Why people are unhappy

The reason people are unhappy is because they aren't living the way God intended when he made them. God, in His Mercy, has planned a WAY for each of us. Having a relationship with God is the first step in knowing what that plan entails. To get to know anyone, you must have interaction with them. Since we can't call God up to chat on the phone we must PRAY in order to get into contact with Him. Praying is really simple so I am confused when I hear, "But, I don't know how to pray...or what to say..." Then, I realized that people are making it all too complicated. In order to pray, one simply says to God, "Hello oh great One. Thank you for making me. Thank you for (insert what you are thankful for). After the praise of Him is finished...He would like to hear what you think you need. He may be laughing by now...but He, at least, listens patiently. See, God knows what we need and a lot of what WE think we need is actually detrimental to our soul, so we won't get it. Next, we ask God for strength to accept His Will for us. Bad things are bound to happen. This isn't Heaven. But, we can relax in the knowledge that God is in control up there and none of what happens is out of His control. If you are His friend, He will make sure you can handle what He allows to occur. Really, in all honesty, prayer doesn't do anything for God. He's fine and dandy at all times and doesn't need us to worship Him. We need us to worship Him. It is for our good that we worship Him. The result of our prayer and worship of God is peace, tranquility and happiness. When you get really good at praying, you will find that you want less "stuff"-that you are more satisfied with the gifts God has given you. You will feel gracious. Then, God will bless you all the more, because you have shown you can handle it. Do I mean that God will bless you financially? He may, but don't hold your breath! Money often ruins people. It makes them feel so self-sufficient that they stop praying. What God will do is make sure you can feed and clothe and shelter your family. Isn't that all we really need? This life isn't made to be Heaven-ish. This life is to prepare us for Heaven, which means to gradually assist us in becoming holy-which means to refine us and make us more like God in ways of charity (love). So, get to praying....

Living with cancer

So...on we go!

Dad has been doing pretty good considering he's getting to that six month mark. He has been in the ICU for a week, due to his heart. He stopped eating as well, until we brought him back home. He is really brave but needs his chair.

On my part, as a daughter, it is difficult to see my big, strong Daddy, need help with so much. But, such is life. I think for the most part, God allows us to deteriorate to the point where we can let go of pride and allow others to assist us. Then, we are "ready" to die. Dad said he isn't "there" yet. Good. I am not ready yet either.

What good is all this doing? Well, plenty. It has made us all closer as a family. We have rallied together. We have discussed important issues and have agreed to go along with Dad's wishes. I thank God that he has aligned himself with the teachings of the Church in these end of life issues. The Church says that everyone deserves water and food aka hydration and nutrition. It is so tragic that millions die each year at the hands of the medical personel who convince the family that the loved one is "too far gone"/"in the end-stage"/"not able to benefit from hydration" and the person actually dies from being dehydrated to death aka SHIAVOED.

Take for instance Dad: Cancer everywhere. Cardiac arrythmias:atrial fibrillation that went to ventricular tachycardia, Kidneys "failing", confused and very weak. If we hadn't been blessed to be in a Catholic hospital with rules about these types of things when one calls them on it...they may have suggested we "let him go with dignity". All they would have had to do was NOT give him an IV. He was already ill from the stomach flu and got dehydrated, hence the arrythmias. In a couple of days he would be dead because of no fluids.

They gave him the medical care and the humane care of fluids and voila': Back home, still waiting to see my brother's baby and waiting for another of them to marry. He is glad to be alive, despite the suffering. He knows it is God's will for him to try and live until God decides to take him.

I don't know how much longer Dad has on the Earth, but I will cherish each and every day with him. He may be a proverbial pauper, but he has nine children and their families who love him, as well as a wife,who serves him. He is richer than most I know.