100 and Done! (Countries that is...)

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We are back! This last trip brought the total countries visited to 100! It is a crazy milestone. It is difficult, time-consuming and can be (IS) expensive. After I got back from Antarctica in 2007, I started thinking about it. After 2010 I was thinking about it more (as I moved from NY to Georgia) and in 2014 it had become a real goal. Between Angie and I we have been to 109 Countries. We are tied at 100 countries each. We have 9 countries different in our lists. For example, I have been to San Marino. She has not. She has been to Israel. I have not, yet. There has been some fun competition in this area. That's why we had to establish rules. 1.) Must be listed (as a country) with the US State Department 2.) Being in an airport doesn't count. You have to get through immigration somehow and not in a DMZ or a no-mans-land 3.) A passport stamp is not required. I have been to Canada, Paraguay, and Uruguay without getting my passport stamped. There are friendly borders in many places...
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Helen Elizabeth Raymond Dowdell

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My Mom died today.

It happens. It is the way it is supposed to happen. I am her son, always. Our human lives are physical/emotional, everything else is an abstraction (unless you are from some sort of lizard species).

Looking through some photos today, I decided I liked this one for my blog (originally posted in Sept 28, 2009). The subtlety in this pic (looking very closely) is that in my Mom's gaze is an aviation NAVAID "the white thing" usually invisible when flying.

I have faith. The same faith you feel when your foot hits the floor getting out of bed or when you make a turn in traffic. I will grow my faith. I will drive and pull as I did as they all did as they prayed for my survival when I was born. God bless us all.

Throughout my life I was reminded from strangers that MY Mom was a genuine caring healthcare provider. She sincerely touched thousands of lives in Western, NY. They may not remember her name. They will somehow remember her care. Today, it seems these days are very far gone. My Mom brought her tough days at work home with her. Sometimes she brought the traces of blood and vomit on her uniform. If your Mom or loved one died that day, my family felt it. I never met you. I feel for you and your suffering. It is something we carry with our everyday dishes and silverware. I still use those plates and silverware. Her obituary is short and forthcoming. I love you all.

Comments

John McKinney said…
Sorry for your loss Charlie!
7:24 AM
Anonymous said…
Here is a great example from upstate NY of Nursing gone right. Let us all remember while all the technology of health care is being promoted there is an aspect that few champion in todays thinking. Love and Caring. (I hope the link works, but the should help in text)


http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2015/09/upstate_ny_woman_severely_burned_as_baby_finds_nurse_who_cared_for_her_through_f.html
5:59 PM
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