Denis and Marti ( Ireland) in  better times

Gentle Reader,
 I want to tell you about the person who is I  believe sent from God to help me along life's journey. Marti (my wife) she is 5' foot nothing and is bed fast She has an incurable illness that Doctors here in America know very little about. It's called Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS or CFS for short)  Or it could be MS ( Multiple sclerosis ) Now I understand when I begin a new paragraph many will leave (I rather expect that!) Most have little or no attention span [chalk that up to running out to the fridge for a snack during commercial times]

This CFIDS is a progressive illness that started when she was in college and left her at this point bed fast. Imagine the worst illness you can think of: terminal cancer or aids and that you only have weeks to live.

Now add every thing that allows you to get around, energy, zest of living. Imagine using up all your energy just trying to brush you teeth [which leaves you sick and unable to lift your head off the pillow for weeks on end. Or that just sitting up hurts so bad that you cry out in pain. Get the picture, Gentle Reader? 

 Now understand that there is no cure... no medicine... no help...  no doctors...no family... no friends... no one to comfort, to encourage you.  All your family and friends have forgotten all about you like a old half eaten spam sandwich that nobody wants! No insurance... no help from the safety net that we call government... Just nothing!!! Stress can bring on a flare up or excitement, or light or extremes of heat or cold. You body is at the mercy of this devastating disease.

 That's what Marti wakes up to every day ( and me with two wonderful dogs Paddy and Miss Chievous with Duffy the Sun Conure). All she has they provide, a sense of normalcy to an upside down world. Now I am not by any means a Saint (I am just a man) but God has given me this wonderful person to teach me about Grace. Even when she is in so much pain that tears run down her cheeks she encourages me. She can talk on the phone and does so to those who need encouragement. {where does this spirit come from Gentle Reader? )[IMHO] only could come from above!

There are over one million people just like Marti in this country. Who suffer similar condition [some not a severe ] check out this site for more information www.cfids.org or here www.nationalmssociety.org/

 The point is and the real story is that in spite of her condition, Marti prays for each of you each day . . . that you might come to realise your connection with one another within this grand blue ball that we call the "late great planet earth" She reminds me what a privilege we all have to care for one another to love each other and to be kind! Don't feel sorry for Marti just reach out and be kind to one another, have compassion for each other, and don't forget that  

 You are appreciated, you are valued, and you are loved.

Denis and Marti 

A gentle reminder that the most precious things are before you: your family, your faith, your love, your good health and your friends.