It has been a while since I last penned a journal entry. I want to thank all of the well wishing and prayers that have come my way in the interim. Your kind words and positive thoughts represent an incredible blessing.
On Tuesday, October 21st, I will be undergoing out patient surgery for the insertion of what is called a PEG Tube. I realize that in most cases, surgery is not tied to a very positive event. However in this case, the PEG Tube should be a very inviting proposition all things considered. Essentially the PEG is a soft piece of rubber that will be secured inside my stomach and then routed a few inches outside of the skin. The tube is then used to supplement my daily caloric intake and hydration. Consequently, the next time you see me I hope to have some weight back, specifically some "junk back in the trunk". Also, if we happen to go to dinner, don't accuse me of being cheap if all I order is the soup. The chances are that I probably enjoyed a delicious meal through a straw before joining you.
If the Seminoles go 8 and 4, Jimbo Bowden should be coach of the year in the ACC. If they go 9 and 3, Jimbo Bowden should be coach of the century!
Am I the only one that thinks Urban Meyer and Steve Markowski are twins separated at birth? For you that don't know Steve, he is one of my best friends and father to my God Daughter. He is also an avid Gator fan and Urban Meyer impersonator but with much more personality.
We traveled to California for vacation at the beginning of the month. I have not been everywhere but I am pretty well traveled. I think the coastline of the Monterrey Peninsula is the most beautiful back drop in the country. If you have not been to the Lodge at Pebble Beach, go. If you do not have the money, save. I have been two times now, and I have been awestruck on both occasions.
With respect to life and politics, I feel actions speak louder than words.
As a life long Red Sox fan, is it okay that I find myself not feeling bad about the pending defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays?
How mad are Mitt Romney and Hilliary Clinton right about now?
Finally, as several of you know, one of my main points of focus has been attempting to identify my calling in the next chapter of my life. Real estate has been so good to me for so long that it is hard to think of doing anything else. As I have told many a soul, this is not a job nor a career; this is a lifestyle. However, I realize that a mute mortgage banker that rolls in a 10:00 AM and strolls out at 4:30 PM has his limitations. My partners have been so understanding as this process has unfolded; I am deeply indebted for their patience and support. They only thing that I regret is showing them my new Dynavox computer that actually speaks for me. Now each morning, I am required to give the weather report because my computer has the same voice as "Local on the 8's" from the Weather Channel (AT&T Mike). They also make me type in off color humor, which doesn't sound so bad when I switch to Audrey with the English accent.
Now back to my original premise which was finding a new calling as my real estate career winds down, whenever that may be. Early one morning this week a concept kept coming to me as I desperately tried to get more sleep. When I got into the office, within about 5 minutes the following was completed.
Alas, the Lord has taken my tongue so that I shall say no more, but he has given me eyes to witness his grace and ears to hear his song of redemption. The Lord has provided me with strong hands to apply pen to parchment and record his great works. In this glory I will find strength, and with this pen I shall surely move mountains.
Not being the brightest bulb, I didn't see the significance of this at first blush and I guess not being able to speak and relying upon a computer to speak for me wasn't enough. Amazingly, until I literally printed this and was reviewing for typos did I realize that my answer for life's next chapter was right in front of me. I will write! I have no idea what I will write about nor what form it will take. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear about them. Otherwise, I will see you at a book tour coming soon!
In retrospect, it is amazing how most times the answers to life's questions are right in front of us if we just take the time to look. As Deepak Chopra says, "the disease of hurrying up" is a major factor in today's culture. I hope you will take a break from your personal rat race to account for all your blessings and take an inventory of the truly important things in your life. You may be amazed at what you are overlooking and the answers that lie before you.
God Speed my friends!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
The past week I have been reading your Blogs and their comments. You have so many people that love you and care deeply about you! Your story and words are inspirational, and make me want to be a better person! When I think about my struggles to provide for my family and with the hectic pace that I "Think" I live in, when I read your story it puts everything into perspective. Keep your Words coming, because they go well beyond the paper on which they are written!
God Bless! Keep up your Spirit!
Ric
Keith - you asked for suggestions in terms of what to write.. As a new friend (we met face to face only weeks ago) I want to encourage you to chronicle your day to day journey ... as you do here in your blog. As a breast cancer survivor, nothing spoke to my heart more than the writings of those who came before me. I loved to read the musings of my peers - as they talked through their challenges.. conquests.. daily (sometimes heated) conversations with God.. It helped me to know what to expect.. to prepare for what was ahead .. gave me a true sense that I was not alone. I found particularly compelling those who chronicled their walk with God through the process.
Or... you could write the quintessential (sp?) ALS work compiling the stories of other PALS who have come before and their spiritual journeys. That would be great, too.
Perhaps such a literary work might in some way contribute to your fundraising efforts??
It seems only fitting that the two worlds would collide - your search for your next calling and your fundraising goal from your last blog entry. Seems to me there's definite symmetry to that...
Keith-
Carrie and I were shocked to hear of your diagnosis, but we are not surprised at all by the spirit, humor, and humanity you are displaying in your efforts to reach to your goals. Carrie's aunt was diagnosed this past summer with ALS, so we have learned more than we ever thought we would about this condition these past few months. We will be thinking of you on Tuesday. We hope everything goes well. We will be following your blog closely as well. As for writing ideas, I have always known there was a book in you, but I always thought it would be writing "A Guide to the Finer Points of North Florida Barbeque". Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with all of you.
Justin & Carrie Cooper
Goode stuff brother. One door closes and another opens. Writing will provide a productive outlet that helps others with ALS as well as documenting your journey. I really dont have any good ideas for you to write about other than having the best brother in law on the planet. Common knowledge..
Jones,
Write about everything you have always wanted to say but never did. This opportunity is a gift that you will take advantage of, not only for your mission with ALS, but also to let the world know what an amazing husband, father and friend you are. You are and have always been an example of "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". I look forward to living your story with you along the way.
Dan Mowrey
I really like Dan Mowery's suggestion - "write about everything you always wanted to say, but didn't". Now, of course, I am not sure that you ever did not say what you wanted to say.
You have a gift for writing, as well as many other gifts, and I am so glad that you are sharing your writing with all of us.
I have a couple of other suggestions, but I will send them to via e-mail.
Ms Aida
Jonesy, it was great to spend some time with you and the guys in St Augustine a few weeks ago! The way you are dealing with ALS and the attitude you have in dealing with it is truly an inspiration to me. I look forward to reading whatever you decide to write and please keep us posted thru your blog as it is truly an inspiration to us all!!
Hi Keith!
This is Keith Jones over in Tallahassee. I do the Sun Sports Delayed Broadcast of FSU Games. I have been talking with Leon's step-dad (Walter Grace) and I also was made aware of your situation by Coach Amato. We have met only a couple of times ... but with the same name and having both played in the Defensive Backfield, I certainly followed you during your playing days.
Regret we have not keep in touch. Us Guys are terrible at things like that (plus I am one of the old guys you younguns don't want to hang around - bad for you Reb Ha ha).
You may know of Sam Childers (Tight End at FSU 1978-81). His Dad also suffers from ALS - but was diagnosed with it some 10 years ago ... and up to a year of so back - was still driving. He communicates with pen and paper. Glad you have your "computer" to do the talking. I think you should name it "Walter" after the dummy (ventriloguist dummy) that Jeff Dunham uses. Look him up on You Tube ... and make sure you check out Achmed the Dead Terrorist that Dunham uses as well.
Can you travel over for a game? We could most likely accomodate you in our Sun Sports Booth for one of the remaining home games. Let me know.
You will stay in our Prayers. Take care and stay positive.
All the Best,
KJ (in Tallahassee)
Keith (KJ #1):
I always feel funny typing that as it is not a common name. At any rate, it has been a long time since we were together but I am glad to hear from you nonetheless. Your offer to come up to the booth is most gracious. I am actually coming up to the BC game this weekend as part of mini-reunion we are having along with a spot in the Tribe. If you want to try and get together, the best way to reach me is via email at keith.jones@taverniercapital.com. I would love to say hello and slip in a plug for my fund raising if at all possible.
Thanks for reaching out and know that your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Keith (KJ #2)
Post a Comment