GOOD NEWS TIME

JIM & BETTY COWLISHAW
November 7, 2008

Every now and then we need to remember all the things we have overcome at our age. As our bodies “out-age” our minds, it’s easy to become a little negative and worry that we might be falling apart. Especially when we have suffered some tragic losses among our friends and family members. There have been many success stories among us over the past year or so. Here’s some of the “good stuff” that’s been happening:

NYDAH ELLET had knee surgery shortly after the reunion in ’07. Here’s what she has to say today about having had a double knee replacement: “Yes, I am dancing and my teacher says that I look stronger than ever. Also Yoga is in my life. I would recommend the surgery but only if one totally commits to the immediate walking and physical therapy. Otherwise, you had the surgery for nothing.”

JAMES HAYS had heart bypass surgery and may already have his pilot’s license back. This is what he recently wrote: “The ticker keeps on ticking like the Duracell bunny. Actually, I'm fixed for quite a while, probably years. I'm in more danger from jealous husbands (dream on).” James’s wife Kay also had a successful hip replacement not too long back.

JUNE HASH CURRY underwent back surgery last year that caused her to miss the reunion. This year she has undergone wonderfully successful physical therapy that has kept her from having to have additional surgery for upper back pain. She can now enjoy playing hours of bridge!

PEGGY VIRDEN SHARP had heart valve repair surgery shortly after the reunion last year. The last we talked, she had been taken off nearly all medication, and except for being slowed down a little, she is back to her normal, busy lifestyle.

JANICE AMARINE suffered from a fractured hip this past summer that crimped her style for a while, but she told me that has healed now.

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PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE had a brief scare with a health checkup a few months

ago that turned out to be nothing to worry about. More of her “good stuff” was a lucky “little” win on a slot machine.

ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER was in the hospital at the time of our Class Reunion with heart problems. Some of us spoke with her by telephone at that time. Since then, in spite of a couple of scary episodes, ROSALYN had a monitor implanted to regulate her heart rhythm. The last we spoke she felt this would be the resolution of some of the episodes she had suffered. She was well enough to celebrate her and Nolan’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary at the end of August, looking beautiful and healthy!

GENE ROUTH missed the reunion last year due to a broken ankle. The last report I had from him, he had mended nicely.

I’ve made inquiries of RODNEY FLANAGAN and BARBARA SHARPES BROOKS in regards to their respective knee surgeries. I am assuming “no news is good news” and they have put their new knees to good use!

IRENE PIEL BATTS is still being challenged by the treatments she has undergone in recent months. However, she is courageously fighting the good fight, and I feel she will head the next list of our success stories. Keep sending her loving energy and prayers.

While we’re at it, now is a really good time to count our blessings and give gratitude for all of the above successes. Who says “good stuff” doesn’t happen?

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Two remarkable things in the news recently left me in awe of where modern science is taking us. The first thing was last Sunday on 60 Minutes. Researchers have developed a way to put electrodes on the brain of patients who are paralyzed that enable them to actually use a computer by THINKING!! In one instance, they have actually surgically implanted the electrodes into a woman's brain. Still in a developmental stage, but already working, is a small computer on a wheelchair. They showed the woman able to operate the wheelchair with her thoughts from a distance! Soon she will be able to use it and get around unaided.

The possibilities of enabling paralyzed people to lead useful lives again - in some cases, walk again, and amazingly, in the future for amputees to be able to operate artificial limbs by thinking... Wellll, let me say I think this is nothing short of miraculous.

The next item that amazed me was this: “Scientists reported decoding the entire genetics of a cancer cell.” By doing this, they are looking at personalizing treatment for an individual's DNA makeup (one size does NOT fit all) and cure more cancers than ever. It is going to happen in our lifetime, folks!

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Election Day I set out early for Mineral Wells to spend the day with my dad, who turned 90 years of age. I want to tell you in another blog about that poignant visit. For now, let me say it was a magical day for me, and I kept getting sidetracked to take photos of all the beauty in our little part of the world. Here is one of my favorites: (Who needs New England?)

Bayou Road One Lane Bridge

Burkett, Texas

Oh yes, before I forget... The episode I had last November and the trip I took by helicopter are only a distant memory now. I take my daily aspirin and exercise more than I used to. More of a hindrance to my everyday life has been the horrendous reaction I had to the chemicals used for ridding the orphan kittens and then my house of fleas this past summer. I just finished the third round of steroids. I'm happy to report that I no longer have to wear gloves to carry out my everyday activities! I'm tempted to try to catch up on all I had to leave undone, but will be more than satisfied to be able to do this blog and type answers to my emails without the gloves! The work will be there another day. Thanks to those of you who sent me such good wishes for my recovery. JUNE, you in particular!

A side note: My beautiful ballerina granddaughter Audrey who also plays the violin so sweetly I cry, has decided to major in "Environmental Science" and pre-med. Environmental illnesses are causing more of our ills than ever before, according to my Dr. McKinnon.

Before I go, I want to send condolences to NANCY THOMPSON BAKER, who lost an older brother this week. She is in Houston for his funeral as I write this.

Let me hear from all of you. I know there has been a lot of "good stuff" going on in YOUR lives ~ hasn't there?

Peace and love,

Marilyn