epiphanatic » Uncategorized

Posted on 12.02.07 by jstoner @ 9:21 am

Went well. I’m at the hospital. Just took a vicodin. More later.

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Posted on 11.03.07 by lstoner @ 12:52 pm

John’s visit is always a happy occasion, now more than ever. This trip home even more so because the DBS operation signals a first step on the return to walking without a reeling gait and speaking clearly. I don’t expect the surgeon’s handiwork to restore the abilities of that young “pre-dystonia” lad. Now we know that the realization of hope is something we can enjoy with a greater amount of expectation. Something is going to happen—Something good.

When John was graduating from high school, the affects of his dystonia were apparent. This did not deter the US Marine Corp. recruiting sargeant from dogging his steps, or John from listening to him on the phone. I caught the phone call one time and asked if John had explained his health problems. With an explanation of dystonia, the Marine lost interest. John was put out though because he felt he could make a significant contribution to “The Corp.” He was only satisfied with my actions when I explained that he could not hold a rifle in the regulation way and that all Marines need to shoot. We will never return to those days.

Betty and I have known about John’s bravery since he was a ten-year-old and endured brutal practices called “air studies” and cerebral angiograms and countless needles. We followed his judgment when he let us know he no longer wanted the drugs that interfered with his life or the strange “operations” that had such little promise of success. Judging from the response to the news of the operation on the internet, everyone now agrees with his mother and I. I must admit these are characteristics necessary to make a good Marine.

We are off on a new track now. This involves new trials, new expectations and new hopes. We are thankful for the prayers that brought John safely this far and count on them to bring him through the rest of the way.

Lloyd Stoner (John’s dad)

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Connor

Posted on 10.19.07 by jstoner @ 4:00 pm

Connor Anderson, 11 years old, gets his first DBS procedure today in New York. That’s brave. I chickened out on brain surgery when I was about his age. Not a bad idea at the time. Still, way to step up. Go get ‘em Connor.

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My new palm

Posted on 08.10.06 by jstoner @ 10:19 pm

Posting from my new palm device! How cool!

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talking to Iran

Posted on 05.27.06 by jstoner @ 12:00 pm

News piece in NYT today about the debate within the administration over direct talks with Iran.

I’d love to see them try to justify military action without trying direct talks. That would be funny:

“We’ve tried everything possible before taking this action…”

“Did you talk to them?”

“Well… our friends did.”

“But did you?”

“Um, no…”

The scary thought is that they might do it as a formality, just so they can avoid this conversation.

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a couple links

Posted on 03.27.03 by jstoner @ 2:37 pm

The Ethical Traveler–I’ve been having thoughts on this exact subject for a while. Travel as international relations, presenting your own unique American face, unmediated. If I had a job or some money, I’d probably start planning a trip.

U.S. House Resolution 153–calling for a national day of prayer and fasting in this time of conflict. Warning: lots of strong Christian language, for those of you with issues about Christianity.

I like the spirit of the idea. This is the paragraph that got me:

Whereas, on March 30, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, at the bequest of the Senate, and himself recognizing the need of the Nation to humble itself before God in repentance for its national sins, proclaimed a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation;

This is an unusual use of the word “humiliation.” From Webster’s (via dictionary.com):

humiliation

\Hu*mil`i*a”tion\, n. [L. humiliatio: cf. F. humiliation.] 1. The act of humiliating or humbling; abasement of pride; mortification. –Bp. Hopkins.

…

Source: Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

So, humiliation as instilling humility. Sounds like something we could use around here. Seems to me like a proper attitude for a nation at war, whatever your religion. Or your opinion about the war, for that matter.

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