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Answers - Not What We Wanted to Hear

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  Cindy finally received a diagnosis of the respiratory issues that she has had for quite some time.  Unfortunately, the news isn’t the best - She has a genetic disorder called Alpha-1.   This disorder can have significant effects on the liver and lungs. Hers is affecting her lungs and is the cause of the edema she was found to have.    I know this news might be tough to hear as there is no cure for Alpha 1, but she is determined to take it one day at a time and together we will manage her condition with the help of her doctors. I'm grateful for the love and support of our family and friends during this time. Faith and a realistic approach to this situation will be our guide posts.     What is Alpha 1?  Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, commonly known as Alpha 1, is a genetic disorder that affects the liver and lungs. It is caused by a deficiency in the alpha 1-antitrypsin protein, which is produced in the liver and helps protect the lungs from damage.

The Art and Elegance of Persuasion

 There is more to me than you know…  Many years ago I spent some time taking courses on the topic of psychological warfare. In order to receive a passing grade, the student must demonstrate that he/she understands the assignment and more importantly the concepts that were introduced during the course. The assignment was to write a high level white paper on the subject of PERSUASION.   Here is my paper -   “The Art and Elegance of Persuasion” By Sgt Dave Carver, USAF  Introduction  The art of persuasion is the ability to influence people's attitudes and behaviors through communication. It is an essential skill for anyone who wants to be successful in business, politics, or personal relationships. Persuasion involves using logic, emotion, and credibility to convince people to take a desired action* or adopt a certain viewpoint.  *Note - Inaction is also an action or a choice  In this white paper, we will explore the principles and techniques of persuasion, and how they can be used ef

Our Relationships Are Important

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  Our Relationships Are Important  Many of us realize, sometimes to our own disappointment, that most of our happiness and our unhappiness is the direct result of our relationships. Our happiness is usually based on the interaction in the relationships we have and whether or not those relationships are good or without drama.  In the same way that we experience happiness we can also fall victim to unhappiness or stress as the result of some our our relationships. An example of this could be when a relationship turns sour, unpleasant, or is filled with drama for whatever reason.   Our pursuit of happiness is a never ending journey for most of us! Some of us just don't look for happiness per se but rather describe ourselves as being content. The pursuit of the source of happiness can be quite exhausting.   Have you ever considered that the source of your happiness may be within you? I ask because most look outward for either people or things to make them happy. Examples might be - the

The Dash - Locution - 143

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   Hello friends!   This week's episode was a series of trips down the rabbit hole. It is really hard to keep my co-host, Cindy, on topic for more than a few minutes but that is one of the reasons that I love her. She's smart, funny, and well rounded. All of those qualities are important for the person that is just a pillow away in our lives.   There are so many that have told us that they have heard of a poem called "The Dash" by Linda Ellis but usually at a funeral of a friend or loved one. Cindy and I are inspired by what the poem can teach us about living and included it in this week's episode because it gave us pause to think about the last 30+ years that we have spent together.  Here is the poem -  I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.  He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the

Who We Are

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As y'all know by now...  "A Pillow Away" is a heartwarming podcast hosted by Dave and Cindy, a couple who have been married for over 23 years. In each episode, they share their insights and stories about the importance of the person closest to you in life - your partner. Through their honest and candid conversations, Dave and Cindy explore the challenges and joys of marriage and relationships, and offer practical advice for how to cultivate a strong and lasting connection with the ones you love. Whether you are in a relationship or looking for one, "A Pillow Away" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their connections and build a fulfilling life with those closest to them. Our intent with this podcast is or was to assist people that are looking for help in understanding their relationships or help with improving their relationships. However, Cindy has really blossomed quickly and become quite the star on our podcast! I'm glad that she is receiving s