Remembrance of Youth

Asking for help is a difficult thing for some. Others might grow used to it through routine.
Memories of Los Angeles, California come to mind. The oldest of three brothers playing in the dirt at Griffith Park. Sometimes we'd go up the mountain for hours. The parents would stay below, my dad at the station wagon fixing that day's mechanical problem. No money? Big deal... No junkyard within 20 miles? He'd figure something out. My brothers and I were oblivious to his worries. We were kings and prophets ages 7, 6, and 3; taking over foreign lands. Dirt was our kingdom, rocks were our gold.

Flashforward twenty-odd years, now almost thirty with no prospects. Brothers and sisters still hanging in there. We're blessed in our poverty. If we were rich, we wouldn't have the same spiritual strength. We would feel no need for help; be it from God or our brethren.
Back in 2005 my dad had a pacemaker installed. I was the only one there with him before and after the operation. I worked nights at the time, mom was at work, siblings were away or in school. It's kind of heart-breaking to remember that day. My dad, the strong, self-sufficient man from my memories, was submitting himself to a surgeon's will. His face betrayed his nervousness. Something I'd never seen before.
The operation went fine, no hitches, no problems. He got this card that he could show and bypass metal-detectors. He thought that was awesome.
The pacemaker was necessary to regulate his heartbeat,  since then his various illnesses have worsened. Some due to time, others to lack of medication. He has swelling in his legs, sometimes it gets so bad he can hardly walk. The worse offence, is probably that he needs to be on blood thinners, but due to lack of funds, he's been off of them for about 2 years.
In spite, or maybe because of his situation, his faith is so much stronger. He never loses an opportunity to share his faith with total strangers. He's always reminding us, his children, to stay the course and not give up. Telling us to be better men day by day. Honor, integrity, kindness, and love are not just words. He lives these things and tells us to also.
So, this site was made at his request. It's not like him to ask for help. But I believe it's an humbling condition he's in. We all feel this is in accordance with God's will. So it is in that frame of mind that we ask for any help you might be able to offer.
Dear reader, you know if you are able. We hope you will pray with us. There is a link on the right side that says "Donate." Our prayers and best wishes are with you for reading this far. God bless you.