The day after the horrific events of 9/11/01, I felt compelled to go to work. Though I was a field sales representative and wasn't required to appear at the manufacturing plant I felt compelled to put on my suit and head into the office. This was my small way of showing the terrorists that they would not slow me down.
On my way to the office, I stopped at a local party supply store. I entered the store as the manager was opening. I immediately asked if he had any American Flags. He said "yes I do, but they're in the back until the July 4th holiday season." I told him I needed to buy one. He went into the back and pulled out a big bucket of flags. I picked one out and said, "I'd like to buy this one". He said, "Fine, I'll meet you at the register after I put the rest of these away". My reply? "Sir, believe me, if you make these flags available, you'll sell more in the coming days than any Fourth of July season."
So, I hung my flag from my passenger side visor so everyone could see. One of the employees at work, Jodi asked, "Mark, where did you get that flag?" I told her and she immediately went to that store and bought out their inventory. At that time I happened to look out the window and I saw Jodi tying flags to each and every car in the parking lot. She entered the building, greeting with a standing ovation.
You see, the terrorists may have succeeded in killing many innocent Americans; but they failed to kill the American spirit.
May God bless us all! This September 11th and every day.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Health Update
Here’s a quick update from yesterday’s appointments:
1 – Met with a new rheumatologist from UMC @ UPH. He was very thorough and empathetic. He wants to gather info from my other doctors before devising any new treatment paths. I’ll be meeting with him again in a month
2 –Met with my Pulmonologist in the afternoon. Here we discussed my last CT scan, blood work, etc. Last CT scan shows an increased amount of scarring and granulomas, so he’s increasing my chemo drug for now and we may increase it some more in the near future. Blood work shows potential of diabetes so I’ve got to try to alter my diet, exercise and lose some weight. Additionally, my lymph nodes are going crazy as thought. Some are pressing on nerves, others causing headaches, spasm and all kinds of fun stuff. The only options available are to either go back on high doses of steroids or suck it up and deal with it as best we can with low-dose morphine and meditation exercises. Steroids are out of the question because of the side effects and the damage done to some of my organs leading to potential diabetes. (FYI – I’ve gained 65 pounds during my steroid treatments. I’ve lost 39 of those pounds and have another 55 pounds to go!)
I took a PFT, pulmonary function test, which showed improvement over past tests. This means that my body is adjusting to the reduced lung function. For now, he’d like me to see if I can go without oxygen assistance for short periods of time. He also ordered a new sleep study, which I will do tomorrow, Wednesday. I’ve been having problems with too much back pressure from my CPAP machine. We may be changing to a BPAP machine. Not exactly sure that I understand the difference between the machines.
Next: dealing with my insurance coverage changing as of August 1st – (now that I’m receiving SSDI, I no longer quality for the state’s health insurance program) I will no longer have prescription or medical equipment coverage. With bottled O2 running about $10k per year, not including BPAP or concentrator equipment, I’ve got some homework to do. If I can go without the BPAP equipment I may be able to trade in my current concentrator for a portable unit. This unit would work, plugged in, while I’m at home and would work on a battery charge while on the road or away from the house. This would also replace my need for expensive bottled O2. At issue is that the portable concentrator costs in excess of $5,000. With the equipment being somewhat fragile, I’m going to look into options for renting a portable concentrator.
I’ve also have to work on filing for grants for my more expensive medications ($2K+per month) with generics cost at $20 per three month period from the Walgreens Discount Plan.
So lot’s to do but hey, with SSDI, my health is my full time job. Things are falling into place and I am both confident and blessed that answers will be found and improvements will be made. As the docs continually remind me, though there are no cures, there is plenty we can do to attend to quality of life issues.
That’s it for now my friends. Be well and in touch.
/Mark - 520-668-7425
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
OPINION VS. JUDGMENT
I find it very disturbing that many people are becoming more and more judgmental. After all that our country has been through (such as civil rights and the like) instead of becoming more accepting and encouraging, we use things such as social media, blogs and comments on news outlet web pages, to bash someone or something in a judgmental way. What ever happen to civility?
Stephen Covey said "seek first to understand, then be understood". Good advice. It's easy, and if I dare say, lazy to simply judge something and therefore come to a one sided conclusion. What happened to respect? So if my opinion doesn't agree with yours isn't better to say nothing or better yet say, as General Tommy Franks said "what a great country where people have the freedom to express themselves."? What I admire about General Franks is that he rarely, if ever, let's you know how he feels about someone's opinion.
So you have your opinion and I have mine. Fine. Let's express those opinions, share in the background that led us to those opinions and be flexible; flexible in a way where we are willing to change our opinion when served with additional, quality information. When one posts a judgment it appears stated in fact as if the book is closed on the situation and no other opinion or quality information will be considered. I find that sad and self-limiting to the author of the judgment.
And what about our young people? When they see what we write, what we express in such a final tone: "x-team is a bunch of losers". "x-political party are a bunch of selfish numb skulls", etc. What are we teaching our young people with such closed minded conclusions?
Next time you are about to post an opinion ask yourself something: "Is this an opinion or a judgment?" After all, what benefits the reader more -- a well constructed opinion or a sharp, nasty, biting judgment?
For myself, I find great peace in knowing that there is really only one Judge -- and it ain't me! It's not a job I want and I am certain, by no circumstances, am I worthy of such a position.
Stephen Covey said "seek first to understand, then be understood". Good advice. It's easy, and if I dare say, lazy to simply judge something and therefore come to a one sided conclusion. What happened to respect? So if my opinion doesn't agree with yours isn't better to say nothing or better yet say, as General Tommy Franks said "what a great country where people have the freedom to express themselves."? What I admire about General Franks is that he rarely, if ever, let's you know how he feels about someone's opinion.
So you have your opinion and I have mine. Fine. Let's express those opinions, share in the background that led us to those opinions and be flexible; flexible in a way where we are willing to change our opinion when served with additional, quality information. When one posts a judgment it appears stated in fact as if the book is closed on the situation and no other opinion or quality information will be considered. I find that sad and self-limiting to the author of the judgment.
And what about our young people? When they see what we write, what we express in such a final tone: "x-team is a bunch of losers". "x-political party are a bunch of selfish numb skulls", etc. What are we teaching our young people with such closed minded conclusions?
Next time you are about to post an opinion ask yourself something: "Is this an opinion or a judgment?" After all, what benefits the reader more -- a well constructed opinion or a sharp, nasty, biting judgment?
For myself, I find great peace in knowing that there is really only one Judge -- and it ain't me! It's not a job I want and I am certain, by no circumstances, am I worthy of such a position.
Monday, January 3, 2011
BANK OF AMERICA, SOCIAL SECURITY AND MORE
As some of you know, I’ve been battling a disease called Sarcoidosis. This rare, auto-immune disease has no cure, yet it affects over 17,000 people in the United States and we know of at least 20 folks in Southern Arizona who suffer as well. (resource: www.inspire.com)
So far, my disease has left me with 42% lung capacity, blurred vision, hearing problems, coordination issues and very painful joints. I have been home, unable to work since March of 2010.
Towards the later part of March 2010, I filed for Social Security Disability and was denied. I am currently working with an attorney to re-file and the process is long. We, my wife and I, also filed for a mortgage reduction through the government’s “Making Homes Affordable”. Our mortgage company is Bank of America. We filled out all of the paperwork and were told on March 13th that “all is in order and your application is now with underwriting”.
While waiting for answers from Bank of America we received notice that our $1400 per month mortgage would increase to $1900 per month. Seeing that we applied for mortgage relief, why would they increase our monthly mortgage by $500? When we called for answers they said the increase was to cover taxes and insurance – both of which we paid and have always paid on our own. Our plea for relief fell on deaf ears and we were told that we had to pay the increased amount. We paid for a few months and then we were offered some advice from a representative at BofA: “if you continued to pay your mortgage, the underwriters for the “Making Homes Affordable” program would not make a decision since you appear to be able to pay.”
Getting to the point where we would have to borrow money to pay our mortgage we decided to stop paying. Six months later, Bank of America states that our application is still pending. In the meantime, over the past three business days, we have received a total of 64 notices of foreclosure with an auction date of March 30, 2011.
I continue to call Bank of America daily and they continue to tell us that our application is still pending and that the foreclosure and sales issues reside in a different department.
It is important to know that we aren’t one of those families who bought a home they couldn’t afford. We moved here from the Boston area in 2006. We put $74,000 down as down payment for the home. At the time our mortgage was $1400 per month and our monthly income was over $5,000.00. Since I’ve become sick and unable to work my wife has bared the brunt of working to support us. She earns about $1200 per month, we are on food stamps and have health insurance through Arizona’s ACCCS program and we are very grateful for both programs.
Prior to falling ill, I owned and operated my own handyman services company, Mark the Handyman. This was a very successful, growing business that contributed to the success of many other tradespeople. My electrician, plumber, general contractor, flooring installer and HVAC contractor all benefited greatly from my referrals to great customers here in the Vail and Tucson areas. Mark the Handyman was very active in the Greater Vail Chamber of Commerce as well.
In addition to my business I was also involved in the Stephen Ministry program where I was the leader at Desert Skies United Methodist Church. I was also involved in the city-wide Stephen Ministry program which included 18 churches from around the Tucson area. Stephen Ministry is a program of volunteers helping those in crisis. More can be learned by visiting www.stephenministry.org. I’ve also started and now chair the Sarcoidosis Support Group of Southern Arizona. Here we talk about our treatments, our challenges and explore resources. I’ve also served as our neighborhood’s representative to our HOA with hopes of building a solid, caring community in our neighborhood.
Side note: We moved here from Boston for the drier climate. You see, I was hit by a truck as a pedestrian back in 2003. The accident resulted in permanent nerve damage. Though I was encouraged to file for disability then, I thought it imperative that I use the skills I had acquired to help others while making a living.
I share this very personal information with hopes of showing others that they are not alone. Additionally, we are seeking help from anyone who can. Today, we’ve contacted both Representative Giffords’ office as well as Senator McCain’s office and are awaiting their response.
We've also sent this information to our local news channel, KVOA-TV as well as the local newspaper, Arizona Daily Star.
If you have any questions or suggestion, here's our contact info:
Mark & Charlene Dec
162 East Forrest Feezor Street
Vail, AZ 85641
520-668-7425
handyman@markdec.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
THE TIRE IS STILL FLAT
Back in the day when I was a successful sales person, complete with the fancy suits and shiny sports car, I spent many hours behind the wheel of my car traveling all over New England selling commercial printing and packaging. I had quite the impressive customer list: Bose, Gillette, Candlewick Press, Houghton-Mifflin, Cisco Systems, to name a few.
One day I was running late and of course, I hit horrible traffic. Being the professional that I was, I called the customer to tell them that I was running late because of the traffic and I'd be there as soon as I could. No sooner did I get off of the phone with the client - bang! A flat tire. What a drag.
I limped off to the shoulder of the road, got out of my car, walked around to the passenger side to see that my front, left tire was completely flat. Sure, I had a spare, but I was also in a suit and had to look good for my appointment. Did I quietly go back into the car? Did calmly call triple-A to have someone come and change my tire? Did I calmly call the client to give them another update on my late and soon to be later arrival? No. Not at all. Stood by the side of the road kicking and screaming at the tire as if it had stabbed me in the back or kicked me in a naughty place. Between kicking and screaming I looked up to the sky and even cursed God out for having such a thing happen to me.
Then suddenly, I caught myself. Or should I say the "audience" caught me. Suddenly I looked at the passers by and noticed them; some laughing at me, some staring as if I was some type of crazy person. They had every right. I was a crazy person at that time.
Ashamed of myself, I got back in the car. Made the necessary phone calls and waiting for triple-A to come and change my tire. While I waiting I came to a realization. That being - no matter what happens, our reaction very rarely changes the reality of the moment. More directly, no matter how much of a tantrum I took upon my defenseless flat tire, the tire was still flat.
So what in your life is challenging? What is it in your life that you have to learn to accept - even for a moment? It is true, it's not what happens to us that matters, it's how we react to what happens that truly matters.
I kind of like this story and use it often with folks I've told. Meaning, when someone has an outburst about something I'll say, "the tire is still flat". Sometimes I have to duck because they might want to through something at me, but really, what does screaming and kicking really accomplish? It doesn't make a child get better grades. It doesn't make a spouse remember a forgotten anniversary. And it certainly doesn't change a flat tire.
Feel free to share and use this one. Use it often. Most importantly, use it for yourself. Use it to be a good example to your children, your spouse, your co-workers, etc.
May you never have a flat tire, but if you do, may you use the right tools to keep your blood pressure in check and reality in focus.
Peace!
One day I was running late and of course, I hit horrible traffic. Being the professional that I was, I called the customer to tell them that I was running late because of the traffic and I'd be there as soon as I could. No sooner did I get off of the phone with the client - bang! A flat tire. What a drag.
I limped off to the shoulder of the road, got out of my car, walked around to the passenger side to see that my front, left tire was completely flat. Sure, I had a spare, but I was also in a suit and had to look good for my appointment. Did I quietly go back into the car? Did calmly call triple-A to have someone come and change my tire? Did I calmly call the client to give them another update on my late and soon to be later arrival? No. Not at all. Stood by the side of the road kicking and screaming at the tire as if it had stabbed me in the back or kicked me in a naughty place. Between kicking and screaming I looked up to the sky and even cursed God out for having such a thing happen to me.
Then suddenly, I caught myself. Or should I say the "audience" caught me. Suddenly I looked at the passers by and noticed them; some laughing at me, some staring as if I was some type of crazy person. They had every right. I was a crazy person at that time.
Ashamed of myself, I got back in the car. Made the necessary phone calls and waiting for triple-A to come and change my tire. While I waiting I came to a realization. That being - no matter what happens, our reaction very rarely changes the reality of the moment. More directly, no matter how much of a tantrum I took upon my defenseless flat tire, the tire was still flat.
So what in your life is challenging? What is it in your life that you have to learn to accept - even for a moment? It is true, it's not what happens to us that matters, it's how we react to what happens that truly matters.
I kind of like this story and use it often with folks I've told. Meaning, when someone has an outburst about something I'll say, "the tire is still flat". Sometimes I have to duck because they might want to through something at me, but really, what does screaming and kicking really accomplish? It doesn't make a child get better grades. It doesn't make a spouse remember a forgotten anniversary. And it certainly doesn't change a flat tire.
Feel free to share and use this one. Use it often. Most importantly, use it for yourself. Use it to be a good example to your children, your spouse, your co-workers, etc.
May you never have a flat tire, but if you do, may you use the right tools to keep your blood pressure in check and reality in focus.
Peace!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
HATE & THANKSGIVING
I know. What a combination of words. Hate & Thanksgiving.
I have much to be thankfufl for. We all do. My thanksgiving wish is for all of us to put aside all of our anger, all of our differences and just be thankful. Not a new concenpt but something that definately needs repeating.
Politics, the economy, health issues, family squabbles, political correctness -- once upon a time these topics were topics for discussion. Once upon a time, these topics were amongst our freedoms to discuss . Now it seems as if these topics of fuel for nothing more than judgment and hatred. It saddens me.
Maybe its because of my personal circumstances, maybe I'm just naive -- but at the end of the day I am I have my concience, my heart, my family, my friends and my pillow. Okay, I also have my Lord and Saviour. I make no appologies for what I say.
I have been blessed beyond meausre. And if you take a moment, really take a moment to first clear your mind, take a deep breath and either look at or think of something that is simply beauty in your life, maybe you'll agree with me that we are all blessed beyond measure.
I have great doctors who are working on my behalf. I have family, friends and even strangers praying and caring for me. More importanly, I have a loving bride who is by my side fighting for me and supporting me. (Even though she insists on correcting my grammar and spelling mistakes when I blog or write anything else for that matter). Most importantly, I have my spirit, my God and yes, if I'm lucky, my pillow for where I rest my head. And if I'm really lucky, I will awake on said pillow to see another day.
My hope and prayer is that I will see you, experience you, but most importanly, be with you in one way or another to share in Thankgiving, Christmas, and every holiday or ordinatory day to come.
Hate leaves no room for Thanksgiving. Conflict closes the door to an open heart. And frustration only fuels the evil that slams shut an open mind.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for commenting. As I thank God for you -- for you being in my life!
God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
I have much to be thankfufl for. We all do. My thanksgiving wish is for all of us to put aside all of our anger, all of our differences and just be thankful. Not a new concenpt but something that definately needs repeating.
Politics, the economy, health issues, family squabbles, political correctness -- once upon a time these topics were topics for discussion. Once upon a time, these topics were amongst our freedoms to discuss . Now it seems as if these topics of fuel for nothing more than judgment and hatred. It saddens me.
Maybe its because of my personal circumstances, maybe I'm just naive -- but at the end of the day I am I have my concience, my heart, my family, my friends and my pillow. Okay, I also have my Lord and Saviour. I make no appologies for what I say.
I have been blessed beyond meausre. And if you take a moment, really take a moment to first clear your mind, take a deep breath and either look at or think of something that is simply beauty in your life, maybe you'll agree with me that we are all blessed beyond measure.
I have great doctors who are working on my behalf. I have family, friends and even strangers praying and caring for me. More importanly, I have a loving bride who is by my side fighting for me and supporting me. (Even though she insists on correcting my grammar and spelling mistakes when I blog or write anything else for that matter). Most importantly, I have my spirit, my God and yes, if I'm lucky, my pillow for where I rest my head. And if I'm really lucky, I will awake on said pillow to see another day.
My hope and prayer is that I will see you, experience you, but most importanly, be with you in one way or another to share in Thankgiving, Christmas, and every holiday or ordinatory day to come.
Hate leaves no room for Thanksgiving. Conflict closes the door to an open heart. And frustration only fuels the evil that slams shut an open mind.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for commenting. As I thank God for you -- for you being in my life!
God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
WHO ARE YOU LIFTING UP?
Maybe it's the holiday season - I'm not sure. But here's a thought. I've been so blessed with folks calling, sending cards and e-mails, etc. From experience, I can tell you that there is nothing better than knowing that someone is thinking of you, not because it's a birthday, holiday, etc. But just because.
So, I've decided that when I think of someone, I'm going to either call, e-mail or send a card. Why? Just because.
During my 9+ months of being at home with my illness, I have experienced many great things. Most of which are cards, letters, e-mails and phone calls of support and concern. Imagine what it the impact if YOU called someone just because? If YOU wrote someone, just because.
People say that letter writing is a lost art. Maybe it's me; maybe it's because I've got lots of time on my hands, but sending little notes goes a long way. Even if it's just a simple text to let someone know that you are thinking of them and caring about them.
Give it a try. Think of at least three people who you haven't communicated with in a while. (And no, I don't count.) Send them either a text, e-mail or even better - a card, letter or postcard. It may be even easier to pick up the phone and call. There's nothing wrong will calling while someone isn't home and leaving them a message that simply says "hey there! Just calling to say hi and that I'm thinking of you! Hope you're having a great day!"
Imagine the impact! The great part? If you do it right? You'll have to slow yourself down, take a deep breath and remember what is really important. The next step would be to do this once a week or once per month. Take the time to take a deep breath, relax, center, pick three friends or family members and go for it.
Maybe it's the season. Maybe it's knowing the real reward. Lift up those around you by showing that you care. When you are finished, bask in the glow of knowing that you did a great thing -- with words! A little time and some kind words. The gift that keeps on giving.
Be well, live strong and love out loud!
So, I've decided that when I think of someone, I'm going to either call, e-mail or send a card. Why? Just because.
During my 9+ months of being at home with my illness, I have experienced many great things. Most of which are cards, letters, e-mails and phone calls of support and concern. Imagine what it the impact if YOU called someone just because? If YOU wrote someone, just because.
People say that letter writing is a lost art. Maybe it's me; maybe it's because I've got lots of time on my hands, but sending little notes goes a long way. Even if it's just a simple text to let someone know that you are thinking of them and caring about them.
Give it a try. Think of at least three people who you haven't communicated with in a while. (And no, I don't count.) Send them either a text, e-mail or even better - a card, letter or postcard. It may be even easier to pick up the phone and call. There's nothing wrong will calling while someone isn't home and leaving them a message that simply says "hey there! Just calling to say hi and that I'm thinking of you! Hope you're having a great day!"
Imagine the impact! The great part? If you do it right? You'll have to slow yourself down, take a deep breath and remember what is really important. The next step would be to do this once a week or once per month. Take the time to take a deep breath, relax, center, pick three friends or family members and go for it.
Maybe it's the season. Maybe it's knowing the real reward. Lift up those around you by showing that you care. When you are finished, bask in the glow of knowing that you did a great thing -- with words! A little time and some kind words. The gift that keeps on giving.
Be well, live strong and love out loud!
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