March 2009 Articles

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Just Rambling:

Just Rambling:
My surgery on September 4th went well according to Dr. Nanda. Needless to say, I am glad that it is behind me, and that I am now home recuperating. The day before my surgery I met with medical personnel from Dr. Nanda’s office to discus my pre-op instructions. I was totally in shock when I was told that my recovery time would be three months, and that during this time I was not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. I couldn't bend over, drink through a straw, and I shouldn't sneeze. I was encouraged to avoid pastures, hay, and dust. For someone used to going and doing around the farm, this was a real lifestyle change for me, but I had no alternative since my health was deteriorating. Since my surgery, I really have a new appreciation for the medical field and the people that work in the medical field. As I was being prepped for surgery by one of Dr. Nanda’s assistants, a black man named John, as he finished my prepping and Donnette was about to leave, he asked if he could have a prayer with us. I was so moved by this and so appreciative. He led a beautiful prayer, which meant so much to me. After surgery, I was carried to the ICU of LSU Medical. What great nurses I had there– young men and women that were unbelievably good nurses. My first nurse was a young man, who I really don’t remember because I was still pretty much out, but the next three nurses I remember well. Mikey, a young man, was my second nurse, then Lainey, a young lady, was my third nurse, and then a young man named Taylor. I can’t say enough good about these young people, and I told them so. In a time when we often question our young adults, I found these young people to be super. A big thank you goes out to these young men and women. When I came out of surgery, Dr. Nanda told my wife, Donnette, that he had gotten 70-80% of the tumor which is what he felt he could get before the surgery. About 10pm the day of my surgery, Dr. Nanda, ordered another MRI. The next day he came into ICU, shook hands with me, then gave me two thumbs up and said the MRI shows we got all of the tumor. Then he said, “God is good.” What a great feeling-to have an excellent doctor and to have that doctor know God is in control. Thank you, Dr. Nanda. In addition to all the medical personnel, I want to thank my wife, Donnette, for staying by my side during this time and continuing to help me in any way she can. Also, thank you to my children, son-in-laws, and grand children for their love and help, plus all other friends and family for their prayers, words of encouragement, food , flowers, cards and calls. How blessed I have been through this surgery.

“If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” How true this quote is from the late President Ronald Reagan. Think about our country today—the direction it is going. Abortions, same sex marriages, gambling halls on every corner, condemnation of prayer in schools and public places, alcohol advertised and consumed everywhere and drug use being legalized in some states. How much farther are we going to go before we wake up? I think of the quote by George Washington when he said, “The road to public happiness is through education.” These past Presidents had it right– what has happened to us today? Are you concerned? I heard a statistic about Detroit, Michigan that is now in bankruptcy—47% of their population are illiterate. How can that be in today’s society when millions and billions of dollars are appropriated for education. Look around - it is not just Detroit. So many people don’t have to depend on education to get a job—they are provided for by the government. Will it ever stop, or are we going to be a nation gone under. I pray that future generations will have the same great nation that I grew up in. As Earl Pitts use to say, “Wake up America!”