SAYING WHAT I MEAN AND MEANING WHAT I SAY

By Toney Atkins

I was stunned to get a response from an individual who indicated that sharing my feelings about my father's illness and subsequent death this week has been a ploy for attention, sympathy and even financial gain!!! Needless to say, I would be insulted if the suggestion were not so ridiculous, outrageous and even rather shocking, especially since it was coming from someone who claims to be a Christian.

I shouldn't even respond to such nonsense, so I'll address the intelligent readers who may wonder why I've been addressing such a personal and sensitive issue as my father's sickness and spiritual departure to a better world.

Many of you have shown extreme unselfish kindness in taking a few moments of your busy life to think of Dad and me, and I appreciate that more than you know.

I've shared some of my thoughts because I know many others have gone through the same thing or are suffering illnesses today that may threaten their own lives.

I'll soon be writing about hope and the miracles that I've witnessed and experienced during the past few months of Dad's illness -- proof of God's love and spiritual healing that I pray will inspire the sick and those who care for and about them; and about the peace, not pain or fear, when one approaches and enters death's door.

There's one sure thing about life, and that's death. It comes to all of us, young and old, and it would be great if we could all appreciate life (and I'm including myself here), not only when we're sick, but when we're in the best of health as well.

I don't apologize for sharing the new closeness that Dad and I had never had before this year. I don't apologize if I've often seemed maudlin or even morbid. I share my thoughts because I want to, and as we all do in life, the reader can take them or leave them, with my blessings. I certainly don't apologize for sharing the fact that I've found that LOVE TRULY WORKS!

It has been a trying time, but I thank God for it and for those who care (and even those who don't give a darn).

I love you all, whether you want me to or not. I pray God's richest blessings upon you and one more time I say, "Thank you!"

TONEY ATKINS



Have you told a veteran of any war how much you appreciate the job they did? Why not do it today? Meanwhile, continue to SPREAD LOVE and check out my not-for-profit, something-for-everyone web site: http://toneyatkins.tripod.com/html.index/ .

SPECIAL THANKS TO SPECIAL PEOPLE (Updated)

Special people deserve special appreciation and blessings ... and that means YOU! Click on http://toneyatkins.tripod.com/id39.html

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Friends prove themselves in trying times: http://journals.aol.com/toneyatkins/TONEYATKINSTHEWORLDAROUNDME/

SPECIAL THANKS TO SPECIAL PEOPLE

By Toney Atkins

I want to use this avenue to express special thanks to special people who have expressed their concerns via e-mail or verbal communications about my earthly father, who is very ill as I write. You don't realize how important your prayers and positive thoughts have been during this tumultuous time.

My appreciation and special prayers for blessings in your own lives go out to Charles Cherry II, publisher of the Daytona Times in Daytona Beach, FL, who last November lost his father, noted publisher, civil rights activist and city commissioner Charles W. Cherry Sr.; Krista Barriero, David Elliott and Mary Kendrick, all of the Daytona Times; Volusia County-Daytona Beach Branch President Cynthia Slater and other members of the NAACP branch, who also have been a blessing and a help to me in the past; Daytona Beach City Commissioners Gwen Azama-Edwards, Cassandra Reynolds, Sheila McKay and the honorable Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden.

Friends in Daytona Beach who have shown their support and encouragement include Don, former night manager at a motel where I used to live and work as a DJ and karaoke host in the establishment's nightclub, Bill Elliott and his lovely wife, Barb, and my former landlord, Sam Maness.

Very special appreciation goes out to my beautiful cousin in Chickamauga, GA, Linda Newberry and her fantastic husband, Terry, who are being quite supportive. I also stay in regular contact with Judy Rice, Dad's concerned special friend, and members of her wonderful family.

My dad, Charlie J. Atkins, who will be 84 on Aug. 22, is a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army's 10th Armored Tigers. He received the Purple Heart during his term of service, and he has suffered ever since, more so in recent years, from back injuries he received during the war.

His health has not been good for several years, but the severe impact came in late June when blood clots were discovered in his legs. In less than a month, he underwent three major surgeries, so he is very weak and fragile ... conditions that the strong and courageous man still finds difficult to accept. The prognosis at this point is not good, although he continues to struggle to regain his "old self." He is currently under 24/7 care, and is being kept as comfortable as possible.

I also have to give very special thanks to the medical staffs and other employees of Erlanger and Memorial hospitals and HealthSouth in Chattanooga, TN, as well as the National Health Care facility in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and North Georgia Home Health Agency, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, where all involved have shown him love, caring and every attempt possible to make him better.

If I have omitted anyone, I apologize, and you can rest assured that you will be recognized as I update this during Dad's recovery. Let me also assure you that as much as he would like to stay, he is ready to go if God wants him.

Again, thank you, and God bless you all with good health, much love and good fortune in all things. Your caring has kept me strong and rekindled what had become a dwindling faith in human nature. You all are the best, and please keep the prayers alive.