live and serve.

I, myself, look forward to seeing many more of your posts ... and thinking to myself ... "you give it to 'em, Havoc."

God bless you ... my brother.

[Quester]

The rest is in God's hands. I generally don't mind seeking help for my brother; but, for myself, I'm not one to put anyone out on my behalf if I can find a way not to. I walked a mile to work in subzero weather last winter and got really ill rather than put anyone out at the last minute. It ended me up in the hospital.

Another hint on how to allow others to do for you ... (what you and I need to learn to do) ... when you are in need of assistance ...

... Look for that person (or persons) whom God has positioned (in the right now) to be of service to you.

Remember Jethro's advice to Moses.

Is there any reason why you should try and do it all yourself, ... when God has positioned others to help you ?

[ksen]

I'm glad you let others know so they can pray for you.

BTW, I'm still getting little comments from that group of "compassionate" conservatives.

[SoothingDave]

I pray that God comforts you. May you find peace.

And I echo Quester. Needing help is providing an opportunity for another to do a good work.

SD

[al_c]

Grace and peace to you too, brother. May God have mercy on you and bring healing to you. I'll keep you in my prayers, Havoc.

[OLD REGGIE]

So, there it is. I don't know what else to really tell you.

But I thought if you were going to find out, it should come from me.

Havoc, I'm not much for publicly acknowledging my personal thoughts and prayers. My thoughts, wishes, and prayers go out to you. You are in His hands.

(One little message to you. Please pay attention.)

I too am stubborn and have refused help when, to accept it, would have been beneficial to me and the benefactor.

You may know I am partially paralyzed and have a severe balance problem. My insistence on "doing for myself" and not asking for help has resulted in many bumps, bruises, and broken bones.

In recent years I have "discovered" that I may need help in climbing and descending stairs, carrying bundles, opening doors, and the like. I have learned most people are wonderful and are very willing to give assistance. It lifts my spirits and also the spirit of the "giver".

I am still a stubborn old coot, live by myself, and take care of myself, but I am also prepared for the day when this is not possible.

The message? Please don't be too stubborn to accept and even ask for help when needed.

Please stay in touch with us.