G'day Everyone.
I took some time out to make a personal opinion and give some suggestions. Right now, it's nearing the peak of the Summer as July 4th (this coming Sunday, no less!) marks our unofficial mid-Summer point. Many of us are or will be in various vacation spots across the nation. Most of us may be going to deaf camps or some sort of a deaf events.
But whatever the deaf event it is for us to go to (like the upcoming NAD in Philly) and the people that we will meet, we need to be very cautious of WHO we talk to in these various places (camps, NAD, and bible conferences).
My friend, Samson, had gone to a particular deaf bible camp for many years as he has enjoyed it. But losing caution over the trust of who he meets at a deaf bible camp is no excuse. What has happened is pretty much unforgivable to the person who caused Samson to have too much hope in his life and then he lashed out in blind rage at the person closest to him. I can forgive Samson's error. But the person who caused Samson's problems in the first place? I'd like him to know and tell him that he'll face God for what he done to Samson.
In all my travels, I enjoy meeting new people in every place I've been to. But I take an abundance of caution in myself and say "you know, let's chat a little more in real life beyond these events (like a deaf bible camp) and get to know each other as friends" to the people I've meet. That way, I don't get swayed by personal opinions at the first meetings. Some times, those very same people don't follow up beyond those events. A very few do.
My friend, Samson, is going back to that Bible camp again. His friends, and myself, have begged him not to go again as to give himself time to heal a bit more. But he's already paid for the camp and they don't give refunds. So his friends and myself are setting up a prayer week for him. We have no choice. We want to protect him spiritually.
But, I also want to encourage Deaf Bible camps and conferences to please run a back ground check on all their "guest speakers", even if it means personally asking pointed questions along the way that may hurt them. The person, who Samson had a run-in with last year, has indeed a very checkered past with his previous deaf ministry pastor. That should be a big concern to Bible camp staff!
So as Summer 2010 continues, please have a safe and a enjoyable summer. And remember, packing for a summer event means to pack:
Safety,
Caution,
Good Nature,
and Common Sense.
Semper FI.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
First Gulf Hurricane
G'day Everyone.
I am concerned for the Gulf of Mexico. The first hurricane/tropical storm is about to hit the area and it feels like BP has just run out of time on this oil disaster!! If BP wasn't aware that it's hurricane season, then they sure are now. But above all, this is a true disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that is going to hit many states with Oil as the water gets churned up in many different directions.
Of course, people are in a panic. BP has not plugged the leak and the damn relief wells, as they they are "ON TRACK" to be done, will not be ready to help plug the leak in time. Not until AUGUST, BP says.
Well, it's not good enough! To be honest, I think the best solution right now would be for the U.S. Military to take over and just torpedo the well and seal it shut with a 2nd torpedo blast. This has gone on long enough.
The oil disaster is the biggest in our nation's history. Many jobs lost, many people's lives destroyed, and many of our nation's seafood is impacted. BP may never be able to financially recover from this huge mess. At the same time, I support that we should ban Deep Water drilling because it's so risky because none of the emergency decisions haven't been able to help stop this flow of OIL.
The more it leaks out, the more our oceans gets destroyed, more properties get harmed.
BP is responsible for this mess. If they can't clean it up, then they ought to let our states and our military to do it.
Keep a watch on this storm. The aftermath will really be a shock.
Semper FI.
I am concerned for the Gulf of Mexico. The first hurricane/tropical storm is about to hit the area and it feels like BP has just run out of time on this oil disaster!! If BP wasn't aware that it's hurricane season, then they sure are now. But above all, this is a true disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that is going to hit many states with Oil as the water gets churned up in many different directions.
Of course, people are in a panic. BP has not plugged the leak and the damn relief wells, as they they are "ON TRACK" to be done, will not be ready to help plug the leak in time. Not until AUGUST, BP says.
Well, it's not good enough! To be honest, I think the best solution right now would be for the U.S. Military to take over and just torpedo the well and seal it shut with a 2nd torpedo blast. This has gone on long enough.
The oil disaster is the biggest in our nation's history. Many jobs lost, many people's lives destroyed, and many of our nation's seafood is impacted. BP may never be able to financially recover from this huge mess. At the same time, I support that we should ban Deep Water drilling because it's so risky because none of the emergency decisions haven't been able to help stop this flow of OIL.
The more it leaks out, the more our oceans gets destroyed, more properties get harmed.
BP is responsible for this mess. If they can't clean it up, then they ought to let our states and our military to do it.
Keep a watch on this storm. The aftermath will really be a shock.
Semper FI.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Disaster Photos of BP
G'day Everyone.
Do you want to know of just how bad it looks down in the south where the deep water horizon oil spill happened?
Go to this link: http://www.katu.com/news/photos/95866799.html
YOU WILL BE SHOCKED!
SHAME ON BP!
NO SEMPER FI this time. I'm too angry!
Do you want to know of just how bad it looks down in the south where the deep water horizon oil spill happened?
Go to this link: http://www.katu.com/news/photos/95866799.html
YOU WILL BE SHOCKED!
SHAME ON BP!
NO SEMPER FI this time. I'm too angry!
Salvaged Friendship
G’day Everyone!
Today is the most important post of my life. I have just spent from the last few months to the previous last few days of this week as I was praying for a close friend of mine.
Last Saturday, June 19th, 2010, I was on my email list when all of a sudden, came an email of an apology and sorrow from a friend that I have been praying for so long that appeared in my inbox.
That one very precious window of opportunity for me to talk to my friend was opening for me.
The timing was very directed by God.
My friend and I spent talking via email first and then we moved to unblock each other in the AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). We chatted. I asked him if he wanted to see me in person. He said “Yes!”
We move to VP and chatted some more.
Finally I drove on down to see him in person.
We needed nobody else involved. God was the perfect mediator in all of this and that is Jesus Christ. We sat, talked, and discussed “the problem” that came before us.
The events that happened were more of a “perfect storm of friendship damage” that was caused by a deaf preacher, who was a self-described anointer and prophet, at a Deaf Bible Camp in the Summer of 2009 in which my friend was attending.
Samson (this is not his real name) was attending this Deaf Bible camp in the Summer of 2009. Samson has some serious health issues and has wanted to be married for a long time. He has been praying about his life, health, and other issues.
During the camp services, this deaf preacher turned the service into a anointing with oil service, in which one of the camp preachers anointed Samson with oil, in which Samson had prayed and get right with God. It helped Samson to get right with God in other issues, but he doesn’t think about marriage at that time.
Later in that afternoon at lunch time, this deaf preacher turned on his “prophet” abilities and told Samson this: “Samson, you will have a wife!”
Samson did not believe it at first and thought the preacher was joking.
That preacher asked Samson if he was anointed with oil in the service, and he said “yes”. So the preacher said it again one more time, “You will have a wife!”
Samson was happy to hear that “prophecy”. But those words of false prophecy were like gasoline being tossed upon Samson’s flames of hope. Once the words were spoken, it was like a gas bomb exploding for Samson’s hopes into a big time dream of marriage.
But the Word of God (KJV) says in Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many.’
Matthew 24:11-12 “And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Matthew 24: 23-24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Samson came home from that deaf bible camp and believing that he would have a wife very soon.
2-3 months pass. No wife or even a girlfriend for Samson. Samson explodes into a BLIND RAGE in which he attacks me for no specific reason. In his BLIND RAGE, he accused me of destroying his life. That was because he and I had been best friends for a very long time in our lives.
For a while, it left me dazed and confused of just how I could do that to Samson? I sat at my desk, thinking in deep thought of just went wrong in my life between me and Samson.
I talked to my group of friends in Christ, who have long held my trust of confidence. Samson wasn’t talking to me at all. He had gone moody and quiet. That left me very concerned about Samson very much.
During the months that went past in prayer from September 2009 to the present, I tossed out two friends of my inner circle who I thought had unjustly broken my confidence. I would never know the mistake of I’ve done to my two friends until much later.
I kept on sitting the back porch, praying with God and praying for Samson’s life and our friendship. I just needed ONE chance to talk to him.
I missed the many opportunities to be there for Samson. His being in the hospital three times and his brother’s funeral. I prayed for his healing in the hospital. I prayed that God would comfort him since I could not be there for him at the funeral, but sent a condolence card for him with the name “SHERLOCK” on it.
I admit I gave up on Samson and turned him over to God because I felt so helpless of what to do for Samson. But God doesn’t give up! God just knows the perfect timing.
Things came to a conclusion very shortly.
When Samson was touched by God, after praying for healing, because he was scared of dying: God gave him direction to apologize to his friend (me). That’s all it took for two old friends to finally sit down and discuss things.
When I asked Samson what lead to the events of his displeasure of anger, he told me the whole story that starts right back to this deaf preacher/anointer/prophet at that Deaf Bible Camp.
I couldn’t believe it. My friend, Samson, got hurt and deceived by this person! This person’s attempted healing and prophecy on Samson produced more harm than good intentions!! It hurt me and several other friends around Samson.
Samson and I are back to being good friends again. But it will not be the same friendship that we had before. We are in a rebuilding of friendship mode right now.
But for that deaf preacher/ deaf oil anointer/ deaf prophet? He better hope he doesn’t meet up with Samson this year at that Deaf Bible Camp because Samson wants to tell him what GOD says about a deaf preacher acting like a faith healer/prophet: YER IN TROUBLE WITH GOD, Dude! SERIOUSLY!
Samson is still hurting. He’s still healing. He’s getting counseling. But above all, his friends and I have closed ranks around him much more closely. We all want to guard Samson very much.
For you, my friends, be aware about these deaf preachers, who act like faith healers and prophets. Tell them several choice words: “Get the heck out of God’s house (CHURCH)! There is NO PLACE for you here!” Make sure the pastor of the church follows through on that.
Thank you, Samson, for sharing your experience with us. I thank you for being my friend again.
Sherlock Steve
Semper FI!
Today is the most important post of my life. I have just spent from the last few months to the previous last few days of this week as I was praying for a close friend of mine.
Last Saturday, June 19th, 2010, I was on my email list when all of a sudden, came an email of an apology and sorrow from a friend that I have been praying for so long that appeared in my inbox.
That one very precious window of opportunity for me to talk to my friend was opening for me.
The timing was very directed by God.
My friend and I spent talking via email first and then we moved to unblock each other in the AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). We chatted. I asked him if he wanted to see me in person. He said “Yes!”
We move to VP and chatted some more.
Finally I drove on down to see him in person.
We needed nobody else involved. God was the perfect mediator in all of this and that is Jesus Christ. We sat, talked, and discussed “the problem” that came before us.
The events that happened were more of a “perfect storm of friendship damage” that was caused by a deaf preacher, who was a self-described anointer and prophet, at a Deaf Bible Camp in the Summer of 2009 in which my friend was attending.
Samson (this is not his real name) was attending this Deaf Bible camp in the Summer of 2009. Samson has some serious health issues and has wanted to be married for a long time. He has been praying about his life, health, and other issues.
During the camp services, this deaf preacher turned the service into a anointing with oil service, in which one of the camp preachers anointed Samson with oil, in which Samson had prayed and get right with God. It helped Samson to get right with God in other issues, but he doesn’t think about marriage at that time.
Later in that afternoon at lunch time, this deaf preacher turned on his “prophet” abilities and told Samson this: “Samson, you will have a wife!”
Samson did not believe it at first and thought the preacher was joking.
That preacher asked Samson if he was anointed with oil in the service, and he said “yes”. So the preacher said it again one more time, “You will have a wife!”
Samson was happy to hear that “prophecy”. But those words of false prophecy were like gasoline being tossed upon Samson’s flames of hope. Once the words were spoken, it was like a gas bomb exploding for Samson’s hopes into a big time dream of marriage.
But the Word of God (KJV) says in Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many.’
Matthew 24:11-12 “And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Matthew 24: 23-24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Samson came home from that deaf bible camp and believing that he would have a wife very soon.
2-3 months pass. No wife or even a girlfriend for Samson. Samson explodes into a BLIND RAGE in which he attacks me for no specific reason. In his BLIND RAGE, he accused me of destroying his life. That was because he and I had been best friends for a very long time in our lives.
For a while, it left me dazed and confused of just how I could do that to Samson? I sat at my desk, thinking in deep thought of just went wrong in my life between me and Samson.
I talked to my group of friends in Christ, who have long held my trust of confidence. Samson wasn’t talking to me at all. He had gone moody and quiet. That left me very concerned about Samson very much.
During the months that went past in prayer from September 2009 to the present, I tossed out two friends of my inner circle who I thought had unjustly broken my confidence. I would never know the mistake of I’ve done to my two friends until much later.
I kept on sitting the back porch, praying with God and praying for Samson’s life and our friendship. I just needed ONE chance to talk to him.
I missed the many opportunities to be there for Samson. His being in the hospital three times and his brother’s funeral. I prayed for his healing in the hospital. I prayed that God would comfort him since I could not be there for him at the funeral, but sent a condolence card for him with the name “SHERLOCK” on it.
I admit I gave up on Samson and turned him over to God because I felt so helpless of what to do for Samson. But God doesn’t give up! God just knows the perfect timing.
Things came to a conclusion very shortly.
When Samson was touched by God, after praying for healing, because he was scared of dying: God gave him direction to apologize to his friend (me). That’s all it took for two old friends to finally sit down and discuss things.
When I asked Samson what lead to the events of his displeasure of anger, he told me the whole story that starts right back to this deaf preacher/anointer/prophet at that Deaf Bible Camp.
I couldn’t believe it. My friend, Samson, got hurt and deceived by this person! This person’s attempted healing and prophecy on Samson produced more harm than good intentions!! It hurt me and several other friends around Samson.
Samson and I are back to being good friends again. But it will not be the same friendship that we had before. We are in a rebuilding of friendship mode right now.
But for that deaf preacher/ deaf oil anointer/ deaf prophet? He better hope he doesn’t meet up with Samson this year at that Deaf Bible Camp because Samson wants to tell him what GOD says about a deaf preacher acting like a faith healer/prophet: YER IN TROUBLE WITH GOD, Dude! SERIOUSLY!
Samson is still hurting. He’s still healing. He’s getting counseling. But above all, his friends and I have closed ranks around him much more closely. We all want to guard Samson very much.
For you, my friends, be aware about these deaf preachers, who act like faith healers and prophets. Tell them several choice words: “Get the heck out of God’s house (CHURCH)! There is NO PLACE for you here!” Make sure the pastor of the church follows through on that.
Thank you, Samson, for sharing your experience with us. I thank you for being my friend again.
Sherlock Steve
Semper FI!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Yeh Brothers Trail Delayed till Fall 2010
G'day Everyone!
The word is out. Everyone that had expected the Yeh brothers: John T.C. Yeh and Joseph Yeh,former executives of the Rockville deaf services company Viable, would be on trial at this point in the Federal Government. Unfortunately, they have won a reprieve to prepare for their upcoming trial which is now postponed until Fall 2010.
Link: http://www.gazette.net/stories/06182010/businew174459_32554.php
At the present time, the deaf community and the VRS providers will just have to wait until the Fall 2010 to see how this trial will turn out for the Yeh brothers. According to the article 9 other people have pleaded guilty (which includes Mowl and Tropp being among the 9) and are awaiting sentencing.
Semper FI.
The word is out. Everyone that had expected the Yeh brothers: John T.C. Yeh and Joseph Yeh,former executives of the Rockville deaf services company Viable, would be on trial at this point in the Federal Government. Unfortunately, they have won a reprieve to prepare for their upcoming trial which is now postponed until Fall 2010.
Link: http://www.gazette.net/stories/06182010/businew174459_32554.php
At the present time, the deaf community and the VRS providers will just have to wait until the Fall 2010 to see how this trial will turn out for the Yeh brothers. According to the article 9 other people have pleaded guilty (which includes Mowl and Tropp being among the 9) and are awaiting sentencing.
Semper FI.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Fathers Day 2010
G'day Everyone.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. Also known as Dad's day. It's day of which we honor our father/dad, who married our mom, and gave us the seed to create our life from him. We have to be thankful to our dad that loves our mom to give us life while he is alive. But when he is gone, some times it's best to sit back in memories of your dad and if you have an opportunity to go to his grave site, take a few hours to clean up his grave and plant some flowers to give it a sign of respect.
But when I think about Father's day, I also think and Thank God for splitting himself into 3 people. God the Father, God the son(Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They are, of course, 3 in one. Why thank God? Because as God, The Father, sent his own Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to give the world SALVATION from Sin and the ability to trust in God, the Son (Jesus Christ), so that people could go to heaven. God the Father should be thanked and praised on Father's day as well. It's the right thing to do.
So whatever you are doing with your Dad on Father's day, alive or dead, or taking time to praise God, make it an enjoyable day.
Semper FI.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. Also known as Dad's day. It's day of which we honor our father/dad, who married our mom, and gave us the seed to create our life from him. We have to be thankful to our dad that loves our mom to give us life while he is alive. But when he is gone, some times it's best to sit back in memories of your dad and if you have an opportunity to go to his grave site, take a few hours to clean up his grave and plant some flowers to give it a sign of respect.
But when I think about Father's day, I also think and Thank God for splitting himself into 3 people. God the Father, God the son(Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They are, of course, 3 in one. Why thank God? Because as God, The Father, sent his own Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to give the world SALVATION from Sin and the ability to trust in God, the Son (Jesus Christ), so that people could go to heaven. God the Father should be thanked and praised on Father's day as well. It's the right thing to do.
So whatever you are doing with your Dad on Father's day, alive or dead, or taking time to praise God, make it an enjoyable day.
Semper FI.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stripping BP to the Core of it's life.
G'day Everyone.
I watch for the very moment that British Petrol (BP) could be stripped to the core of it's very life. As the congressional hearings go on, oil is still coming up from the ground under the ocean.
A job offer is going out to every American wanting to help clean up the oil spill on the beaches and on the boats. I'm currently talking with my family and close friends about it (the job offer). There are a lot of things to be concerned about.
In some ways, this oil spill about the size of 9/11. But what it's worse are the people who cut safety corners and tried to drill faster to make up for the lost profits. That's what resulted in this horrible disaster. Of course, every oil and rig worker wants to strangle the person who cut those safety corners. Why should a company cut those corners for? The simple thing that should have been done? If they couldn't complete the job, then cap the well and take a loss on the deepwater horizon contract. Unfortunately, stubborn people can't stand with failure. 11 people paid the price and so did many of the injured people.
Now we are paying for it all the more.
President Obama needs to step up because this is the moment that could make or break his presidency. If stripping BP apart to help pay for the compensation efforts and coming short of closing that company, then it's very possible that will happen.
Many oil companies are facing a tough future of their life. They're looking at more safety rules and regulations. They can expect more surprise inspections. But will it lead to better improvements in the oil industry? Maybe.
Drilling in our world's water is not really the best idea unless oil companies have an absolute confidence in every disaster preparedness plans that are set up and ready. If they haven't made it or haven't trained for it, then they shouldn't be allowed to drill in the water of the ocean.
With the Hurricane season here, the Gulf of Mexico is about to experience it's WORST season.
As I watch CNN and the congressional hearings today, I think BP's future isn't very bright already.
Good luck to them.
Semper FI.
I watch for the very moment that British Petrol (BP) could be stripped to the core of it's very life. As the congressional hearings go on, oil is still coming up from the ground under the ocean.
A job offer is going out to every American wanting to help clean up the oil spill on the beaches and on the boats. I'm currently talking with my family and close friends about it (the job offer). There are a lot of things to be concerned about.
In some ways, this oil spill about the size of 9/11. But what it's worse are the people who cut safety corners and tried to drill faster to make up for the lost profits. That's what resulted in this horrible disaster. Of course, every oil and rig worker wants to strangle the person who cut those safety corners. Why should a company cut those corners for? The simple thing that should have been done? If they couldn't complete the job, then cap the well and take a loss on the deepwater horizon contract. Unfortunately, stubborn people can't stand with failure. 11 people paid the price and so did many of the injured people.
Now we are paying for it all the more.
President Obama needs to step up because this is the moment that could make or break his presidency. If stripping BP apart to help pay for the compensation efforts and coming short of closing that company, then it's very possible that will happen.
Many oil companies are facing a tough future of their life. They're looking at more safety rules and regulations. They can expect more surprise inspections. But will it lead to better improvements in the oil industry? Maybe.
Drilling in our world's water is not really the best idea unless oil companies have an absolute confidence in every disaster preparedness plans that are set up and ready. If they haven't made it or haven't trained for it, then they shouldn't be allowed to drill in the water of the ocean.
With the Hurricane season here, the Gulf of Mexico is about to experience it's WORST season.
As I watch CNN and the congressional hearings today, I think BP's future isn't very bright already.
Good luck to them.
Semper FI.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Do you have an end of life plan?
G'day Everyone.
I thought I would introduce a topic that needs to be said. It's called "END OF LIFE" plan.
Yes, this is somber thoughts that I am writing here. But it needs to be said. Why do I say it for this post?
In the last few years, I know some good friends of mine have passed away. The recent friend was Steven J. Worrell. Problem is, his family only told those who knew them personally and saw them often. But the list of Steven Worrell's friends is very extensive and what happened was more like a grapevine effect of passing out "the notice" to everyone as fast as possible across the Internet world. The effect has been very rapid reactions to Steven Worrell's passing. Steven Worrell touched a lot of lives. But we all didn't think he would die sooner. Right now, we are all coming to grips with his passing and the coming memorial service later this week.
So, I thought of this: "End of Life Plan" in the last few days. It's a plan of who I want notified (ASAP) and who I want told to be informed of my passing. Then it's to make sure who comes to my funeral because I don't want anyone left out and in grief of me. The grapevine effect isn't much better compared to the personal notification that should happen. It's made of a little black book that lists email addresses, text addresses, and VP phone numbers (yes, someone will have to use relay call to do it).
I do have a lot of friends, but given to how my family isn't so related or like the deaf community lately (save for my dad that had a change of heart before he died), I need to put this plan into the hands of someone I can trust with my wishes for when I pass away. It what I'm wanting to do to see things done right. But who do I depend on lately? Don't know as of yet. Prayerfully, I will find the right person as soon as I can.
On another topic: Secret lovers/close friends. I had to introduce this serious topic because of the effect happens on them when you pass away.
I need to make something clear. Don't keep any secret lovers or partners from your family or friends. I ask you to put yourself in your secret lover/close friend's shoes. Imagine the impact will happen to them when you die. You may feel like you are taking "a big secret" to the grave for your sake, but it's your room or your computer or anything personal that will reveal your lover or partner later. It can happen! Don't put them in this position.
My dad told me before he died that he was aware that I have a gay lover of many years. He knows that back in 1984 when he caught me in bed with my gay friend, he was angry that I was gay. It was not the way I wanted that to come out to him. He knows he told me to break up friendship with my gay friend because he didn't want a gay son. But, he knew that I was still seeing this gay friend very secretly behind my parents' back for many years since 1984. He said that he was proud that I truly loved someone. He knew I didn't give up on someone I really loved. He wanted my gay friend to come to his funeral and support me. But I didn't bring my lover to his funeral because of my mom. I didn't know what kind of an impact on her it might have. But I know my dad was right and I should have. He knows some one would be there to support me when I needed it.
But now I'm coming to a point in my life of which I'm not going to hide any more private secrets from my friends or my family. Yes, I love my close gay friend. He has been my lover for many years. Question is, is he ready to come out and show himself or will he retreat back into that closet of his and remain there till he dies? Would he be filled with regret in the after death of not coming out? yes.
So what am I telling you to come out there with your own secret lover/partner: Don't be secret for so long. It may be OK when you are young in your life. But when you are older, like beyond the age of 40's, don't keep the relationship a secret. Not only it will hurt you, but hurt the one you love. It is harder to grieve at the funeral.
So listen to me. I am gay. I love another gay man in my life. If you don't like me for what I say or for who I am, then I tell you that there's other blogs out there for you to read around the Internet. The blog sphere is very diverse of many people and different backgrounds. There are many gay, lesbian, bi, and straight blog writers out there. I am just not alone. But, I'm not going to let some one, who I love very much, grieve for me very privately just because we have a personal and gay relationship. No, I'm going to let my family and friends know who he is. I want him to be himself with no restraints. I love him as much as he loves me.
So let me be clear. Don't keep your secret lover/ close friends hidden from others in your life. Let your family and friends know about the person so that they can help them when you die. Take time to live together with your secret lover/ close friend in your life. Remember, the greatest moment comes is when you die in his or her arms and that you are going home loved by some one that has made a special in your life. Grief for a friend should be open, not hidden. Nobody should have to be burdened in their life with a secret to carry with them to their own grave by saying: "I loved this person secretly and he lived a life like he was a near perfect person to others. It's not fair".
Make it fair. Be fair. Right now. Make it peaceful for everyone. God knows who's your secret lover/close friend. Let people know.
Semper FI.
I thought I would introduce a topic that needs to be said. It's called "END OF LIFE" plan.
Yes, this is somber thoughts that I am writing here. But it needs to be said. Why do I say it for this post?
In the last few years, I know some good friends of mine have passed away. The recent friend was Steven J. Worrell. Problem is, his family only told those who knew them personally and saw them often. But the list of Steven Worrell's friends is very extensive and what happened was more like a grapevine effect of passing out "the notice" to everyone as fast as possible across the Internet world. The effect has been very rapid reactions to Steven Worrell's passing. Steven Worrell touched a lot of lives. But we all didn't think he would die sooner. Right now, we are all coming to grips with his passing and the coming memorial service later this week.
So, I thought of this: "End of Life Plan" in the last few days. It's a plan of who I want notified (ASAP) and who I want told to be informed of my passing. Then it's to make sure who comes to my funeral because I don't want anyone left out and in grief of me. The grapevine effect isn't much better compared to the personal notification that should happen. It's made of a little black book that lists email addresses, text addresses, and VP phone numbers (yes, someone will have to use relay call to do it).
I do have a lot of friends, but given to how my family isn't so related or like the deaf community lately (save for my dad that had a change of heart before he died), I need to put this plan into the hands of someone I can trust with my wishes for when I pass away. It what I'm wanting to do to see things done right. But who do I depend on lately? Don't know as of yet. Prayerfully, I will find the right person as soon as I can.
On another topic: Secret lovers/close friends. I had to introduce this serious topic because of the effect happens on them when you pass away.
I need to make something clear. Don't keep any secret lovers or partners from your family or friends. I ask you to put yourself in your secret lover/close friend's shoes. Imagine the impact will happen to them when you die. You may feel like you are taking "a big secret" to the grave for your sake, but it's your room or your computer or anything personal that will reveal your lover or partner later. It can happen! Don't put them in this position.
My dad told me before he died that he was aware that I have a gay lover of many years. He knows that back in 1984 when he caught me in bed with my gay friend, he was angry that I was gay. It was not the way I wanted that to come out to him. He knows he told me to break up friendship with my gay friend because he didn't want a gay son. But, he knew that I was still seeing this gay friend very secretly behind my parents' back for many years since 1984. He said that he was proud that I truly loved someone. He knew I didn't give up on someone I really loved. He wanted my gay friend to come to his funeral and support me. But I didn't bring my lover to his funeral because of my mom. I didn't know what kind of an impact on her it might have. But I know my dad was right and I should have. He knows some one would be there to support me when I needed it.
But now I'm coming to a point in my life of which I'm not going to hide any more private secrets from my friends or my family. Yes, I love my close gay friend. He has been my lover for many years. Question is, is he ready to come out and show himself or will he retreat back into that closet of his and remain there till he dies? Would he be filled with regret in the after death of not coming out? yes.
So what am I telling you to come out there with your own secret lover/partner: Don't be secret for so long. It may be OK when you are young in your life. But when you are older, like beyond the age of 40's, don't keep the relationship a secret. Not only it will hurt you, but hurt the one you love. It is harder to grieve at the funeral.
So listen to me. I am gay. I love another gay man in my life. If you don't like me for what I say or for who I am, then I tell you that there's other blogs out there for you to read around the Internet. The blog sphere is very diverse of many people and different backgrounds. There are many gay, lesbian, bi, and straight blog writers out there. I am just not alone. But, I'm not going to let some one, who I love very much, grieve for me very privately just because we have a personal and gay relationship. No, I'm going to let my family and friends know who he is. I want him to be himself with no restraints. I love him as much as he loves me.
So let me be clear. Don't keep your secret lover/ close friends hidden from others in your life. Let your family and friends know about the person so that they can help them when you die. Take time to live together with your secret lover/ close friend in your life. Remember, the greatest moment comes is when you die in his or her arms and that you are going home loved by some one that has made a special in your life. Grief for a friend should be open, not hidden. Nobody should have to be burdened in their life with a secret to carry with them to their own grave by saying: "I loved this person secretly and he lived a life like he was a near perfect person to others. It's not fair".
Make it fair. Be fair. Right now. Make it peaceful for everyone. God knows who's your secret lover/close friend. Let people know.
Semper FI.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
adult borgs are here!
G'day Everyone.
Yep. Right out of the blue, a good local friend of mine didn't tell any of her friends, even me, about her plans to get a CI. She just told her family and they supported her. She went into the hospital, had the surgery, rested for a few weeks, and then had the turn on. Her family rejoiced and said "NOW WE GOT A BORG TO TALK TO!".
Then several days later, she told her friends on facebook. The reaction was an instant happen. Friends were divided. Most of them punted her from their lists. One said "For so many of the years you depended on hearing aids and sign language. You did well. Now you decided to side with the audiologists and take a CI? Especially when we're fighting for the lives of deaf babies?!". *plink* punted from the list, the user did.
I'm concerned with people getting a CI. Even babies getting a CI so soon in their life! Are the benefits worth it? I don't think so.
I have a friend who just got a CI a little over a year ago. For a while he could hear. Then his health plummeted. Then he died. So I'm really wondering if the FDA has ever done actual research on people who had the CI and then looked at those who died? Have we ever tracked a pattern of those who get a CI and then see how their health is after it? I really think it should be looked into. Too many are dying after a year or more of getting the CI.
I question why the audiologists are so gung-ho of suggesting that deaf people could be cured of using the CI. Why can't they let deaf kids alone and grow up on sign language? Why should the CI be a cure all? It's not.
So I'm going on record today. I formally oppose AB2072! We must fight to make things right! We must demand to audiologist and doctors to make sure parents get all information on their hands. That includes Sign Language, hearing aids, and about the ADA law. The ADA law will be for nothing if Audiologists keep pushing the CI. Stop Audism! Oppose and defeat AB2072 now!
Semper FI!
Yep. Right out of the blue, a good local friend of mine didn't tell any of her friends, even me, about her plans to get a CI. She just told her family and they supported her. She went into the hospital, had the surgery, rested for a few weeks, and then had the turn on. Her family rejoiced and said "NOW WE GOT A BORG TO TALK TO!".
Then several days later, she told her friends on facebook. The reaction was an instant happen. Friends were divided. Most of them punted her from their lists. One said "For so many of the years you depended on hearing aids and sign language. You did well. Now you decided to side with the audiologists and take a CI? Especially when we're fighting for the lives of deaf babies?!". *plink* punted from the list, the user did.
I'm concerned with people getting a CI. Even babies getting a CI so soon in their life! Are the benefits worth it? I don't think so.
I have a friend who just got a CI a little over a year ago. For a while he could hear. Then his health plummeted. Then he died. So I'm really wondering if the FDA has ever done actual research on people who had the CI and then looked at those who died? Have we ever tracked a pattern of those who get a CI and then see how their health is after it? I really think it should be looked into. Too many are dying after a year or more of getting the CI.
I question why the audiologists are so gung-ho of suggesting that deaf people could be cured of using the CI. Why can't they let deaf kids alone and grow up on sign language? Why should the CI be a cure all? It's not.
So I'm going on record today. I formally oppose AB2072! We must fight to make things right! We must demand to audiologist and doctors to make sure parents get all information on their hands. That includes Sign Language, hearing aids, and about the ADA law. The ADA law will be for nothing if Audiologists keep pushing the CI. Stop Audism! Oppose and defeat AB2072 now!
Semper FI!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Funeral experiences.
G'day Everyone.
It's been a while for me. I haven't posted because I've been remembering my good friend Steven J. Worrell. He died last Saturday, June 5, 2010. While I've planned to see him some time this Summer, I was more than surprised that he had passed away. Back a few months ago, I had an intuition of a feeling that he was going to be dying some time this year. But doctors and experts told me that he could be around for another 5 years or so. Some how, all these doctors and experts are wrong and that medical science couldn't help relieve the pain my good friend was in. It seems more to me now that God had, indeed, communicated his thoughts and feelings to me that in a way that Steven Worrell was going to be going home this year.
Should I be angry with several friends in Pittsburgh, PA, where he had been staying in a hospital before his transfer to Ohio, that said they "couldn't" help me to visit him because of the varied "excuses" they gave me? Perhaps I should be.
When you know someone is in the hospital and you are a friend in their area, assist a friend of a friend to see their friend in the hospital. Recently, I visited someone in the local hospital. No one else would do it for that friend. But I went to keep that person comforted. That person was glad and appreciated me. We're still friends.
But what if some one's from out of town? Why can't some people take the time to assist others and give an opportunity to help visiting someone in the hospital? I know my Pittsburgh friends are reeling with regret right now for not giving me that opportunity months ago.
Sadly to say, Steven Worrell is already buried so I don't have an opportunity to say good bye to the shell of his body. But they're having a memorial service next weekend. Do I feel like I want to go to the memorial service? I wish that I could. The distance and the drive is long.
So, I have decided to send a letter to them and they have a choice to either read it at the memorial service or put it in a memorial book for others. But the greatest thing is, Steven J. Worrell is saved and was called home to heaven. That is something to know that I will see my friend some day again. It's a comfort to know that he was changed before God to be something better. He will be the first to rise up before the Lord before the rest are called up in the rapture to come.
For all of us, this is a time of comfort for his friends and his family.
Funerals and memorial services are not easy for us. We all have different experiences with the said person. Some know them more personally and closely. Some are just friends.
I thank God that Steven J. Worrell no longer suffers on this earth. But I do thank God that he has been my friend. I got to know him and that he's a cheerful person. May God be a blessing and send a comfort of peace and grace to all of his family and friends.
Semper FI.
P.S. I will get back to my normal posting soon. :-)
It's been a while for me. I haven't posted because I've been remembering my good friend Steven J. Worrell. He died last Saturday, June 5, 2010. While I've planned to see him some time this Summer, I was more than surprised that he had passed away. Back a few months ago, I had an intuition of a feeling that he was going to be dying some time this year. But doctors and experts told me that he could be around for another 5 years or so. Some how, all these doctors and experts are wrong and that medical science couldn't help relieve the pain my good friend was in. It seems more to me now that God had, indeed, communicated his thoughts and feelings to me that in a way that Steven Worrell was going to be going home this year.
Should I be angry with several friends in Pittsburgh, PA, where he had been staying in a hospital before his transfer to Ohio, that said they "couldn't" help me to visit him because of the varied "excuses" they gave me? Perhaps I should be.
When you know someone is in the hospital and you are a friend in their area, assist a friend of a friend to see their friend in the hospital. Recently, I visited someone in the local hospital. No one else would do it for that friend. But I went to keep that person comforted. That person was glad and appreciated me. We're still friends.
But what if some one's from out of town? Why can't some people take the time to assist others and give an opportunity to help visiting someone in the hospital? I know my Pittsburgh friends are reeling with regret right now for not giving me that opportunity months ago.
Sadly to say, Steven Worrell is already buried so I don't have an opportunity to say good bye to the shell of his body. But they're having a memorial service next weekend. Do I feel like I want to go to the memorial service? I wish that I could. The distance and the drive is long.
So, I have decided to send a letter to them and they have a choice to either read it at the memorial service or put it in a memorial book for others. But the greatest thing is, Steven J. Worrell is saved and was called home to heaven. That is something to know that I will see my friend some day again. It's a comfort to know that he was changed before God to be something better. He will be the first to rise up before the Lord before the rest are called up in the rapture to come.
For all of us, this is a time of comfort for his friends and his family.
Funerals and memorial services are not easy for us. We all have different experiences with the said person. Some know them more personally and closely. Some are just friends.
I thank God that Steven J. Worrell no longer suffers on this earth. But I do thank God that he has been my friend. I got to know him and that he's a cheerful person. May God be a blessing and send a comfort of peace and grace to all of his family and friends.
Semper FI.
P.S. I will get back to my normal posting soon. :-)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rain, tornadoes, oh my!
G'day Everyone.
Should my recent trip be declared "ruined" by a text message of a friend who recently died? No. I appreciated to know that he was passing. I was surrounded by many friends that I knew while I was attending a bowling banquet as a guest with a good friend of mine. It seems that God knew precisely when to take Steven Worrell home and when I would know what happened. In His sense of time and grace, things worked out. There is going to be a good funeral.
While I was on my trip, I was aware of rain and tornadoes every where! But tornadoes in Pennsylvania and New York? UNHEARD OF! While I was concerned and praying for family and friends, I was thankful that no tornadoes touched down. Just plenty of rain and wind came through.
But in many places, this summer weather season is going to be a rough season. Especially along the south coast area. Why does BP wait so long to let the oil well leak and cause the biggest environmental disaster? It is really bad in the Gulf of Mexico area. It will get worse if a Hurricane were to hit the entire area where that damn oil slick is happening.
President Obama should really kick ass and get moving to get this oil disaster over with. Get that leak stopped asap because this could be BP's political liability for Obama this year.
As more states have elections this summer, the word: INCUMBENT is clearly a DIRTY POLITICAL WORD to be ever spoken. Some people are fighting for their political life to remain on the job in congress. Others will get tossed away in favor of someone new in the political office of the local, state, and congressional areas.
Summer has already started, days are warm, hot, and rainy. Be watchful. Remember when it's hot and dry, be careful that we don't have forest fires.
Semper FI
Should my recent trip be declared "ruined" by a text message of a friend who recently died? No. I appreciated to know that he was passing. I was surrounded by many friends that I knew while I was attending a bowling banquet as a guest with a good friend of mine. It seems that God knew precisely when to take Steven Worrell home and when I would know what happened. In His sense of time and grace, things worked out. There is going to be a good funeral.
While I was on my trip, I was aware of rain and tornadoes every where! But tornadoes in Pennsylvania and New York? UNHEARD OF! While I was concerned and praying for family and friends, I was thankful that no tornadoes touched down. Just plenty of rain and wind came through.
But in many places, this summer weather season is going to be a rough season. Especially along the south coast area. Why does BP wait so long to let the oil well leak and cause the biggest environmental disaster? It is really bad in the Gulf of Mexico area. It will get worse if a Hurricane were to hit the entire area where that damn oil slick is happening.
President Obama should really kick ass and get moving to get this oil disaster over with. Get that leak stopped asap because this could be BP's political liability for Obama this year.
As more states have elections this summer, the word: INCUMBENT is clearly a DIRTY POLITICAL WORD to be ever spoken. Some people are fighting for their political life to remain on the job in congress. Others will get tossed away in favor of someone new in the political office of the local, state, and congressional areas.
Summer has already started, days are warm, hot, and rainy. Be watchful. Remember when it's hot and dry, be careful that we don't have forest fires.
Semper FI
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Good Bye, old friend!
G'day Everyone.
Ever have a moment when you are snapping pictures and talking with many deaf friends at a party or banquet and suddenly, your pager goes off? You do a "What the heck now" as you pick up the pager. But the first words I read was a friend's name that had just died that day.
I ran right out of the party to outside. I had to get away. I needed some moments alone to scream, cry, and compose myself.
Then I went and got my long time good friend and told him who died.
So who died, you ask?
His name was Steven J. Worrell. At just 54 years old, he had just passed away.
The truth hurts. I've known and loved this person for a long time in my life. We all thought that he had plenty of years left despite when he fell down on the ground and got a nasty cut that took a trip to the ER where it was revealed he had low oxygen in his body. The awful thing is that we were all hopeful that he did have a few years left. Because after he was transferred from a Pittsburgh hospital to a Ohio nursing care home, he improved for the last 6 months.
But then, he just couldn't hang on any more. He was back in the hospital for the last time where he died in peace.
I felt very sad that I had many chances and opportunities to visit him over the last several weeks. A trip out to Ohio was planned to visit him. But now, it looks like I will go to his funeral to say good bye to my friend. I always called him "old man white patch" because he acted like he's old while he's got raven black hair with a white patch just above his forehead.
He used to call me as his "Steve 2". We always traded verbal jabs at each other.
Well, he's gone now. I can only hope that God reached down and called him in a gentle voice to come to his home.
Well, I did thank that person for letting me know that Steven Worrell passed away. Several people, who heard my conversation about Steven worrell pass away, came over and hugged me. Some told me stories of their own adventures of Steve Worrell in the long ago NTID days. Hearing their stories makes me happy to know that he has a lot of caring friends.
Please pray for his family. They knew this was coming and were very prepared.
But for me, I look forward to seeing him again some day. So as I look heavenward, I said, "Hey, Steve 1! Be good up there! Don't make come after you and call you white patch again!". I know he's going to smile. God bless, Steven Worrell.
Rest in peace old friend.
Semper FI.
Ever have a moment when you are snapping pictures and talking with many deaf friends at a party or banquet and suddenly, your pager goes off? You do a "What the heck now" as you pick up the pager. But the first words I read was a friend's name that had just died that day.
I ran right out of the party to outside. I had to get away. I needed some moments alone to scream, cry, and compose myself.
Then I went and got my long time good friend and told him who died.
So who died, you ask?
His name was Steven J. Worrell. At just 54 years old, he had just passed away.
The truth hurts. I've known and loved this person for a long time in my life. We all thought that he had plenty of years left despite when he fell down on the ground and got a nasty cut that took a trip to the ER where it was revealed he had low oxygen in his body. The awful thing is that we were all hopeful that he did have a few years left. Because after he was transferred from a Pittsburgh hospital to a Ohio nursing care home, he improved for the last 6 months.
But then, he just couldn't hang on any more. He was back in the hospital for the last time where he died in peace.
I felt very sad that I had many chances and opportunities to visit him over the last several weeks. A trip out to Ohio was planned to visit him. But now, it looks like I will go to his funeral to say good bye to my friend. I always called him "old man white patch" because he acted like he's old while he's got raven black hair with a white patch just above his forehead.
He used to call me as his "Steve 2". We always traded verbal jabs at each other.
Well, he's gone now. I can only hope that God reached down and called him in a gentle voice to come to his home.
Well, I did thank that person for letting me know that Steven Worrell passed away. Several people, who heard my conversation about Steven worrell pass away, came over and hugged me. Some told me stories of their own adventures of Steve Worrell in the long ago NTID days. Hearing their stories makes me happy to know that he has a lot of caring friends.
Please pray for his family. They knew this was coming and were very prepared.
But for me, I look forward to seeing him again some day. So as I look heavenward, I said, "Hey, Steve 1! Be good up there! Don't make come after you and call you white patch again!". I know he's going to smile. God bless, Steven Worrell.
Rest in peace old friend.
Semper FI.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
F.O.R.E.
G'day Everyone.
You heard the word spoken in golf language. FORE! It means:" DUCK YOUR HEAD! Ball is in play and could hit you!" . It's a word that is spoken LOUDLY and CLEARLY on the Golf course.
But this word is: F.O.R.E. It means Formally Opposed Reconciliation Efforts.
Why do I write this? Because, I have tried to reconcile with a friend of mine over a problem we have. Even God has gracefully helped at times to make reconciliation possible. But what happens? He yells: "I tell you, I F.O.R.E.!".
So I have ended my reconciliation attempts and have praised God for all of His efforts to help bring my friend back to me. But I knew my friend had "died" on me when he changed long ago. God has given me peace and assurance that of whatever happens to my friend, God will take him home.
I know you also have problems with your own friends out there. If some one's trying to make an effort at reconciliation with you, take a moment to consider it. Take an opportunity to sit down for once and discuss the matter of the problems out in person. Involve a 3rd person to be the neutral party to sit in on the discussion but that 3rd person should be told to say nothing between you and the person making the reconciliation effort.
One more thing: When I first offered reconciliation to my friend, he went out and talked to his many "christian friends" who don't know me. He told them about "the situation". What they told him was their own BAD CHOICE of advice. Their judgement on me will be their own un-doing at the judgement seat of Christ. That is why my friend thinks all of his Baptist friends are "wise".
When I had my own problem with another friend of mine, I approached a pastor friend of mine that I knew of. When he listed to what I knew, he said to me: "I fear I am not able to make a decision for you because I don't know your friend, nor do I see his side of the situation. If I tell you something between you and your friend, it may end up to be a bad advice from me.". When I told him I'd like to hear his position, he gave it to me. But then he added "if you want some SANE and SAGE suggestion of mine personally, Go approach your friend and be reconciled. You have little to lose".
I took his latter advice and did just that. Reconciliation with my other friend of mine worked. What was his former opinion? He had said to dump my other friend. When I told this pastor friend the results, he had been glad his suggestion worked rather than his advice. He felt happier than before.
So if some one comes to you for advice and you tell them to do a F.O.R.E. against their friend who's trying to reconcile with them, you better make sure your life insurance is paid up because God could come to collect either punishment on you or bringing you to his judgement seat. It's better to say to your friend: "I'm staying neutral in your situation. I tell you to please, go solve your friend's reconcilement attempts. Hear your friend out before anything else. That would be my best suggestion".
Best wishes out there.
Semper FI.
You heard the word spoken in golf language. FORE! It means:" DUCK YOUR HEAD! Ball is in play and could hit you!" . It's a word that is spoken LOUDLY and CLEARLY on the Golf course.
But this word is: F.O.R.E. It means Formally Opposed Reconciliation Efforts.
Why do I write this? Because, I have tried to reconcile with a friend of mine over a problem we have. Even God has gracefully helped at times to make reconciliation possible. But what happens? He yells: "I tell you, I F.O.R.E.!".
So I have ended my reconciliation attempts and have praised God for all of His efforts to help bring my friend back to me. But I knew my friend had "died" on me when he changed long ago. God has given me peace and assurance that of whatever happens to my friend, God will take him home.
I know you also have problems with your own friends out there. If some one's trying to make an effort at reconciliation with you, take a moment to consider it. Take an opportunity to sit down for once and discuss the matter of the problems out in person. Involve a 3rd person to be the neutral party to sit in on the discussion but that 3rd person should be told to say nothing between you and the person making the reconciliation effort.
One more thing: When I first offered reconciliation to my friend, he went out and talked to his many "christian friends" who don't know me. He told them about "the situation". What they told him was their own BAD CHOICE of advice. Their judgement on me will be their own un-doing at the judgement seat of Christ. That is why my friend thinks all of his Baptist friends are "wise".
When I had my own problem with another friend of mine, I approached a pastor friend of mine that I knew of. When he listed to what I knew, he said to me: "I fear I am not able to make a decision for you because I don't know your friend, nor do I see his side of the situation. If I tell you something between you and your friend, it may end up to be a bad advice from me.". When I told him I'd like to hear his position, he gave it to me. But then he added "if you want some SANE and SAGE suggestion of mine personally, Go approach your friend and be reconciled. You have little to lose".
I took his latter advice and did just that. Reconciliation with my other friend of mine worked. What was his former opinion? He had said to dump my other friend. When I told this pastor friend the results, he had been glad his suggestion worked rather than his advice. He felt happier than before.
So if some one comes to you for advice and you tell them to do a F.O.R.E. against their friend who's trying to reconcile with them, you better make sure your life insurance is paid up because God could come to collect either punishment on you or bringing you to his judgement seat. It's better to say to your friend: "I'm staying neutral in your situation. I tell you to please, go solve your friend's reconcilement attempts. Hear your friend out before anything else. That would be my best suggestion".
Best wishes out there.
Semper FI.
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