From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --Many of you probably have already seen or heard this report about the 13-year old fellow named Logan that called into the local radio station and explained what "God had told him" - if you haven't I recommend you take a few minutes and watch this short clip. I am always moved by the wisdom that often come from those so young.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Update on Lt. Col. Ty Edwards
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Kay wrote up this summary to post all our friends and family following our visit to see Ty yesterday at the VA Hospital in Tampa. ---Darryl
He also said he didn't recognize Darryl, but thought the last time he had seen him was at W.L.'s funeral (which is exactly correct), and asked if he had been Special Forces (which they had talked about at that time). Amazing, eh?
And he seemed glad to meet Penelope (as I said when I introduced them - I knew he would enjoy meeting a pretty lady - and we all got good smiles from that).
His communication skills are remarkable. He still hesitates over picking out words, and spitting out a name like Penelope required work for him, but he knew what he was trying to say, and got it out with a little time.
When we arrived, he was sitting at his computer, in his wheel chair. He had received an answer to his first email, sent to Hakimi (his Afghani interpreter and friend, and who also saved his life). So he seemed to be glad to be back in action on the computer. His left hand has good control, it seems, and that's how he motivates his chair.
His left leg has begun to work better and better. He can lift it (he has good and improving core body strength). He has better days and less good days working on the walking machine. I guess his hip on the left side has increasing flexibility. His right side is still not cooperating, leg or arm. However, he begins water therapy this week, and that is hopefully going to allow all the parts to get more fluid (no pun intended), and start getting some control in a more easily facilitated way. So they seemed very eager to get that therapy underway.
I didn't realize it until afterward, but saw that there was no longer a catheter, so that tells me he has control there too, I assume. Another miracle!
Tommy was staying there with them, and Debbie was in B'town making sure that Inez and M.C. were getting fed.
Tommy said they eat if it's put in front of them. I spoke with Anna and they have had company 3 times this week, and Mason was getting his soccer photo done on Saturday, so they have been staying busy.
Ty was showing us pictures of various folks he's met, and his recall amazes me. He did remember all the folks that came by in Bethesda, celebrities and friends/family alike. He was aware the President Bush asked to hug his pretty wife (smile).
I mentioned his new friendship with our other cousin John/Jake Miller, and he smiled and said what a great person he is, and how he enjoyed his regular weekend visits in Bethesda. I mentioned Jane's visit too, and he struggled to remember that. Tommy said it was while he was still in intensive care, and that's the reason he didn't recall her. He seemed disappointed not to be able to recall that, but looked forward to meeting her and their great family addition - Suzanna.
He recalled all the Miller side of his family, asking where everyone was and what they were doing, and saying please say hello to everyone. I told him when they got ready for a road trip, to please come to Kentucky, and I knew Mason would enjoy fishing at the lake, and playing in the woods. I hope that can happen one day soon!
He spoke of his wonderful Anna, and said she was making the ultimate sacrifice .... taking him to an Auburn Alumni gathering there in Tampa! Ha.
Ty also wanted to show us his 'skull'. He has a plastic model of his head -- what bones are there now, and where the bullet entered. It's astonishing he's alive! And to have made such progress is a pure gift from God. That will make some 'show-and-tell' for the kids to bring to school!
Ty's spirits seemed great, and he was eager to do all the hard work it takes to get better, and better, and better. It was a blessing to we three to be able to experience his joy of life and gifts from God.
I asked if there was anything in the world he wanted or needed, and he said no. They all seem to be doing well.
Love to you all,
Kay
Hi all,
After our Space Day event this week, Darryl and I and our friend/colleague Penelope were able to spend about an hour with Ty and Tommy was there with him at the VA hospital. It was a wonderful time, and great to see the significant progress he has made, and continues to make. This time he clearly recognized me, and said he remembered my visit in Bethesda (when I didn't think he knew me), but said he just couldn't communicate then. I know it had looked like he was working hard, and I thought it was to try to piece together who I was -- evidently it was to communicate.
He also said he didn't recognize Darryl, but thought the last time he had seen him was at W.L.'s funeral (which is exactly correct), and asked if he had been Special Forces (which they had talked about at that time). Amazing, eh?
And he seemed glad to meet Penelope (as I said when I introduced them - I knew he would enjoy meeting a pretty lady - and we all got good smiles from that).
His communication skills are remarkable. He still hesitates over picking out words, and spitting out a name like Penelope required work for him, but he knew what he was trying to say, and got it out with a little time.
When we arrived, he was sitting at his computer, in his wheel chair. He had received an answer to his first email, sent to Hakimi (his Afghani interpreter and friend, and who also saved his life). So he seemed to be glad to be back in action on the computer. His left hand has good control, it seems, and that's how he motivates his chair.
His left leg has begun to work better and better. He can lift it (he has good and improving core body strength). He has better days and less good days working on the walking machine. I guess his hip on the left side has increasing flexibility. His right side is still not cooperating, leg or arm. However, he begins water therapy this week, and that is hopefully going to allow all the parts to get more fluid (no pun intended), and start getting some control in a more easily facilitated way. So they seemed very eager to get that therapy underway.
I didn't realize it until afterward, but saw that there was no longer a catheter, so that tells me he has control there too, I assume. Another miracle!
Tommy was staying there with them, and Debbie was in B'town making sure that Inez and M.C. were getting fed.
Tommy said they eat if it's put in front of them. I spoke with Anna and they have had company 3 times this week, and Mason was getting his soccer photo done on Saturday, so they have been staying busy.
Ty was showing us pictures of various folks he's met, and his recall amazes me. He did remember all the folks that came by in Bethesda, celebrities and friends/family alike. He was aware the President Bush asked to hug his pretty wife (smile).
I mentioned his new friendship with our other cousin John/Jake Miller, and he smiled and said what a great person he is, and how he enjoyed his regular weekend visits in Bethesda. I mentioned Jane's visit too, and he struggled to remember that. Tommy said it was while he was still in intensive care, and that's the reason he didn't recall her. He seemed disappointed not to be able to recall that, but looked forward to meeting her and their great family addition - Suzanna.
He recalled all the Miller side of his family, asking where everyone was and what they were doing, and saying please say hello to everyone. I told him when they got ready for a road trip, to please come to Kentucky, and I knew Mason would enjoy fishing at the lake, and playing in the woods. I hope that can happen one day soon!
He spoke of his wonderful Anna, and said she was making the ultimate sacrifice .... taking him to an Auburn Alumni gathering there in Tampa! Ha.
Ty also wanted to show us his 'skull'. He has a plastic model of his head -- what bones are there now, and where the bullet entered. It's astonishing he's alive! And to have made such progress is a pure gift from God. That will make some 'show-and-tell' for the kids to bring to school!
Ty's spirits seemed great, and he was eager to do all the hard work it takes to get better, and better, and better. It was a blessing to we three to be able to experience his joy of life and gifts from God.
I asked if there was anything in the world he wanted or needed, and he said no. They all seem to be doing well.
Love to you all,
Kay
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Leave It To My Dear MIL To Share the Way To Fix This Economy
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Never doubt the power of common sense. My Mother-in-law in Smyrna, Ga. sent this to me. All I can say is - "Amen!" Let's get on with it. LPG, Dr. D.
This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...
If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.
This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...
If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
We Will Miss You and I Will Always Regret Not Having the Opportunity
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- If the rumors I have just heard this evening are true - and they are still rumors but seem to be based in fact - one of my old high school friends and chums from the 60s is dead. The stories vary, however, it seems he may have taken his own life.
As someone who has struggled with depression all his life, I can attest to the horrible state of mind it can and does put you into and without relief what it can lead to. I have been to the point of having to lock away the gun from the bullets because I feared what I would do if they were easily accessible. I am thankful that most of those days are in the distant past and yet I am always alert to the old "Black Dog" as Sir Winston Churchill called the malady sneaking upon me.
Depression is one of the most insidious and meanness afflictions Man has ever had to deal with.
It is with much regret and a deep sadness that I have heard of this and had no idea that my friend could have needed help. I have not seen him in over 40-years but did hear about him now and then since we moved back to Kentucky.
I would have given anything to have sat him down and listened.
Sometimes my friends that is truly all we need. Good listeners are hard to find. Don't pass up the opportunity if it is presented to you.
The following story that came about in December 1996, hard to believe it was now 13-years ago, sums up some of my feelings.
Love, peace and grace to my friends' family and to all of you.
Dr. D.
As someone who has struggled with depression all his life, I can attest to the horrible state of mind it can and does put you into and without relief what it can lead to. I have been to the point of having to lock away the gun from the bullets because I feared what I would do if they were easily accessible. I am thankful that most of those days are in the distant past and yet I am always alert to the old "Black Dog" as Sir Winston Churchill called the malady sneaking upon me.
Depression is one of the most insidious and meanness afflictions Man has ever had to deal with.
It is with much regret and a deep sadness that I have heard of this and had no idea that my friend could have needed help. I have not seen him in over 40-years but did hear about him now and then since we moved back to Kentucky.
I would have given anything to have sat him down and listened.
Sometimes my friends that is truly all we need. Good listeners are hard to find. Don't pass up the opportunity if it is presented to you.
The following story that came about in December 1996, hard to believe it was now 13-years ago, sums up some of my feelings.
Love, peace and grace to my friends' family and to all of you.
Dr. D.
We Will Miss You Billy Boy
Yesterday I attended the funeral of my first cousin William Chalmers Dorn Jr. Billy to almost
everyone.
Billy was thirty-seven-years-old and hadn't lost an ounce of baby fat since he was born. What he
had lost, nine months ago, was 85% of his skin in a freakish flash fire that happened when he was outside
burning some leaves. For the same amount of time it takes a human life to be born, the ghost that Billy had
become crept quietly toward the light.
First, for the longest time, in a coma in a burn unit in Paducah, Kentucky; then, for a much shorter
time, in the ironically named Bryan Dorn VA Hospital in Louisville. Finally, after coming out of his coma long
enough to say he hoped he hadn't caused his mother too much worry, The Captain told this former Coast
Guard sailor to "Stand down..." Last Sunday Billy died.
Billy is the oldest child and the only son of Chalmers and Jeanne Dorn. Chalmers is my mother's
brother. Chalmers has always intimidated me, at least until the last several years. Chalmers was an MP in
the military before joining the City Police Force. Chalmers is a big burly man who maintains the
steeliest eye contact I have ever seen and tends to twitch in an imperceptible way even when he is at "rest";
in short, he gives the impression of restrained violence.
In the late 60's, three things happened to Chalmers: Jeanne gave birth to twins that both died within
a day, his father, my grandfather, died, and he was thrown off a third story fire escape during a race riot and
landed on his back on a nail. After that, Chalmers was never the same man.
Jeanne is a part Indian school teacher who is the best cook I have ever known. She is, if there ever
was one, an earth mother. When she smiles, you see the sun coming up over the fields. When she
welcomes you into her home, you know she means it. When she moves her largish frame around the
kitchen, getting this or that dish of beans laced with fatback or plate of coconut cake ready for the table, you
know she is really thinking about you the whole time. When she breathes, Chalmers is glad to be alive.
The last time I saw Chalmers and Jeanne, which was years ago, they took me to a local stock car
race. Chalmers loves cars. He buys a new one every year. Because he used to be a cop, Chalmers enjoys
the largesse of his fellow police officers.
Nevertheless, on the way to the races, Jeanne said, "Chalmers, you're going too slow," and took
the wheel. After that, we spent more time in the median than we did in the road and passed several
patrolmen who simply waved at us before we slid into the dirt area behind the pits at the race track. I never
saw the race. I passed out from exhaustion at the race getting to the race. I dunno who won.
Jeanne and Chalmers' two other children, Beth and Jeannie Marie, are indescribably beautiful. Beth is
married to an almost stereotypical big hunk of a man who never seems to be unhappy from Georgia;
together, they have four children, one of whom, Lisa, at age thirteen, has her black belt and wants to be an
astrophysicist. Jeannie Marie, who is short like my grandmother, married a man who is roughly her height
and has one child. Jeannie Marie looks like Pocahontas.
Billy never married. He liked girls, he told my aunt, but he was too shy. After he left the Coast Guard, he
came back home to live with his parents and got a job as a security guard. His real job was to look after his
parents and his sisters.
Sometimes he and Chalmers farmed. Chalmers was once a big farmer, two thousand acres. Soy
beans mostly. Billy did most of the work. But mostly he lived with Chalmers and Jeanne.
Once, in the middle of winter, Jeannie Marie needed a typewriter ribbon to finish a paper she was
doing for a graphics design class she was taking at a local technical college. Billy drove her downtown in
his truck and along the way hit a sheet of ice that caused him to skid down a street and hit several cars in
the process. When the truck came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, Billy immediately got out of the truck
and called the police.
When the policeman arrived, he asked Billy, "Why didn't you just keep going?" Billy, irate, replied,
"They're someones' cars!"
The most moving part of the funeral for me was when they folded the American flag on Billy's
mahogany coffin and handed it to his mother. The man who folded it, who must have been burying people
before I was born, folded the flag with such great care I got goose bumps.
It must have taken him five minutes. Religiously he smoothed out every crease and made every
turn and then very very patiently waited for his young assistant to make the final tuck perfect before he
handed the field of stars to my aunt and whispered something to her that I couldn't hear. While he did this, I
had flashes of Americans landing against impossible odds at Normandy and Confederate soldiers going
over the top at Cemetery Ridge and Billy in the Coast Guard rescuing an eight-year-old on a catamaran that
his mother shouldn't have rented for him.
Billy was a big boy, although not as big as his father. He had a great smile and to the best of my
knowledge he never hurt anyone. In particular, he loved animals and children.
I never pushed Billy around when we were children because he giggled too much. Billy never got
married. He was too shy.
Rest in Peace, Billy Boy.
Rest in Peace.
10-7
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
"I'm Cured" - Kind of Sorta ....
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Have you ever met a fellow and just knew from the outset you would be good friends? Such was the case when I met my buddy Matt Figert. It has been a while since I had a hunting, running, drinking and shooting buddy and certainly a while since I had a friend with as weird a sense of humor as I have.
My old pal Doug, as many of you will recall, got killed in a car accident a few years ago. One of the toughest eulogies I have ever delivered was at his services attended by law enforcement officers from across Tennessee and a most humbling experience to hear Amazing Grace played on the bag pipes followed by the lonely words that "Doug Bailey has gone 10-7." Doug was like a brother to me. He actually got me out of my shell from the loss of my dear old friend Bert Ballard and had me enjoying shooting and hanging out again.
When Doug died I kind of went back into the shell I am known to occupy from time to time in my life. I kept on "chopping wood and hauling water" but with little joy.
Then along came John - er I mean Matt.
A retired CPO and now a resident expert on an offshore oil rig, Matt and his wife Janette became fast friends. Matt liked good food and a variety of books, wine, beer, hard liquor, dogs and guns. He enjoyed deer hunting and breakfast at Miss Peggy's! Who was I to question the Universe? What more could you ask for in a good buddy?
So, when Matt sent me this cartoon it resonated.
This week I had a sonogram of one of those male body parts we don't speak of and having gone to a urologist now for four years I have come to appreciate the humiliation of stirrups and probes that women have long gone through.
The sonogram was fine. The blood tests are fine. The exam went as usual - it sucked. However, I have once again come through another year cancer free.
Am I "cured"? Well that is still to be determined but then I just couldn't resist sharing this cartoon with you as it so aptly sums up my feelings.
Kay and I will be off to work in Florida next week, I will be home for a day and then head to Iowa and Arizona. However, I will stay in touch as best I can.
Enjoy my friends. Simper Fi, De Oppresso Liber, God Bless America and yes Nancy, BHO and Harry those "Tea Parties" are for real and we are serious!
Love peace and grace,
Dr. D
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