Quartzsite visit

[JohnEd]

Clifford,  I was so looking forward to meeting you.  Van and a few others were stops along the way and company for a caravan maybe....a teeny little short one.  I am going to have to stay around the ranch till I get new knees.  I can turn one and be hobbled for three days.  If I twist up both I am in serious Do Do.  I want you all to know that i am disappointed but I still plan to make the pilgrimage....just later.  The VA promised me new knees but you know how the gummint lies.

I know that I must have genuinely "brightened" some lives with this news and I can't help that either.

Have a great time and a wonderful Holiday season.

Anybody else want to declare your intention's.

John

[Van]

Hey john, Sorry I missed this. So when are you gonna head south? That is too bad about your knees,I can relate. Only reason my knees aren't new is because of the Va,Breaks my heart to see fellow Vets in pain in the lobby,Knowing these brothers need the attention more than I do< I go back home and suck it up.
Further more, If you don't make it to the Q, you will be missed.
Tell ya what, If you can make it to Vegas ride down the rest of the way with us   . Don't forget I yanked that 6 92 out by my self after popping my right knee
  Seriously though, If you can't make it you will be missed,so buck up there soldier

  On the road again
    Van

[cody]

John, if you can get your knee's redone, then do it, I waited too long and now my knees are too far gone and they won't touch them, I should have gotten mine redone years ago.

[JohnEd]

Cody,

I had no idea that that could happen.  Thanks for the info.  I was rejected last Friday as a candidate.  My A1C count was over 8....blood sugar high and not stable.  So now I go to the gym every day and starve and I can hit 6 without much doubt.  So maybe by this time next year??  We will see.

Van,

I understand your sentiment about those worse off than yourself.  I have felt that way muself.  A shrink once asked me "how many were treated because you declined?" and after thinking I had to admit that I truly thought that none had received anything.  He simply said "low self esteem and survivor guilt".  If you really thought you were deserving because of your service and sacrifice you would fight for yourself.  You would fight for another in your circumstance, wouldn't you?".  Personally, I don't like shrinks but I never said I thought they were stupid or worthless.  Go take your place in line, my friend.  The system will deal you enuf disappointment without your insisting on it and demanding your share of grief.  You have earned better and deserve better.  I once declined to accept a handicap parking placard cause our "near door" parking was limited and there were only three HC spaces and two people were in wheelchairs for life.  My boss finally took me aside after months of walking that 1/8 mile to the lot and told me that the same day they gave me one he would have Public Works down there painting another blue space to accommodate me. System I didn't understand worked.  Be well and take care of you....that brightens my life.

John