Tomorrow will be another great day

Subject: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:57 PM

I am going to get up tomorrow morning and have a great day. It is totally within my power to do this. I encourage everyone to have one also. Will it be perfect? no People will still be shot and killed, Some corporate execs will pilfer the money from the stockholders and pension plans while not paying the taxes that are due. Children will still be hungry somewhere, people will be denied their basic human rights. Democrats will try to get sound bites to discredit Republicans and vice versa, People will cheat on taxes and sell food stamps. People in America will still think we are "The Greatest, Number One!" while folks in other nations will do things that are just as petty and full of Nationalistic pride that is, for the most part, pretty silly.

My point is, I can only do my best to do the right thing tomorrow, to treat my fellow man as I would be treated, to be kind to as many people as I can and try to dwell on the positives of life.

I guess I have read so many negative threads and posts lately where people are pointing out what is wrong but not saying how they plan to make things better.

I have a patient who has Sclera Derma. By rights she should have been dead ten years ago. She was in last week to see me and she in on oxygen constantly now. Her skin is losing so much elasticity, I have a hard time doing any dental procedures without actually tearing her mouth. I had to take impressions and I had to borrow an impression tray from a pediatric dentist the size for a five year old. She is philosophic. She appreciates that I am trying to help solve her dental problems despite her limitations.    She doesn't want to dwell on her physical problems, she knows she is going to die soon.

She wants to talk about what books I have read, movies I have seen, plays I am in, music I am listening to or playing. (We have to stop frequently during her appointments for coughing sessions.)    She brings me books, CDs, tells me of travel plans she is still trying to make. She is trying to live life to its fullest. After some thought, I tend to agree with her.I hope you all have a great day.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:58 PM

Pleasemove this to BS

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Teresa
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:01 PM

Right you are, jimmy. You said it so well, I don't think I can add anything.

i've met so many ordinary people who do extraordinary things, and it's inspiring. I want to keep living life to the fullest. :)

Teresa

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:03 PM

Teresa. You are certainly an inspiration to the folks in Chat! Keep up the good work kiddo!

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:04 PM

Please tell yer "patient" that I love her and God bless her spirit. My late wife, though knowing she would most likely not survive her cancer, kept her dental appointments. Somethin' about the human spirit...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Teresa
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:06 PM

Thank you, Jimmy XX

Teresa

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:07 PM

This may not be standard music- but it is definitely the lyrical music of the soul. Thank you, JimmyT. I'm going to have a wonderful day too.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:13 PM

Bobert, I fixed a lady up about 20 years ago that was in late cancer stages, but wanted her front teeth fixed because she "wanted to look good in that open casket" These were her exact words as she laughed when she told me. I did very pretty crowns on her teeth and she spent a few months looking very pretty before she died. I know she had planned to pay me but she died before she did and her husband wrote me a letter telling me he had no plans to pay for this treatment. He was a loser. I didn't care. I did the right thing and the patient's peace was enough for me.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:20 PM

Doc, you're a good un

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:22 PM

Ditto...

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Amos
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:27 PM

YEah...there is nothing to match the human spirit, wherever found. God bless us, we are an ornery breed.

A

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 12:10 AM

Hey, Jimmy:

You got that one right. Most mornings when I wake up and roll over and take my wife in my arms I say "I think I'll try to make this a loving day." And we try. We may fall flat on our face alot, but there's something that just feels right about starting a day with the intention of making it a loving day. It may be nothing more than saying something kind to the cashier who looks worn out and beaten down, and has just been browbeaten by the person in line in front of you. I think often of one of the songs we sing that I've posted the lyrics for in here:

   Have I given anything today?
   Have I helped some needy soul on my way?

Yeah, I meet my share of jerks every day. People who cut me off when I'm driving, or give me the finger when they are the ones who are driving like idiots. I see people bitching up a storm, and feel concern for them that they are feeling so angry with their life. As Timbuk3 sang Life Is Hard. But, it's beautiful, too.

Last night, I drove down for Men's Chorus practice. When there is no traffic and the roads are clear, it's a 45 minute drive each way. That happens once every two or three years. Last night it was raining hard and it was very foggy, and half the way I was pushing it to go 45 miles per hour.

When I got to practice and walked in the door, I met Harry. Harry sings in the Men's Chorus. Or, at least, he used to. It's been almost a year since he's come to practice, and most of that time he's been in the hospital. We've gone up to see him, and he's always been positive and hopeful. He'd be out a couple of weeks, and the next thing we knew, we'd see him on the list of people in the hospital. Harry has a lot of health problems... some haven't even been accurately diagnosed yet. And he's young (in his 40,s but the older you get the older "young" gets.) His most serious problem is with his lungs, and he hasn't been able to sing for almost a year. But, he was there last night. When we started practice, my friend Frankie who usually stands next to me wasn't there, so Harry took his place. Harry couldn't sing very loud, and he didn't know many of the songs, but he was THERE. And singing! After the first song, I turned to him and said "Harry, it was worth it to drive down here in the fog and pouring rain just to be able to stand next to you and sing together." And it was.

When someone says, "Your days are numbered" it sounds like something George Raft or John Wayne would say. But it's true for all of us. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised. I've been particularly aware of that these last few weeks. Driving home, I was thinking how blessed I am, that I can see, and walk, and drive.. even that I own a car. There will come a time when I may not be able to do any of these things. That makes each day precious. And not to be taken for granted. Even the seemingly lousy ones.

Tomorrow I'll go with some friends to sing in a nursing home. It is my privilege to be able to do that. As long as I have the strength to get out and bring some comfort and encouragement to others, I will try to do that.

The beautiful thing is, Jimmy.. it's those who have lost so much, who are the greatest appreciators. The woman you described, and Bobert. And Mrs. McMichaels whose husband died, and then she suddenly went blind. It seems that one of the blessings of losing what the rest of us too often take for granted is that you appreciate what you have left.

My Grandfather lay on his back in bed for 8 years in a nursing home. When we went to visit him and my Father would ask him how he was doing, he'd always answer "Pretty good." Pretty good. My father was the same way. As his health deteriorated and he was more and more limited in what he could do, he always believed that his life was "pretty good." When I'd ask him how he was doing, that was always his answer. And I'd kid him and say, "Dad, you'd say "pretty good" even if you could only crawl across the floor. You'd say, I'm doing pretty good... I know people who can't crawl."

Cherish the day. Cherish tomorrow. And live it lovingly. It will be gone before you know it.

Great thread, Jimmy!

Ruth and I watched the DVD you sent of your Doo Wop program. You are a certified genius and a rare comic force. What great fun. You are the Blessing Of Dalton, GA.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Peace
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 12:46 AM

Jimmyt, you tell that beautiful gal hello from me. And you tell that beautiful guy doin' the dental work the same thing.

Subject: Lyr Add: I WILL NEVER PASS THIS WAY AGAIN
From: Jeanie
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 05:10 AM

Thanks for this thread, Jimmy, you diamond geezer, you !
With Love to all the Inspirers in this world,
- jeanie

I WILL NEVER PASS THIS WAY AGAIN (sung by Glen Campbell)

I will pass this way but once
And if there's any good that I can do
Let me do it now,
For I'll never pass this way again.

I will see this day but once,
If there's any kindness I can show
Let me show it now,
For I'll never see this day again.

Tomorrow may be too late, my friend,
To do all the good that you planned,
So reach out to those who need you
And lend them a helping hand.

I will know this world but once,
And if there's any love that I can give,
Let me give it now,
Oh Lord, please show me how.

For I'll never know this world, never know this world,
I'll never see this day, never see this day,
I'll never pass this way again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: GUEST,rumanci
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 06:23 AM

jimmy - may all your tomorrows be great - and they will be because so is today for you and life is much sweeter for it - for the rest of us !
rum xx

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 10:34 AM

Thanks again for this thread, Jimmy: It gave me a chorus to a song:

Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised
So let us rejoice in today
Cherish the moment and give thanks for your blessings
Before they start slipping away

I'm sure the verses will come.

Thinking about this thread lying in bed in the middle of the night, I thought of a conversation my wife and I had last Sunday. We went down for "fellowship" after the church service on Sunday, and after we were seated, an elderly woman came up and sat at the table across from us. We had only seen her once before and because the congregation is small, we pretty much know eveyone, at least by sight.
We said "hello" and introduced ourselves, and she told us her name is Betty. She said that she's been a member of the church for a long time, but hadn't been coming often in recent years, She was taking care of her husband until he died. We asked her when he died, and she told us "In December." And then she said something that really bowled me over. She said, "We were married over forty years, and he never saw me." Her husband was one of eleven children and she said that he had seen all of his older brothers and sisters, but by the time the youngest ones were born, he had gone blind. I was very moved by her conversation. She worked at K-Mart for many years, until the one in our area closed.

People sometimes wonder where the inspiration comes for songs. The truth is, we are surrounded by songs that have not yet been written. It's a matter of listening carefully, in order to hear them.

I suspect that someday I'll write a song that's "Pretty good."

You're a good man, Jimmy T.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:03 AM

Good stuff, Jimmy. Every day is another great opportunity to do exactly what you have advised.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:09 AM

Tommorow will be a good day for I shall wake in Ennis, Co Clare after a night suppin' in Gleeson's

Elfcall

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:16 AM

Wow! What a positive bunch you all are! I got to work this AM and I was singing and whistling to my first patient who asked, "How can you be in such a good mood this early in the morning?" "Because last night I told mysef I would be." I responded. She acted like it was the most profound statement she had ever heard! I am sure it will change her outlook! Thanks for all the good vibes today you all.I can't wait til tomorrow already.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:22 AM

You think today is good, Jimmy? Just Wait for tomorrow!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:24 AM

Elfcall, good deal! If you get to Doolin, have a pint at Gus O'Connors' for me! jimmyt

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 06:27 PM

Well, I am home from work, getting ready to have my group over for rehearsal and to learn a few Irish songs for a St Paddy's performance. Some good food, some good drink and some good music for the next 4 hours or so. It will be a fun evening. I hope your day has been ok also. Tomorrow we get to start all over! jimmyt

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 08:11 PM

jimmytdarlin', you are a Treasure. It is so GOOD to see a positive thread here, again. Thank you!!

I love the saying Today is called the Present because it is a Gift.

I also like the last line in late-night talk show host, Craig Ferguson's opening song:

"Tomorrow's just a future yesterday."

I haven't been as good at doing this, recently, as before, but I am trying to get back into it. This is the way I try to greet each new day:

Each morning I greet the sun and say the following. It seems as appropriate here as anywhere else:

Hey, hey, Great Spirit, I give thanks for this day. I give thanks for all of our family and friends. I give thanks for all that we have, all that we give, and all that we recieve. I ask for blessings for all of our families and friends. (Here I give thanks for specific requests for healing, prosperity, etc. and also for specific blessings in my life.) I ask for these or something better for the highest good of all concerned. So Mote It Be.

Thanks, again, jimmy!

luvya'llkat

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Teresa
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 08:37 PM

"The truth is, we are surrounded by songs that have not yet been written. It's a matter of
listening carefully, in order to hear them."

That one hit me square in the heart. Jerry, can I use it in my email signature? :)

Teresa

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 08:45 PM

Be my guest, Teresa... it's all yours..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: number 6
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 10:46 PM

Great thread Jimmy!!

At 54 i still find there is so much to learn, so much more music to play. So much more beauty to see, you don't have to go far for that either. I'm greatful for my beautiful,wonderful, caring wife of 32 years. Greatful for the health and welfare of our kids. Greatful for our homer and it's garden.

Yeah .... Life is truly grand.

Funny .... there are some people who would find it miserable and throw it all way

sIx

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: skipy
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:26 PM

Thanks for the thread Jimmy - tommorrow I AM going to have a good day!
Lets all report back as to whether it worked or not!
Regards Skipy.

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:39 PM

Hey, Jimmy:

One thing that I'd add. Because all of us (even us retired folks) seem to have busy, or even hectic schedules, it's easy to fall in to the trap of always looking too far in advance. It's important to plan for the future, but you can't let it distract you from the present.

For example. I'm trying to set up an evening of gospel with the Gospel Messengers and Shore Grass, and I'm very excited about it. I tell ya, the day before the concert, I KNOW I'll be saying "tomorrow will be another great day." But, that's a couple of months away. In the meantime, today is yesterday's tomorrow, and I'm enjoying it thoroughly. It's not that anything particularly unusual is happening today. Most days, nothing unsual IS happening. But, I can still enjoy today to it's fullest. I had a good conversation with the security woman at BJs (A wholesale club) today. I go in there enough that she recognizes me, and when she is worn out or upset, she talks to me about it. The conversation may only be a couple of minutes long, but she seems to enjoy a sympathetic, encouraging face. She may not have much of that in her life, so even a few moments might help carry her through the day.

I think we measure the greatness of a day by what we're doing. Most days, we aren't "doing" anything special or exciting. But, we're "being" and "becoming" every day. Even on the most mundane days. It's even important to give thanks for mundane.

You want we should have problems?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 08:47 PM

Skipy, Jerry, 6 ,Teresa, and Katlaughing.

Thanks for all the positive posts folks. It is another evening so I am looking forward to tackling another day tomorrow. Hope you are too! jimmyt

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: DougR
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 10:23 PM

Jimmyt: how refreshing it is to see a post that oozes with positive vibes on the Mudcat. I think it would be difficult for you to accept, as so many others do here, that the sky is falling.

DougR

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 10:26 PM

Thanks DougR   I will just keep a heavy duty umbrella with me!@ grin

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 10:52 PM

Now, May 15th... there's a wonderful day to look forward to.. when Ruth and I visit Jimmy and his wife in Dalton, GA.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 11:20 AM

I am already counting the days Jerry! we will have a blast!

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 09:10 PM

Tomorrow will be a great day because my brother-in-law Dean is being moved to a rehabilitation center. A week ago, they were scheduled to disconnect his life support system.

Nothing is guaranteed for his recovery. Nothing is guaranteed for any of us. That's why tomorrow will be another great day.

Because it isn't promised.

It is a gift.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tomorrow will be another great day
From: jimmyt
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 09:39 PM

Good deal Jerry! I am really happy for you and Ruth and your family   It seems like you all have come a long way since that post a week ago when it looked so bleak for him. I know this is hard on all of you and I hope you can get some rest soon!

Tomorrow will be a great day but somehow I can't see how it will work out yet because one of my assistants just called and her doctor has put her on bedrest for the remainder of her pregnancy so I will be shortstaffed and overworked tomorrow. It will sort itself out though, and I am glad they are taking the necessary precautions with her. I just read the that yesterday and tomorrow are different than today. Today is a gift...that's why they call it the present. jimmyt