As I get older the more I know that it is the small things that count.

Hello to everyone, and I hope to all a great, healthy, safe, happy, and productive day.  I often have to get in a hurried daze to make myself sit back, take a deep breath, and reflect on everything. I don't talk about it much but for the last four years I have been battling some pretty heavy duty health problems; a septic poisoning and coma, kidney failure, two elbow replacements, diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, growths removed from my kidney and liver ( and the therapy and drugs that came with it ), and I am happy to report that my Doctors are telling me now that I look good. I do not know what that really means. I think it means that I am taking two steps forward, and once in awhile a step back. It was just a short time ago I really was in another field, and playing a different game with all of it. I do know one thing. Life is short, and we have to live it to our fullest. Remember when we used to get up and hurry the day along? I do, I still do it. That's me. Now I just make different ground rules for myself, and look at things a little different. I wanted to point out, or see if any is in a similar spot. What I used to take for granted, I actually relish now. I like it when someone pats me on the back, and gives me a smile. They don't even have to say anything. I know what it means. I like it when my ex-wife calls me an apple head, but reminds me of upcoming events with my son Spencer. She says it with a smile, and reminds me that it's right for both of us to be together for events as parents. I like it when after I kiss my 12 year old son everyday he does this little "Dad", and kind of wipes my germs off of him. I am quick to remind him that he will understand one day what that does for me, as well as him. He thinks it is kind of funny that a grown up man kisses his son everyday and tells him he loves him. I remind him that he should worry about it, or get mad when it does not happen, or when it is gone. I like it when the people that know me well call me and will start the conversation with anything, but always answer it by asking me if I am drinking enough water, and eating better. I like it when someone gives me great ideas and things to consider for the future. It is amazing the lengths our friends will go. I used to think procrastination was harmful, now I know it is. I used to put off things and keep working at my career. Now, I remember mass is at 9:30 that day, and I cannot make an appointment at that time. I used to want to help people because I thought it would make me feel better. Now I enjoy doing it, and helping people because it is right. I ran out of gas not too long ago. This would have been inexcusable in the past, Now, it is a reason for walking some back roads until I feel like calling someone on my cell phone. I used to wish the Holidays would be over. Now, I enjoy everyday, every moment, every hour, every chance. I can not tell you what it does to me to get an email from Julie Neering out in Utah reminding me she was thinking of me, and that I was her friend, the same goes when I get an email from Jo Smith letting me know how she is doing, and reminding me I am her friend. The comments, warmth, happiness, advice, and very genuine concern that I get from my activerain friends is incredible, and very wonderful, warm, and sincere. If acticerain is to be remembered as anything one thing that stands out would be the  assembling of a very large group of super caring, giving, and honest people. I cannot think of such a group otherwise at the moment, can you. I still get going pretty fast, but notice things closer, and have learned things now that makes myself realize I never was destined to be a force of my own, but rather allow the right people help me to be successful. It was from their heart, and nothing more. I look at everyone's blog I can. Fran's, Carole's, Andrew's.Missy's, Pilars's, Ricardo's, Guy's, Eric's and everyone's blog. There is a lot of talent on activerain, but more importantly, their is something money never could buy; honesty, care, compassion, and genuine concern. As we go into December and Hanukkah and Christmas come their way I know one guy that will be taking it a day at a time and enjoying every moment of peace it can offer. I know it can be overkill on blogging talking about how grateful it can be.I know what that Doctor meant. If I look good now, I must have looked like hell before. I think that now I am in good health again it is time to really do something monumental with my life, one small thing at a time. This was something that got me through six of the roughest months I could have had. I did it one day at a time. One blog at a time. I enjoyed reading every blog I could, and I will do the same. Thank you Tom Braatz