My Ramblings

Eleven months ago I ended up in the ER at Kaiser due to severe dehydration and complications with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). I spent five days there. Two days later, I went back and it was discovered my heart had gone into atrial fibrillation.  Last Saturday, my doctor instructed me to again go to the ER because I was short of breath, easily fatigued and had been gaining weight rapidly. They saw more problems with the CHF and gave be strong doses of intravenous medication to make me purge all that fluid. I stayed three nights and came home Tuesday. I have lost 40 pounds in seven days. I can breathe better, my blood pressure is down and I have more energy now.  I am hopeful that this episode and the weight loss will motivate me to exercise more and continue to lose weight. I would appreciate your prayers for strength and self discipline. Although I am only 56 years old, I feel much older. I’m not afraid to die, but I am petrified at the thought of being a 450 pound invali

I thought I'd post our family Christmas newsletter from almost 11 years ago. I found it today as I searched my document files.  December 14, 2002 Greetings from the Faddis Family! - Stan, Linda, Daniel, Heather, Holly and Meagan. It has probably been a long time since you heard from us (in writing, anyway). Linda assigned me (Stan) the task of composing this letter so here it goes…Things are pretty active around here now that the kids are growing up and trying their wings. We have four drivers in the family and it seems like all four of our cars are hardly ever in the driveway.  Daniel (18) graduated from high school last June. He went to Hawaii for his Senior trip and had a good time. He brought home a little surprise in the form of a… tattoo. It is two Japanese symbols that supposedly mean “honor” and “courage” but Stan did some research and found it really means… “bone” and “head”. Daniel also did something else which Stan believes is much like his decision to get

I haven't posted anything in awhile. I am currently working on another writing project and haven;t taken time to write something fresh here. However, I found in my computer files a letter I wrote to Daniel two days after he left for boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. There's nothing special about it. Just words from a father to a son who he already misses dearly. I may post more of these letters later but I'm not certain.  September 13, 2003 Dear Daniel, I decided to write you, even though I do not yet have your address. I hope we get it soon! Today is Saturday. There is nothing special to report. The phone call from you last Thursday was short and not what I wanted. I wanted to chat awhile; hear how your flight was; if you like your roomies; if you got the top, middle or lower bunk, etc. You know the stuff Dads want to hear. I am sure that is how it was for all of you though.  I hope all is good and that you are doing well. I hope you are pumped up and