In My Heart

Billy holding Atina, George, Sherri, Ron and Sean in front. I am quite the winker.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be"

Luke 12:34

There is a song that starts..."Way back in my memory there's a scene that I recall..." Tonight my mind runs down that memory and back to a time that seems just like yesterday. A time in my childhood where life seemed simple, easy and free. A life where we were free to run, jump, and grow. Where we learned from our mistakes.

We lived in a place that seemed far away from the middle of anywhere. My parents had an acre of property that connected to my grandparents ranch and across Golf Links road was endless miles of creek beds, animal trails, wooded hideaways and a beautiful mountain that was all ours to explore. With no video games or cable television. A drink was from a garden hose or from the creek.

We would hit the ground running with the rising sun and go until after the full moon came up from behind our mountain. During the winter the creek ran like a river that was full of water and loud roaring sounds that even I could hear. At night, I would lay in bed after a storm and listen to it roar outside my window. During the day we would watch to see if it would flood and run down our driveway and over the road blocking traffic.

 In the summer we would walk in the creek bed looking for gold, eat black berries and explore.
Our summer prizes were the iron pyrite we collected, crystals and an occasional arrow head. We would run through the woods tracking the coyotes, foxes, deer and mountain lions. We played hide and go seek, climb trees and we would swing on the grape vines in soldier creek.

When we skinned our knees we ran to mom. When we were hungry we ran to mom. When we were scared we ran to Dad. When we needed a friend to play with there was a brother or sister always ready for an adventure. There were geese over head in spring and fall and wildflowers under our feet in the summer.

Like the changing season life changed and we grew and we scattered like autumn leaves. Two are mommies and four are daddies. Believe it or not 3 are grandparents. Some of us moved far away and some are still here. I miss those days and I miss those kids.

Recently, I walked hand in hand with Kris on some of those old trails. The creek was gurgling and it just was not a rushing river like it was those winters long ago. The berry bushes are still there and a bit overgrown. I could not help but look for gold and arrow heads. My reward was a beautiful crystal that I some how had not found all those years ago. 

As we walked my step was slower and I struggled to make way through the woods. The boulders that we used to hide behind did not seem so big but the mountain still stood tall and strong. I listened to the sounds of animals, watched the clouds roll overhead and felt the wind on my face. I could feel my past and I could feel blessings in my life.

These days I can't swing on grapevines and I have a hard time running through the fields, cow pasture and I don't climb the big oak trees. However, I can still appreciate what God has given me. The path I follow is a little straight then those I used to run on because my Parkinson's does not allow me to run through those woods at a top rate speed.

I can still have adventures in my life. The bible tells us:

"Seek God's will in all you do and He will direct your path." 
Proverbs 3:6

So as I travel this journey it is good to know that even with a disease that causes me to have stiff muscles, difficulty standing, difficulty walking, difficulty with bodily movements, involuntary movements, muscle rigidity, problems with coordination, rhythmic muscle contractions, slow bodily movement, or slow shuffling gait God holds me up and helps me take those walks through my day and the journey that he has planned for me.

As Kris and I walk out of the woods and through the meadow towards the house that was my childhood home I take a peek back at the trees. The evening shadows are stretching out all around, the birds are flying to the beds in the tall trees and the sun is sinking fast. 

Somewhere behind a tree I think I see a small face peeking out from a great hiding place. I hear giggles and silent shouts from my past whisper through the trees. They run along the creek bank and echo across the mountain tops. They slowly float into my memory and settle in my heart. They are forever locked there. No matter what the days ahead bring Parkinson's will never rob me of my memories and the love I have for those kids hiding behind the large boulders.

God has protected it all in my heart. He has locked the love of my youth away and as I make new memories those memories will not fade and I will take them with me on "My Journey."

Billy, George, Tina, Sean and Ron. Sherri is shy these days. 

PEACEFUL JOURNEY

Photograph by: Faith Hamilton

"Watch, stand in faith, be brave, be strong let all you do be done with love"

Corinthians 16:13-14

I still remember that hot July summer day when we left for our big trip to Oregon. My Dad worked all day so the plan was to drive all night. For weeks there was great excitement and anticipation as we were headed on a great journey an adventure as my parents would call them because you never knew what was going to happen. 

When Dad got home we quickly loaded the car and headed north. It was July fourth weekend and we wanted to see Uncle Les, Aunt Kathryn and fireworks! As we made our way into Sacramento and then towards Shasta on I-5 night over took the day and soon our windows were letting in the cool wind as lightening flashed and rain began to fall.

Somewhere near the state boarder we stopped at restaurant called Samboo's. It was weird to sit there so late and have a place to eat open. There were s few truckers having dinner but Dad said we could have pancakes for dinner. What a cool treat. What a memory I will never forget.

We all have many journey's in our lives. They might be a fast three day weekend to Oregon, a day trip to the beach or a big trip far away. No matter where we are going the excitement of going on journeys and seeing new things is a blast. I have had many travel's in my life time. Some times I went with friends, sometimes with family and some journeys I have made alone. No matter the adventure I never traveled by myself. I always had my leader with me and the one that I really need to follow.

The bible says:

"Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness and make your way before me."

Psalm 5:8

There is peace knowing that no matter my day, no matter my challenge and no matter My Journey God is there with me. Each day, is different when you travel and with Parkinson's Disease each day can present a ton of challenges. But I want you to all know that no matter how good or how bad my days may be..... God is with me.

Today, was a good day. No, today was a great day! I had a day of not so much shaking and I am feeling energized and even eating better. I think I gained some of my weight back. OOPS! I only stumbled a few times and I did not fall once. That is a good day.

But you know what makes it a great day? YOU! Yes my friends, family, co workers and community. I feel so blessed. In less then 24 hours 2000 people read my blog. By 10:00 this morning a donation had already been delivered to our new Foundation at the Sonora Area Foundation by a long true friend that I have always LOVED and cherished. Her family is a blessing to me and my community. Well there is that Dodger thing but only God is perfect. :)

The dinner is all set up by an amazing Senior Hailey Gragg doing her project for the foundation. Her project is going to truly bless the people of this community. I worked on the phone with Corey Adams who is blessing us with an awesome website and Linda Gough is blessing us with graphic designs. All working to help me bless others.

True Miracles of God!

The website will be shared soon but tonight I wanted to be sure to share about the dinner. I want Hailey to have the biggest senior project EVER!

So here is the information:

HOLD ON TO THE HOPE

Saturday, March 31st

4-7 pm

Sonora Moose Lodge

Purpose: To raise money and awareness for Parkinson' Disease in honor of Ronald M Hamilton

Dinner: Barbecued Chicken, salad, artichoke pasta, rolls and dessert

Live music by Frank Montelongo and Margie Thompson

Tickets: $10.00

Please make checks to Sonora Area Foundation 

Memo: Peaceful Journey Fund

Tickets available by calling 352-6382 or 588-3848

and at 

Blake Elliott Insurance

Donations can be mailed to:

PO Box 175

Tuolumne, Ca. 95379

All proceeds to benefit

PEACEFUL JOURNEY

The Ronald M Hamilton Parkinson's Foundation

Assisting Tuolumne County Families as they journey through Parkinson's Disease

I am so honored that I live in this great community and that God allows me to share this life that I am so blessed to live and the people that I am blessed to know. Thank you for allowing me to have such a great experience and to serve and represent all of you. My life can be rough and each day has  challenges. What makes my life great is the God I serve, the wife I love and the kids that bless me each day. Most of all I can dream and you  my friends make my dreams come true as I make "My Journey."

I Have This Hope That  We Have Only Just Begun

From the youngest age I remember that we were always working for our community. My parent's taught us that no matter how little or how much we had we ALWAYS had something that we could give. After all if you cannot give money you can give time, energy and love to others who can use your spirit and energy to help them through a difficult time. My mom would say "There is always someone who has it worse then you. Help them." Help them we did.

It seems like were always collecting coats for the homeless, food for the hungry, and toys for kids at the holidays. We would walk miles knocking on doors selling candy bars for the band, dinner tickets for 4H and collecting money for MDS, Cancer research and March of Dimes. I still remember the year we went to the Jerry Lewis telethon and donated $600.00 and then stayed up all night answering phones to collect pledges.

As a small kid I remember lean years of small Christmas's, little food and washing the same outfit each night so that we could wear it to school the next day. No matter how little we had we still love, warm hugs and laughter. The best memories were helping others like Jamestown School 8th grade with Bingo fundraisers, camp bake sales and so many fun ways to help our school.

In High school Mr Southard always reminded us to serve others and the S Club worked to bless the community, Students and staff. Sue Sample (Mundy) was a great leader always encouraging us to give to others. It carried on into my college life and then into my adult life.

I organized my first dinner fundraiser at the age of 19 when I was just out of high school. My friend Deena Ravicchio was in a car accident and I put on a pasta dinner. I raised a whole $1000.00. Since then I have cooked for FOAC, Relay For Life, Benefits, school and 4H fundraisers. I have burned my hands, cut my fingers and lost tons of sleep. I have fed fireman, police officers, sheriff deputies and friends.

My reward? The smiles, the laughter and the life long friends that I have made. We recently guesstimated that I have raised well over $600,000.00 in my life for great friends and causes. We have fought cancer, supported mission trips, rescued dogs, saved horses and blessed the sick. Some are still here some have passed on. They are missed.

 I have also been blessed by fundraisers. This community blessed us when I had brain surgery and then spine surgery. As recently as January when Parkinson's was kicking me to the curb my family and community lifted us up by visiting us, feeding us and praying for us.

As I reported in this blog a few months ago I had to retire from it all. After 40 plus years of 4-H my body could no longer give all that time and energy. I walked away. And I wept! I miss it everyday but there are some things in life you have to walk away from and move on to your future.

But with every window that life closes with every thing a disease can take away from you GOD opens the door for opportunity and tonight the door to My Journey has been opened and Krishna and I want to share a major announcement that we are blessed to offer our great community.

As I sat in the emergency room with an IV in my arm that January day I asked God if this was what would really be left of my life? A defeated body with a heart that wanted to live and give so much more? He said no and he took my hand and showed me the way.

The bible says:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord

Colossians 3:23

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord

Ephesians 6:7

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up

1 Thessalonians 5:11


So here it is........

For the longest time we wondered what we could still do to give to this great community and show Gods love. One way was through my blog. I felt sharing my story and Gods hand in it would reach others who did not know God and it has had a great impact. Still there was that, What else question.

Not long ago we had dinner with Michael Roberson and his encouragement had Kris and I talking about new ideas to reach others in need that had a similar back story to my life, Parkinson's. But how? We thought of fundraisers, awareness campaigns but nothing really stuck.

In January, during what was one of the darkest weeks of my Parkinson fight Pastor Mark Levering  came to visit. During our conversation he said "you have had the ability through the years to reach people in this community that the church can not reach". I do not remember most of the visit but that sentence God made sure remained in my mind.

I was so impacted by that statement I went to the Sonora Area Foundation with my Family and we discussed with Darrell the idea of starting a Parkinson Foundation for Tuolumne. There are many challenges and obstacles including a need for $5000.00 to start the account. Still we wondered if it would be possible. 

Then the sermon Sunday at church it was as if Pastor Steve Osborn  looked right at Krishna and I and said that we could minister to people that the church could not reach. No matter how little we have all of what we do have comes from God and it is important to share that. So the discussion was renewed about our foundation but there was still the issue of $5000.00. 

Before we got home the phone rang and it was a past 4H member Hailey Gragg calling to say she was doing a fundraiser as her senior project,. The fundraiser would be March 31 to kick off April which is National Parkinson's month and all the money raised would be donated to the Parkinson's  Foundation in my honor. 

So tonight we are Honored to say that through your encouragement and Gods words we are starting:

                                                 PEACEFUL JOURNEY

                                The Ronald M Hamilton Parkinson's Foundation

           For Tuolumne County Residence and their families struggling with Parkinson's Disease. 

This Foundation will be set up for people of Tuolumne County fighting this disease to apply for funds if they need help buying a walker or a scooter. If they need help with a hotel room for out of town appointments etc. At no time will the Ron Hamilton family have any access to any of the funds it is all for the community. All the funds donated and raised will support the great people of this community that are fighting this disease. It is my way to give back to those I love so much.

The Board members of the Foundation who have so lovingly volunteered are:

Kenny and Patti Mitchell

Ron and Anne Patel

Chris and Sara Clare Lockhart

Ronald & Krishna Hamilton

How can you help?

The March 31 dinner will now give all the funds raised to this new Foundation so that all the money will stay in this community. You can get $10.00 tickets for a great chicken dinner. You can get tickets  starting Thursday.

I know it is Easter weekend so donations can be mailed to:

Peaceful Journey

P.O. Box 175

Tuolumne, Ca. 95379

These tax deductible donations should be made out to the Sonora Area Foundation. Again ALL funds 100% will go to the foundation and no member of the foundation or my family will benefit from this fund. THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS!

There is more to say but it is 8:30 and time to post.

So thank you for the support, love and guidance. We are excited about our new adventure and you all had a part of making it happen. Tonight is a new beginning. The next step. The new mile in my walk with God, my family and you as we all walk on "My Journey"

My Major Announcement

Photograph by:

Ronald M Hamilton

"My Journey"

He calmed the storm, and the waves grew silent

Psalms 107:29

Over the last few months I have shared that on April 1, 2018 I would be  making a major announcement  that will change my life and hopefully have a positive impact on Tuolumne County. I am blogging tonight to say that tomorrow March 6,2018 Krishna and I will be sharing an exciting announcement  on this blog. Hope to see you here.

The Best Made PLANS

I love baseball and this time of year when I drive past a ball field I want to run around the bases and slide into home like I am scoring the winning run. I guess that will not happen again any time soon. But there was a time I could run all day and play baseball all day. A time when my energy was non stop and my favorite  sport was baseball.

My brother George and I could play forever in our front yard. First base was the oak tree, second base was the mulberry tree, third base was the white oak tree and home plate was a hat or something dropped on the ground. One would pitch the other would hit and the game was on.

We played with the greatest players of all time. Mantle was there as was Jackson, Mays, and of course Yaz at third. We could out hit them all and none of them could stop a ground shot up the third base line. Summer time was the best at Hamilton Field and when the sun went down, since we could not have any night games, we played kick the can, hide and seek or tag.

The only week we took a break was for the fair when we showed our pigs or rabbits. It was there one summer that Hamilton Field came to an end. George was in the rabbit barn and all our future plans of playing pro ball came to an end. When I first saw him with her I knew he was in big trouble. She had blonde hair, a wonderful smile and an amazing giggle.

That was the last summer we played ball in the front yard. It is no fun tossing the ball up, hitting it and then chasing yourself. I would stand there with the bat in my hand and watch them ride off on the horse. She was in the saddle. Funny I never got to ride in the saddle.

She had cast a spell!

I had to come up with a plan. A plan that would get him back in the batters box. But my plan failed when one night they were going to the movies and she said I could go with them on their date. She cried through most of the movie. I never knew that Jaws could be a tear jerker but if anyone knows that little blonde with the cute giggle they know she is probably crying as she reads this, You see we were all in separable. My brother, his one day bride and their skinny little brother.

So much for plans. The funny thing is that life is always like that isn't it? I mean no matter our plans there is always a different one, a better one. We don't mean plan to fall in love. We don't plan to get married. Sometimes we don't plan on that third child. But it happens. So does Parkinson's.

Strange that I included Parkinson in the same sentence as so many happy thoughts. Why? Because It was not planned. It is not easy. It is a daily struggle. It has been a blessing.By now you are thinking I lost my mind. But think about this. I did not plan anything that has happened in my life. At least not the way it has turned out. Even Parkinson's. I could be fighting mad but instead I am thankful.

I was told once if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. If you want to find happiness live Gods plan. I am sure God does not want me to suffer with this disease but he has used this time in my life to make changes and change my plans and direction that I was going.

Before Parkinson's: I was involved in everything. Every night I was home late because I was volunteering for this great community that I love so much and trying to find ways to bless the people in this town that I love so much.

Since Parkinson's: I have had to retire from many of my activities.

The Blessing. I spent every evening last week at home with my wife. What a better plan.

Before Parkinson's: I would read the bible now and then. I would say a fast prayer a few times a day and be so thankful to my amazing God.

Since Parkinson's: I talk to God non stop and I am constantly looking up bible verses and scripture especially to use in this blog and each night I find myself wrapped in his arms of love no matter how awful I feel. No matter how I feel he is there to hold me.

The Blessing: Its in the bible...

I know the plans I have for you
Jeremiah 29:11

So you see no matter our plans God has a better idea. In my plans I was going to play baseball forever with the Yankees, Giants and Rangers. But God had a better plan:

In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

I never knew that one day I would have a disease that is difficult to pronounce. A disease I did not want. A disease that makes me shake, cut myself shaving, stumble when I walk and get sick from the medications. A disease that has caused me to lose 50 pounds, have nightmares and leg cramps.

 But with Gods plan I have a disease that is making me a better father, husband and friend. I laugh at myself more. I spill things and make fun of myself. I pray. I laugh. I cry.

You don't understand now what I am doing but someday you will. 
John 13:7

So now I let God take the lead. I let God make the plans and his road trip is way better then any I could have planned. His steps are more exciting then I could have imagined. More importantly....No matter how bad the day or night is, he has a plan and he is with me on "My Journey."

I told you she was cute!

A Snowy Night In Standard

Keith Eichenberger - Ron Hamilton - Robert Laeng

A Friend Loves At All Times

Proverbs 17:17

Editors Note: While I have been away for a bit of time from this Blog it does not mean that the Journey stops. Sometimes I just need to stop at a rest stop and recharge the battery, visit with old friends and be reminded that when road blocks happen there are those there to carry me as I make "My Journey." These good people remind me that even though parts of my body can be damaged by a disease my mind, spirit and energy are still just as strong as ever.

As I crossed the street and headed for the restaurant the snow crunched under my feet and my breath froze in the night air. It had been snowing earlier and the threat of more to come was real. As I held Krisnha's hand we thought out loud how smart we might not be for being out on a night like this night and all its wonderful stormy elements

This night was different, at least it was different for me. This night, as cold as it was, had my batteries charging and my energy at its peak. It is not often I get a chance to meet up with friends that I care so much about. Friends that through all things good and bad are....Friends.

Here we were three middle aged men and a couple of our spouses sitting down for a dinner. Tonight, we would relive the memories of childhood, share stories of life and talk about present day relationships and the importance of those relationships as we move to our older age.

Robert told stories of the old town of Standard from the days of his childhood. The son of a Postmaster, Robert told us stories about the houses in Standard, the buildings, the businesses and how trick or treat in Standard was the best place to be when he was a child. Stories of walking home through Standard to his home across the highway. Days at Curtis Creek and stories of friends and where they are now. 

Then one day in the mid 1970's that little town started to disappear and today all that is left is memories of childhood adventures and bowls of candy. The mill still runs logs and there are little stores and a restaurant that fill the remaining buildings. 

As dinner arrived we all joined hands for prayer. As I prayed my mind could not help but drift back to our glory days. Friday nights under the glow of lights at a football game. There I am standing on the sidelines next to Kym Berry and we are screaming our heads off for our beloved Wildcats. I can still hear the announcer Mr Parson's as he says "Number 29 Eichenberger makes the play for the Wildcats." My mind flashes to the gym and Robert is in what seems to be the biggest match of our lives. IF he wins his bout we win the meet that night. My skin feels goose bumps as my mind hears the crowd screaming and cheering Robert to victory.

As my pray ends we release hands but the talk of our faith continues. My heart is full and I am in joy of the evening that I am having. The snow outside the window is falling and starting to really starting to stack in the street but the room is full of warmth and love and understanding. We talk of friends here and gone, children, spouse's and God. 

Yes we talk about Parkinson and with this group I can be real, open and honest. No Judgement! We talk about the challenges the disease has on my health, my family and my future.We discuss medications, symptoms and sleepless nights. One thing is real, while Parkinson's is attacking me in many ways it cannot slow my thoughts, ideas, decision making ability and most important my faith.  

On this night, I spend the evening with the most important three people in my life. God, Family and friends. As we discussed the families and friends we were blessed with our conversation always came back to the God that blesses us and carries us through the hard days.

This makes me wonder how anyone can get through life without the three most important people they need in their life. While family is important and we spend lots of time with them and we certainly always find time to go to the movies with friend or call them when we want to chat, how often do we remember God? How any times do we see God at a wedding but he is not invited to the marriage? How often do we bless our dinner but by the time we do dishes we forget that God should still be with us? God loves to talk while you are doing dishes or folding towels. Just today I had a very long chat with God as I fixed broken pipes. There is nothing better then talking to God while you are standing in the freezing cold fixing a pipe in the middle of a pig pen while the pig is chewing on your foot. 

Yes God listens when we are stuck in the mud. Most importantly he is the other three we need in our lives. The father God, the son Jesus and the holy spirit. Together the bless us, carry us and bring us peace. In the end their love will take us to the final home. The eternal life.

I know this is true because my bible says it is so.

Whoever believes in Gods son will have everlasting life. 

John 3:36 

If you learn nothing from my blogs know that I want you there. When I reach the place I am going and I wrap my arms around Jesus and hug him and cry in his ever loving arms my wish is that I will turn around and you will all be with me. It is on that day that a new day will begin and so will "My Journey."

Number 29 Keith Eichenberger

Ron Hamilton & Kym Berry

    

Song of the night

When I Get Where I'm Going

Brad Paisley

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah, when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

Yeah, when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my Maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of His amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah, when I get where I'm going

You Won't Let Go!

Editors Note: Remember I have Parkinson's it is hard to type and keep my thoughts straight. So please do not judge my grammar, spelling and sentence structure. Please just enjoy the message and the Journey. Also, Krishna and I will be making an announcement 4/1/2018. IT WILL BE GREAT!

When I started My Journey with Parkinson's I did not know where I was going, at that point I did not even realize where I had been. To me the diagnosis was something that was new but then we found out I had actually had the disease for sometime. Now a year later I am amazed how much my life has changed due to this disease and I am especially amazed at how much I have struggled in the last three weeks.

When I look back at the year I have had many changes. I have lost 50 pounds. I keep getting told I look great but I sure feel awful. I look like I have aged 10 years in three weeks. I do not sleep well at all and when I do I have horrible dreams. Most of them very scary. My pain is great, my mind is confused and I feel lost in a world I used to control.

The greatest sadness for me is watching Krishna struggle with this disease. She has to rub out the leg pain. She has to remind me to take my meds. She has to now do the tasks I used to do and her tasks to. So who is this disease really attacking? She is a real trooper and I am more in love with her now then ever before.

This evening while waiting for Faith to come out of the Sonora/Summerville game Kris and I took a walk downtown in Sonora. That in itself is a challenge. Yes I shuffle, stumble and at times look and feel foolish. We could get angry but we laugh.

The nice part about the evening is running into friends and chatting and getting hugs of encouragement. Of course we are ALWAYS asked how people can help. We never have an answer. How does one really answer that question? I hope I can answer it here.

For our friends and family who always say  how can we help? Or Will you let me know what I can do? Tonight I have an answer.

Pray! It really is that easy. I know some of you want a better answer but that really is the answer. Pray for the doctors this Monday to give us a new direction that feels like I am winning. Pray for rest. and peace of mind. Not just for me but for my family.

I know this is not want some of you want to hear. You want me to say mow the lawn, haul my trash or  weed eat. Well heck you can do that too! ....... Just kidding. I Really need you to Pray. The power of pray can move mountains. it even says so in the bible. Look in the book of Matthew.

Call Kris and give her encouragement. Just today Keith Eichenberger called all the way from Arkansas. That met the world to me. Words of encouragement, a voice of hope in a world that is screaming confusion.There was the text from Trisha Carr. Words that mean more to me then can ever be imagined. Life long friends holding hands with Kris and I as we make this Journey.

Then there is this question...Are you scared? Sometimes. I am scared of endless pain. I am scared of not walking. I am scared of snakes. I am scared of the world running out of pizza. Mostly I am scared of this disease robbing me of my memory.

My fear is easily removed as the bible tells me:

Fear not for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10

So you see if I get scared I can turn to God. If I can't walk I will turn to God as he carries me. Finally, when my mind forgets God will see to it that my heart will remember. God will carry me, think for me and love me the whole way as I make My Journey.

Worn

Tenth Avenue North

I'm tired
I'm worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes to keep on breathing

I've made mistakes
I've let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn

I want to know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
'Cause I'm worn

I know I need
To lift my eyes up
But I'm too weak
Life just won't let up
And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn

I want to know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
Cause I'm worn

And my prayers are wearing thin
I'm worn even before the day begins
I'm worn I've lost my will to fight
I'm worn so heaven so come and flood my eyes

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn

I want to know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
Yes all that's dead inside will be reborn
Though I'm worn
Yeah I'm worn