"I went to the library to get a medical book on abdominal pain, but somebody had ripped the appendix out." ~ copied

Well, that's taken care of, more or less. I'm talking about my annual physical checkup. It ran a wee bit longer than I anticipated on this Tuesday, March 11, 2025.   I show up, weigh in, get my blood pressure checked, and, then she asked me. The nurse: "Sir, have you ever had one of the dementia evaluation tests done?" Hello? Are you talking to me? I told her I think I may have done one but I'm not sure. The nurse: "Would you like to complete one today?" Who? Me? Do you think I need to have one done? The nurse: "Sir, it is completely voluntary so if you would rather not we can skip it." Just a cotton picking minute, what's the deal? You think I might not be able to pass it, is that what you are implying? The nurse: "It's not that important so we can just proceed with the doctor's examination." Not hardly young lady. Give me that test and let me see how bad off I am. She handed me an iPad. I picked it up, hit the start and the thing commenced to talk to me. Give me a break. The iPad told me we would need to go through some test warmup exercises in order to prepare me to take the actual test. Each time you match the symbols you are encouraged to do it faster and faster. Okay. I took the self-administered, iPad-based tool for screening cognitive dysfunction in a clinic setting. I then had a good visit with my primary care. He is an excellent doctor. I told him how much I appreciated his help over the years in dealing with that unholy trinity: me, myself, and I. He allowed how it was a partnership. He checked me over. I then brought up the 2 minute drill that began my day with them. He told me not to worry about it because it is only one of the many factors considered in recognizing cognitive decline. No, doc, that's not good enough. He then said he could look up my results if I wanted him to. Please do. He did. I was relieved to find out my score was significantly above the warning threshold. You know. It's like the warning light on the dashboard of your vehicle. Right now the light is off. But, given the age and mileage, it could come on at any time. I then brought myself to the lab where they took 7 vials of my blood, took the RSV shot, and then went to Chick-fil-A for some of those tiny little yeast rolls with chicken in them. Their coffee was passable but it is not Louisiana Community. And, in case you were wondering, when it comes to coffee, I am unanimous in my opinion. 

 

I was pleasantly surprised at the positive responses to yesterday's brief take on the design of our government in terms of the separation of powers. Those checks and balances are there for a reason. Yes. I am fully aware how easily they can be sidetracked and abused by one or all of the branches. It is a blessing that we are still functioning nearly 249 years after our official founding as a nation. That's right. Next year will be the 250th birthday and I know they are already planning a huge nationwide party to celebrate. Here's my take: Only by the providential hand and undeserved grace of God. Much good has been accomplished because God saw fit to provide a United States of America. History reveals that we have had our fair share of corrupt leaders during our time as a nation. Yet, God saw fit to keep us going. How could this be? I think about the Old Testament account of the mighty ruler Nebuchadnezzar and how God referred to this pagan king as His servant. (see Jeremiah 25:9, 27:6, and 43:10) My reason for pointing this out is simple. God's got this folks and we should not lose hope or sleep knowing He is in control. Note to self: Try to practice what you preach. I heard that one a lot growing up, especially when I was tattle telling or pointing out the faults of others. Okay. As you can tell I am still a little woozy from having to deal with that cognitive dysfunction screening. Go ahead and smile. Might as well, And, seek Him who does make the final decisions because we can trust Him. Amen.