Greetings again,
The rooster crowed on someone’s farm and my bluebirds on the mountain were undoubtedly calling my name at 5:00 AM this morning. The fish are schooling, the deer are moving back up to the mountain, the foxes are rolling and preparing their dens, and the snowbirds are making room for the hummingbirds. This is a good day of spring. I awoke after having dreamed I was back on the mountain facing the pending attack of a giant bear. As I came to, about 2 AM this morning, I realized the bear was sleeping on the couch in the room, my darling daughter Krysti found she was allergic to her hospital pillow. Her snores would have scared any bear! A quick visit from the nurses’ station scared the bear away and I slept soundly until the rounds of pokes and prods started again. I feel great. I am filled with conditional desire, almost overwhelmingly so, to express the thoughts, feelings, and realizations that continue to flow from this wake up call. We miss so much in the "busy"ness and forget so much in the next item on the agenda that I fear that these precious moments of realization may slip by with all the other memories without truly being savored or shared. But alas, I will pray that the opportunity for quiet moments of deeper reflection and sharing may be granted me, with you, in the days—years ahead.
Doctors report this morning: white blood count continues to drop while the Chemo works. No dialysis today and another day of reprieve before they give me the Rituximab… so onward and upward. I will be doing some planning for the Principle of Leadership for the leadership call, planning for the Leaders Conference, Reunion, Studio expansion and renewed vision of Heritage Maker's real vision, mission, and opportunity. The pause has helped me to crystallize in our minds where we are going, why, and how we will get there, together.
Note: Must comment about the incredible appreciation for family, especially Judy. The quiet strength in her eyes, the gentleness of her squeeze and the confidence, trust, and love—is overwhelming. Be sure today to look your sweetheart in the eyes.
Onward and Upward.
Doug
6 comments:
Doug,
Eric and I are overwhelmed and encouraged by your message today. It seems that for nearly a week now, you have been my last though on a whispered prayer when I go to sleep at night and my first thought on yet another prayer as I wake. I remember your huge warm hug and your jolly grin and fall to my knees once again on your behalf. There is a battle happening, and I can honestly say that we have just begun to fight! As was the prayer of Jacob so long ago in the Bible, so goes my prayer for you "I will not let go until you bless me"!
As another Tuesday begins, my phone is going to be worked overtime as I share the message of Heritage. I have decided that the best thing I can do for you and your family while you are away is to spread that message further and faster than ever! Your illness has done nothing but renew my strength and passion for what we do. You have entrusted me with something precious, and I will not let you down.
My prayers are with you and your precious family today...rest, write, and enjoy the love that is just pouring your way!
God bless,
Heidi Codorniz
Dear Doug,
I want to convey to you what an impact you are having on my life. You have given me the GIFT of doing something that helps my family, not just now, but my future descendants for generations to come. And not just MY family, but the families of my friends, neighbors, and all those people I meet having Heritage Conversations along the way. You have helped me bring Heritage to my community as well. And not just MY community, but communities all over the US, Canada (...and soon the world!) You are an inspiration to me, and I will never be able to thank you enough for believing enough in me to invite me to Dream Team- now almost two years ago. I found Heritage Makers and signed on the day of Launch, met you and Judy in Tampa a month later, and have never looked back. I left corporate America behind to be home with my family, and came out of "retirement" to become a Heritage Maker, because from moment one, I have felt absolutely called to do so. Little did I know what a wonderful choice that would turn out to be. I can say I have a career doing something I love, because I love it. (How many people can say that?) Not enough! What a bar to set for my children- find something you enjoy-make a difference each day! I truly know I do.
YOU have made a difference in my life!!!
Thank you for teaching me to dream. If I thought I knew how before- I was wrong. I thought dreams were those black and white visions you have when you are sleeping- Unattainable. Now I know, and will teach my children that your dreams are what you begin living TODAY- and in color! Oh what vivid color!
You have given me an outlet for my creativity, and a way to capture and preserve all of life's moments. Because they happen too quickly sometimes- and I yearn to keep some moments longer.
I AM a better, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, friend, and community member because of you. And you've got me out doing all kinds of things way outside my comfort zone, which makes me a better ME.
I AM so appreciative, and will never be able to convey all that you do for me and my family, but from the bottom of my heart,
Thank You...
I pray now, for you and your incredible loving family. And I have asked everyone I know to do the same. I know, you know there are people all over doing just that. There is much strength within this Heritage Makers Family.
Let the strength of our prayers bring you strength.
With prayers, gratitude, respect, love and friendship,
Kelly Harburg
PS- We met with the architect on our DREAM home plans. They are being finished as we speak- hope to break ground before the end of the year...
Hi Doug....I hold you in the light of God's healing love.
My thougths and prayers are with your family.
Blessings of healing,
Jackie Heitmann
Dream Team 10
Doug,
All we can say is... get ready for a sharp increase of Family Fold and StoryCard publishing :) Consultants all over the world want you to know how much you mean to us. Our heartfelt prayers are sent to you for a speedy recovery. We can't wait to see you again as your inspirational spirit is a guiding force like no other. You never cease to amaze us, Doug. If there is anyone who can triumph through this, it is you.
With much love and respect,
Joey & Philip Orocio
Torrance, California
Dad,
Yikes! I can't believe I missed the opportunity to type a comment on yet another moving blog from one of the greatest writers, thinkers and speakers of our time.
I witnessed another small miracle today--I saw my Dad--a superhero again! You looked like someone had poured the life back into you again--strong, healthy and with color back into your skin. Yet I saw a change in your countenance that I hope to achieve one day. I saw in that rich healthy face a glow--radiant and powerful. It was as if I could see the Spirit of God coming through your spirit and emanating from your visage. Not bold and awe inspiring as if seeing the Savior before me, but I did see someone who was full of light, love and life! It was a testament to me again just how much our Father loves us and you and that truly men of Valor need say nothing when they are in tune and filled with humility, courage, peace and again light. WOW!
I recently read a scripture that I thought perfectly describe you the past few days: 3 Ne 12:16.
We all have light and good within us. Many of us have just closed the curtains or forgotten to open them so that light's power can truly illuminate our and those around us lives.
I smile each day for the blessings being poured upon you and our family and I thank Heavenly Father for hearing and answering our prayers. I'm anxious to have you back with us and about as soon as possible and grateful for hospital staff and doctors who are attentive and caring for your needs to get you back to great health and back to your family, friends and associates.
As always, you continue to inspire and lead--an example to us all.
Sure love and admire you.
Marsh
Doug! My man! Hows the Dream Maker today?
I was once told, "Each minute is a lifetime." Time truly is relative. When it gets hard, and you don't feel well, take those walks with Heavenly Father. Time will stop for you while it continues on for the nurses,drip bags, and tortuous hospital cooks, who really are conspiring against you.
Bustin out the Heritage Moves in NC y'all!
Love KathyG
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