Uncle Steve

My uncle died this morning.
We had coffee on his porch together a few years ago
He comforted my broken heart that day
He sat silently saying nothing with me for hours
He looked long at me
He chose his words wisely
He made every sip count
He was tender
He was all loving
He knew when to stay away
and when to be there
for our family
He loved my aunt dearly
He showed me how to grow apple trees
He taught me the philosophy of growing apple trees
He told me, "in fact, it's quite the contrary,
an apple does fall far from the tree."
He lived a simple, rich, quiet life
and brewed beer like a monk
He loved you with a quiet, stone-like solid sincerity
We drank his beer all day and never felt drunk
We ate his apples until we were full
I didn't see him much over the years
but when you lose sight of a real friend
you'll always see them the same, when you do
Here's to you John Steven
May the Lord's peace carry you home
dear friend.

Lunch time writing

I've been taking a lot better care of myself lately.

Smoking less, drinking a lot less, eating less, not eating late, going to bed earlier, not putting vile images in head and fulfilling my flesh, reading and watching purer things, following sacraments, and easing broken relationships and ending friendships that were toxic. 

Doing many of these things, I assumed, would help my body to feel better...

However, days like today; having not drank alcohol or smoked last night, ate a good meal, went to bed early, I still woke up with hungover-like symptoms. And often I still do. Today, I just don't feel right in my body and mind. I feel sick. Is it just another sick wave going around, even though I caught it two weeks ago and beat it? I feel so fatigued and headaches are more often. I just don't understand it. I'm beginning the process of finding a doctor. Thank God that I now have the ability to do so after so many years.