Death - Resurrection - Quest

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

DEATH - "The act or fact of dying; the ending of any form of life in people, animals, or plants."

RESURRECTION - "The act or fact of coming to life again; rising from the dead."

QUEST - "To go about in search of something; search or seek."

Para. 1> DEATH #1 -- Last fall, 2002, I had my second major heart attack. It was massive, painless and would prove fatal. I was air evacuated to Lubbock, Texas - Texas Tech University Medical Center and immediately operated upon. I died. I was dead 17 minutes. I turned blue in color. Life in any form did not exist. I was pronounced dead. On the operating table my body suddenly jerked, my eyes opened and a muffled scream came through the ventilator apparatus stuffed down my throat. The surgical team immediately opened up my chest and having removed veins from my legs, replaced 5 veins/arteries in my heart. The 5 arteries were blocked from 79% to 97%. I was moved to post op/intensive care.

Para. 2> DEATH #2 -- Two days later. Post Op/Intensive Care. A large growth the size of a grapefruit began to appear under the skin just below my heart and just above my stomach. I died, again - in the intensive care unit - the defibulator was used and an immediate second incision was made into my chest cavity. The surgical team removed 3 feet of my upper intestine, including the swelling blockage that stopped my heart.

Para. 3> DEATH #3 -- 36 hours later. Post Op/Intensive Care. I died, again - in the intensive care unit - the defibulator was used again and I was rushed to an available operating room. My chest cavity was re-opened for the 3rd time. There was a hole in my heart and I had bled to death. The hole was repaired and in the process my rib cage bones were sawed off at the ends and my sternum bone was cut out and removed because all of the bones had become infected. My chest cavity was closed again and I was returned to post op/intensive care.

Para. 4> COMA. I remained in a coma for 59 days, unconscious and unknowing. During the period of two months my family visited me from Canada, friends from New Mexico and all were advised that there was no chance what-so-ever that I would leave the hospital alive. My family and friends made funeral arrangements and waited for that final moment of irreversible death.

Para. 5> RESURRECTION. On the 59th day, my eyes opened and life began again. The long, long road of recovery-rehabilitation-pain-confusion-fear-and ultimately the acceptance that in spite of it all, my condition was still considered terminal - Death Will Occur Again - for me.... "There is no way out."

Para. 6> THE QUEST. I live now in a hospital bed and wheelchair here at my home in New Mexico. I have daily nurses care, I have a New Mexico Hospice that has aided me, and continues to do so in the process of accepting the death that is rapidly approaching to take me again. I have been ordained by the Roman Catholic Church as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, Order-St. Margaret of Cortona. I am an uncloistered Monk. I have taken the same vows as a priest, celibacy, poverty and obedience to my church and my Lord. My diocese assignment from the church? Do that which you are best able to do in order to serve the Lord... continue with my work with Vets, while carrying out the duties of an Archivist for the Church. I accept all of the above, with honor and pride and vow to remain "always faithful" - "Semper Fidelis" to these goals and this "Quest".

Para. 7> CLOSING. I have been in contact with Dana and Ben Webster for many months now trying to find a way to help. Pointman has provided this Chapel, the church has provided the computer and equipment and along with my nurse I spend the summer in short trips throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona meeting with vets in person via the Moving Wall and some of the various Vet Groups. It's winter, my health continues to fail and my limitations continue to increase. But the clock continues to tick down....

Para. 8> ASSISTANCE REQUEST. Today I sent out a request for assistance (e-mail) to every member listed on our membership file. That request was not for me. That request for assistance is for the vets, families and those touched by them; those of us listed in this membership have the ability and means to reach out and make ourselves available either individually or as a team -group effort. We, you and I, survived - we did so for a reason. I think we all know what that reason might be - May the Lord be With Us.... IN OUR QUEST. AMEN.

SEMPER FIDELIS

[ajusmc]

While this site was being put together 3 Marines were on my mind. Some of the goals have already been reached, just by reading what has already been posted, bringing the Organization of Pointman closer together. The long range goal of this site is to bring the internet generation a place to find themselves with God. My personnel feeling is that if I can reach out and help just one vet or a family member, than I have accomplished something (but I won't quit thier).

If you want to know the 3 Marines:
(late) Br. Gene O.S.B., Father In Law
Dana, brother
(late) Travis, son

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

I heard a speech given at the Moving Wall this summer in Cimarron, New Mexico, one line stood out then and rings in my ears now.

"Only the combat veteran knows the exact price he, or she, had to pay for your freedom."

You have put together a program here that has the potential to help and serve others, as well as ourselves. The number of e-mails I have already received today has had a dramatic effect on my general well being already.

It would be difficult to put into words the extent of my relief and gratitude for your accomplishments thus far. I say, thus far, because I don't believe for a moment that you will...."quit there either."

Congratulations, A.J., you are doing it, my friend.... you are really doing it.

Semper Fi

[Pieksma]

Sgt Duffy.
Thank you very muich for your testimony.

You have a brother in christ in Sweden.

[TXMarine]

Growing closer and having Bros (there is strength in numbers) is something I have longed for. Thanks to all!

Once a Marine, always a Marine... but in His service now,

Tom (TXMarine)

[Dean Black]

Sgt Duffy, Brother I am proud to call you Brother, I am not a Marine, but we are a Band Of Brothers called to lead our unsaved Vet Brothers out of darkness, into Gods Light. Where they too can make peace with the Almigty and secure their place in His Holy Assembly Area. I served with the 173d and 5th SFG (SOG) and the 82nd ABN Div, in Combat. I too have been to the Point of Death on three occassions, and classified Terminal. I suffer from COPD. I have 80% or more permanent lung damage. But as long as God has a need for me I know that I will be on Point.
Besides, Terminal is a building at the airport. "Airborne All The Way." Dean:angel_fly

[Chuck]

Sgt Duffy,

I think that we all in our own way have been picked to help in our own ways.

Like you .. I had a near death experience. In September 1991. I was a passenger in a vehicle that rolled over several times and hit a wind warning sign where I was setting. The impact crushed the roof down on my head and neck, breaking my neck in two places C4-C5.

I was lucky in the fact that we were traveling out of state (Nebraska) and we were being followed by a motor home that contained a group of nurses returning from a convention in Chicago. They stopped to render aid before the dust settled.

Going in the other direction on the interstate and witnessing the accident was a Nebraska Highway Patrolman. He made a U-turn and came back to give life giving assistance. He was able to take his car jack and jack the roof up enough so that I could breath (at the time I was not breathing and had turned blue).

As it turned out the biggest Trauma Hospital in Nebraska was only 4 miles away and they had a helicopter rescue team with equipment such as the jaws of life. It only took them minutes to cut me out and get me to the hospital.

My wife at the time was at home in California. She was called from information found in my wallet, with my ID. ( You should always carry emergency contacts with you). She was told to fly there as soon as possible, I was not expected to live more then 24 hours. She arrived early the next morning after flying all night. When she arrived she was told that I may live but that if I did live I would never walk again.

For the next 2 years I was in and out of hospitals (in bed). Then after a lot of treatment I was able to get into a wheel chair. I spent another 4 years in a wheel chair. I told myself that this was not for a Marine. And on my own, in the privacy of my bed room, after my wife had gone to bed in another bedroom, I started teaching myself how to stand. It was a lot of pain. I felt that the pain was good because it meant I had feeling.

After some time I started taking my first steps. More like falling.. but still moving my legs (I have little to no feeling from the waist down). My first month was taking a total of 3 steps from my bed to my bath room. Then each night I would force myself to go a little further. Unit I could walk to the bedroom door. a distance of exactly 8 steps. My wife opened the door one morning, unexpectedly, and saw me taking my steps. after that she was there to help.

Between the two of us I started walking from my bed to the living room, then the kitchen. After seven months, I went outside on my own and started walking to our mail box.

Over the next year, I walked further and further. Today I walk 5 miles every day. The doctors still can not believe it. I meet people all the time that tell me of their minor pains and how they can not do things because of them. I do not tell them of the problems I had and they can not tell by looking at me. We each have to overcome in our own way.

I think God for my Marine Corps training. For without it, I would have never survived. God put each and everyone of us here for a reason. I still do not know if I have a calling.

Someday I will know.

[Freddo]

Reporting in as requested.
Freddo
From the Land Down-Under

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Thank you, Freddo.

......for "reporting in as requested". I want you to know how much that means to me.... and how much it is appreciated. I ask for assistance and you responded immediately. Your quick response was the assistance that I needed. And you did it without question and without reservation. It's a good feeling to know that I have a Brother in "Down Under" Australia.

I am still trying to figure this Chapel system out, I've only been on about 30 hours and am still fumbling around. For instance, does anyone know how to reply to individual messages that are above in the thread link...Death - Resurrection - Quest for instance. The last post to the tread allows you to respond to the person making the last post, in this case, you Freddo. But I can find no buttons to respond to the individual posts above your last one. HMMMM....typical Marine....30 hours self training and I already want to be transferred to the Pentagon.

Since I don't know how to do it, and if you won't be offended I will take this opportunity in responding to your post to try and reply briefly to the other post listed above.

STEFAN PIEKSMA - Thanks for taking the time to read my post and like having a brother in Australia -Freddo - it's a nice feeling to have one in Sweden as well. Thank you.

TXMarine - You spoke the words that I had not been able to come up with.... that feeling of growing closer and having brothers....a feeling that you have longed for....Well TX I'm axactly the same. I have longed for it too. No woe is me stuff - but I've done little more than sit in this wheel chair and wait... and this Forum and the response of so many people so quickly nearly blew me out of the wheelchair. I had a tough time stopping the tears today when I logged on an found the amazing response. You and I have a common bond in this "longing" thing TX. Perhaps, we have found a way via Point Man to escape that lonely feeling and at the same time, like you have done with me, maybe, just maybe, help one of our own brothers or sisters through the media that Point Man is and will, become. Your words...once a Marine, always a Marine. That is brotherhood, this chapel is a symbol of that and a place for people like you and me to come to share it. Semper Fi

Dean Black - There are many things I would like to say. Thanks, is the first... for reading my post and responding to me call for assistance. But the one I want to say that will stick in my mind everytime I get that crying in my beer, woe is me, feeling is the statement you made that I have now adopted as my go to bed prayer and my morning coffee wake up prayer: "Terminal? Hell, that's a building at the airport!". Semper Fi

Chuck - Your horrible auto accident, death-turning blue- your painful and very lengthy rehab and recovery is beyond my comprehension. Your endurance and determination - your pain and suffering - were so far more extreme than mine that I feel almost embarrased about sitting here feeling sorry for myself. You are an inspiration to me. My doctor asked me a few weeks ago if I was suicidal. I said no, doc, I'm to full of despair to waste the energy to attempt suicide. I don't know what to say to you, Chuck.... your story has so changed my thinking... You said, "I still don't know if I have a calling." and you closed with, "Someday I will know." You are wrong. You do know you have a calling. Don't you? And you know what it is, don't you? I think you do know....I'm real sure of it as a matter of fact. Semper Fi

Summary- I want to thank the dozens of people who responded so rapidly and willingly to my call for assistance in the last 24 hours. I'm overwhelmed. Individually, each of you in your own way touched my heart and gave me strength. Collectively your all have given me a new direction in life. That is a gift that carries no price tag. I look forward to speaking with you all again here at Point Man - or my E-Mail address - and if I can't be reached at either of those you can reach me at the Terminal - that's a building at the airport.

Have a safe a joyous Holiday Season
Semper Fi

[Chuck]

Sgt. Duffy-USMC....

I think that our stories.. are one and the same.. In this world of choice.. we have no choice. Our choice will be made for us without the benefit of any input from us.

In your case it was the sudden heart attack.. in my case it was the sudden automotive accident. I should add that at the time of my accident I was a sleeping passenger. I went to sleep and awoke 3 days later in a hospital room with my wife standing over me. I had my seat belt attached as it should be. The driver of the car did not have his seat belt fastened. At the time of the accident when the vehicle started to roll.. he was lifter out of the seat. This saved his life because the entire left side of the vehile was ripped away. Had he had his seat belt attached he would have been held in place and would have been cut in two. As it was almost every bone on his left side was broken.. Left arm, ribs, pelvis, left leg and foot. He was in his 70's then.. he made a full recovery and lived on, dying at the age of 82 of a heart attack.

What I am trying to say is that no matter how you try to plan or what you may have arranged for yourself as to your future.. you really have no say in the outcome. Only God has that say.

As military.. in our cases ... Marines.. we joined ... we served.. and we agreed to die.. yet it was not our time.

Keep on doing your writing as long as you can. Your fingers may not be on the keyboard.. but your thoughts are in the message.. That is what God is telling you to do. So, keep doing it.

I have viewed the moving wall serveal times.. each time is like seeing it for the first time. I will always honor those that did not return because I am a Marine......

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Chuck,

I agree with you that our stories seem to be one and the same. The circumstances were different, but the outcome has been the same in at least a couple of ways. Important ways.

We survived death. We did the rehab. We recovered, or are still doing so and we have met here in this chapel with almost identical beliefs attempting to do the same thing. Devote our lives to a cause controlled only by the Lord.

When I opened my eyes in the hospital after being unconscious for 59 days a member of the surgical team was standing beside my hospital bed. He told me, briefly of the trauma involved with the surgery, the fact that I had died three times, and used the word "miracle" to describe the fact that I was alive. I brushed it off as good Okie Doke hospital bedside manners. It wasn't until a few minutes more that he told me that he had considered leaving the medical field because of his discouragement. He said that he worked so many times in surgery, so hard, and so often thought his patient would make it only to see them die that he had lost faith in himself and the medical field. And then he said, with tears forming in his eyes..." and then you came along and managed to make it when no man should have...when the entire team had given up...you made it in spite of it all." He went on to say, visibly shaken, " You are the reason I became a Doctor." There was a long silence as he fought back his tears...."You are a true miracle, this entire hospital watched it happen, something very very powerful wanted to keep you alive".

I asked him to give me his hands. He held them out and I reached up with a great deal of effort and held both of his hands in mine. I said, Doctor if you and your staff believe that this was truly a miracle, then that miracle was performed through these two hands of yours....we cried together.

Chuck, I am sorry for you, and I am sorry for me. For what we had to experience. I would not want to do it again, I would not wish it on anyone, and I regret the daily present price I have to pay to struggle with what life is left for me. But there is another way to look at it.

I was there, Chuck. So were you. On the other side. I saw what was there.... and my friend...there really is something there. I am greatful for this....I do not have to wonder or ponder, or speculize on the existance of the Lord.... not anymore... I know.... I was there. And He is too. Waiting.

I do not fear my upcoming death, really I don't. What do I fear? That I won't have time to do what it is he sent me back here to do or that I might somehow screw up and do it wrong!

In less than 48 hours you and I have zoomed through cyberspace and met in this chapel and as for me crossed a barrier of life.... and death... both searching for .... for... what? The Honor, the Dignity, the Power, the Knowledge, the Faith, the Strength and the Devotion to serve our Lord. Isn't that pretty close, Marine?

And isn't that exactly what we are doing in this chapel this very moment?

Goodnight, my friend.

Semper Fi

[mike schuller]

:skismile:
SNOW_SNOW_SNOW

From North Eastern Washington.

Greetings Christopher,

"Devoting our lives to a cause controlled only by the lord"
Our greastest battle is yet to come, but coming soon. We are going to see a revival in this land that will sweep through our Towns, Cities and Nations. A battle that will be fought from Heaven by the Saints." I'll stand beside you."
My desire when I stand in front of my father is to hear "Well Done Soldier"
Its time for all us old soldiers to raise up in prayer and be heard from.

God Bless You
Mike---PMIM Out Post, Chewelah Wa.

[Freddo]

G'day to all my Brothers in Christ!
I appreciate and am encouraged by the openness and honesty in the sharing of your testimonies. They minister to each of us in some way and enable an afinity for each other. However, during reading your posts, I found myself asking the above question, "Why are we all here?" One could simply say, "It's God's will" and I would agree with that. In the economy of God nothing happens by chance! So, why are we here? I really believe it is because all of us have a Christian legacy left to us by some loving and obedient member of the Body of Christ - whether in our family lines, or friend of our family, or someone who took time to intercede somewhere in the past - and along the way we have walked we simply got in the way of that prayer!
For those who don't know my involvement in Vietnam began when I served with the RAAF at Ubon, Thailand in 63 and then after I became aircrew on the C130A's of 36 Squadron, from 66-68 I made numerous trips to SVN and Medivac'd home our dead and wounded (always landing in OZ in the late night or early morning to avoid the press!) I came unstuck by landing in the early days of what became the TET Offensive at Phan-Rhang on 3 Feb 68. I was immediately seconded to the 5th AF flying village evacuations into Cam-Ranh Bay. My log book tells me that when I arrived back but I still don't remember anything that I did until they grounded me in June 68! It's all in my log book but I remember nothing of it. I lost faith in God; faith in my country; faith in my service; and hope in life! It wasn't until Easter 1978 on the Sunday morning that I found (even though he wasn't lost!) the real Lord Jesus Christ. So, why am I here? Because in the family history, back in 1911, one of my ancestors prayed that, "May my children's, children's, children know the Lord"! Yes, I'm here because in my family ancestory they have left a legacy of the Christian faith to their descendents! Yes, they belong to the Saints of Hebrews 12:1! So too, in your family lines; your neighbours; the church in your town who prayed for their sons at war; the prayer of a righteous man availeth much!!!
Freddo
Col 3:1-4

[scrap]

Hey all. Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I think there is a good thing going on here, and glad that it is. With the way is world is these days I'm glad to see some good on the inter net. For what its worth, I thank A vet every day. I'm glad you were there, here and yet to be there. If it were not for you we would be hurting. No freedom to make our live a mess. No freedom to send our kids to the best school, work and anything we want, or nothing for that fact. You made the U.S. A. what it is today and what it will be tomarrow.



Good bless you all, and thanks again

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by mike schuller
:skismile:
SNOW_SNOW_SNOW

From North Eastern Washington.

Greetings Christopher,

"Devoting our lives to a cause controlled only by the lord"
Our greastest battle is yet to come, but coming soon. We are going to see a revival in this land that will sweep through our Towns, Cities and Nations. A battle that will be fought from Heaven by the Saints." I'll stand beside you."
My desire when I stand in front of my father is to hear "Well Done Soldier"
Its time for all us old soldiers to raise up in prayer and be heard from.

God Bless You
Mike---PMIM Out Post, Chewelah Wa.

Mike,

Thanks for that post. If I read it real fast, three times, and put on some John Phillip Souza marching music in the background, I do believe a crowd would form to raise a cheer. God Bless You, too, Mike. Have a great Turkey Day.

Sgt. Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by Freddo
G'day to all my Brothers in Christ!
I appreciate and am encouraged by the openness and honesty in the sharing of your testimonies. They minister to each of us in some way and enable an afinity for each other. However, during reading your posts, I found myself asking the above question, "Why are we all here?" One could simply say, "It's God's will" and I would agree with that. In the economy of God nothing happens by chance! So, why are we here? I really believe it is because all of us have a Christian legacy left to us by some loving and obedient member of the Body of Christ - whether in our family lines, or friend of our family, or someone who took time to intercede somewhere in the past - and along the way we have walked we simply got in the way of that prayer!
For those who don't know my involvement in Vietnam began when I served with the RAAF at Ubon, Thailand in 63 and then after I became aircrew on the C130A's of 36 Squadron, from 66-68 I made numerous trips to SVN and Medivac'd home our dead and wounded (always landing in OZ in the late night or early morning to avoid the press!) I came unstuck by landing in the early days of what became the TET Offensive at Phan-Rhang on 3 Feb 68. I was immediately seconded to the 5th AF flying village evacuations into Cam-Ranh Bay. My log book tells me that when I arrived back but I still don't remember anything that I did until they grounded me in June 68! It's all in my log book but I remember nothing of it. I lost faith in God; faith in my country; faith in my service; and hope in life! It wasn't until Easter 1978 on the Sunday morning that I found (even though he wasn't lost!) the real Lord Jesus Christ. So, why am I here? Because in the family history, back in 1911, one of my ancestors prayed that, "May my children's, children's, children know the Lord"! Yes, I'm here because in my family ancestory they have left a legacy of the Christian faith to their descendents! Yes, they belong to the Saints of Hebrews 12:1! So too, in your family lines; your neighbours; the church in your town who prayed for their sons at war; the prayer of a righteous man availeth much!!!
Freddo
Col 3:1-4

Dear Freddo,

"Why are we all here?" That really is... a rather... haunting questions, isn't it. Actually is almost makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

You spoke of the honesty and openess of the posts entered here in Pointman Chapel....everyone seems to have been able to just cut through all the foo foo rah, and get right to the point. For me this chapel feels like a haven... a safe place to be... one of those places where you feel immediately home and can't quite understand why you do. Does it remind you of anything? Like, for instance the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Bonding of that has occured in the wars of the past... and is now occuring in the war of today? The people of Pointman Chapel are coming together very rapidly, Freddo. It leaves me a little awed by it all.

I detected your sadness when you desribed landing after dark to avoid the press. When you read the many posts here at the Chapel, you can see others , myself included, that share that same quiet sadness.

You said, "It is God's will that we are here?". I think so my friend. I really think so. And you know what, Freddo? I'm really glad that your here.

Sgt. Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by scrap
Hey all. Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I think there is a good thing going on here, and glad that it is. With the way is world is these days I'm glad to see some good on the inter net. For what its worth, I thank A vet every day. I'm glad you were there, here and yet to be there. If it were not for you we would be hurting. No freedom to make our live a mess. No freedom to send our kids to the best school, work and anything we want, or nothing for that fact. You made the U.S. A. what it is today and what it will be tomarrow.



Good bless you all, and thanks again

Hey there, Scrap,

Hi, to you too. I most assuredly agree with your statement about, "...glad to see some good on the internet." The internet is today, what TV was to be years and years and years, ago. A learning teaching device. Well, I don't have to tell you what TV is today. Hard to find a channel that you can learn anything on, but PBS, DISCOVERY, and a couple of others. The rest is....oh well, entertainment, I think it's called. The internet....still has a chance... search it carefully, and presto! I'm talking to Scrap who is out there somewhere in cyberspace looking for something a little bit more important in his life than something halfway between here, and nearly there. Thanks, Scrap. Thank you, very much.

Sgt. Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by Pieksma
Sgt Duffy.
Thank you very muich for your testimony.

You have a brother in christ in Sweden.

Thank you very much, Pieksma.

I consider your statement saying I have a brother in Christ in Sweden as an Honor. I accept it with the Honor and Dignity that such a statement deserves.

When you get a free moment to jump back into the Chapel, I would certainly enjoy hearing about your life in Sweden. Would I be intruding on your privacy if I were to ask you to share some of that with us? I hope not, if so, please forgive me.

Have a great day, my friend, and thank you for your e-mail.

Sgt. Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by TXMarine
Growing closer and having Bros (there is strength in numbers) is something I have longed for. Thanks to all!

Once a Marine, always a Marine... but in His service now,

Tom (TXMarine)

Dear Tom,

We have already shared a couple of e-mails and a message or two in the Chapel, but I want to take a moment to reiterate on your statement, the part, "something I have longed for." Tom, you don't know how closely I can relate to that feeling. I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since I read it.

I feel so very much the same way. I've just got to tell you... I really respect your strength in making the open statement... that really took guts to open yourself up so sincerily and honestly.

Sometimes, no, most of the time, I hold my feelings so deeply within myself that they are untouchable by anything human. Not even I can reach deep enough inside to express or deal with some of these feelings that I harbor, bury and keep so well hidden. And then you just enter a couple of sentences in your post and all of my feelings start rumbling around and looking for a way out of the prison I've kept them in.

I long for it too, Tom.

Sgt. Duffy

[Freddo]

He brought my soul out or prison
That I might praise His Name
The righteous shall encompass me
About, for He hath dealt bountifully
With me, with me, with me.
For He hath dealt bountifully
With me, with me, with me.

The words of a chorus that I first learned in 1978 when I met the real Lord Jesus Christ. It didn't mean all that much to me at first but, like an ad jingle I couldn't get it out of my mind. After some weeks being a dummy as to what was happening I began to think about the words - initially they didn't mean much to me as I then thought that I hadn't spent time in prison! - it wasn't until I plucked up the courage to ask the Lord what the words were all about, that I soon realised that for many years I had been locked in a prison without bars! I was a prisoner to my own thoughts of my sins, guilt, failure, even of cowardice - after a cumulative five years involvement with Vietnam - by applying for discharge from the Air Force because I had had enough and could not go back to it for the umpteenth time! The Holy Spirit led me to two Scriptures: Romans 12:2 made me realise that I needed to "renew my mind" and 2 Cor 10:5 told me clearly that I had to "take every thought captive to Christ" Wow!!! I knew that my mind was located in my "soul" and that is also where the "seat of my emotions" are located. I remembered that I had been taught that if I have been Born Again, that I am a new creation and that old things had passed away and for the first time I realised that I was not being obedient to the Word by allowing (or was that "wallowing"?) my thoughts from the past to control me!
So began an exercise that I do frquently to this day - except when I am so thick that I forget to do it - I knew that my mind was not like a tape recorder and could not be erased. So, I began literally bringing every wrong thought and every feeling that was negative to the Lord - sometimes quietly, sometimes out loud between the Lord and myself. however, I got the real victory when I realised that it wasn't the thoughts that were the problem, but it was the "power" that those thoughts had! Simple answer, I had my brother pray with me that, "the power of the thoughts from the past in Fred's mind be broken in Jesus' Name"! So I now know that there is one understanding and there are two battles to be won that makes life easier for guys like us (and others too!) No 1 - we must understand who we are in Christ. No 2 - know that the major battle is in the Mind and No 3 - make sure we win the Battle to Pray!
Yours and His,
Freddo
--
Col 3:1-4

[dcdamewood]

what next bro????

[ajusmc]

Originally posted by dcdamewood
what next bro???? What you want to know?

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by dcdamewood
what next bro????

DC,

Looks to me like you're doing a lot better than you said in your e-mails. Your in - you've found things - you've already made two posts - take your time, relax, have fun, and push some buttons. Love ya, little brother, see you next week here in sunny New Mexico.

Duffy

[Chuck]

Originally posted by dcdamewood
what next bro????

dcdamewood....

As they say.. just do what your mind and heart tell you to do... you are you.. and no one else can be in your stead....

You will find a great bunch of guys here at pointman... just say what you want to say.. and someone will answer you...

[Doc_Morry]

My Friend you speak of dying and hoping you will have time to finish the work he has laid upon your heart. Let me assure you that He didnt save you so you could lead a non useful life

brother he has a job for you and for each one of us on earth that is to spread His word to those who havent heard . Then and only then will you truly die but that is not a bad thing as it is just a portal to a better life one where you will see your Father face to face.

God Bless you for what your doing here.

Doc Morry

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Thank you, Doc,

After I regained consciousness, I heard many stories from Docs and staff and even the room cleanup lady about the past two months. I heard the word miracle used often. Like I said before somewhere else here in the Chapel, I brushed it off as good bedside manners.

It wasn't until I was transfered from Texas back to New Mexico for rehab, that my own personal Doc became involved again. She and the other Dr's and staff that I was personally familiar with shared some of the info in their medical reports with me. These people I knew and trusted. They live here. They are personal friends. It wasn't until then that I lay in that hospital bed connected to a multitude of wires and trying to learn again how to get a spoon full of mashed pototoes to my mouth without dropping it on my chest, did I start actually considering the seriousness of what had just taken place in the last two months that I was unconscious.

The word miracle took on a new meaning. As the months past in rehab and finally getting home to my place with daily in care from the nursing staff did things start to really...sink in.

I'm a skeptic, a pessimist. There must be another choice, another option...miracles are not real. If miracles were real, and of any importance they would not name a salad dressing after it, (Miracle Whip). It's just a word. Nothing more.

Then I did a scientific/skeptical/non-believer, evaluation of the over-all picture. The Texas Dr.s gave up.... there was nothing left to do... consequently... they did nothing more. Ok, fine. Then who did? Who did something more? Who did what the best professionals in Texas could not do?

Some people said I had a strong will to live. Wrong! The heartattack had already been predicted through diagnosis 5 months before it occurred. I have the letter, terminal, short time to live, heart and respitory failure, etc. I knew it was coming and that nothing could stop it. I prepared my family and got my "papers in order" as advised. I verbally gave Do Not Resescitate instructions to all concerned. Verbal is not good enough and besides Texas was never advised of my DNR, so the proceeded to attempt to save my life.

A strong will to live? Rule that out. I was prepared for death. A strong will to live? Poppycock....I was unconscious... I had no will at all, period.

If it wasn't the Medical staff that saved my life, and it wasn't my "will to Live", then that leaves only one other possibility. When I had eliminated all possibilities, during the months of rehab and recovery, I was left with just one possibility.

The Lord.

I'm a Marine, Sir. I would not argue or contest or even question the orders of my CO if they were given today. And I am most assuredly not going to argue with the Lord!

Whatever His mission, whatever the cost, whatever the time frame, I will carry it out to the best of my ability until the Honor Guard lays that flag upon my casket, and my soul hears the bulgler playing,.... Taps.

Thank you for your most touching response.

Duffy - Semper Fi

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

SORRY FOLKS,

The Thanksgiving Holiday here in Carlsbad, New Mexico has still not ended. Unfortunately, though for all of the wrong reasons. Carlsbad, near the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a small, quiet town of low population. Normally the big event is the Sunday gathering at Wal-mart after church.

Not so for the past 8 days. Two police officer's shot in the line of duty - perpetrator was killed. Both officers in critical condition still. Lady officer shot five times in the legs.

One poor innocent lady shot to death on her front porch by a drive by shooter. Suspect not apprehended.

One well known local youngster died in car accident, alcohol related.

Five other well known, founding Fathers, died over the course of the weekend from natural causes.

The flu epidemic has filled the hospital and waiting rooms of all our doctors.

Two armed robberies where store clerks have been injured.

All of this, plus more smaller incidents have taken place over this Holiday weekend. You can feel the presence of sadness and despair amongst the people you see daily in your activities. Our little town is in mourning.

Perhaps, the word SHOCK, would be just as fitting.

As some of you know I am involved with the clergy here myself and also volunteer for assistance with other churches and their congregations. In the past, like most other towns, the seperate churches usually stick pretty much to themselves and carry on their business and spiritual affairs on their own.

This last week, however, church's all over town have come together as one unit to assist the many grieving families and friends directly or indirectly involved with the loss of so many loved ones in such a short period of time.

I am a little awed by the joint effort of so many in these days of death and horror. It's doesn't matter what church you belong to, it matters how willing you are to reach out your hand in a time of need.

That's what the Pointman Chapel is about....isn't it. Reaching out to help one another. I'm proud to be a part of this.

Peace be with you,

Christopher, SFO, patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, order - St. Margaret of Cortona

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

It has been one week today since my last post, the one above. Phones have quieted down, funeral processions have ended and flowers placed on newly dug graves of only days ago have shriveled and bent in the desert wind and freezing temperatures.

Church attendance in most of our small town churches has increased as a result of the recent tragic losses and the efforts of many family's and friends attempting to do closure on their lost loved ones.

Never before in Carlsbad, New Mexico, have I seen the loss of so many in such a short period of time. It has been a trajedy. And sometimes, trajedy itself is the catalisyt the will most rapidly bring people together to unite in their efforts to assistance and comfort.

Prayers have been many... questions have been more... why? Why now? Why would the Lord let this happen? Why my mother? Why my little brother? Why... why...why?

Their are versus in the Bible that could offer some help to answer those question. Their are friends and loved one's that could attempt to assist in answering those questions. And then, there are prayers... which most of us would prefer to believe will surely give the answer... sometimes, but not always, answers can be found in prayer.

Strength is needed. Faith is needed. Courage is needed. And time is needed... to find any semblance of closure in the loss of a loved one. Time... time... time.

Short of suicide, the Lord decides when it's time for us to leave this life.... and for all of us... he did not mark that date of our calenders of life. We just wait.

In my case, as some of you already know - and those of you who do not know can find the story at the first entry on this thread - Death-Resurrection-Quest... I died three times last fall - and was sent back... to fulfill a "Quest"? Maybe.

Many here in our little town wonder why they lost their loved ones, I wonder why I was spared 3 times. The criteria for the answers to their questions are the same as the criteria for the answer to my question. Strength-faith-courage-time and prayer.

I pray now for those who suffered their losses - and I pray for myself that I can continue to devote what is left of my life in that pursuit. I pray for the strength to compensate for the confusion - I pray for the understanding of questions that I am not able to answer - and I pray to our Lord for a little more time.... time... just a little more time to gain the courage necessary to face the inevitability of the unknown.

Fr. Duffy, SFO "Peace be with you."

[ajusmc]

Over the years many of us have seen death in many forms. We offer our prayers to God for the resurrection of thier soul. Then we offer our prayers to the families who are asking the questions of why this person left this earth in a attempt to ease thier grief. Alot of these folks blame God if thier loved one was taken from them at a time before we felt that they should or made our loved ones suffer some of the pain that was felt in a lossing battle with an illness. These questions of why will only be answered when we report to our final command.

Duffy, you had asked me to post about my late father-in-law, and in some respects it fits your quest here, or may at least offer some guidance to you and others here ....

Gene served in the Marines in Guam during WWII, he returned to the states after the war and got married. He and his wife had 4 children. His wife was killed in 1964, so Gene rasied the kids on his own. I'm quite sure he questioned on why his wife was taken from him, the youngest was 6 at the time. Now instead of staying in IN were thier was family that could help him, he moved to SD, to raise his kids. He raised the kids within the church, never losing site of his beliefs. As each of the kids left "the nest" he became closer to God. When his youngest daughter moved to Ca., Gene joined the brotherhood at Blue Cloud Abby. I know that thier was conterversy with him becoming one of the brothers because of the fact that he had been married at one point. What allowed him to be accepted was they parted in death.

Gene served God for 20+ years thier. Somewhere around 1990 they discovered he had bone cancer. He suffered with this for 10 years while it destoryed his body. In this man's quest to always help others, he had made arrangements for his body to go to cancer research. So even in death, he found ways to help others.

So many of us do not know what our missions are, or if we do, we do not not know how to handle the mission at hand. We walk many different types of life in the quest to find these answers of why. After my first visit with Pointman Ministries in Belmont last year, we started a Pointman Chapel at another site, while putting that one together. We were asked to start one on another Marine site, which both are running. This site here Dana and I had talked about a few times. At the end of Oct, we still hadn't made up our minds weather or not to start this idea up or not, I had already made up my mind that it would happen. Within 2 maybe 3 days I sent Dana the link here to this site, and we have started up a 3rd Pointman Chapel on another site. Do I feel like this is my mission? Not really,it's like a stepping stone. I feel like thier is something else God wants me to do, so I will keep on this this quest to find the answers. This is true of all of us. We will only know the answers of our quests in our resurrections.

God Bless

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Good evening everyone,

Saddam is captured. That's not news to anyone. Why he had 3/4 of a million dollars in his pocket, weapons and a terrorist group supposedly backing him... and let him live in a little hole in the ground is something of a mystery... to say the least. That's where the mystery deepens.

Now the war will go on... and I for one have no idea as to the ramifications involved with his capture and subsequent military and political side affects. But one thing for certain, it will keep us glued to the news channels.

I wish to thank, personally and sincerily, AJ, Dana and Chuck for the very special and heartfelt assistance they, each in their own way have given me.

Point Man and The Select Few have both had a monumental affect on my life and quite simply... my overall well being. If I were to attempt to go into anymore detail... the tears would gum up my keyboard.

Thank you, Marines
Semper Fidelis

[danausmc]

Sgt. Duffey, Why are there so many looks and posts in this particular thread? Remember when you first went to the PTSD thread and said there were few postings?
I think the title Death Quest is a misnomer...it is really a LIFEQUEST......I think we are so curious about death and all its ramifications, the mystery, the what if? How about this, we have seen all kinds of sickness and death and misery. If we dwell on it and live in it, we will forget LIFE. We need to be mindful of our life, and circumstances, but not to the point we are controlled by them.
This is kind of a disjointed thought, but what has been on my mind for a while. we have all kinds of different folks here. Different backgrounds, different beliefs. I must choose Jesus.
I guess I need to be included in the Bible thumpers list on the Few. Maybe thump ya up the side of the head was my thought for the day, when I read that one.
Anyway, glad to have ya here.
Semper Fi
Dana

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Dana,

According to our last few posts above, we had generally accepted the idea that DEATH was a subject that drew many of us for many different reasons. That will always be the case with mankind. We LIVE to the best of our indivual abilities in order to accomplish some form of goal in our lives here on earth. DEATH, on the other hand, unless we are involved with it on a personal basis in one form or other is rarely thought about.

As in the case of our youth, even as combat personnel, until we come close to Death - our youth provides us with a built in form of emotional "immortality". It may happen to others, but "never to me.".

As a reult of your last post above, we moved our conversation into the PTSD forum... did we not? In the PTSD forum we will be dealing "directly" with the very subject that we had tried to avoid here in this forum. DEATH AND ITS RAMIFICATIONS - AND NEGATIVE SIDE AFFECTS.

We live - but we also die. Can't escape that, can we? What is of major importance, is what we manage to do with our lives between that moment of BIRTH that gives us LIFE... and that moment of DEATH - which takes our LIFE.

I do not look at DEATH as a morbid subject... I look at it as a moment of truth and final action. Once we have reached that moment of death - there is no turning back the pages to erase, add or subtract information that relevant to what is to occur after DEATH.

We had no choice about birth - we have no choice about death. The choice comes in during the interum of time seperating the two. The football game begins - the football game ends. The final judgement of success or failure - is decided what happen during that period of time from one goal post to the other.

I have no fear of death - but then again - I've been there. What I fear most is that I will somehow fail to utilize the time allotted to me during the remainder of my life to accomplish the goals that may directly - or inadvertently - decide my future... AFTER DEATH.

Duffy

[cj]

Sgt. Duffy, usmc26th has posted a message for you in PTSD forum. Thought I'd let you know. I am his wife. Semper Fi!!

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

cj,

I appreciate you letting me know. I just responded to your husbands post.

Sometimes, mam, so much can be said with so few words. Your husband has that talent.

Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Dear Dana,

Several posts back in this forum, "Death-Resurrection-Quest", it was felt that moving our conversations to THE PTSD Forum might be more appropriate since the PTSD forum deals with the NOW and the improvement, hopefully, for the future lives of those of us involved with PTSD.

I am still in agreement with that.

However, do to recent negative developments in my own physical well being I am afraid that I might have a better chance at completing the subject material in this forum than I will have available time to complete the material in PTSD ISSUES. That's not so bad though... when my final entry is made in this forum, it will negate any need for further involvement in the other.

May the Lord be with you, my friend.

Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

IF PHOTO DOES NOT APPEAR - CLICK ATTACHMENT

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

SCANNER ATTEMPT FAILED. STAND BY

[ajusmc]

Duffy, post your pictures as a jpg file, it works better.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

CAN NOT ENTER THE SELECT FEW. CAN NOT ENTER PHOTO'S AS PER YOUR REQUEST WITHOUT FURTHER SOFTWARE. HAVE ACCESS TO TIFF ON SCANNER = WORKS I THINK IN SELECT FEW BUT NOT HERE/?

CANT DO ANYTHING NOW.

DUFFY

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
CAN NOT ENTER THE SELECT FEW. CAN NOT ENTER PHOTO'S AS PER YOUR REQUEST WITHOUT FURTHER SOFTWARE. HAVE ACCESS TO TIFF ON SCANNER = WORKS I THINK IN SELECT FEW BUT NOT HERE/?

CANT DO ANYTHING NOW.

DUFFY

Duffy,
I posted your picture on the Select Few, I'll check the page number, but I think it is 336.
Dana

[Chuck]

Sgt Duffy..

I think the group should see you as you really are .. and not the photo of another..

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

The Westphall family finished this shrine - The First in the United States of America - in Honor of his son David - USMC - KIA - VIETNAM. Dr. Westphall spent David's insurance money and everything else he had to begin "The Vietnam Veteran's National Memorial", (type it into your Web search - you will find it.)

Three weeks before these photos were taken Dr. Westphall and I spent the afternoon discussing the "security" of this monument. I volunteered. Three weeks later....

"The sun is my father; the earth is my mother; on her bosom I will repose."

Tucumseh
Shawnee

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

"My friends, I have been asked to show you my heart. I am glad to have a chance to do so."

Chief Joseph
Nez Perce

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night....
it is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

Crowfoot
Blackfoot - 1877

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

......."My forefathers were warriors. Their son is a warrior. From them I take my existence, from my tribe I take nothing. I am the maker of my own fortune.

TECUMSEH - Shawnee

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

DANA -

YOU HOLD THE KEY THAT WILL UNLOCK A DOOR THAT I WILL DIE TO PREVENT THE OPENINING OF. YOU KNOW THAT! SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW, PERHAPS INTERVENTION FROM.... WHO CARES? IT DOES NOT MATTER. YOU AND I KNOW... THAT IS WHY WE ALLOW NO PERSONAL E-MAILS. THAT IS WHY YOU...AND I... LIVE IN A SEPERATE - PERSONAL WORLD OF ......

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
DANA -

YOU HOLD THE KEY THAT WILL UNLOCK A DOOR THAT I WILL DIE TO PREVENT THE OPENINING OF. YOU KNOW THAT! SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW, PERHAPS INTERVENTION FROM.... WHO CARES? IT DOES NOT MATTER. YOU AND I KNOW... THAT IS WHY WE ALLOW NO PERSONAL E-MAILS. THAT IS WHY YOU...AND I... LIVE IN A SEPERATE - PERSONAL WORLD OF ......

Sgt. Duffy,
It has been my honor and privilege to share my thoughts and concerns with you in this forum.
You Sir, also have the same key and you know it. Somehow, somewhere, someday, we will be together and unlock that door together.
I will add something else in the PTSD thread,
but know this....you have had an impact on many lives here and at the FEW.
In the short time and space we have shared together, I for one will remember.
I pray for you daily.
Dana

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

fOR A MOMENT i LOST MY COMPOSITION. i THOUGHT OF YOUR P9SITIIVE THININING. gOT LOST IN IT..... AND DREEANEDD OF THOINGS TO COME... i DREAM OF PLACES WHRE NO MAN CAN ENTER....i DREAM OF A PLACE ON EATH WHERE WARRIORS CAN BE ACCEPTEDD AND SAFE FROJ THJE SCRUTINITY OF THE LES THENA IN FORMEDD PUBLIC. tHERE ae such places. I've been to them. Tjeu are lonely - I used theat term because it fits the melodrama of what is yet to come.

There is a difference between loneleness---- and aloneless ness---The former you miss those close to you - humans - dogs - birds - fishs, etc. The latter you miss nothing! accept the goal that you selfishly employ, and quietly engrose as your singular goal - what ever it might me. Here we go with the "Quest" of Death resurredtion and quest. What iws it? Oh, Dana, it is so simple. just something of a value that forgoes anything of present value in your life. Simple! I want more. Complication? have I got the guts to get it? Simple solution - one of two - yes or no - and what price are you willing to pay/ AND EACH OF YOU KNOW THAT PRICE - YOU'VE ALREADY BEEN ASKED ...... AND YOU KNOW IT.... i promise...........

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Then I wish you all farewell.

Duffy.

[Reconvic]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
Then I wish you all farewell.

Duffy.

Damn SGT.Duffy, I am nrw herebut know Dana and AJ along time.
I am also a Nam Vet, 1st Recon Battlion Company A. I go to the VA alot with many sleepless nights, but give up I will never do and thanks to Agent Orange I am terminal ill. As a Marine I will be fighting before they put me in the ground. I have no regrets
I wear the title of a Marine, so never give up, us Marines will regroup one day but let the lord say when.
Just a Marines thoughts:cross_glo
ReconVic:cart127:

[danausmc]

Vic,
Good to see you in here.

I don't think Sgt. Duffy is giving up any time soon. He was just out looking at a horse and had a little riding accident but is ok except for being very sore.

He has a lot to say, but is unable to post as much as he would like.

He has stated the obvious , but not just for himself, but for all of us.

One thing he has said in another post is we have no control over when we are born or die, but what we do in between is what counts.

So welcome to PM

[Reconvic]

You are right there it is not how long you live as much as how you are living, like just being happy. I can say if today was my last day on earth, I lived a good life.:cross_glo

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

tHANKS TO WHO EVER DID THAT FOR ME. nOW THAT i'M BACK IN i'M TOO TIRED TO WRITE ANYTHING OF VALUE. bUT i will be back later.

Duffy

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
tHANKS TO WHO EVER DID THAT FOR ME. nOW THAT i'M BACK IN i'M TOO TIRED TO WRITE ANYTHING OF VALUE. bUT i will be back later.

Duffy


Sgt. Duffy,
Glad to see you back.
Chauncey was having the same trouble logging on this morning.
There was no indication there was any problem, so I dont know what it could be. Get some rest and maybe we will see you late tonight.
Dana

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Don't even know if I can get this much on.

Duffy

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
Don't even know if I can get this much on.

Duffy

Try it again...your siggie is covered up.
How is your health?
Dana

[Freddo]

However, some years ago - when life for me wasn't seen to be worth the struggle - I came to a point where I realised that in spite of my disabilities (PTSD, GOR, HA, severe OA knees and back, skin Ca and so on...) I began to realise that I was still helping veterans, their wives and families. So, boldly I asked the Lord, just as Paul did (he wanted to be with His Lord, but he knew that if he remained he could strengthen the church and its leaders!) to make it possible for me to be left here on earth until He came for the Church or I simpy faded away! My reason was to do as much damage as possible to the kingdom of darkness by snatching people out of that kingdom, in the Kingdom of God and to also teach and strengthen the Church. God has used us (that's my wife Barbara and I) to separate the Holy from the profane. We've been used by Him to help many to leave dangerous religious groups and prevent untold numbers from getting involved. By His Grace we will continue to do so - in spite of the handicaps which in His Sovereign will either be healed or touched sufficiently to enable us to continue in the path He wants us to walk. Be encouraged and do deals with God (as long as they are based in His Word!).
Love you all heaps guys.
Hang tought in Him.
Freddo

[Freddo]

This bounced into my email box just after I made the foregoing post:

Go The Distance

I have often dreamed
Of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome
Would be waiting for me

Where the crowds will cheer
When they see my face
And a voice keeps saying
This is where I'm meant to be

I'll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong

I know every mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I'll be right where i belong

Down an unknown road
To embrace my fate
Though that road may wander
It will lead me to you

And a thousand years
Would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime
But somehow I'll see it through

And I won't look back
I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track
No I won't accept defeat

It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is
Complete

But to look beyond the glory
is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is
measured by his heart

Like a shooting star
I will go the distance
I will search the world
I will face its harms

I don't care how far
I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms

I will search the world
I will face it's harm
Till I find my hero's welcome
waiting in your arms

Author unknown

[pointmanben]

Many years ago someone said "Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live." In reading these threads I can see that Sgt. Duffy doesn't fear death, nor does any of those who have written.
I've outlived many friends and family members. I've shared the last days with many,being at peace with those who knew Jesus as their savior. and feeling the pain when others left, rejecting the invitation Christ gave them.
This pain gives me the drive to go on, doing all I can to lead all those I come into contact with to make their reservation to the eternal home with Christ.
This quote is from Norman McLeod, a Scottish clergyman (1812-1872) "We picture death as coming to destroy; let us rather picture Christ as coming to save. We think of death as ending; let us rather think of life as beginning and that more abundantly. We think of losing; leet us think of gaining. We think of parting, let us think of meeting. We think of going away; leet us think of arriving. And the voice of death whispers "You must go from earth." Let us hear the voice of Christ saying, "You are but coming to me!"
Keep On Keeping On,
Ben

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

My Swabby, friend,

Where else would we be going, but to our Father? That is without a reservation or intent on the part of someone - or something - else? You need not question that.

Duffy

[Freddo]

from Every Day With Jesus (which Barb and I do every morning) was titled, "The Shaping of Our Character". Read & Meditate on 2 COR 4:1-8 noting v8, "We are hard pressed on every sides but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair..." No matter how difficult our path in life, every one of us can make a choice that will prevent our hearts becoming as troubled as our world...(Paul) was troubled by totalitarian oppression and persecution, he chose to respond to God and His grace. The condition of our hearts is not determined by the degree of suffering or persecution we are called to undergo; it is determined by the way we respond to is. Our response to suffering shapes our character and determines our psychological and spiritual health. Victor Frankl, a Viennese psychiatrist who was sent to a concentration camp...As they took his jewellery the ring off his finger her remembers saying to himself, "You can rob me of my belongings but you cannot rob me of my choice to respond to what you are doing to me". ...he knew that to allow hatred to fill his heart would be poison to his whole personality, so he made a choice not to hate...he focused on studying the situation in which he found himself with a view to using his research professionally should he survive the horrors of the holocaust. His study of those who managed to survive in the midst of the most horrendous conditions led him to the conclusion that people who have apurpose and can wrest some meaning from even the worst situations may bend but cannot be broken. His observations support what the Christian faith has always taught - that those who have a purpose for living are those who live purposefully. Prayer: My Father and my God, I see that my character is shaped by my responses. Help me to respond to different situations in life in the same manner as Your Son. In His peerless name I pray. Amen.
Yours and His.
Freddo

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Folks, I'm having scanner problems, so if you don't mind I would like to test a photo before adding the accompanying post. If problem persists computer man will be here tomorrow to assist me.

Thank you and I appreciate your indulgence with my efforts.

Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Formatted hard drive. This is a trial to see if I am in. Thank you, folks.

[Freddo]

watcha gunna do?

[danausmc]

Good morning Duffy, Freddo, good to see you both, If you get a chance, can you reply to the announcement about the memorial Chapel?
Thanks
Dana

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
DEATH - "The act or fact of dying; the ending of any form of life in people, animals, or plants."

RESURRECTION - "The act or fact of coming to life again; rising from the dead."

QUEST - "To go about in search of something; search or seek."

Para. 1> DEATH #1 -- Last fall, 2002, I had my second major heart attack. It was massive, painless and would prove fatal. I was air evacuated to Lubbock, Texas - Texas Tech University Medical Center and immediately operated upon. I died. I was dead 17 minutes. I turned blue in color. Life in any form did not exist. I was pronounced dead. On the operating table my body suddenly jerked, my eyes opened and a muffled scream came through the ventilator apparatus stuffed down my throat. The surgical team immediately opened up my chest and having removed veins from my legs, replaced 5 veins/arteries in my heart. The 5 arteries were blocked from 79% to 97%. I was moved to post op/intensive care.

Para. 2> DEATH #2 -- Two days later. Post Op/Intensive Care. A large growth the size of a grapefruit began to appear under the skin just below my heart and just above my stomach. I died, again - in the intensive care unit - the defibulator was used and an immediate second incision was made into my chest cavity. The surgical team removed 3 feet of my upper intestine, including the swelling blockage that stopped my heart.

Para. 3> DEATH #3 -- 36 hours later. Post Op/Intensive Care. I died, again - in the intensive care unit - the defibulator was used again and I was rushed to an available operating room. My chest cavity was re-opened for the 3rd time. There was a hole in my heart and I had bled to death. The hole was repaired and in the process my rib cage bones were sawed off at the ends and my sternum bone was cut out and removed because all of the bones had become infected. My chest cavity was closed again and I was returned to post op/intensive care.

Para. 4> COMA. I remained in a coma for 59 days, unconscious and unknowing. During the period of two months my family visited me from Canada, friends from New Mexico and all were advised that there was no chance what-so-ever that I would leave the hospital alive. My family and friends made funeral arrangements and waited for that final moment of irreversible death.

Para. 5> RESURRECTION. On the 59th day, my eyes opened and life began again. The long, long road of recovery-rehabilitation-pain-confusion-fear-and ultimately the acceptance that in spite of it all, my condition was still considered terminal - Death Will Occur Again - for me.... "There is no way out."

Para. 6> THE QUEST. I live now in a hospital bed and wheelchair here at my home in New Mexico. I have daily nurses care, I have a New Mexico Hospice that has aided me, and continues to do so in the process of accepting the death that is rapidly approaching to take me again. I have been ordained by the Roman Catholic Church as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, Order-St. Margaret of Cortona. I am an uncloistered Monk. I have taken the same vows as a priest, celibacy, poverty and obedience to my church and my Lord. My diocese assignment from the church? Do that which you are best able to do in order to serve the Lord... continue with my work with Vets, while carrying out the duties of an Archivist for the Church. I accept all of the above, with honor and pride and vow to remain "always faithful" - "Semper Fidelis" to these goals and this "Quest".

Para. 7> CLOSING. I have been in contact with Dana and Ben Webster for many months now trying to find a way to help. Pointman has provided this Chapel, the church has provided the computer and equipment and along with my nurse I spend the summer in short trips throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona meeting with vets in person via the Moving Wall and some of the various Vet Groups. It's winter, my health continues to fail and my limitations continue to increase. But the clock continues to tick down....

Para. 8> ASSISTANCE REQUEST. Today I sent out a request for assistance (e-mail) to every member listed on our membership file. That request was not for me. That request for assistance is for the vets, families and those touched by them; those of us listed in this membership have the ability and means to reach out and make ourselves available either individually or as a team -group effort. We, you and I, survived - we did so for a reason. I think we all know what that reason might be - May the Lord be With Us.... IN OUR QUEST. AMEN.

Freddo - to answer your question - "What ya gunna do now? I am going to close this Forum Thread.

With Dana and AJ's permission, I would respectfully request that my forum Thread - "Death-Resurrection-Quest" be deleted on the grounds that I now consider it counter productive to the fine work and "forward" movement presently being exibited in PMIM.

Fr. Duffy, SFO
Order - St. Margaret of Cortona

SEMPER FIDELIS

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Originally posted by Danausmc
Good morning Duffy, Freddo, good to see you both, If you get a chance, can you reply to the announcement about the memorial Chapel?
Thanks
Dana

Dana, my friend, you and AJ have helped me come a long, long way in a very short time. Your words "... in order to go forward you have to let go." So it is written... so shall it be...!

Please delete my forum thread "Death-Resurrection-Quest" at my request. We have places to go... and little time to get there.

Duffy

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
Dana, my friend, you and AJ have helped me come a long, long way in a very short time. Your words "... in order to go forward you have to let go." So it is written... so shall it be...!

Please delete my forum thread "Death-Resurrection-Quest" at my request. We have places to go... and little time to get there.

Duffy


Do you want all four pages deleted?
If I delete the first post, the entire four pages will be gone.
Dana

[Freddo]

I just wonder at the "wisdom" of deleting the entire thread - there are others our there who may just need to pick up on some of the subject matter, counsel, testimonies etc., listed here that will help them to progress in their Walk? If it is to be deleted, then it's gone forever to those who might need be led here by the Holy Spirit to be encouraged in some way? I pray about my posts that ALL who read them might be helped in some way!
Yours and His.
Freddo

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Freddo
I just wonder at the "wisdom" of deleting the entire thread - there are others our there who may just need to pick up on some of the subject matter, counsel, testimonies etc., listed here that will help them to progress in their Walk? If it is to be deleted, then it's gone forever to those who might need be led here by the Holy Spirit to be encouraged in some way? I pray about my posts that ALL who read them might be helped in some way!
Yours and His.
Freddo


Duffy,
Please think this over and read Freddos post. there is good wisdom there. I agree that we have made positive strides, but that is us, there are many that never have seen anything like this and will be helped also. I can close this thread, and archive it so anyone can read it, but there is real good information available too.
Let me know and also anyone else that happens in here, voice your opinion.
Dana

[Dean Black]

I think it would be a shame to delete this Thread. But that isn't my decision to make. Just because I don't make a lot of post's doesn't mean I don't read those who do. I see a lot of pain on these threads and I get comfort in knowing that I am not alone. I printed off all post's once before and shared information with other hurting Vets. Yes there is pain in these threads and I will exit with this question. If you could see the Garments Jesus wore to the Cross, What would you see?
Deanopps

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Dana,

If there is just one single word in my forum thread - "Death-Resurrection-Quest" that is meaningful in anyway - to any person - for any reason - then I agree that it should remain in it's entirety. According to your above post and that of Freddo and Dean - that appears to be the case. Such being the case, the forum thread should remain as it is.

Duffy

[Freddo]

Great decision guys! Let's see how the Lord uses it as the visitors and posts progress.
Blessings,
Freddo

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

The two photo's above, POW HANDS WIRED TOGETHER, and the Photo of the Chapel at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angelfire, New Mexico were taken last summer. The hands is a bronze work with wire binding the prisoners hands and is on display in the Museum at the National Memorial. The White Sculptured building is the Chapel/Sanctuary at the Memorial build by Dr. Westfall in memory of his son, KIA, Vietnam. Anglefire is a stopping point on the RUN FOR THE WALL motorcycle trip from California to THE WALL in Washington, held every summer. Anglefire was the first National Memorial for Vietnam Vets in the United States and has been visited by thousands and thousands of Vets and their families. Dr. Westfall died last fall and is buried on the hillside at the Memorial....see photo's several posts back in this forum. He was the adopted Father to many vets - and a personal friend of mine - May he rest in peace on the grounds of the Monument he devoted his life to - in Memory of the men and women of the War in Vietnam.

Fr. Duffy, Secular Franciscan Order
Patron Saint - St. Francis of Assisi-Order - St. Margaret of Cortona

[MarinemomDeb]

I don't usually post in here either....but like Dean said, that doesn't mean I don't read. Never felt that I had any input for this thread, but now I felt I had to say something. I am GLAD you agreed not to to delete the thread. You know what, you even helped me with your posts. Of course I can never totally understand because I have not experienced all that you have. But the strength and the blessing that I got from reading was just unbelievable. I was "rooting" for you and praying all the way. It was a very honest and brave thing for you to do. It may be that it is difficult for you to look back at it, because you are now moving forward. But I too believe that the potential for this thread to help others is too great for it to be deleted.

Thanks, Sgt. Duffy....God Bless you!

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Thank you, .... very much .... I felt your above post ... right where the feeling does the most good ... in my heart.

Duffy

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

"To the Indian, words that are true sink deep into his heart where they remain; he never forgets them".

Four Guns
Northern Cheyenne

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

"Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last Warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our Fathers."

Tecumseh
Shawnee
1808

[danausmc]

Something I have been thinking about for awhile is this......

Our lives are made up of thousands of choices. When Duffy started this thread, we both did not know where it would lead. Our friend Sgt Duffy is very sick.

But he has chosen to live his life, not in a hospital bed, but continuing on, and getting out and doing something positive and trying to make a difference in other peoples lives.

When you begin to focus on other peoples issues, and in his case the Wilderness, and trying to preserve a legacy for our posterity, OUR problems dont seem so bad.

CJ, in another thread, severely injured her knee and she still keeps plugging along waiting to find out if surgery is required.

100% dont mean you cant still make a difference and be a positive model for others.

Start doing something positive and you will begin to feel alive again. There is nothing we can do about our physical condition, but we sure can do something about our attitude.


:cart127:

[MarinemomDeb]

that our attitude determines our altitude. Ever heard that one before. I have to have a little conversation with myself from time to time....goes something like this: "Well, darling, your attitude stunk today .... so guess what? .....your day stunk!" I am a world class worrier even though I know well what the Word says about it....
I met a lady the other day (new employee at work) and she is one of those people you meet that you know instantly is very special. For starters it became very apparent that she knows God and knows Him well. No use to list every problem and physical ailment in her life.... suffice it to say that she has many. Yet she always had a smile on her face. So I asked her how she did it. Simple little truth she told me..... "I live in the present, the past is gone and the future is not even here yet". Now maybe I am slow on the uptake or something....but that has stayed with me. See I thought I had it all together....I don't live in the past.(well maybe once and awhile)...but sheesh.....I never thought about how hard I try to live in the future! Duh! One of those simple statements we all hear so often and just kinda put on the shelf .... this time I didn't.
Couldn't agree with you more Dana....it's about choices and sometimes we don't make very good ones do we?
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sgt. Duffy and Carole...may the Lord bless and keep you both.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

.......we were not alone.

There was someone else with us..... and some of us..... know that to be true.

Fr. Duffy - USMC
St. Margaret of Cortona
Hermit in Community, St. Francis of Assisi

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

...........that my HONOR turned to GUILT?

Can you hear it.... the sound of a key turning in a locked door?

[Reconvic]

:cart127: Enjoy the day, it belongs to you Dana, put your cares aside for today and enjoy being alive

[Reconvic]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
...........that my HONOR turned to GUILT?

Can you hear it.... the sound of a key turning in a locked door?

Duffy, I spend many a sleepless nights wondering if what I done at times was right in the Lords eye also brother.:cross_glo

[pointmanben]

It don't really matter what you did back then, or even yesterday.
Once you have laid your past on the altar and accepted Jesus as your savior, not just with lip service but sincerely asking forgiveness, the blood HE shed at the cross covers ALL your sins, even those that you think are sins but are not.
Don't minimize God by maximizing the sins of your past. We're all guilty, even the nice old grandmother who is telling a little white lie about her flower garden... She's just as guilty as the rest of us..
He's more than adequate when it comes to forgiving, try it, you'll really like it.

[danausmc]

Originally posted by Sgt. Duffy-USMC
...........that my HONOR turned to GUILT?

Can you hear it.... the sound of a key turning in a locked door?

Yes I can hear it and its time to oil that thing up. The sound was almost overpowering at the FEW when you shared about your computer man and his brother.

That sound will over power you if you dont do something about it.

Honor? Guilt? There is such a fine line between the two...
Real guilt for something you did that you absolutely knew without a doubt was wrong ....
or perceived guilt for something you did or participated in that did not meet your expectations or turn out the way you envisioned?

That is the guilt I believe you are talking about ....perceived guilt.

I cant think of anyone I know that thinks they did enough.....and if only they had done more....if only they had been in a little different spot...if only....did I do enough? Did I train my men well enough? Did I make sure I got that last mine or booby trap so the next guy did not get killed?

I dont believe you ever did anything at a level that was not your best. My memories of the Marine Corps would tell me that even if you wanted to do less than your best, the men around you would not let that happen.
Tradition to uphold....

What Honor?
The Honor of serving with some of the finast individuals
in the world?
The Honor of being part of a tradition dating back to 1775?
The Honor of defending our Country?
The Honor of knowing when the Country called, you did not run to Canada and hide, but took your place along side other people that believed we were right?

Your HONOR never turned to guilt. It is still intact and you know it in your heart.
Perception of Guilt is a lie from the pit and you know it too.
Our collective Honor is always being assaulted from every direction. You can hold your head high.

Every right we take for granted, and enumerated in our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and also the Declaration of Independence,
every right,
has been bought and paid for in BLOOD!
Our blood, your blood, the blood of every Vet that posts here, and the blood of our forefathers.

Rights that have been defended by others just like you and me, doubts about what we did, sometimes guilt, sometimes sadness, sometimes pride, but never without Honor.

I miss my friends, a lot. I can still see them right now as I am typing this. Lives cut short. I have an immense sadness about that, but Honor for me today is to do the best I can and remember them and their sacrifice. I am here because of them.

So our Honor may be tarnished by those that dont agree with what we were called to do, but every warrior is Honored by the other, because we know what it took and what it still takes to defend our freedoms....

So the protected will never know the price.....that is the price tag we carry...

Dana

[Freddo]

by what took place at Calvary. "For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died (that's all genuinely Born-again believers - you and me!). And he died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on we regard no one from a human point of view, even though we regarded Christ from a human point of view, we regard him thus no longer...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; THE OLD HAS PASSED AWAY, BEHOLD THE NEW HAS COME..." 2 COR 5: 14-17
The reality of the fact that once we are washed in the Blood of Calvary and regenerated in our spirit, by the Holy Spirit (Born-again), we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkenss into the Kingdom of His dear Son! If that is not true, then our unbelief says that the Bible is not the Word of God: which it is!
Note what COL 3:1-4 says, "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (therefore, SO ARE WE!!). Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. FOR YOU HAVE DIED, AND YOUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD."
So, already as far as this life on earth is concerned we are already dead to it! That's why we are simply, as believers on earth as the Bible says, "Ambassadors for Christ". Then that means that we should live this earthly life in the same manner as an ambassador does, ie., if the Ambassador from Australia lives with his family in the US - does he vote? If conscription at 18 was law, would his teenagers be called up? Is he subject to the laws of the US? (but, out of respect they abide by them)? The answer of course to all such questions is NO! Acts 5:29 says, when the disciples were ordered by the Sanhedrin to stop representing their Kingdom that, "We must obey God as ruler rather than men".
God's Word, both the Old and the New Testaments are his revealed will to us and in the world in which we currently reside, he has given us 'Power of Attourney" to look after His Kingdom Interests!
The revelation of this fact of who I now am in Christ, revolutionised my entire Christian walk. Yes, because my mind cannot be erased like a cassette tape or a CD-RW I still remember all that happened in the past - but, the "power of the past" in my life has been broken by prayer and the efficacy of Calvary's Blood! Yours and my past has been dealt with once and for all! Proof you say? Then note what COL 1:21-23 says, "And YOU, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to PRESENT YOU HOLY AND BLAMELESS AND IRREPROACHABLE BEFORE HIM, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard..."
God's word said it; I believe and teach it; that we are Holy, blamless and irreproachable because of God's loving-kidness! To believe less than that is simply unbelief - and unbelief stopped a whole generation entering into the Promised Land!!
So, when 'old nick and his associates' get in your ear telling you that you are not worthy because of the way you lived and conducted yourself in the past - TELL HIM WHO YOU ARE NOW IN CHRIST AND TELL HIM AND THEM TO NICK-OFF!

Freddo
(Born twice (naturally and spiritually) and died once (spiritually)!

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

"I was going around the world with the clouds when God spoke to my thought and told me to.... be at peace with all".

COCHISE - Chirachua Apache - 1891

[Freddo]

My Dad went to be with His Lord last January - he was fairly wise in the way he passed on things to me. Things like, "Your life is like a bank - you'll only get out of it what you put into it!" and in keeping with the subject of 'peace', "You can't have real peace until you know the Prince of Peace!"
Here's a pic of me giving the 'Toast to the Ladies' at our ANZAC Day Memorial Dinner. The medals on my right are my Dad's which I am wearing for the first time out of my respect and love for him. He lost his health in New Guinea in WWII but won the final battle for life in Christ!

[Freddo]

Sorry about the size of the pic - it was cropped and save as 10cm x 8cm! So how it came out as it did I do not know?
Freddo

[Shawn Powell]

My Dad went to be with His Lord last January - he was fairly wise in the way he passed on things to me. Things like, "Your life is like a bank - you'll only get out of it what you put into it!" and in keeping with the subject of 'peace', "You can't have real peace until you know the Prince of Peace!"
Here's a pic of me giving the 'Toast to the Ladies' at our ANZAC Day Memorial Dinner. The medals on my right are my Dad's which I am wearing for the first time out of my respect and love for him. He lost his health in New Guinea in WWII but won the final battle for life in Christ!

Freddo,

Just wanted to touch base with you... how are things Down Under, brother? I enjoy your posts. The value of a good daddy is priceless, isn't it? Looks like your father kept his legacy alive through you, huh?

God Bless. Shawn. :angel_fly

PS- I've got a half-uncle who lives in Sydney, by way of Java and the Netherlands...! Never met him, though... relatives just tell me about him.

[Freddo]

G'day Shawn!
Been away visiting family for a few days. Thanks for posting and your comments. I guess that "things Down-under" are fairly good for those who's trust is in Him. Howver, our society is very troubled at the moment with the present govenment (who sent our troops into Iraq) is getting hammered by the opposition who want all our troops home by Christmas! The intelligence that our leaders used has been a major issue - we are praying that common-sense (which is not very common!) will prevail and that God would touch our nation that we might be free to continue to preach the Gospel as openly as we do now. The church here is perhaps best described as being typical of the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3:15! Our War Veterans from all conflicts are continuing to be 'sold-down-the-river' by our bureaucrats and pollies. So in the natural things are not so good, but in the spiritual, as I said ealier, for those in the Way, are good. Pray that we might continue to fight the good fight of Faith! Blessings to you and yours.
Freddo

[danausmc]

Please all take some time tonight and in the next few days, to pray for Sgt. Duffy, who has honored us with his insights and many posts since my brother started this web site.

Sgt. Duffy has just been seen by a new staff of Doctors and given a very bleak prognosis. As many of you may know, and can read in his early posts in Death_Ressurection, he has only been given a short time to live. Each day
that he has remained is actually a bonus for us.

If you have followed our posts, he has said many times I have the key to unlock a door that he will never open.

Please join me in praying this or a similar prayer.....

Lord God, In the Name of Jesus.....
Grant our brother Shawn, (Duffy)....complete and eternal peace.
Allow him to enter that locked door and find the peace he so longs for that has eluded him .....confront and destroy that which holds him back....allow him to see the impact for good he has had in his lifetime. Show him now the meaning of the hurts and set backs in his life.
Allow him peace and understanding now during his last days.
But I am believing your word is true and where it says anything you ask of the Father in MY Name, will be done, I pray you will totally and completely heal Duffy in the name of Jesus.
It has been my great honor that you have chosen our lives to have crossed at this time, Father and I thank you for that.
Come Lord Jesus, Your will be done in this matter and we will thank you for it.
AMEN

[Freddo]

Father God, as for Sgt Duffy, our Brother in Christ, we remind you of your Word in Matthew 7:7-8 which says, "Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find;knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Well Lord, we are asking, seeking and knocking in prayer on behalf of one who really needs your touch at this time. Father, you also said in your Word that, "...if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." Father, that means that what you promised Abraham is ours and Sgt Duffy's! You promised Abraham that he would be buried at a good old age! Father, Sgt Duffy has not achieved a good old age, so we ask it for him now! Even in Abraham's later years he did not struggle with what you had promised - he did not look at the state of his body! So, in the name of Jesus, in whom Abraham's promise was fulfilled, we who are in Christ struggle not at the situation of Sgt Duffy. Samson, Solomon, Elisha, Elijah, Samuel and Joseph all knew that they were in covenant with you - and walked in it! So, we of Point Man who are 'covenant men' stand on our covenant rights together and ask for the blessing of healing for
Sgt Duffy's spirit, soul and body in Jesus' Name! Father, we claim the promises in your Word of Psalm 112:10 for Sgt Duffy! Father, in the name of Jesus we reject the words of men that have been said over Sgt Duffy and Holy Spirit, we ask that you immediately speak into his spirit words of faith, hope and courage. Stir up the Word that's in him! Lord Jesus you said you were the Shepherd of your Flock and we ask that you take care of one of your wounded lambs right now and let him know your comfort and healing touch. We promise to give you all the glory, honor and praise for fulfilling the promises in your Word for him and thank you for raising up our Brother! We agree together and ask for Sgt Duffy's miracle in Jesus' name! Amen

[cj]

From the Jensen household in Michigan, your prayers are agreed with here and prayers of our own also are offered up for the complete healing of Sgt. Duffy's wounded spirit and body. AMEN ! usmc26th and cj

[Shawn Powell]

Has anybody got a SITREP on Duffy?

Duff- I pray the Lord strengthen and sustain you, that you feel His peace and assurance as you go through this time :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: . You're not alone... we're with you, bro.

Shawn.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Thank you... is just two words.

Greatful... is just one word.

The sound of a key turning in a locked door is just.... a sound.

Though my hands, and other extremities are numb, though the medical staff continues to work relentlessly to save my life, though my thoughts now lean towards the upcoming future and less towards the past, though I have come to accept that what is to come, is better than what has been and appreciate the fact that what has been is slowly disappearing from my thoughts... I do not forget you. I remember your kindness, your gentleness, and your caring.

I shall remain with you always, forever and ever and ever.

Sgt. Duffy, United States Marine Corps
3rd Marine Division, FMF PAC
Counter Guerilla Warfare Instructor
St. Francis of Assisi, Secular Franciscan Order
Order, St. Margaret of Cortona
Order, Hermit in Community, St. Francis of Assisi

"Lord, please be with these miraculous men and women, who have devoted themselves and their time, to assist others, in most cases, total strangers, in whatever way they have been able. Guide them, please, in their journey, and lead them safely home."

Amen

[ajusmc]

Two other words Duffy

Semper Fi

[MarinemomDeb]

Sgt. Duffy....

My heart holds too many words......and none would be adequate enough to express all that you mean to me. You have been a blessing and a joy. I consider it an honor to " have met up with you" here online. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb

[Freddo]

Just a line to repeat your sentiments Deb - even though I have a busy life and at present don't post all that much, our thoughts and prayers are always with you!
Freddo

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Sgt. Duffy....

My heart holds too many words......and none would be adequate enough to express all that you mean to me. You have been a blessing and a joy. I consider it an honor to " have met up with you" here online. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb

MarineMomDeb - Your above post has been in my mind since you first posted it.... when I last left the hospital and physical therapy. When I turn on my computer to go to the Marine Site "The Select Few" I first click on Point Man and go to your post..... because it gives me strength.

I'm the Chaplain at the Select Few and all of the Marines there know that I spend little time with messing around.... my time is too valuable to me for that luxury. So if you have a moment, there are a few words I would like to share with you.

When I died in the hospital - I did not just die once - but in the course of my four months in the hospital - two of which was in a coma - I died three times. I was clinically dead. No big deal really, I didn't feel a thing. But... I did see things and go somewhere. We've all read stories of "near death experiences" and like most people, I too, just brushed them off.

But in this case..... it was me ...!!!!! And in spite of the drugs the hospital gives people in trauma surgery that makes them forget it all.....I remember it all..... not the surgery..... not seeing my daughter and ex-wife.... nothing about the hospital at all. Period!

The story of what I saw in the journey to the other side would fill volumes one and two of Encyclopedia Britannica. I won't bore you with that.

My point is this. I have carried with me in a lifetime, the burden of Southeast Asia that I have never been able to let go of. Never. And as Dana, and I have mentioned from time to time.... a rusty key keeps trying to turn in a locked door. Well, Deb..... sometimes.... it's best to leave them locked!

From what I saw... on the other side ... it matters naught if you are Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Buddhist, or even if you are of no organized religion at all. What matters.... and the only thing that matters.. is what you contain within your own heart. What you believe yourself...... and have proven to be so! It is not the name of the T-Shirt you are wearing that counts.... it's the power of your own beliefs in the team that counts!

I am Irish. I seek entry into the Celtic Heaven called Valhalla. That Heaven is probably exactly the same as the Heaven that each of us can reach through the Gods that we choose to believe in. Please remember, that we were supposedly placed here on Earth to make a decision. In our personal actions, with and towards, others..... we make that decision individually!

"Thou shalt not kill!" The Ten Commandments.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Deb - I have been told by my superiors in the Dioces that the Lord has forgiven me for my sins. Perhaps he has. But those were not the words I heard "on the other side". I was sent back..... there is more to do... and you... are helping me to do just that!

[Shawn Powell]

No Duff--

The human heart above all else is deceitful... it (we) contain no good thing... we need Jesus, Marine. Nothing but the saving grace of Jesus... we are appointed once to die, the Bible says, and then the resurrection. But to where will this resurrection be? Face-to-face with your Creator? In Heaven for all eternity? Hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter now into the joy of your Lord...." or "Depart from me... I never knew you."

Duff, I wanna see you in Heaven. You and I cannot get there without the Lord Jesus... God paid a price for us in blood, Marine... only through His sacrifice can we spend eternity with HIm if we ask for the forgiveness of our sins... if we repent and turn from our wicked ways. HE is Semper Fidelis, Sgt Duffy... HE has a place reserved for you specifically, HE knows the number of hairs on your head, HE knew you before the beginning of time, HE saw you when you were conceived in your mother's womb. When Jesus said, "It is Finished." Bloodied and beaten and nailed on that cross with the sins of the world on His back, HE saw YOU and ME, Duff. He rescued us because we are His... understand that it is only Jesus that can get us to the Father, my friend. Anything else is a lie straight from the pits of hell. There is an enemy, Duffy. He wants to steal, kill and destroy... US. Jesus and only Jesus can rescue us... He is the "immediate exfil" we need.

In His Love, Shawn.

[MarinemomDeb]

Sgt. Duffy...
Thank you.... If I helped in any small way...wonderful. I continue to pray for you and hope some peace and rest will come your way. You are a very special person, believe me you are. Shawn has said it better than I could have...please hear what he is saying. Not only our heart, but our minds are deceitful...there is an enemy Sgt. Duffy and his favorite way to "steal, kill and destroy" us in our life is our mind. We all need Jesus .....

Quote:
"Duff, I wanna see you in Heaven. You and I cannot get there without the Lord Jesus... God paid a price for us in blood, Marine... only through His sacrifice can we spend eternity with HIm if we ask for the forgiveness of our sins... if we repent and turn from our wicked ways. HE is Semper Fidelis, Sgt Duffy... HE has a place reserved for you specifically, HE knows the number of hairs on your head, HE knew you before the beginning of time, HE saw you when you were conceived in your mother's womb. When Jesus said, "It is Finished." Bloodied and beaten and nailed on that cross with the sins of the world on His back, HE saw YOU and ME, Duff. He rescued us because we are His... understand that it is only Jesus that can get us to the Father, my friend. Anything else is a lie straight from the pits of hell. There is an enemy, Duffy. He wants to steal, kill and destroy... US. Jesus and only Jesus can rescue us... He is the "immediate exfil" we need"

Jesus, what a Beautiful Name
Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb that was slain
Joy and peace, Strength and Hope
Grace that blows all fear away,
Jesus, what a Beautiful Name.....

It's a song....two more verses....and one of my favorites. Indeed....Jesus, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME!

I am here, I am listening and praying.....but please know that Shawn has told you more truth.....and indeed it is the truth that sets us free! I am always your friend.....your friend who also wants to see you in heaven....

May God Bless you and keep you....

Deb

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Why does it matter? What price do I pay? Who really cares? I can not change it! Oh, yes.... if I would if I could. But I can't. So I will not. On my left bicept.... I have the teethmarks of my enemy. I have a steel ankle as the result of my enemy. I have false teeth as a result of the rifle butt of my enemy. I stood at attention and watched..... mayhem. I taught men and women how to survive.... and fight in those jungles! When I walk down the Vietnam Veterans Wall.....I check every name. Was he one of mine? Did I teach him how to surivive? Do I remember that name? Was she the one that I overlooked.... because she was a woman... and didn't belong in a man's war? How many did I neglect? How many do I not remember? How many screams have I heard of those tortured.... how many died as a result of my training.... or failure to do so? They are with me now. All of them. They have been with me since..... well .... since I first felt the pain of that first attack. Since he came over my embankment. Since his thrust of the bayonet was wrong. Since I disarmed him. Since he landed on top of me. Since we wrestled, like in High School. Until his teeth bit into my arm and I new.... that is was real. I spoke. I screamed. Go home. Don't do this. You get the..... out of here and so will I. He didn't understand English. I was barely able to move myself enough to get the K-Bar. I felt it against his throat.....please stop.....please stop. He didn't. I am here. He is not.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

......and this looks like the correct spot to jump in. My last post was about 9 a.m the 17th (a week ago last Tuesday). I was working on the computer when the door bell rang. It was Darla, head of my homecare service here to discuss matters of my previous nurse Bobbie. I sat back down in my wheelchair and she sat across from me talking for about 8 minutes. She said she thought I had dropped my cigarette on the floor because I bent over in my wheelchair and reached for the floor. I kept going. She said I had a pulse, but that I was not breathing. She applied mouth to mouth resuscitation and called an ambulance. Police and ambulance arrived. She advised them that I had a living will and an Emergency Service Do Not Rescitate. The police searched my wallet and desk papers. None could be found. The EMS still having a pulse were forced to administer "life saving' steps and I was rushed to the hospital and directly to the Intensive Care Unit. I was on life support for the next four days until they finally confirmed via my brother in Idaho and my daughter in Canada and found the documentation from the Hospice confirming the Living Will and DNR. My daughter was called and my brother. Both confirmed the information and ordered that the Life Support be removed. I was restrained on the table and the Dr. gave the order to remove life support. The ventilator was shut off. I immediately exploded into a frenzy that turned both of my arms blue from my bicepts to my wrists and from my calves to my ankles. I jerked and struggled so hard that it took five people to restrain me. They slapped an oxygen mask on my face and lapsed in an out for 20 minutes. First struggling for life then passing out. I kept hearing screaming words asking me where I was. I said I was home.... I was home. They said no... you're in the hospital! Breathe damnit .... breathe! The physical exertion from fighting the restraints tore loose more muscle in my hernia. I passed out. I woke up the following afternoon still restrained in an ICU hospital bed. During the night and while heavily sedated they did another CAT Scan. There has been further damage to my heart. The tearing of muscle and intestines in my chest cavity actually pulled things loose in a positive manner. Where once the intestines were jammed so tightly together the pulled muscles had actually left room for them to un-knot. The heart received further damage but the chest cavity was freed up enough by the seperation of muscle to allow greater activity in my bowels and intestinal track. I remained in intensive care for the next 3 days being pumped full of anything they could pump through the Iv's. I was released at noon today and sent home with Darla my Nurse after a bitter battle with the medical team that wanted to move me directly to a Nursing Home. There will be no operation! Ever. The situation is perilous. I must now see my medical team twice weekly and am being assigned an additional nurse to attend to me 7 days a week. All medications and medical checks must be done twice daily. What made the difference on my survival this time? Four months of intensive physical therapy! It saved my life. My physical therapy will continue here at home until.... well .... until whenever. But there will be no Wolf Country.... no activities that are not monitored by at least one of my two nurses - who must report on my physical condition every 48 hours. My apartment is now a hospital with a Monster Masher Gym that I will eat - sleep - and survive in as long as possible. I will be under constant care. If I fail to co-operate, they now have it within the powers of the Court to forceable remove me from my home and place me within the confines of a nursing home...."for my own well being". My vision has been adversally affected.... my central nervous system is a jangled mess of twitches and pain. I may regain some of these things with my continued physical therapy... with all of the pharmacuticals.... with constant assistance from the medical team .... but the pace is going to have to be slower, far more regimented and closely monitored.

Last week - Monday or Tuesday - I advised you that I had "insider trader information" concerning my condition. That information was accurate. In the last 18 months I have died four times now.... and been thrown from one horse. I guess it's time to retire. I still stand on my opinion of Dana as a recommended replacement for me..... which is why I jumped in here at this spot of Scuba's post.... because I believe he is the right man for the Select Few Chaplain.... and I believe in - and support him 100%.

In conclusion to the above.... the MRI indicates that I probably have experienced as least some neurological damage this time and I am presently receiving pharmacuticals to keep me on an even-keel. All in all - if I maintain the pharmacutical regimine necessary to float from one day to the next - I will not be able to be sufficiently dependable to handle this position as Chaplain with the intensity that I believe it deserves. I have to accept the reality of my own instability.

"May the Lord guide you all safely home, Marines".

Padre Duffy, SFO
Order: St. Margaret of Cortona
Order: St Francis of Assisi - Hermit in Community

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

...... that fog the mind and sadden the heart give cause to the alarm of not dealing with both the sadness that is brought on by the memories and the emptiness left in the soul when the memories are finally dealt with. It is up to me to rid myself of these memories.... and it is up to the Lord to fill the vacuum with gentleness and forgiveness. Both shall be done.

[dallee]

Sgt. Duffy, you have been an inspiration to me. It has been a pleasure reading your posts here. I pray that your paths be made smooth and your heart be filled with love. You have been used by God during your time spent here with us. I am glad you were willing to be.

Dale

[Trooper]

Duffy

"it is up to the Lord to fill the vacuum with gentleness and forgiveness. Both shall be done."

Amen!

We Have a good God!

[Dean Black]

Sgt Duffy, I was told about that Terminal we dicussed last November on October 6th. I had to clamp my teeth together to keep from laughing. The first thought that ran through my mind was the Doctor doesn't know my Father because if he did he wouldn't be so serious. I had to let it slide because he is from India and I know that one of the Religions practiced there is worshiping cattle.I might have said holy cow when they brought my steak out at the Steakhouse Any God you can slice up and throw on the Grill, in my eyes isn't very effective. Now our God is taller than the Universe, is wider than East is from West, He's All Powerful, Ever Present, and All Knowing. He will let me know when it's time to go to the big assembley area in the sky.
I pray for you Sgt Duffy, so be patient we won't be late. I love you Brother. My computer crashed and I have been down for almost three weeks, hopefully I will be able to stay online now.
Dean

[snowyowl]

Sgt Duffy,
I'll be praying for you during this difficult time.
I enjoy reading your posts.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Once my leaders led me there.....
Unfortunataly..... they never led me back.

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

In spite of the laws of internal medicine..... I am still here. However, I am in need.

As of January 6th of this year, the doctors and medical team say there is "no way out for me"....... no you are wrong.... it is not carrying or pity or understanding that I seek from "one" of you;one of you knows the power behind my request..... perhaps more ...... and others might understand the meaning of my request..... but "one" of you are waiting for this message. It is you who must carry on this forum. It is you that I am trying to reach

I need to say no more. "You already know the answer... and you already know who you are".

This message is for you.

Padre Duffy, SFO

[Chuck]

Once my leaders led me there.....
Unfortunataly..... they never led me back.

Duffy... I do not come here much. But when I received notice of the post made after this I came as you knew I would.

I feel that it was not God that has given you the extra time you are spending here.. but our maker. Again you know what I am talking about. I sent you power.. I do not know if you received it or not. But I know you did because you are still here.

Semper Fi Marine and Comanche brother

[ajusmc]

Duffy, Semper Fi in Christ

[ajusmc]

Duffy has asked me to pass this message on to all that visit here

"Struggles are alot harder than they seem"

[danausmc]

Our friend Duffy and I had a long talk this evening. He has died once again, and once again been revived.

To what this time?

We have seen many and various posts as Duffy shared his quest that started what seemed so long ago in this forum.

He is not, and will not accept pity or decry what is happening with "woe is me". He is one strong individual but he is getting real tired.

For those of you that have followed the postings,
Duffy wants you to know that he has turned that lock and opend the door and let go.....but a new circumstance has happened.......he now has nothing.....to fill that space.

So the lock is broken open....

Duffys inability to post is due to a need for a new monitor and will be unavailable till next week. I will be talking to him Sunday.....and keep you updated.

[Don Dodson]

Dana:

Any news since February 9? I hadn't read this thread before and just finished it. This is a great example of the wonderful side of the Internet and this website. Truly a blessing.

Don Dodson

[snowyowl]

He gives competition to the Duracell Bunny for sure.

[Reconvic]

Duff has straightened me out with help in the past as all here. Say hi to him for me I hope to be more active now again .
Semper Fi Vic









Our friend Duffy and I had a long talk this evening. He has died once again, and once again been revived.

To what this time?

We have seen many and various posts as Duffy shared his quest that started what seemed so long ago in this forum.

He is not, and will not accept pity or decry what is happening with "woe is me". He is one strong individual but he is getting real tired.

For those of you that have followed the postings,
Duffy wants you to know that he has turned that lock and opend the door and let go.....but a new circumstance has happened.......he now has nothing.....to fill that space.

So the lock is broken open....

Duffys inability to post is due to a need for a new monitor and will be unavailable till next week. I will be talking to him Sunday.....and keep you updated.