"Aaaahhh, the good old days." Regardless of your age, chances are you have heard that adage since childhood. And if you are approaching the 50 something or more, chances are you have uttered that refrain.

I don't know about you, but I took a second look at that idea after being privileged to my first automatic dishwasher. :-) As a child growing up, I was just the right age and gender to be the built-in one, and especially on Sundays. For since our house was the Parsonage, it was seemingly always filled with a few visitors after church for dinner -- that's lunch for folks these days. :-) And when the meal was all over, Mother put away the left-overs - if any - and Doris took over the dish washing at the sink.

Now mind you, having a sink was somewhat of a luxury. I also remember the duty when it was a dish pan and the water was carried in, not flowing from a facuet. And somewhere there briefly, I seem to remember having to stand on a box to reach the pan or sink.

And about that box, oh, I guess I was considered old enough for that chore, - I could walk and mumble a few coherent words - just kidding - and I did it as a way of life. I really don't remember ever complaining about it. Now that may have been because I knew the results of such complaints and it was not a comfortable feeling - if you get my drift. :-) No... I had to stand on a box initially because I was too short to reach the pan or sink otherwise. But, thankfully, I did finally graduate from the box before high school, although, I was only 4' 11" when I graduated from high school. And 5' 2" - if I stretch hard - turned out to be my max on the way upward. We won't go into the outward. :-)

What triggered these "good old days" memories was a recent free-for-all conversation in the Heart Failure Clinic where John, my husband, now spends a great portion of his Tuesdays. I stay with him until he gets all hooked up to the 4 hour IV, then leave for awhile and return later to get him.

It was during this week's visit, that the patients got started about "the good old days". As one memory topped another one about gas for .19 cents, a soda for a nickel, a movie was a quarter, and someone even remembered buying peanuts in a little box that would have money in it. Mostly it was a penny inside, but you were big time if you found a nickel or maybe even a dime. If you dared, you could shake the boxes before purchasing it to guess if it had something bigger than a penny. :-) But back then, even the lowly penny was prized as something of value.

I listened to the recountings for a bit, and finally just had to have my say in the matter. Although my memories were not quite up to par with the patients in the group of about 15, I did remember some of it. And the first words out of my mouth were, "Yes, but we didn't have automatic dishwashers, automatic clothes washers and dryers, not everybody had automobiles, there were no microwaves... and there was no heart failure clinic." The silence was broken as a nurse chimed in and said, "No, back then we just turned them out to pasture."

Now I wonder why the word "dishwasher" popped out first. :-) Maybe it was because that prior to moving almost 2 years ago, I had just spent 12 years at one of those sinks - again. :-) Anyway, reminisce all you wish about the good old days, I'll take high tech with the Internet, - even if it is brain strain - and kitchens with dishwashers and microwaves, and automatic clothes washers and dryers over the rub board and clothes line - yes, I remember those - any day. And I'm extremely glad that I don't get to boast about my days in the cotton fields. :-)

But my friends, what I really appreciate is that with all of these changes in our ways of life, have come advances in life-saving medicines, technology, and treatments. Yes, in the good old days, whatever you developed health wise, you pretty much just lived with it until the Lord called you Home. Thankfully, through His Grace, we humans have been using a brain cell or two here and there, and I am very thankful for the new medicines and treatments that John is now getting due to these advances.

And that leads me to the very point of my story, I would be remiss if I did not share knowledge that I only accidentally found out about. For too long, going back to the good old days, we were taught to not question the doctors. I'm not sure why or how that concept got started, but I long ago broke with that tradition even as it was frowned upon, yes, even by my husband. Later, he adjusted his view along those lines as it was my questions and determination to find answers to things that didn't feel right, that have saved his life several times during our years since retirement.

And just how does this story relate to motivation and encouraging you to be your best? It relates in helping to keep you around to be motivated and be your best. John just had a very close call with what we now know could probably have been prevented with newer drugs and treatments than we even knew existed. We are still wondering why he wasn't told about these before, but mostly we are just thankful that God sent that thunderstorm about the same time John needed ER help, hence we went locally rather than driving 2 hours or so to Dallas where he had been going since 1997.

Reluctant to change medical care providers who are touted as tops and who did in fact save him in the past, we were forced to make that switch and found unexpected excellent help right under our noses. Rather than 2 hours, just 5 minutes away. So while I show our "ignorance", I'm not too proud to accept this new "gift of potential life" and I must share it with you. I've already discovered that we are not the only ones that had not heard of this. So if you or anyone you know, has any type of heart problems, please check this out. Your actions may save a life.

The two new drugs we have been introduced to are fairly new, but not brand new. You can read about them on the web. I'm posting their links here for your convenience. The grapevine has it, that this one drug - Coreg - may even one day be given as a preventive measure to people who have heart disease in their families. Coreg is one of the drugs that helps to strengthen and reshape a damaged heart. It is a tiny tablet. The other medicine is Natrecor. Natrecor is currently only given through IV, hence John's weekly 4 hour treatments in the clinic. Initially intended for in-hospital patients only, the local hospital is now using it in its out-patient heart failure clinic because of the proven results for many patients. Reportedly, between the use of these two drugs, hearts have been known to decrease in size, to return to their more normal shape, and to gain muscle strength. Plus, the Natrecor helps to reduce fluids in the heart, and as I understand it, is kinder to the kidneys than diurectics, although it is not a total replacement for diurectics.

That is not to say that every patient will benefit from these new drugs. We do not know yet if John will benefit from them, but compared with the other picture painted for us, we certainly are willing to give them a chance. Also, I do recomment that you find out more about these if you, or someone you know, just might benefit from them. Go to: Coreg and Natrecor     Even as I write this, work is being done to develop Natrecor into a form of simple injection for out-patients needing it.

Along with the new medicines, John also got a new pacemaker. Yes.. you heard right. He just had a replacement in February. Why this more up-to-date version for his needs was not used then?.. again... we do not know. This one is designed to synchronize the heart beats, which was not a new problem for him. The pacemaker model was available. The web site for that is: Guidant.

Unfortunately, I can only come to one rational conclusion - something that I had become aware of potentially happening. I just didn't realize it had. John is 84. His age kept popping up in every conversation regarding his treatment options. I had to say more than once, "Hey, he may be 84 years old, but he deserves every chance at whatever is available to improve his quality of life. I believe that, at least in part, John was being patronized due to his age, and pushed through the too-busy system, do the routine, send Medicare and his insurance the bills, and "Come back in 3 months."

The Internet is a powerful tool and means of communicating all over the globe. I know in my heart that I must share this information. It may very well be my God given opportunity to save a life; I will not pass it by. I also truly hope that you are not in need of this, but do take note of my story. We never know who may be in need of what we know.

Once again, I thank everyone for your expressed concerns and prayers. We welcome them still, for there's still a ways to go before we know whether his chances of survival have improved.

Among the prayers and concerns, I received this e-mail.

Doris,

I was not aware of John's health problems until your E-mail today. Please know that I am thinking of you and John and my prayers are with you. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord. You know that a good thought of someone is a prayer in itself.

Godspeed.
Warmly,
Blanche

Something about the sentence. "You know that a good thought of someone is a prayer in itself," touched my heart in a special way. I wrote Blanche and told her that I'd like to use that as a quote and would credit her name to it with her permission, unless she was quoting someone else.

I not only received Blanche's permission, but was told about the true author of the quote - her father, and an amazing story worthy of sharing. In Blanche's own words.

Doris,

Feel free to use the quote: "A good thought is a prayer in itself". My Dad, Elder Zenith D. Whaley, is a Primitive Baptist minister and passed that on to me long ago. It has been a mainstay of mine--most especially during times of spiritual need.

Dad will be 90 yrs. young in June, 2004, and The Lord has seen fit to keep his mind as "sharp as a tack" so to speak. He still pastors 3 churches in the conference on a monthly basis and is a blessing to his family, congregation, friends, and acquaintances only through The Lord's will.

Dad also is a member of the Great Smoky Mountains Historical Society, still active, and leads hikes to the Greenbriar section of the park to old home place sites , churches, stores, cemeteries, etc. of descendents of residents of the section before being taken over by the National Park Service. This section is in East Tennessee near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge( Dollywood). He and Mom celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in January this year.

My mother, Maude Whaley, was 80 in Feb, 2004, and had by-pass surgery in 1993. She is a blessing to us all also. Doctors told us we would be fortunate to have her 4 yrs. following the surgery. She has made some of the most beautiful hand-stitched quilts for each and everyone of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and relatives. She also knits us "dishrags", and crochets beaded butterflies ( mattes & frames, or applies to quilt squares), to give her fingers a "rest" from quilting. She has a green thumb and can grow anything--especially fond of wildflowers, and is known as the best cook in the area

Warmly,
Blanche

Thank you, Blanche, I suspect my readers enjoyed that story as much as I did. What an inspiration. Hugs to your Mom and Dad from all of us. And a Very Happy 90th Birthday to Elder Whaley!

May God's Love and Peace be with you all...

This is...

Doris OnLine with new dreams and a brand new E-Magazine. How may I help you?
Doris

And... as... Doris Off Line, I am available for speaking and mentoring engagements for motivational, self-enhancement, and how-to-reach for your dreams. If your customers think you or your staff need an attitude adjustment, I can help. Been there; done that. I can lend a helping hand to help you put a smile in your voice so it will radiate on your face and you will make your customers feel truly welcomed and appreciated. I may have a few others surprises as well. So if your office crew, or special organization needs some fine tuning, perhaps I can help. Let's talk

I am Doris Newnam, APMM, Owner, Texas D Net Domains and Web Services, and Former ISP Dial Up Services. Client Relations has been a big part of my life throughout my various business careers and affiliations, from meeting and greeting, to cosmetologist, salon owner, to sales, marketing, and advertising, to customer service and trouble shooting, writer, author, (print) magazine publisher, now e-magazine publisher, motivational speaker, personal enhancement, and soon-to-be book publisher.

For inquiries and scheduling, please contact me first via e-mail: Seminar Scheduling

Thank you one and all. Remember: God intended for you to be great. Don't disappoint Him.
Doris

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To inquire about rates, e-mail me: Advertising Rates

My special "Thanks" to the following readers for sharing with us.
Reprinted with Permission in order as received:

Previously, I've been publishing the submissions here. However, this time, I have created web pages featuring the submissions. I am listing the names of the articles or submissions, along with the names of the persons submitting them, and a click-on link. I believe you will agree that these submissions are worthy of their own space.
Please take a moment to view them.

Submissions:

"Edith Burns, Easter" by August Wusterhausen

"The Resurrection of Christ" by Gene Pine

"A Prayer" by George Rokusek

"Giant Flag with Cross" by Dajuana and Son, Hank Dodd
A Tribute to SGT Mickey Dodd and Co D serving in Iraq

"Photos of Miniature Furniture and Crafts" by Artist James B. Swartwout



Send Questions or Comments to: Doris OnLine

Hands Across The Oceans

I want to pause here for a moment to extend a special
"Welcome of Friendship" to our International Friends.

Off hand, I'm not sure how many have joined us from other Countries, as I don't know where everyone lives, but I believe I speak for all of our American subscribers. We are blessed to have you join us.

And from "Yours Truly"... A BIG TEXAS WELCOME, YA'LL!

"Heaven was designed for all people of all Nations.
God intended that we all be friends." Doris Newnam

Just For Laughs... Science has proven what we older folks knew all along. Laughing is good for us. I have, however, due to our loss of President Reagan on the day I initially posted this issue, replaced the joke in that issue with a couple of his. He was cheerful person and president who could not only tell a good joke, many he told were on himself. Another interesting thing occurred to me while watching the near week long activities and news clips. Some of the jokes that make the rounds on the Internet, he was quipping while in the White House. Although I can't be sure, of course, I suspect that the following two originated with him. In his memory, these two I will credit to Former President Ronald Reagan. Thank you, President Reagan. You gave us so much during your life-time, and your legacy will continue to impact us far into the future. ....
The New Income Tax Form

The new Income Tax form has just two things in it.
1. How much did you make?
2. Send it.

The Clergy and The Politician

A Clergy and a Politician died and went to Heaven.
Upon arrival, they were each assigned to their new quarters.

The clergyman was taken to a simply furnished room with the basic necessities and told that this would be his new home now.

The Politician was taken to a grand palatial mansion and told that this would be his new home.

While estatic of his good fortune, he was puzzled and ask why he'd been given such grand accommodations when the Clergyman has been given something so simple?

"Oh," came the answer, "Well, you see, we get lots of Clergy up here, but we rarely get a Politician."


Well, (your favorite word) President Reagan, enjoy your new mansion. You were rare indeed. Thank you for a better world because you chose to serve The People. You epitomized the words, "...of the people, and for the people." May you rest in peace with Our Eternal Father.

....

And now I wish to add this poem sent the same day by my friend and published poet, Judy Obuchowski. Although not a joke, it fits the ocassion.

SOMEONE
When someone you love is gone
And you are feeling blue
You try to be strong
If only to get through
You think you can't go on
But then you know you have too

So you start each day
One step at a time
Stumbling along the way
Because it's a rough hill to climb
But you know everything will be ok
When the sun begins to shine
>
Hanging on to life with a string
And not even having a clue
You wake each morning
Wondering what you should do
It's like the first day of spring
And every day starts anew

      Judy Obuchowski
©2004 Published with Permission, Author, Judy Obuchowski. All Rights Resevered.

Judy is no stranger to sorrow. If you go to this page,  Tia  and follow the now outdated links, you will understand. Currently, Judy's mother is quite ill with cancer and not expected to live much longer. Please remember her and the family in your prayers.

Update: June 13,2004. Judy's mother just passed away this morning. Please continue to remember her and the family in your prayers. On behalf of Judy... thank you.

Do you have a good clean joke that you would like to share? Submit your entries. Any submissions published will give credit to the contributor with first name, city, and state, and or country.

Send entries to: Doris OnLine Place In Subject Line: "Just For Laughs"

There are two more New Features in Doris OnLine, one is just for you, my valued Subscribers, my Gift to You.

All Doris OnLine Subscribers may now submit the URL to his or her favorite web page for inclusion
in the special Page rotator I now have posted in the web site. The web page submitted may be your own site,
or the site of a business or program that you are promoting.* The rotator is accessed by clicking on the SubscriberURLs Rotator Banner on the main page of the web site. If you haven't already, E-mail me your URL. Doris - here's my URL

The second New Feature is a special web page titled: "Around Our World Good Neighbors Links" The page is for reciprocal links with other web page owners. A one-for-one links trade. Check out the site for more information. Good Neighbor Links

Whew! Now on with the "Show...."

Do you ever have a problem figuring out the number of characters or words for your advertising submissions? Many submission forms are limited in either character or word input.

Now there is a free tool to help you work up your ads or other submissions.

I have installed two separate free tools - a Word Counter and a Character Counter.
Feel free to use them at any time.

Just go the the main page of Doris OnLine to access either or both of them. Enjoy.

©Copyright 2004 Doris OnLine by Doris Newnam, Issue #5. 6/5/04 All Rights Reserved Wordwide.