Late June update

I went swimming twice last week. They have a lift at the pool which was real nice. I can move more freely and stretch better in the water. It was a good experience. My wife needed to stay close in case I lost my footing, she also held me up as I swam on my back.

The VA came through with 80% compensation, which will allow us to keep the house payments going.

I took the 2 younger girls bowling. We took the bus to the Proctor neighborhood. I didn't bowl. The bowling alley had stairs, which were a bit difficult.

Covering All the Bases

On June 19, 1939, on his 36th birthday, doctors at the Mayo Clinic diagnosed Lou Gehrig with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although his baseball career was cut short by ALS, Lou Gehrig is remembered as one of the greatest and most inspiring sports figures ever. Lou’s baseball career and his life, shortened by the disease that would ultimately bear his name, was filled with awe-inspiring courage, unselfishness and gratitude in everything he did.
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Lou’s legacy of courage and determination helps to inspire thousands of people who are diagnosed with ALS each year. Honor Lou’s legacy by supporting the work of The ALS Association. Participate in the Covering All the Bases^® Hitting Challenge as part of 4♦ALS, Major League Baseball’s initiative honoring Lou’s memorable and touching “Luckiest Man” speech made on July 4th, 1939.
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If you have already participated, thank you! You have provided tremendous hope to those living with ALS by supporting our critical patient service programs, cutting-edge ALS research, and advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
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Commemorative thank you gifts are offered to donors based on their level of giving.

Honesty with Life and feelings

First off, I apologize for the heavy nature of this note.

I checked my Facebook yesterday to find I had a niece and a wife of a nephew concerned about me, and wanting to know how I was doing. The interesting thing is, both of these women are wives of active duty service members, one who's husband is currently deployed in a state in Southwest Asia. What is very ironic, is that both these women, who only know me me through my brother or sister, are able to reach out to me over the miles, to love me and my family, despite their own circumstances. I love you both!

Anyway, yes, I've been a bit on the depressed side. 2 Sundays ago, I stayed in bed to get some extra sleep rather than go to church. My energy level and strength has been at an all time low. My left hand is quite swollen, as nerves continue to die. I finally took off my wedding ring 2 days ago before my ring finger swelled too much to remove it. My wife Debbie now wears my wedding ring and hers. I had some fleeting thoughts and words about using the Physician aided suicide law a couple of days ago also. Debbie quickly cut in and rebuked me thinking that way.

Before you judge me as complaining, please know that David, Job and Jeremiah have plenty of examples in the Bible. These men were honest with their feelings. In David's case, he always followed up complaining sessions with praise. I hope I can come to that place with my own emotions soon.

I witnessed my daughter Lydia's ceremony celebrating 3 years of hard work at her middle school yesterday afternoon. I was so proud of her standing up on stage giving a short speech. It was obvious that her delivery of the speech was done very conscientiously. Some thoughts briefly entered my mind during the day "Will I be alive to see her graduate High School in 4 years?"

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I want to leave this message on an upbeat note. Our church has opened an account at Wells Fargo bank, in my name, Barry Mangan. Funds from this donation account will go toward home accessibility, home repairs such as a roof replacement, and medical treatments not covered by VA or Medicare. Any amount can be given at any Wells Fargo, and is very appreciated. Part of my depression is a natural result of my role as breadwinner being removed, and unfortunately I'm depending on my larger "family" for help now.

Also, the VA will be compensating me at 80% to start, which is good news. This will supplement my Social Security, and be able to meet our current mortgage and bills without further raids on my depleted IRA account.

So, in the end, I do praise God for His provision, and love. That He would bring me a glad heart continuously, and you as well. Thanks for reading :-)

Kickoff Meeting for ALSA Walk Tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBi8wvsvz_s

Here's the link to my event on Facebook, open to the Facebook public. Click Here.

Details if you're not on Facebook - please contact me @ bsm8286@gmail.com

Time/Date

7:30pm Pacific

Church Meeting on opening Donation Account

Please view video. Thank you.