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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Your Dying Spouse 354 - Freedom...From Pain {FMF}

Pain is a subject I find myself revisiting, because it keeps getting worse...and finding new ways to strike, keeping me off-balance. (And this is my offering for Five Minute Friday, written ahead of time, by necessity.)

It can be hard to deal with; a cliff that can't be climbed, or perhaps a precipice above an abyss.

There are some good resources out there, that offer genuine help. C.S. Lewis wrote The Problem Of Pain, a theological look at why pain has been allowed to enter our world...and he does not shrink from considering the pain that animals suffer, not dismissing that question with "well, they're just dumb animals." A masterful book.

Kara Tippetts offers some insight into the pain that medication can incur in a good cause, here. Reading kara's words from 'beyond' always make me tear up. How I wish I might have met her!

And then there's me; I'm not a learned evaluator of literature and theology like Clives Staples lewis, and I don't have Kara's ability to connect the mundane with the transcendent (hence, I guess the title of her blog, Mundane Faithfulness).

So I have to try to figure this out with a head that has occasionally been used as a hammer (not kidding; I used to use the back of my head to drive in wooden wedges when truing up concrete formwork).

So many of you have prayed that I get freedom from pain, and recently, I realized that it's happened. It just needs an extra comma.

Freedom, from pain.

On January 6, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt gave a State Of The Union speech in which he articulated four basic human rights, to shine as a beacon in a world stumbling toward global war. These 'four freedoms' were later immortalized by Norman Rockwell in a quartet of paintings.


So I guess this is a good place to begin, about how pain has set me free.

Going clockwise from the upper left in the picture, let's start with Freedom Of Speech.

I can tlk about anything now; it took a long time, but I've come to realize that talking about incontience and someof the other issues that come with terminal illness doesn't take away my dignity. It's tempting to stretch it and say that the willingness to talk actually enhances dignity, but that's ego and let's not go there. Just saying I'm free, now...that's enough.

And I'm free not to speak. Talking is hard and painful and tiring, and I weigh what I'm thinking of saying, these days. And there is o much that can be left unsaid! So many words were spent to erase I quiet that I had feared, but now, instead of erasing, I embrace the silence.

Freedom Of Worship...well, God's certainly become a larger part of my life...the dominant part, actually. But that's not what this means. The freedom I have gained is the ability to drop both tradition and legalism, and to relate to God in a Scripturally true sense. And not 'all of Scripture'; I don't have time toreconcile the Old and New testaments. God loves me, He came to Earth to live as a man and be killed to pay my sin-debt...and when I accept that, it's all I need to know.

And I'm not afraid, so pain has given me Freedom From Fear. I'll hold this distinct from not fearing death, because that's implicit in Freedom Of Worship. Rather, the things I might have feared...more pain, more humiliation, more loss of independence...require too much imagination to consider. It simply hurts too much to live in the future. Pain pegs me to the moment, and I need not consider what's coming. Dealing with what's here is enough.

And finally, the most liberating of all...Freedom From Want. I'll have to confess that I'm going to be creative...instead of reading 'want' as 'lack' (as the speech and painting define it), I'm choosing to say...I don't want stuff.

I was pretty materialistic for long periods of my life. I wanted a Ferrari (sat in one, once), and cool firearms (did that), and a lot of messing about with aeroplanes (got someof that). I also wanted 9and, yeah, still do) a tank. Now I live where I can drive one, and the neighbours will be if not pleased, at least tolerantly amazed.

On the whole, though, I have what I need. I don't need to spend energy wanting. I can just enjoy what's here. and let the rest of it go.

Except the tank. Still want that. An M18 Hellcat tank destroyer, to be precise...WW2's fasted thing on treads.

Illness has narrowed my life, so I have little and need less...but pain has broadened my heart.

What I want. most of all, is to feel compassion for those who lack the things I may take for granted...a roof over my head, good food, clean water, and love.

Having that compassion, I am rich beyond measure. There's no want here.

But I'd still like to have that M18...


I'm tempted to use "Tanks For The Memories" as the musical theme, but that's really too awful a pun.
So how about WHAM!, with Freedom? It's a fun, engaging video, filmed when WHAM! was the first Western pop group to perform in China. I hope you'll like it.





I do ask that you be patient with my slow replies to your comments (which we treasure). I'm trying to stay caught up.

Still hoping to get the new and improved version of Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart up and running in the near future. Just haven't had the energy to do it yet...but if you would like to read it, please say so in your comment and I'd be glad to send you a PDF (which should fit your Kindle).

I have another blog, "Starting The Day With Grace". The focus is a grace quote from someone you might not expect (like, say Mick Jagger) and a short commentary. I hope you'll join me.



Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.

WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.


If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.

Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.










57 comments:

  1. I just love that song "Freedom" -- and I appreciate what you've said about the freedom you're experiencing. The pure compassion you speak of must come out of that place of total freedom. Thanks for teaching us about that, Andrew. God bless you.

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    1. Jeannie, thank you so much, and I am delighted that you enjoyed the song!

      The freedom to be compassionate is worth every ounce of pain. I would not have misse this for the world.

      Blessings back!

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  2. Awww, Andrew. You pegged it. I love the Normal Rockwell paintings and how you shared about each in your post. The thing you said that hit me the most?

    "Illness has narrowed my life, so I have little and need less...but pain has broadened my heart."

    I confess, when I was younger I tried to avoid pain of any kind. God, though, He knew when I needed to deal with one kind of pain or another in order to draw closer to Him. And you're right . . . when our hearts can look beyond our own circumstances, God can open it up to care for others. You are a living example of this, my friend.

    Oh a couple of other thoughts, you will get to meet Kara. I'm pretty sure she'll throw you a big party as her hello. ;)

    I can just imagine you in that tank . . .

    As always, I am praying for you, Barb, and the dogs.

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    1. Jeanne, I am so glad you enjoyed the Rockwell reference! I love him too (Barb's calendar is a selection of Rockwell prints).

      I truly appreciate your words...they mean so much! I wanted to avoid pain when I was younger, but it always seemed to find me. Getting used to the idea, "This is gonna hurt" about almost everything did make the transition easier.

      I am looking forward to meeting kara. She's such a hero1 And if I don't manage to get the M18 here, I'm sure the God has tanks in Heaven...for without them,. how could it be Heaven?

      We all truly appreciate the prayers. Today was kind of a world-class horrible day.

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  3. I sent this to my friend who works at the Rockwell (his childhood home) as a docent. I know he will love it. Thank you, Andrew. Sending prayers.

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    1. Paula, thank you for sharing this!

      And thank you for the prayers; you are in mine.

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  4. It would be fun to drive an M18...but I don't think they'd let me. :) Keep wanting those things...but do be thankful for what you have. :)

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    1. Annette, when I get mine, you're invited. I'll teach you to drive the thing; it's not hard, and it's FUN. And women make very, very good tank crewmen...the Russians employed women this way during WW2, and in several African conflicts with which I have personal experience, female tank crews were rightly feared.

      But I am definitely thankful for what I have! :)

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  5. Andrew, this post - filled with much to think on. It is so true, terminal illness has a way of freeing us. Making us realize how trivial are some things in our lives. And how petty. Friend, you are teaching us all so much in life. I loved reading Kara's blog and then book. The beauty is one day ... can we even imagine ... when we all sit face to face and share! What a glorious day that will be for then we will truly be free from pain. In the meantime, may we grow and learn from what we go through in this life. Praying for you and Barb today. Blessings!

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    1. Joanne, thank you so much for this. I'm truly grateful for your kind words, and I,too, enjoyed reading kara's words. what a powerful, lovely spirit! I do look forward to the day when we will all break heaven-baked sourdough together.

      Blessings back, and thank you so much for the prayers.

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  6. Thank you for bringing us on this journey....

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    1. Annie, thank you for your companionship, and your friendship. They mean a lot.

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  7. Isn't it wonderful that the Gospel is that simple? More is nice but it's not necessary.

    I Love fast cars (as does my youngest). My family all contributed so I could fulfill my childhood dream of driving Road Atlanta. They bought me a 1/2 day driving school experience. Me and the guys (always) in an open wheel formula car. I hit the limit of the regulator (180) on the back straight. I've never had more fun! If I had the resources... it's probably a good thing though, hahaha.

    A tank? Not sure about that. I like ridin' around with the top down.

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    1. Christy, the Gospel's simplicity if God's gift...it really is great.

      How wonderful that you got the chance to drive some open-wheel! Before I got sick I turned a few laps in a stock car on a local short track. Didn't reach anywhere near 180, but I did spin out pretty spectacularly a few times. The car owner remarked to Barb that I never seemed to do anything halfway...when I lost it I REALLY lost it.

      Interestingly, the M18 has an open turret, so if you ride in the commander's seat you've got the wind in your face...and under most circumstances the driver would ride with his hatch open, and head sticking out, prarie-dog style.

      Thanks so much for being here!

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    2. I experienced a 360 in a friends rear wheel drive on an autocross course many years ago. (I was used to my front wheel drive) Another friend captured a picture when the car stopped facing him...tires smokin.

      I like prairie dogs. :)

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    3. Christy, yeah...the transition from front wheel drive to rear can be a real head-turner. Glad someone got a picture!

      I like prairie dogs, too.

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  8. As always I love your insights, Andrew. I love how you're finding freedom in different ways even through the pain. Thanks for sharing this all with us.

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    1. Lesley, thank you for being here, and providing companionship on this journey. I truly appreciate you.

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  9. I try to stay somber (I'm always sober) when I read your posts because I am sad about your illness and all of that - but it never stinkin fails that you end up cracking me up. SO, I am going to tell you the same thing that Grandma Emily told me when I was 8 and the same thing I told my youngest when he was 12. The answer is to the simple question, "WHAT are we going to do in heaven? Won't it be boring?" To which, my younger friend Andrew I tell you this: "IF YOU NEED AN M18 TO MAKE YOU HAPPY IN HEAVEN? THEN BY ALL MEANS, GOD WILL BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ONE."

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    1. Susan, the best thing I can do is make you smile...even in this scary place, there's such joy and fun to be had! It's really an embarrassment of riches, to have a life that is THIS GOOD!

      And I agree with Grandma Emily. Heaven won't be boring, and there'll be plenty of places to drive a tank...and the tanks there will need to be maintained, because working on them is half the fun.

      By the way...the avatar that pops up for me when I comment on your blog, me in sunglasses and the rather forceful Blue Heeler? her name was...wait for it...Emily!

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  10. Andrew, my friend, I think you will get to me Kara on the other side. Did you know her blog title actually comes from a Martin Luther quote: "What will you do in the mundane days of faithfulness?" CS Lewis is one of my faves. Pain isn't easy. In fact, it's incredibly difficult to live with and through it. But Jesus suffered too, didn't he? Dying on the cross for us...I find such a deep connection in connecting the worlds pain with his. It continually reminds me of his humanity. There I go getting all theological on you! :p I'm over in the 50 spot this week.

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    1. Tara, I didn't know that! It's a lovely quote, and Kara's choosing it has such meaning.

      I do find a connexion with Jesus through this...and the pain's center is right where the spear pierced His side. And I so get His Agony in the Garden! There were times I really wanted it to pass, but then I realized that it was necessary for the ministry God was asking of me.

      Love the way you do theology, dear friend. Don't ever stop.

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  11. Compassion that makes us rich beyond measure - that is the heart of Christ. When life becomes narrow - that narrow space is rich. Praying for you.

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    1. Carol, that's so beautiful...the narrow space is rich. So true, and so illuminating! Thank you for that.

      And thank you so very much for the prayers.

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  12. Wow Andrew, grammar does matter, doesn't it...where those commas go? I also am in a "quiet" zone. I am learning, perhaps not as well yet as you have, but progress is slowly happening. We all learn it differently, but surrender and willing submission is where we can see what is important and it's so different than what we once thought. What an inspiration to so many, you are. I pray that you will be delivered from pain for a little while while still here. I will listen to the song now. Im #49.

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    1. Mary, you're so right...surrender and submission takes us to a place where we can find true importance, and it is indeed different from anything we might have imagined.

      I'm so glad you're here, and that you are enjoying the song. I am truly grateful for your prayers; you are in mine.

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  13. A heart broadened through Life - in your case, pain. Andrew, thank you for continuing to be so honest about your journey. Lots to think about here. May we all desire to let our hearts be broadened. May we be generous to share what we learn as you are. Bless you, my new friend.

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    1. Susan, thank you so much for this lovely, grace-filled comment. You've truly touched my heart.

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  14. Andrew, Thank you for sending me this today. It really made me feel so connected to you because I am impressed with the compassion you have far beyond the average person. Going through my own trials and a bit bitter about having to deal with them without many people with compassion around me who are caught up in their own busy and happy worlds. You are a spectacular person and I wish I could just embrace you right now and make you feel better! You made me feel better with your blog. Love you! Will be thinking of you tonight with compassion and wishes for the very best for you. Miracles!

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    1. Sophia, your wonderful words are the best sort of warm embrace, and I am so grateful for this! Love you too, and I so treasure the compassion and care in your words.

      Miracles do happen, and your comment here is proof of that to me.

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  15. Aw, I would have liked Tanks for the Memories. Did you find that book about pain I sent you quite a while ago helpful?
    Of course I'm still praying for you.

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    1. Jan, it is an EXTREMELY helpful book! Thanks so much; one of the best resources out there.

      And I truly appreciate the prayers. This has been quite a day, in the not-so-good way.

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  17. Andrew, what a difference a little punctuation (and shift in thought) makes. And the M18 is awesome. My son actually has a model he built of one. Makes a WWII fascinated momma proud to own a little piece of history...even if it is only a very little piece :)

    ~Janyre
    www.BeautifulUglyMe.com

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    1. Janyre, that's so cool that your son built a model of an M18! I hope you post a picture of it one day.

      Interesting thing about that particular AV was that it was very long-serving, in use in the Balkans through the 90s, and still in the reserve inventory of the Taiwan Defense Forces.

      Thanks so much for being here!

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  18. Some of the hermit monks would have understood what you're saying. The most free person is the one who has left it all behind, whether physically or mentally, and has found their "rest" in the simple, indifferent, spiritual, Other. I wish for you many more moons.
    BTW, do you think the faith of other people can heal someone other than themselves?
    The thought makes me happy.

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    1. Norma, I think you (and the monks) are right, that leaving it all behind, all the attachments, make for both freedom and unfettered compassion. (It's a Jedi precept, as well!)

      I do believe that faith can heal someone else...in fact, I think it is more likely that healing would work that way, because it becomes more altruistic, more Christ-like.

      I'm so glad you're here. You're a balm to my soul.

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  19. Andrew, you've given me so much to consider this morning. This one line hit me, "Illness has narrowed my life, so I have little and need less...but pain has broadened my heart." I will be thinking on this for a while. Thank you for your faithfulness to share your journey. I'm always a little strong when I leave here.

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    1. Barbie, gosh, your words do me such high honour...and I am so grateful.

      I am so glad you're here...you strengthen me so much.

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  20. I'm trying to catch up too! Andrew, I just love your outlook. You really inspire me. I love the Freedoms you pointed out. I used to be materialistic too. But I can't afford it all. LOL. I'm so glad Jesus loves me in spite of. You are so incredible. Hang on. <3

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    1. Carolina, thank you so much for this lovely heartfelt and grace-filled comment!

      It's good not to be able to afford everything...because only then do we really know that the only thing we have that's of value is our heart, and that has to be freely given to Jesus.

      And we inherit a kingdom.

      I'll hang on. Not going anywhere just yet.

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  21. "There's no want here"... a proclamation and an invitation

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  22. Freedom given by The One who came to save me from myself. \o/ As long as I have Jesus Christ in my life, everything else falls into place. He lifts us above the rocky, jagged parts and walks beside us in the joy of the peaceful times.

    Again you show us how there is always more, Andrew.

    Prayers that you get a whole hoard of "commas" to put that pain off better!

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    1. Diana, yes, absolutely! Having Christ means everything; living without Him means nothing, and is the road to something worse than oblivion.

      Thank you so much for the prayers! That made me smile.

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  23. i loved your post today andrew:) we think of you often and pray for you. blessings. i loved following kara. still follow mundane faithfulness on fb. they pray for all kinds of needs for people. very touching.

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    1. Martha, thank you so much, and yes, Mundane Faithfulness remains a wonderful tribute to Kara's spirit. I hope they go on forever (well, till Jesus comes!).

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  24. So blessed to visit you from FMF. I appreciate you stopping by my blog too the other day. I love that you said, "God loves me, He came to Earth to live as a man and be killed to pay my sin-debt...and when I accept that, it's all I need to know." I read that over and over because it is so true.

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    1. Natasha, thank you so much for this, and for being here. I really enjoyed your post...terrific writing, and deep wisdom.

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  25. Having 5 sons, I find that the endearing attachment to things like tanks and cars don't go away. It's part of your DNA. About a year and a half ago, I was misdiagnosed - I had pneumonia and I was rapidly becoming septic (but they kept telling me I was fine). It got to the point where talking cost - a lot of that dignity stuff you talk about. My quiet disturbed my husband and sons (which surprised me, but showed me that they kind of loved all that noise I make - at least when it's gone). My youngest, a freshman in h.s. then asked me for one word "Just one word, Mom.I'll snuggle with you on the couch for 5 minutes." I weighed the cost - and it was a heavy cost at that point - and I gave him that one word because he meant so very much to me. The next morning, they admitted me to the hospital, loaded me up with ivs and antibiotics. I cashed in that 5 minute snuggle - much to his dismay! Praying for you Andrew - Praying that you continue, also, to share your wisdom and insight here! Shalom, friend! ~ Maryleigh

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    1. You're so right, Maryleigh...it doesn't go away!

      I do sympathize with the pneumonia-septic experience. It's happened to me twice, once when I had been abroad in a country best un-named, and the second time at the beginning of this illness when I started to bleed out from a 'minor' procedure, and they sent me home. They tell you you're OK, and then...well, oops.

      Loved the anecdote about your cashing in on the deal your youngest offered! Made me smile.

      Thanks so much for being here! I always love your comments.

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  26. Ah, Andrew. You teach us so many things. I'm still chuckling over you wanting a tank, though! You have learned how to make Jesus your all-in-all. And THAT'S what's important in life!

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    1. Anita, I'm so glad I could give you a smile!

      And yes, He is my all-in-all, and that's the source of the joy I have...a far greater joy than when I was healthy.

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  27. "pain has broadened my heart." I've never looked at pain as a positive thing. I tend to look at it as being bad, unwanted, and something to be avoided if possible. Yet, my struggles do draw me closer to God and give me empathy towards others.

    Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us, Andrew. I've glean a lot from your blog and learn a lot from you.

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    1. Sue, thank you so much for this...I learned early to count pain as something of a frien, an indicator that I was getting stronger, getting tougher...or at least, that I was still alive.

      But this has been different. It's been a beasting, and until it could be balanced by learning compassion, seemed to be to no purpose. It was hard to learn.

      I'm so glad you're here, Sue. Again, thank you.

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  28. Well said, Andrew. Thank you, especially for tying it to art. A most unexpected gift! Blessings and peace to you!

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    1. Leigh, thank YOU, and I am so glad you liked the artistic tie-in. I used to paint, and always admired Rockwell.

      Loved your post for FMF this week. Blessings and peace back!

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