Thursday, December 13, 2012

Good morning - feeling okay today - apparently sleep helps heal the body and I seemed to get a lot of that yesterday, off and on during the day.

Another thing that helps heal the body is positive thinking. 

While living in Heidelberg, I always admired the Stemmler Family, who operate Stemmler Meats in the tiny village and Farmers Market, hard working, loyal to their customers, a company you can always depend on.

When I heard the Dad, Gerry Stemmler was going through some major health problems, it was sad to hear that after all the years of working so hard, he had to endure this instead of slowly retiring, relaxing  and passing the business to his sons.  Anyone who knows Gerry would giggle at the 'relaxing' part of that sentence.......he seemed to love to work.

His original diagnosis was bladder cancer and then colon cancer - his prognosis was 6 months to live - go home and get your affairs in order, he was told.  Well, he was given that advice11 years ago, again 2 years ago and then again 1 year ago.  He was at his Oncologist's office yesterday and everyone is amazed - they cannot find any cancer!

He still goes into work 2 hours in the afternoon - good for the business and good for Gerry to keep busy.  He  admits that he does not do this alone - he has an amazing wife Marianne (we all know that), a very supportive family, a great surrounding community of St. Clements and Heidelberg, good friends and a LOT of prayers coming his way.

What amazes me about Gerry is whenever or wherever you meet him, he ALWAYS has a smile, a great positive attitude and is thankful that he is alive and appreciates and tries to live life to the fullest.  He knows life is not fair, accepts whatever happens and lives with it.
He apparently talks with a few cancer patients who are going through radiation and chemo for bladder and colon cancer with concerns and fears.  He is able to calm them, I'm sure.

The point of this story is ........I was looking for some inspiration when this new battle came into our home and I knew what I wanted.  I want a photo of Gerry Stemmler hanging on my bulletin board and if I ever get down, I want to look at it and say to myself "If Gerry Stemmler can do it, so can I!"   So the photo apparently is on its way and up it will go!  Thanks Gerry.

Have a great day everyone - I hope and intend to.