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~ Welcome to Stories
of Heart! ~
If you are not a subscriber and this has been passed on to you, join us by sending a blank e-mail to [email protected] with "subscribe" in the subject line. And get the love direct! Tour our web site: http://www.geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001 ________________________________________________________
Folks, I sure do
apologize being late with this newsletter. Here's blowing
birthday wishes and love to our nephew, Nate, and his little
sister, Becca! Also, a belated birthday wish to my
mother-in-law, Guilda Mae Oliver, who turned 75 years young last
Tuesday!
Folks, give a Texas-sized welcome to Betty King, an inspirational lady I'm so proud to introduce to you! She teaches us a secret on how she lives with multiple sclerosis. Following the story is an important announcement from one of my heroes, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. You will not want to miss it. ________________________________________________________ HEAVE HO Well, I'm not a lot of the things I used to be, but I'm sure a lot of things I didn't used to be. Some of those things are good, some bad, some just are what they are: different. Yeah, I used to be skinny; now I'm fat. I used to be young; now I'm old. I used to be a brunette; now I'm blonde to cover the gray. I used to be full of energy; now I'm lacking in that respect. I used to walk; now I use a three-wheel motorized scooter. Like they say, nothing ever stays the same. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has become a part of who I am. Not who I am, mind you, just a part. Having lived with the culprit for over half of my life, I'm getting used to the adversities presented to me. I have also learned that laughter can go a long way in dealing with hardships and difficulties. It seems as if my life is becoming quite a comic routine! The other day my daughter came by to get me, seeing that driving is one of the things I don't do anymore. Anyway she came to get me, and since she had no lift in her SUV, it was determined I would take my wheelchair instead of my motorized scooter. That wasn't the problem. The problem was her vehicle. Now we had recently moved into the neighborhood and had not really gotten acquainted with our neighbors. Needless to say, of all days, the neighbors across the street were out in the front of their house, visiting with company. They are a young couple with two little girls. And I am an old lady. I don't feel like an old lady; but that's beside the point. To a young couple, I'm an old lady. Well, really to be truthful, a fat, old lady. My daughter has an Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition, whatever that is. It looks like a green tank when you're an old lady; especially, when you're an old lady in a wheelchair. She pushed me up next to that monster, and I eyeballed it and knew that this was going to be one gigantic challenge. "Now, Ronda, this is not going to be easy," I commented. "We can do it," she said. "Oh, sure," I think to myself. What is this "we" stuff? "Just put your foot up here and get a hold of that." "Oh, yeah, sure!" "Come on, I'll help you," she assures me. She takes my foot and places it on the running board or whatever in the world they call them things these days - that's what they called them in my day. "Now get a hold of that strap up there, mom, and pull." This is where I begin to snicker, and my foot slips off whatever that dang thing is my foot "was" on. She also lets out a giggle behind me and we start all over again. Now my daughter is a petite little thing, and I am...well, I'm old. We get my foot up on that thing again, I grab hold, and I holler, "Shove!" She gives me a nudge, and I holler again, "I said 'SHOVE!'" She started laughing, and down I came! By this time we are both laughing and attracting quite a scene. "Now, Ronda, you have to put your shoulder to me and SHOVE hard like your dad does," I say between my laughter and her giggles. "Don't be afraid to push hard." Now I have plenty of padding. It's not like she was going to hurt herself on my bones or anything. A big part of my body is numb anyway so it wasn't like I could feel her bouncing off my blubber either. So we began again. "I don't want to hurt you mom," she giggles. "Don't worry! You're not going to hurt me. Your dad does it all the time," I assure her. My comments don't bring any sympathy, just more giggles. As we start again she gets serious and so do I as I become aware that I am making quite an impression on our neighbors. "NOW SHOVE!" I scream. "HEAVE HO!" she shouts. We both break out into hysterical laughter as the steering wheel gets acquainted with my face, leaving my feet and legs sticking out the door. I'm prone on the front seat, we both are hysterical, and the neighbors are getting free entertainment. By this time, my face is in excruciating pain -- not from the steering wheel -- but from the muscles being strained from so much laughter. Ronda helps me, and I finally get pushed, pulled, and tucked into my seat, and we drive away, leaving my neighbors wondering about the circus act that has moved in across the street. Yeah, things have changed. I've changed. Nothing ever stays the same, not even circus acts. I hope my neighbors are prepared, because I've become a three ringer! Betty King [email protected] Copyright © January 15, 2002 by Betty King. All rights reserved. ******* About the author: My name is Betty King; I live in Phoenix AZ with my husband Bill of 44 years. I enjoy life in spite of the fact that I have lived with MS for 35 years. There is humor all around us and if we allow it into our life it makes our burdens so much lighter. I have publishing credits in Warm Fuzzy Stories, Heartwarmers, Petwarmers, 2TheHeart, HeartTouchers and various other Internet sites. I have a story coming out in Red Rock Book of Faith and have signed an agreement with Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul. _________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ROGER DEAN KISER, SR. The Sad Orphan Foundation has been established to specifically help orphans in the United States of America. The intent of this organization is to make sure that a minimum of 90-95% of all the donations received go directly to the children. Not to groups, organizations and/or Societies who tend to pay themselves large salaries and in the end leave the kids getting little or nothing. I want these kids to know, without any doubt, whatsoever, that the world outside the orphanage really cares about them. I want them to know that not having a mother and a father is lonely, yet it is survivable. The foundations books will be available on the Internet 24/7. All transactions will be posted on this web site (In simple plain English) for everyone to view. I am not exactly sure what all "The Sad Orphan Foundation" can accomplish. It is not easy, trying to establish such an organization and to find honest, capable people who are willing to give that much of their time. Oh! there are those who are willing to help if it makes them look like a big shot in the community. I don't need, or want people like that in this organization. The kids that I am trying to help did not do anything wrong. They are innocent children who were abandoned. I do not want them to ever have to feel that they have to bow down to anyone who offers them help or kindness. I, and my orphan brothers and sisters were made to beg for whatever kindness was given to us. I will never forget the feeling of having to look at the ground every time kindness was shown to me. Even today as a fifty-six year old man that aspect of me has never changed. I still get embarrassed, and I look down at the ground, when kindness is shown to me. What I plan to do for these children may not have much of an effect right now. But in the years to come they will remember the kindness that was showed to them. I know this for a fact. Common sense tells us that we never harm those who are kind to us. Kindness is the only path leading into the heart of the orphan, or abused child. It is then, and only then, that we can start to build a lasting relationship based on love and trust. I will be there myself, and I will tell them that it is YOU who have helped them. That YOU do care about them and that they do not owe you anything for helping them. The money given to this foundation will not be wasted. There will be no fancy envelopes or stationary. These items, if necessary, will be purchased from the dollar store. Should the time come that the organization grows and needs any type of paid help. The president of the company down to the last man on the totem pole will receive minimum wage. There will be no bonuses for anyone, ever. I will not spend one penny on anything that the orphanage itself should have purchased for the children. If by chance, these children are taken to Disney World, Universal Studios, a water slide, movie or the like, I, as the President of the foundation, will make sure that the lowest possible fare(s) have been achieved. It is hoped that someday computers will be placed in the orphanages and that I can start a program, which I will call "e-doptions." I want the children in these orphanages to have access to the people who are helping them. I want them to look forward to receiving e-mails and encouragement from those who care about them. When the day comes for these children to leave the orphanage, I do not want them to feel, as I did, that it really does not matter if they go North, South, East or West. I want them to know that no matter what direction they travel in (to make a life for themselves) that there is someone near who cares for them. That is the seed that I want to plant now. Have you have ever wondered why a young person goes off the deep end and hurts others. I can tell you the reason because I have been there. When all has failed in a child's life and they feel that they have nothing to lose. The next thought is to hurt someone or to get even with the world. At this point they do not need a reason to do it because they feel that they already have one. Now their mind searches for a reason not to do it. This is the critical point in the process of decision. 'Love' at this point is totally worthless to that child. However, kindness always seems to shine through and gives the child 'a reason' not to hurt someone. The brilliant minds of today, and yesterday, as well as all the educated scholars have had their chance and they have all failed. It is time for a new approach. It is time to allow some of us who have ridden on the train to have a chance to stop it. Most of you have read my stories and you know of my past. It has not been an easy road for me to travel. I am not very well educated, but on the other hand I am not stupid. I hope that you will give us former orphans a chance to see if what we know, and what we have learned, can make a difference in this world. In closing, I would like to add this: "The Sad Orphan Foundation will never be allowed to become more important than its purpose." Those who wish to make a donation please send a check or money order to: THE SAD ORPHAN FOUNDATION c/o Author, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. 100 Northridge Drive Brunswick, Georgia 31525 THANK YOU, Author, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS: Please do not send cash. Your check or money order will be your receipt for your tax deductible contribution. For more information please visit Roger's web site at: http://www.geocities.com/trampolineone/foundation.html _________________________________________________________ POWER OF PRAYER Just heard today that my mom is having gallbladder surgery next Wed., the 30th. It looks like she will be able to have the easier surgery and will be able to go home the next day, stay home for a week and then back to work (she sits at a desk). She did say that the doctor told her that it is always possible that they may change their mind about which surgery to do once they get into the surgery and actually see what is there. Please pray that she will not have to have the more severe surgery. The doctor said recovery time on that one is approx. 6-8 weeks. Pray for my Dad and the family that everyone will have peace and strength from the Lord. I am planning to be with her out a couple of days after she gets home to make sure she is taken care of and can get rested. Thanks! - Love, Rene'
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Beloved, I am not sure whether you heard the news of the explosions which rocked the entire city of Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday afternoon. In case you did, I am just writing to let you know that my family and I are safe. We thank God for His protection. The cause of the explosion (for those who have not followed the news) was as a result of a fire outbreak near the old military depot for arms and ammunition. This was located in an army barracks which is heavily populated and also surrounded by residential areas. The explosions were made worse by the storage of heavy bombs which caused heavy damage to houses, churches and hospitals miles away from the scene. Our house shook terribly under the impact of the bomb explosion, but we thank God that we were spared from any harm. Many have been rendered homeless and a lot are missing. About 200 people drowned when they were rushing to cross a small bridge over a canal separating the barracks and another part of the town. Over a half of my Church members live around this place and I have only been able to reach a few at the moment but I trust the Lord that He will keep His own secure. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, pray especially for those whose children and relations got missing during the confusion that God will make a way for them to be re-united to their loved ones. God bless you all. - Steve Popoola, Nigeria _________________________________________________________ FROM OUR FRIENDLY E-MAIL CARRIER: In response to "Freedom" Can Sometimes Be A Private Thing by Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. (http://www.geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001/011402.htm) This one had me reaching for a tissue! - MaryAnne A child's modesty is just as valuable as a grown-up's. As always, another moving testimonial from Roger. - Beth ______________________ Thanks for all your wonderful stories, Jennifer! Can I share your story "Wife Seeking Wife" with some friends of mine? - Kris ~ By all means, Kris, pass on the love! Please feel free to direct them to http://www.geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001/wife.htm. Thank you! _______________________________________________________ |
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