During my morning walks in my favorite place Fiesta Island, I am fortunate to engage in much self  talk and reflection while exercising my stroke infested body.
I enjoy these conversations  with myself and sometimes even with God. I am hopeful that He is listening though I am not always sure that I am always broadcasting through the proper frequency.

I have many thoughts, questions, passions and goals as we all have.

One of my goals is to be able to live without any outward signs of  being a Strokie (my term for a person who has had a stroke).
Thus the term "Without a Trace" like the popular T V show.

To be able to walk normally without a trace of a limp or my left foot or arm limply dragging behind is a goal and a passion of mine not just for my own vanity but for me to realize that it can be done so that I can share the "Good news" and inspire others to do the same.
To be able to help and inspire others really is my passion and it is the purpose of my website

Then I think about those who may never be able to accomplish this and I wonder if it would be like saying, "Ha Ha. look at me"
"Look at what I can do", and a touch of guilt comes in and I feel sad and confused.

My thoughts then me to a real good personal friend of mine who was just diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He is scheduled to have a procedure tomorrow. The initial prognosis is he could have as little as two months up to two years to live. That stinks.

Or does it? Would it be better knowing when the "end game" will take place? Will he be more prepared for the next world?
Would I?

Realistically I or anyone else could be closer to death than he is now. We could go today. Will we be prepared?

What is our purpose? What is the meaning of life? Are we supposed to know? Will we ever find out?

As a famous politician once said. "It's above my pay grade"

I really think that it is above my pay grade, though that doesn't mean that I will stop asking or searching for the answer.

Hopefully I will tune in to the right frequency and find out someday.

I am adding a video from the recently deceased Dr. Randy Pausch in which he talks about his own struggle with Pancreatic cancer .
This video is taken from the Oprah show where he talks about the famous speech titled "The Last Lecture" that he made during the commencement address at Carnegie Mellon University. randy Pausch was 47.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw

I sent this video to my pal Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

I am fortunate to know Joe. I would be blessed to have one tenth of the respect, love and admiration that those who know him have for him. He is truly a man of Strong Faith. It will serve him well in the time ahead.