As a New Year's resolution, I am simply going to try to live each day, good or bad healthwise, to the fullest.

One thing that certainly helps me is all the nice cards and emails I have received from so many of my "unknown" friends all over the world! I just never cease to be amazed at how many folks enjoy my site and also express a genuine interest in my well-being.

If the good Lord allows me to wake up each morning, you'll find me working on my site.

For my friends that keep up with my health Updates.

Scar tissue from throat cancer back in 94' is
now playing havoc with my health.

How happy I would be if I could say that I am doing just great and gaining lots of weight back.....Not! The opposite is true and I have dropped down to 109 pounds, about 50 pounds less then my normal. I have decided to ask for the "feeding tube" when I see my Doctor again on the 1st of March.

My throat is in such bad shape that I can no longer talk in more than a whisper. My friends who call me regularly are now getting my answering service but that's the best I can do right now.

Many thanks for all the good wishes and prayers. I still need them a little longer.

I'm having to try new foods to see what I can eat without much trouble and some of the things I've tried are surprisingly good. For instance, I haven't eaten Oat Meal since I was a kid but now they have flavors of it out. I tried Blueberry Oat Meal and it was really good. One more edible food to my list. I also started eating biscuits and gravy from Dairy Queen, something else I haven't touched in years for fear of getting overweight. How ironic I'm now eating it to stay alive. I also enjoy a milk shake made with two Carnation Instant Breakfasts, two raw eggs and ice cream.
If you have been down this road and know of some other things full of calories and easy to eat, please email me.

I know I'm just rambling here but I'm also fighting depression. I always feel that when I post an Update there's quite a few folks listening to me and it helps knowing I'm not alone and lots of other folks are having problems worse than mine.

I have received dozens of emails with some great ideas. I pay attention to each one I get and I thank you all for caring enough to help.

After a stormy trip to the Doctor's office today, I am happy to report that the feeding tube has been put on hold for at least two more months. He seems to think that I am holding my own and should keep trying to eat without help. Suits me! So now it's onward with the Boost and Milkshakes, oatmeal and sweet milk toast. I guess it could be a lot worse.

I'm going to take some time off, no more puzzles or updates until I see how things go and try to get things in order. The only strength I have left is purely spiritual. I really need to rest up for yet another hospital stay.

Melinda, (my faithful right arm) will post what needs to be posted at the top of my Home Page. Just remember, no news is good news.

And my bestest medicine is still the cards and emails from my visitors. One thing is for darn sure, I won't have to go through this alone! I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men, most richly blessed.