The light keeps shining

DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel I pulled the rocking chair over the carpet and sat directly in front of her. I rested my hands on her knees. Her 104-year-old eyes were not as keen as they used to be.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

“I am concerned your symptoms are due to Parkinson’s disease,” is something I have said to numerous patients over the years. This is a degenerative neurologic disease which is common enough that most patients have heard of it or even know someone living with it.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

Earlier this year, I wrote that instead of a cake, candles, party, or presents, I told my husband all I wanted for my birthday was a camper.

Stray Thoughts: Pray for rain

At the start of summer, we pray for rain because we need it. We thank God for a few drops scattered here and there, and hold our breath and pray there will be much more rain.In hearing the earnest requests of you and your neighbors, God decides he will indeed bless you with more rain.

You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything

“A little dab’ll do ya!” The cartoon guy’s hair magically morphed from shaggy to shiny. The announcer claimed that when you use it, the girls will love to run their fingers through your hair. Background singers crooned in barbershop harmony, “Brylcreem, Brylcreem, Brylcreem.”.

Home Country: Squash bug stomping

Dud was heading home in his pickup truck when he saw the strange goings-on at the Bahdziewicz place. Abraham Lincoln Bahdziewicz was out in the family’s large garden with a full complement of kids who were happily hopping around.

Bygones

The older we get, the more we tend to look back.You can see this often in aging veterans, remembering best those past times when they felt the most needed in their greatest times of excitement and danger.“Grandpa is back remembering the war again.

Have you pre-habilitated today?

On a recent morning, the first story I heard on the radio was about Pre-habilitation prior to surgery. We have all heard of rehabilitation, but have you considered pre-habilitation, or increasing your exercise before surgery?

Stray Thoughts: So that you understand

There is something so humbling… so beyond anything you’ve experienced to be in the room with her when she brings your child into the world.Your infinitesimal contribution pales in comparison to what she takes on for you.

The gadget that altered the world from the living room

“No good will come of this device.” British journalist C. P. Scott is believed to have made the prediction about the initial invention of the television. Mr. Scott was referring to the etymology of the word, a combination of Greek and Latin, but now we know the rest of the story.