tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post7196288966725810233..comments2023-08-20T03:57:22.983-07:00Comments on Elaine Stock--Author***Everyone’s Story Blog: Frank G. Poe: Saying No To Multiple Sclerosis And Yes To Helping OthersElaine Stockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-22073283206643476362012-04-06T11:47:31.818-07:002012-04-06T11:47:31.818-07:00What a phenomenal week here at Everyone's Stor...What a phenomenal week here at Everyone's Story, between our guest Frank G. Poe, and new visitors and returning visitors. Thanks everyone for stopping by, and thanks for those who left such moving comments.<br /><br />Frank, thank you so much for your heartfelt, honest testimony. Your story is a true inspiration to live life to the fullest by reaching out to others, and not taking anything for granted. Makes me think twice behind someone's scowl, short temper, and dark circles under eyes. Perhaps we can all offer a prayer for those we know, and for that stranger that passes us by, leaving us to wonder if they're okay.<br /><br />And Frank, as you've said to Melissa, may the road rise up to meet your feet ♡<br /><br />Have a blessed Easter everyone.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-55060041470068310972012-04-02T14:24:21.773-07:002012-04-02T14:24:21.773-07:00True Diana, the only thing we truly control in lif...True Diana, the only thing we truly control in life is our attitude. We can chose to be possitive regardless of the circumstance. The Creator's plan is unknown to us all. We sgouldn't beat ourselves up trying to figure out why things happen. Put it in the Lord's hands and ask that God's will be done. If we trust in the Lord to handle our problems, you'll find this attitude brings about a sense of peace. Often in my life I battled to control things thinking I could make them turn out the way I wanted only to find the situations getting worse. When I realized we really control nothing our attitudes and put the outcome in God's hands, things got better. Even problems to which I saw no solution worked out. God bless.The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-36244228229482674412012-04-02T14:14:59.334-07:002012-04-02T14:14:59.334-07:00Thanks Meliss, may the road rise up to meet your f...Thanks Meliss, may the road rise up to meet your feet as well. (an old Irish blessing in case you've never heard it.)The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-52365854907568449982012-04-02T12:33:04.106-07:002012-04-02T12:33:04.106-07:00Welcome to Everyone's Story, Melissa. And than...Welcome to Everyone's Story, Melissa. And thank for Following the blog. I agree about Frank's attitude and approach on life: he has reshaped my perspective of a lot of things this week.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-51665687355756836672012-04-02T12:03:49.762-07:002012-04-02T12:03:49.762-07:00Great attitude, Frank. Wishing you the best. = )Great attitude, Frank. Wishing you the best. = )Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516493326566981116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-423831823082006722012-04-02T08:16:44.940-07:002012-04-02T08:16:44.940-07:00Elaine,
*Hugs* Thank you for being there the...Elaine,<br /> *Hugs* Thank you for being there then and now. Your friendship and support is truly a blessing.<br />DianaDiana Cosbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417576796848731002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-55895142472649902522012-04-02T08:15:38.816-07:002012-04-02T08:15:38.816-07:00Frank,
I love hearing as well others inspiring...Frank, <br /> I love hearing as well others inspiring stories. To me it's truly humbling to have another day to see, to go after my dreams, and best, to encourage others to believe in themselves. Have an amazing day!<br />God bless,<br />DianaDiana Cosbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417576796848731002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-45952453015574780962012-04-02T05:08:32.735-07:002012-04-02T05:08:32.735-07:00Elaine,
Thank you for sharing, Michael J. Fo...Elaine, <br /> Thank you for sharing, Michael J. Fox's quote. So true, each day it is our decision to choose happiness. Each day when I get out of bed I say out loud, "Today is going to be amazing." We see what we focus on. Amazing things happen each day, we just have to 'open' our eyes. Have a fabulous day! *Hugs*<br />God bless,<br />DianaDiana Cosbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417576796848731002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-91316140706697506062012-04-02T04:48:33.561-07:002012-04-02T04:48:33.561-07:00Has anyone read this Sunday's edition of Parad...Has anyone read this Sunday's edition of Parade Magazine featuring the latest update on actor Michael J. Fox? The article pivots around Fox at the age of 50 and living 20 years with Parkinson's Disease. Although Parkinson's and MS is obviously two different health concerns, I believe what Fox said is relevant to this discussion: "I don't look at life as a battle or a fight... Acceptance doesn't mean resignation--it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it." <br /><br />And the advice he gives to his children: "When you go out the door in the morning, choose happiness."<br /><br />I do not have MS or Parkinson's, but surely do have a lot to learn from my guest Frank, and the great Michael J. Fox.<br /><br />Gives new meaning to Seize the Day, huh?Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-61442324361533298002012-04-01T13:01:38.012-07:002012-04-01T13:01:38.012-07:00Thanks for sharing, Carol. I was aimed at a suppor...Thanks for sharing, Carol. I was aimed at a support group early in my diagnosis, and support groups are not for everyone. Unfortunately, I ran into the same problem. All the members wanted to talk about were how bad they felt and all the negative things happening in their lives. I caught myself starting to do the same thing but quickly quit corresponding with the group members instead. I prefer to think positive is all no ill feelings to them. My advice to anyone with a chronic illness is to do what you and I have done. If a support group is positive and helps, stick with it. If they are negative and bringing you down then try to change their attitude to help them, or if they choose to remain negative (as some people do)then leave for your own good. I consider myself to be a very spiritual person, and even in my fictional short stories, I write with purpose. Christians may have to think a bit least they get offended, but deep down I always hope God is entertained by my musings. God bless.The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-35839503312919291162012-04-01T12:21:26.243-07:002012-04-01T12:21:26.243-07:00Hello, Carol. Thanks for visiting today with us at...Hello, Carol. Thanks for visiting today with us at Everyone's Story. Can you see me smiling through the cyber waves from upstate NY? You've put a warm smile on my face just now with your beautiful words of encouragement. I'm sorry you have these health concerns but it sure doesn't seem as if it's become a problematic way of life. May God bless you.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-57961221711661602632012-04-01T12:02:40.807-07:002012-04-01T12:02:40.807-07:00Hello Frank and Elaine,
Thanks for sharing Frank....Hello Frank and Elaine,<br /><br />Thanks for sharing Frank. I love your attitude. Here's my story. When my diagnosis was handed down 16 years ago my response was "I am in no hurry to receive healing. I want to learn everything the Lord can teach me through this disease. I do not want to do another lap around the Sinai, thank you very much!" I am working on a book of those lessons. The original diagnosis was that the form that clobbered me was "benign." After 15 years of my body having to compensate for the parts that don't work so well, Doc changed the diagnosis to secondary progressive. That means the course of the disease has not changed. But the parts of my body that have compensated were not made for the work they have had to take on, therefore they are "progressively" breaking down. <br /><br />I went to an MS support group when first diagnosed thinking I would find help, support, and encouragement but decided never to do that again! They were a bunch of people that were into being sick and I didn't care to be around a bunch of sick people. I concentrated on eating right, exercise, my relationship with the Lord and finding what I could learn that would help others. I looked around and saw that my playground had shrunk, but I still had a playground! So, what could I do with what I had that would bring glory to God?<br /> <br />I had been a teacher. Now the visual difficulties and chronic fatigue made that an impossibility. My legs don't work well and balance is shot--but my mind and fingers work just fine! The Lord promoted me and widened my classroom...to the WORLD! I finally had time to write the book I promised my former boss, John Sandford of Elijah House Ministries, I would write, going into depth on his teaching of burden bearing. The result was two books rather than one: The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity, and Highly Sensitive. Whew! that was hard work, so the Lord let me rest by doing a series of four books for children,The Sassy Pants Series! Two are published and two to go. I do lots of intercession,I teach in churches, and other such venues about burden bearing, do readings of Sassy Pants in schools and thanks to the internet, I can keep up with friends all over the world!<br /><br />It is amazing what God can do when we offer Him our loaves and fishes!Carol Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12485596162941272513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-37400026387848113652012-03-31T21:48:59.791-07:002012-03-31T21:48:59.791-07:00Caroline, thanks for sharing. I am all too familia...Caroline, thanks for sharing. I am all too familiar with how dealy MS is. Besides almost killing me, MS has already taken a first cousin. She fought the disease for many years before passing. I, also, have a second cousin with the disease. Part of the reason I wrote my first book was to warn families to be vigilant about health risks that run in their families such as diabetes or heart disease. Although I was told when they diagnosed me with MS it wasn't hereditary, I believed some forms might be, and I don't think it hurts for families to be aware of it. Early diagnosis with many diseases allows for earlier treatments. With many health issues, early treatment produces better results. In my case it would have prevented my near death experience and probably would have made my recovery easier. This brings me to when denial is a bad thing. Many people asked me why it was important to press the issue about MS possibly being hereditary. I wish it wasn't, but you wouldn't tell a woman who had family members die from breast cancer to ignore having breast exams in order to remain possitive, nor would I want people to be negative and constantly worry they are going to get any disease because it is runs in the family. Being vigilant about your own health is part of taking ownership of your life. The fact is we know more about our own health and family medical history than the doctors we see for 15 minute visits. It is our responsibility to inform them so they are up to date. Now, the doctors have caught up. Recently, some researchers said some families might be more prone to certain types of MS. It is horrible, but I would rather them find out early and get treatment before it progresses which was the case with my second cousin. Knowing of our battle with MS, my second cousin alerted the doctor when symptoms started showing similar to ours. The doctor was reluctant to test because MS still didn't run in families at that time, but he was diagnosed getting treatment far earlier than us. To finish on a possitive note, his battle with MS is starting from a healthier level than we did which translates to a better quality of life for a longer period of time.The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-10954561942973820382012-03-31T18:36:07.791-07:002012-03-31T18:36:07.791-07:00Welcome back, Caroline, to Everyone's Story. M...Welcome back, Caroline, to Everyone's Story. MS and other illnesses are truly not cause to celebrate and I'm sorry your friend has it. How tragic it is that it runs in her family. For every one person who has a success story, there are sadly others who struggle. What Frank's story does do is to give us all a little hope to face the unexplainables in life. I can only pray to God that we all will know what it is to live eternally free of pain, whether physical or emotional. I'm glad your friend has you in her life.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-69294641625113420332012-03-31T17:54:42.654-07:002012-03-31T17:54:42.654-07:00Thanks for the interview. I have a young friend wh...Thanks for the interview. I have a young friend who has MS; it runs in her family. She looks healthy to a certain degree, but she's had twin brothers, and an aunt and uncle (I don't know who else) die from it, and she is far from healthy altho she fights it. It's a horrible thing. <br /><br />Blessings on you for sharing!Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08765332646987825952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-66357984469321528102012-03-31T14:29:41.038-07:002012-03-31T14:29:41.038-07:00Diana, your story is inspiring too. I love hearing...Diana, your story is inspiring too. I love hearing other's stories doing the same thing for charity, no matter what the charity. I tell people to pick one close to their heart and do whatever they are able. Overcoming an obstacle like your diagnosis just makes your time gift that much more valuable. God bless you and your active duty children.The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-56397033445608345802012-03-31T14:21:40.557-07:002012-03-31T14:21:40.557-07:00Thanks, it is not just mind over matter. It truly ...Thanks, it is not just mind over matter. It truly is spirit over perception.The Political Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272156308601055452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-66980212455878618112012-03-31T13:21:06.426-07:002012-03-31T13:21:06.426-07:00Diana, welcome back to this little corner of cyber...Diana, welcome back to this little corner of cyber space! Yes--I remember your unfortunate turn of health a few years ago & was hoping you'd visit with Frank because you too also overcame your physical plight and give your heart to so many. Blessings right back to you.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-73988441746104487752012-03-31T13:17:44.299-07:002012-03-31T13:17:44.299-07:00Welcome, Jennifer, to Everyone's Story. I agre...Welcome, Jennifer, to Everyone's Story. I agree with you: Frank's story is powerful motivation to embrace life whenever & always. I also heard about that man who watched comedy shows and had turned his illness around. When I'm feeling low, I know any movie musical picks me right up--and no hangovers :)Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-65454964186958397512012-03-31T10:20:00.099-07:002012-03-31T10:20:00.099-07:00Frank,
My sincere thanks for sharing your strugg...Frank,<br /> My sincere thanks for sharing your struggles with MS, the challenges you faced, and how YOU focused on the positive and clarified so many tremendous goals in your life. You truly help and inspire others.<br /> Several years ago, after a bout with optic neuritis, I was assigned a neurologist and had multiple tests for MS. Like you, I refused to do anything but focus on the positive. Since, I've had optic neuritis several times, but after numerous tests, I've been diagnosed as one of the luck 5% who will have optic neuritis, but to date, not MS - truly a humbling blessing. I've always enjoyed helping others, but again like you, this time-frame helped clarify my life. In addition to writing, I volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, an amazing charity who gives a deserving family more than concrete and wood, but a place to begin to believe their dreams can come true. I believe we call all make a positive difference in others lives, and I donate 10% of my proceeds to a charity of my choice. I'm in the process of updating my website, but I'll soon be adding several military charities that I'm a firm believer in. As a military brat, a retired Navy Chief and the mom of three active duty children, these military causes are near to my heart.<br /> Again, my thanks for your taking time out of your busy life to share. I wish you continued success. <br />God bless.Diana Cosbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417576796848731002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009438219696051817.post-5964375532005578362012-03-31T05:21:39.631-07:002012-03-31T05:21:39.631-07:00Wow, that was a very powerful and touching intervi...Wow, that was a very powerful and touching interview! I read somewhere about the amazing effects of positivity for those fighting illness. In the account I read, there was a man who was told he had a short time to live (I don't remember the illness), and that his last days would be excruciatingly painful. He purposefully ignored the Dr.'s words and rented every comedy he could find. He spent the next--I don't remember how long--laughing. Later, the doctors found *no trace* of the illness! <br /><br />I also love how you focused on serving others. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! What an example you present for all of us to follow, whether sick by illness, depression, whatever. <br /><br />Wow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com