Good Morning! Well, I have been blessed to write two books, have our story turned into a documentary and have a spoken word I wrote end up on an album. All praise and glory to God. The past several years, I have been writing songs. At this time I use the word “songs” very loosely. But has my health continues to decline, I thought now would be a good time to connect with some songwriters and see if what I have written is any good or needs a lot of work. So if you’re a songwriter or know a songwriter, please feel free to connect with me. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful and blessed day. ~OC
My Life With Dementia
Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have always wanted to be upfront and honest when sharing my journey with you. So this morning, I want to share a post I have been working on for several weeks. It’s my life with dementia. I apologize in advance for the long post.
When I was diagnosed with young onset dementia last year, part of me thought there has to be a mistake, but it was also a relief to have some answers on why my life seemed a little out of focus. But it was still hard to hear “you have dementia.” Like so many people diagnosed with young-onset dementia, I was still planning a future with my bride. How was dementia showing up in my 50’s?
But here I am, almost a year later.
What I have learned is a dementia diagnosis isn’t the end of life. It just means life looks a little different.
Of course my life has looked a little different for the last twenty-three years dealing with multiple health issues. But over the last two decades, my faith and life experiences have taught me it’s possible to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and even joyful life even while dealing with the uncertainty of declining health. A diagnosis of dementia was not going to change that. At least I hope and pray that will be the case.
So as I walk out this journey called dementia, I wanted to share a few things that are working for me. This is not a neat how to live with dementia list, because dementia is not an easy follow these instructions and everything will be okay disease. No, dementia is a unpredictable roller coaster ride. Every day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities.
My hope and prayer is that this blog post will help create conversations. If you’re living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, I hope these tools help you live a full life regardless of the diagnosis.
My Dementia Toolbox:
I choose to live each day with Hope and Purpose.
I choose to live a life full of new adventures. Never stop making memories with family and friends.
I choose to maintain my independence as long as possible.
I choose to continue connecting with family and friends.
I choose to adapt to the changes dementia brings and never give up.
I choose to hold onto my identity and what makes me “me.”
I choose to keep learning new things each day.
I choose to live out my life and faith.
I choose not to avoid the declines that dementia brings, but to make the most out of every day and refuse to let dementia silence me.
Finally, living with dementia is not an easy journey. There are moments of loss and frustration, but there are also unexpected discoveries, laughs, and the good will of family and friends. ~OC
The Day After Easter
Today’s a new day! It’s the day after Easter. It is easy to get busy with the next thing on our list or start planning for the next holiday on the calendar. But I encourage us all to not forget about Easter and do our best to keep Easter alive.
The magnificent sounds of the trumpets, organ, bagpipes, all the other instruments, and, of course, the choirs, are still ringing faintly in our ears. The colors and aroma of the beautiful Easter flowers are pleasant, but fading, memories. The company has gone home, or perhaps you yourself have returned from visiting friends and family. It was a wonderful, and beautiful weekend. But now it’s Monday and we are exhausted, weary, and perhaps feeling the effects of stress from such a busy weekend. Now it’s time to get back to the grind of another week. So much on the to do list.
It’s only been a few hours since we were together for sunrise service or in a full church service shouting “He is Risen Indeed!” We felt good and confident that, for a few moments, everything in our life seemed to be okay. Collectively we had a sense that whatever challenges we may face in the next few days, we could come out ahead. God seemed closer and more real than he has in months, if not years.
And now it’s Monday, the day after…
We aren’t sure what the disciples did on the Monday after. Maybe they stayed together celebrating the news of the resurrection, while keeping a low profile in case soldiers or religious leaders came looking for them. We can’t be sure what they did on the day after Easter except we know that their lives were never the same. The men who had been so timid and fearful were now becoming courageous and brave. Their moments without faith were forgiven and their new mission was becoming very clear. Easter became such a huge part of their lives that nothing would ever be the same again.
For most people the day after Easter will seem like any other day. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can keep the joy of Easter alive not just today or this week but much, much longer. Let the spirit of God fill you with faith and the certainty that hope and optimism are yours through Jesus Christ.
Do not allow the day after Easter to take away the encouragement and optimism and hope you felt and knew on Easter Sunday. The tomb was empty and as you face whatever challenges that may come your way just go back in your mind to that empty tomb. There is real power and hope and optimism there. ~OC
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. ~Psalm 42:11
Joy In The Morning
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep. On those nights, I usually end up scrolling through social media to see who needs prayer and pray for the needs I already know about. On some of those restless nights, I find myself singing the old hymns that I learned as a child.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
I know the words to every verse of this song as well as many other hymns from my childhood. As I sing these beautiful hymns, I sense the quiet embrace of God’s presence around me. I have assurance that He is as close as my next breath and there will be joy in the morning.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ~Lamentations 3:22-23
I am thankful for this reminder that God brings joy in the morning through His whispers of love in our little victories and echoes of mercy in our failures. ~OC
Life With Chronic Illness
Today’s a new day! What do you do when you don’t get better?”
I became chronically sick twenty-three years ago, after being diagnosed with several types of crippling arthritis. It would be a year later after taking many experimental medications, that I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Then over the years, I would be be diagnosed with the following: Young Onset Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Gastroparesis, Covid Long-Hauler, Complex Headaches, and recently Early Onset Dementia. Oh, and a stroke several years ago. It truly has been a crazy beautiful health journey.
I became a Christian when I was ten years old. I will be the first to admit, I did not always live the Christian life in my early teenage years. When I first became ill, some people in the Christian community began to weaponize their faith against me. They would say that I wasn’t faithful enough, or that I must have some type of unresolved sin in my life. Sadly all these years later, I still have some Christians screaming that in my ear on a weekly basis. At times over the years, I felt judged and disliked by many in the Christian community. That is never how Christianity, or any faith, should be. For me, it wasn’t just what conversations were being had—but also how.
The sad part is that the people who wanted me to not lose faith tried to make it harder to connect with God and other Christians. Some people over the years have made the excuses, “Well they mean well.” I truly do not believe that. I believe it actually shows their true heart. I am thankful that during this crazy beautiful health journey, God has surrounded me with some amazing people who have helped me through this difficult season. I am also thankful I have never lost my faith during this journey.
As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, my goal is to not allow those negative voices to have any influence on my life. I also decided early on in my health journey to help others walking through their own health journey.
I share all this because I know that I’m not alone, and I want others to know that they aren’t either. When you’re feeling attacked, beaten up, remember that God loves and is with you. I am sorry if anyone has made you feel like that isn’t the case. What people believe is their choice, but no one has the right to weaponize their faith. That sort of human hurt harms those in the disabled/chronically ill community that may be struggling with their faith.
In Isaiah 54:10 we read, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Being chronically ill can very much feel as if everything is being shaken up and changed—at least that’s how I have felt at times over the years.
I no longer know what each day will feel like, physically, let alone have a clue about what I may be able to do in the future. But God’s love doesn’t change when we are in tough situations (or any situation.) He is still with us. He knows the truth of our situation and still loves us.
Some passages that resonated with me, and may be appreciated by those reading this post, are those about us being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13- 14), Psalm 86-15, and Ephesians 1:5-6. That is about YOU. You are loved beyond words. Think about John 3:16. That’s not just for the able bodied and minded, it’s for ALL of us.
If you can relate to anything I have written, the following are a few things that have helped me. Just remember this journey is different for everyone.
*Don’t bottle things up. I encourage everyone to find a trusted friend, pastor, counselor or support group to share your feelings with. It may be difficult at first, but I promise you’ll be glad you did.
*Take this current season of life slowly. Remember, life is a marathon not a sprint.
*Do not give up on the Christian community or the Church based on some misguided people. Remember, there are no perfect people or churches.
*Find out what works for you in your journey with health issues and your walk with God. One size doesn’t fit us all.
*Spend time in the Bible and listening to worship music. Both have helped bring peace and clarity to my life during my health journey.
* Remember, sometimes God does not give us quick answers to our prayer request. I encourage you to embrace the lessons God is trying to teach you during this difficult season. All of us whether healthy or chronically ill have a different journey. If chronic illness is currently part of journey, you are just as worthy as anyone else. Please embrace that truth today.
I hope and pray this post will encourage and challenge everyone who has taken the time to read it. Thank you! ~OC
My Tribute to President Carter
Today’s a new day! The world has lost a giant in President Jimmy Carter, the man whose impact endured far beyond his presidency. To call him a statesman is accurate but insufficient; he was a humanitarian, a leader of conscience, and a model of humility. I had the profound honor of sitting in on President Carter teaching Sunday School Class back in 2019. One of the highlights of my life. From that visit, I developed a beautiful and life changing relationship with the people of Plains, Georgia. The hometown of President and Mrs. Carter.
President Carter’s long and inspiring life reminds us that our lives are about impact, not image. It’s about making choices that prioritize others over self. From the peanut farms of Plains, Georgia to the corridors of the White House and places around the world, his journey was always one of service.
As we remember President Jimmy Carter, let us carry forward his legacy of humility and purpose. His life was a testament to the idea that, as human beings we are stewards of something greater than ourselves.
President Carter once said,
“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”
Thank you, President James Earl Carter Jr, for showing us what leadership, humanity, and faith in action truly means. Your amazing legacy will continue to inspire the world. Rest in peace Mr. President. ~OC
A Day In The Life
Today’s a new day! Ever wondered what a day living with chronic illness and health challenges looks like? Today I will take you on a journey into the twist and turns of a day living with long-term health issues.
From the moment I wake up, I’m already facing barriers. My chronic illnesses make it difficult to get going. For those not aware, based on my health issues, I have slept in a recliner for about the past twenty years. It’s just too hard to get in and out of a bed. Every day is a balancing act where I have to be mindful of my energy levels and make sure that I’m taking time to rest.
An Introduction To My Health Journey:
In 2002, I was diagnosed with multiple forms of arthritis. That year was filled with a lot of experimental treatments. Then in 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully I was able to have surgery to remove the tumor and never had to walk through the struggle of chemo and radiation. Let’s speed things up. From 2007-2024, I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Gastroparesis, Type 2 Diabetes based on all the steroids, had a stroke, diagnosed with cluster headaches and just a few months ago was diagnosed with early onset dementia. That’s my rap sheet!
What My Night and Morning Looks Like :
Based on my neurological issues, I am up and down most of the night. So I never wake up feeling rested. I wake up stiff, so I need to move around and take a host of medications in the morning. Of course meds have side effects, so that can be difficult.
Since I deal with gastroparesis, eating has been a major issue for many years. That makes taking in fluids and food a huge and painful task. So every meal, every day is an adventure.
My mornings are dedicated to spending time with God, journaling and trying to exercise. For me, walking is the best type of exercise for me. I never know how many laps I will be able to get in. I have to be careful not to overdo it. If I do overdo it, my body will pay for it the rest of the day. I spend some time each day for reflecting on life and looking at how I can hopefully encourage others as I continue running this journey. These days, I tend to take a lot of short cat naps. Over the last year, the pain has increased, so that’s a daily struggle. Unfortunately, pain meds and gastroparesis do not really care for each other. So most days, I just live with the pain.
One thing I choose to do everyday is get dressed. I never lay around in my sleeping clothes. It makes me feel good to get cleaned up and get dressed.
My favorite part of any day is spending time with my bride and friends that choose to reach out. Spending time with loved ones is very important to me. I love sitting around and enjoying great conversations. Also, I try to read every day. My love for reading has been challenging the last few years, since it’s hard to stay concentrated. I also spend time listening to music each day. Music can make everything a little bit better.
In the evening, Laura and I like to talk about our day and possibly watch a little television. Based on my day, my bedtime varies. But since I sleep in my recliner, I can fall asleep anytime my body and brain allows me to. Every night is an adventure.
What I consider a daily self-care must do:
Writing about what I’m grateful for in my journal helps me remember the positives, even on those really hard days. Living with long-term health conditions can be exhausting and can be very negative if you allow it to get on top of you.
Several people have asked if I had one day without pain and could step away from my health journey what would I do?
I would lace up my running shoes and go for a very long run. For those new to my journey, in my healthier days I was blessed to complete 350 marathons.
Another question people asked me a lot: Is there anything I would like to share about daily living with chronic illness and life challenges?
There’s a lot, but I do not want to make this post any longer than it already is. One of my hopes is, people will realise that we never know what someone else is really going through. So be kind and respectful. It doesn’t help when people tell me how I should be living out my health journey. Just be supportive and walk through this journey with me.
By sharing what my day to day life is like, I hope I can raise awareness of the bigger picture as people only see snippets of my journey online or see me on my best days in person. I am not sharing this for pity or sympathy and I am not complaining. I just want to give you some insight into this crazy beautiful health journey.
The Takeaway:
Writing about my day living with chronic health issues has been quite eye opening to me to see how much life has changed over the years. I have a strong need to celebrate the love and support I have received over the years from family and friends. Writing this post has let me see how faithful God has been to me, as I continue to run this beautiful journey.
I hope that you have found this post to be a helpful insight into life with with long-term health issues. There are so many people walking through a tougher battle than me. So if you know someone dealing with chronic illness, take the time to reach out to them and support them on their journey. ~OC
The Election is Over…Now What?
Today’s a new day! The election is over…now what? ~OC
Our nation has spent the last few years tearing each other apart. Now, as the 2024 election results have been tabulated and Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States of America, we have a tough task staring us in the face. We must pull ourselves together as one nation. We must make the choice to reach across the aisle and find a way to work together.
That family member, friend or neighbor that you exchanged unflattering names with is still in your life today. Nobody is moving out of the country. Or the house. So will we continue to flip them “the bird” or will we extend a hand and find a way to carry on in a loving and respectful way?
As I write this blog post, the American people have spoken. Half of America will wake up celebrating this morning and the other half will want to stay under the covers. So this Wednesday morning we have a new President-Elect, many laws and amendments have been passed or rejected.
So the political commercials are over, no more political phone calls /text or political rallies. So, now what?
During times like this we tend to turn to music to soothe our souls and help us through the uncertain times of life. Here is the chorus to the 1985 classic That’s What Friends Are For:
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
One of the challenges of relationships is disagreement. Yesterday, those disagreements were not settled in a voting booth. But today, it’s time to move forward and return to being civilized neighbors and friends. If we cannot manage that, we will have lost the ability to be caring and respectful human beings.
Today, I will continue to pray for America. Today, I will continue to stand up and speak out for what’s right. Today, I will continue to respect those I disagree with. Today, I will continue to look at what unites us over what divides us. Today, I will continue to choose love over hate. I will probably not be perfect in that area. But I will surely try.
Do I have concerns about the future of America? Yes, I do. But I will continue to use the power of the written word to share my concerns and challenge others to speak out. I will not be silent.
But today, as I turn to my family, friends and neighbors the words of singer/songwriter Randy Newman come to mind:
“When the road looks rough ahead
And you’re miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you’ve got a friend in me
Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me.”
The Long Goodbye
Today’s a new day! As most of you know, I am in the twenty-second year of this crazy beautiful health journey. On more than one occasion, Laura and I have been told I only had hours, weeks or months to live. So my health journey has sort of become a long goodbye. I was diagnosed with dementia a month ago, so I have spent a little more time reflecting on my life and this journey. Sometimes, I feel like a rockstar or band that is on a continuous farewell tour. Here are some words that came to my mind.
The Long Goodbye
This long goodbye brings with it many different emotions
This long goodbye is filled with moments of crying out to God; some days are filled with questions, but most days are filled with praise and thanksgiving
Praise and thanksgiving? How could that be?
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to live. I mean really live. From skydiving to meeting a former President, my life has been filled with amazing moments
This long goodbye, has given me the opportunity to love my bride longer than the experts predicted
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to spend more time with friends, make new friends and reconnect with some old friends
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to make more mistakes and learn some valuable lessons from those mistakes
This long goodbye has given me the beautiful opportunity to realize life is not all about me
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to serve others
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to receive and share the beautiful gift of forgiveness
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to grow as a person
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to become a runner, write two books, have a movie made about my life and write a song that is on an actual album
This long goodbye has given me with the beautiful opportunity to meet some amazing people
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to share and receive hope, love and encouragement
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to laugh, cry and reflect
This long goodbye has given me the opportunity to share the story God gave me so many years ago
I am thankful for this long goodbye and the beautiful gifts it has given me. ~OC
Movies, Books and Music
Good morning! With all the negative news coming at us so fast, I thought I would change things up a little. Each month, I will try and share a Movie, Book and Song/Album that came out in that month. I will have watched, read and listened to everything I share. Hopefully it will be fun. Here we go for October.
*On October 24, 1991, the film
Silence of the Lambs was released.
Sir Anthony Hopkins character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the best in cinematic history and his interactions with Jodie Foster’s character Clarice Starling are bone chilling.
*Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, released on October 1, 1995, is the autobiography of one of the world’s greatest moral and political leaders. Imprisoned for more than 25 years, president of the African National Congress and head of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Long Walk to Freedom vividly tells Mr. Mandela’s story; one of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph, written with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.
*Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John released October 5, 1973. With classics like Candle In The Wind, Bennie And The Jets, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, there is certainly no doubt that it is one of the greatest albums ever written and recorded.
I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. See you in November. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 