Back on My Feet Inaugural Reception

I had the pleasure to meet Anne Mahlum, Lauren Williams, Autumn Campbell and the wonderful staff during the Back on My Feet inaugural social at the Union Pub.

I am impressed with the wonderful features of this inspirational and purposeful program that encourages everyone to run together and bond together, regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status.

Friends Forever Coz the Welcome Never Ends

Today, my friend from work, Rhett, drove me to Dewitt Army Hospital located in beautiful and scenic, Ft Belvoir. I've never been to Dewitt, and I've never had a colonoscopy.

That's right a colonoscopy at 42. But why at this age when the American Cancer Society does not recommend getting screened until you're 50 -- because my GI physician recommended I get one and I listen to doctor's advice.

COL B was energetic and in a great mood -- which was exactly the right medicine I needed from my surgeon. About this time, I was missing my coffee and even going under the camera did not rattle my nerves. I remember talking with him about the procedure or was it about pro sports . The next moment, I was injected with two tubes of med, and then without a shudder, I was sound asleep.

The procedure went well, virtually no pain, just discomfort and a lot of prodding around my belly. But I was completely knocked out on general anesthesia, and I didn't feel any pain.

The next thing I know, I wake up in the waiting room. It was over, and within minutes, Rhett came back to said 'Hi." What a great friend who waited patiently all morning -- an officer, a gentleman and a true humanitarian.

And so now I was heading home. The worst part was the prep -- submitting myself to a 24 hour fast and drinking all the colyte I could possibly ingest at 10 minute intervals to clean out my system and to remember to stay very close to the bathroom all night long.

The effects of colyte is explosive and immediate. However, I had to attend a meeting that evening, and I'm sure my friends did not appreciate my frequent trips to the restroom.

Colyte is disgusting and dreadful, but it could save lives, and it was worth every single drop.

Today, I also heard from a dear friend via Facebook (FB has a unique way to bring back old friends -- when everyone old suddenly becomes new again ). I have not seen or spoken to her for almost 25 years. Didn't know if it would be another 25 more years.

I was thrilled, until she told me that she was battling cancer -- that's when my jaw dropped, my heart sank. I thought about the colonoscopy I had earlier and how much medicine had advanced and why I'm holding up hope.

I remember the laughs the hugs the teasing the chats. I remember how she had embraced me and how she had become my family's first friends when we came over from afar.

Jan 2007 blog about immigrating to the US

I like her beautiful smile and winning attitude. She will defeat it -- she will WIN -- my new, rediscovered friend on Facebook.

"Because friends are friends forever and the

welcome will not end."

Miracles do happen on Facebook, Miracles do happen in God's book of Life.

Play the clip:

Gourmet Dinner

Today is Kanita's 27th birthday. Check out the gourmet meal (Surf and Turf) that Wendy prepared for her. The sirloin steak with gravy, shrimp and asparagus was out of this world. This was by far the best meal I've ever eaten at home.