Chase's Special Memories
"Special Memories" are contained within this page, and I hope that you feel the joy I feel in sharing these memories.
Here's a true story that I hope you will enjoy:
FALLING--BUT NOT FROM GRACE
~~Written by Chase~~
Please join me in an adventure that really happened to me in mid September of 2005. I am going to share with you about my taking a big fall, but what is revealed is more than I could have ever planned.
After I had written a letter to Micheal, one of my closest friends, he wrote back to me (with his permission to share his letter). What he wrote inspired me to share--this encounter--with you and others. This story is going to start backwards, come forward, and then return to the point of the missing first part of Micheal's letter.
This is the very last part of Micheal's letter to me:
"...You are a very good writer. Perhaps you should write a book of your trials, tribulations, and life as it is versus how it will continue to become. That would be something you could share for all time with those who feel, see, or consider taking the path you are now on.
"In fact, if you feel comfortable in doing so, you should put the letter you sent me into the newsletter. To share the glories of a miracle is worth more than all the computer links to favorite sites you could cram into the newsletter. This is a truth you have found, and now you can share also. If it feels uncomfortable, then make it comfortable. Face it and go for it!!!
"The happenings of LIFE when shared, do in fact reach some who would read it, hear it, or see it. It will give them the knowledge that such a problem can be faced when alone, and the WISDOM to know of the pitfalls in thought that might circumvent the return to the safety of the 'public' area, like where your car was parked.
"The emotion you shared with me makes me feel all keyed and ready for action. THIS IS A GOOD THING. Am also very glad you stated that you were OK. My thoughts still gravitated to the place where I wish I had been there to catch you in your fall. Yet, had I been there, no miracle would be as evident as it is now evident. God loves you, and so do I.
"Love,
"Micheal"
And now my letter to Micheal that preceded the above:
Micheal, my dear, dear friend Micheal:
Thank you so very much for your letter that contained so MUCH knowledge and compassion and HEART. I really treasure what you shared with me!!! You are God sent for me for these past 24 hours and more. I have a follow up, but I hope I can condense it.
Today, after the noon meeting, I visited with two of my closest friends, and all three of us are dealing with totally separate issues. The thing all three of us have in common is that we are all aiming for the uncomfortable to become comfortable and the unfamiliar to become familiar--reaching a new level of comfort.
After that, I went for my hike and only crossed paths with a very few peeps (people). After being there for three hours or longer, it was starting to get dark, and I had gone farther than my normal and familiar area.
PLEASE don't worry or be alarmed, because I'm OK.
One or two of my toes on my left foot seemed out of place and cramped up; I was afraid I had broken a toe or my foot. I started to panic, because I was hiking in an area where the rocks are huge and the cliffs are quite steep. My left foot started to go back to almost normal after working with it, but shortly after that my other foot slipped and had the exact same thing happen to it.
I was praying lots and afraid it might get too dark to see. As things started being a tad more familiar, the moon light came and it was very, very helpful for seeing, and I was able to finally get back to my car.
Earlier when a straggler (peep) was around, it was more like an Angel but somewhat distant. Also, sometime before my fall, there were two together who had gone separate ways, but I really knew or thought I knew that nobody else was in that area. I didn't interact with the two that went separate ways--except to say to one that I didn't think anyone was up there--this was before it got dark and before my fall.
Since I had to go through lots of areas of water, I felt it necessary to be barefooted. What is so amazing is my feet are weak now, but all of my toes seem to be in their normal positions--like nothing happened.
All of this is really challenging to share, because part of me was fighting old negative thoughts, but I told myself that I still followed a suggestion about working on new behavior--to accept and love my outer self.
You can imagine how scared I was that my toe(s) on both feet were either broken or out of their sockets; this in my opinion was a Miracle. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to be home now.
Also, I want to share this with you: As it was starting to get dark and I kept reaching dead-end areas of my climb on those huge rocks and steep cliffs, I thought to myself, "I hadn't planned on today being the day for me to die." Another thought was, "I want to continue to be able to pray for Dawn's little girl and Janie's little boy" (both of them are facing surgeries next week).
This next "thought" really surprised me--just like someone talking directly to me--that being whether I'm here (living) or if I were to cross over, I could still pray for them. That was so comforting--just in case the unexpected and unwanted were to have happened before I got to safety.
In writing this letter, I knew you'd understand my situation much better than a person who has no idea of what I'm talking about.
I pray that you are having a really good evening and that the day ahead is even better.
Love,
Chase (Please excuse me for being so lengthy.)
As an ending to this true story and to complete both letters, here is the BEGINNING of Micheal's same letter. I am placing it at the end, because my part of the story has now been revealed. Here's Micheal, again:
"The negative approach to panic was good to have thwarted. The positive outlook and lack of panic was the miracle. The angels guarding you were working well for you too. If both feet have ceased hurting and gone back to semi-normal, then there is nothing to worry about in that part of the fall.
"As you are aware, the closer we get to perfection [of self or in planning] the more we are tempted by fate to let the good fall by the wayside and return to the 'familiar' old self. I am most pleased that you recognized this and kept the positive force at work while you were challenged by the accident.
"AND it is a karate move, to fall full force while remaining virtually limp so the body can absorb the impact with greater success. How long have you been doing karate? [This includes watching the daily reruns of Walker Texas Ranger!]
"The detail in which you wrote of the accident allowed me to relive the horror, panic, and pain of the fall itself."
~~ The End (or is it?) ~~
Copyright © 2005-2024--Chase (chase4ever+webaf@gmail.com). All rights reserved.
I have been Inspired by Angels throughout my life, and I would like to personally share with my visitors and friends (YOU) some of my thoughts about them:
"ANGELS WHO HAVE VISITED ME--CHASE"
Angels have been on my mind a lot lately.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." This Verse is quoted from Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) in the Bible.
The Angels who have influenced me the most are the "Angels of Mercy." They appear sometimes as very special nurses in hospitals and places where extra loving-care is given. My dad thought of that label and I learned it from him, because of our experience from the nurses at the hospital at the time of my mom's final battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the "Angels of Mercy," and our family got to fully experience it.
When I was an infant, Lou (a waitress) would carry me back to the kitchen of the restaurant where she worked. She would get a banana just for me and wanted everyone to know how special I was. I felt unconditionally loved and knew that I was safe and protected by "Angel" Lou.
A clerk in a grocery store would pretend to hide for me to find him when I was still a toddler.
I remember a patient in the hospital who had previously fainted and fallen onto her stove and was very badly burned; her personality glowed as one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I was a young boy visiting my paternal grandmother who was a patient in that same room. This Angel radiated love beyond explanation.
Aunt Violet was married to my mom's Uncle Joe. Aunt Violet always made everyone feel comfortable in her presence--even little kids. She always had an inner glow and a radiant smile. Her words were very soft and comforting.
When my mom was in the hospital the last time, she told me that my brother Warren's wife June had been an Angel to her. I remember mom's words so vividly, and I experienced what she meant at the time mom transitioned to Heaven, because June was fully displaying what mom had expressed.
A band of Angels comforted me when I was hurt--they had been friends before, but when I was hurt I had Angels around me--this has happened numerous times throughout my life.
A friend seemed to always know when my heart had been broken, because he would appear at my home soon afterwards--there is no question that he was my personal Angel during those times. Today (though miles separate us), he is still my very best friend.
Angel Lulu lives in another Country (Canada) but her love radiates to all who know her--all over the world.
Some of the earth-bound Angels become more familiar after looking back at situations. I remember one who was softly singing when I was waiting in line at a check-out counter at Wal-Mart. She was so contented and comforting with her voice and attitude. When I complimented her, her smile added even more joy to her grace.
A man who had a shoe shop always saved his pennies for me when I was very young.
On the internet, I have experienced the actions of Angels, and I really believe that lots of Angels are sitting behind keyboards where their love can gently flow to others. It's kind of like souls without bodies, because there is no visual barrier. Nothing ever distracts the inner beauty that these Angels display. I could mention countless names, but I wouldn't be able to ever come close to naming all of them. You ANGELS probably know who you are!!
Yes, I have experienced Angels. THANK YOU for being one of them!!
Love,
Chase
Copyright © 2005-2024--Chase (chase4ever+webaf@gmail.com). All rights reserved.
My sharing with you, about what follows, is quite heavy but also freeing from being self-centered and struggling to get free. Forgiveness is really POWERFUL. Thank you to a very good friend for being a vessel from God to open my heart and to be able to relate what he shared and share some of my life-changing events. Feeling Inspired to share some of my experience, I Pray that this touches your heart, too.
(Chase)
SHARING FORGIVENESS
In August of 2002, a close friend of mine shared something really awesome about forgiveness at a meeting that we both attended. Before getting sober, he had been beaten by a person with a shovel to the point that he almost died. His brains were exposed, he was temporarily blinded, and he had lost the ability to speak for a brief period of time. When the paramedics arrived, they were shocked to find him still alive, and they commented that they couldn't believe it. This true story is enough to make anyone ask, "Could this man ever forgive his enemy--the attacker; if so, how and why?" My friend went on to explain that he has forgiven this person, because if this incident had never happened, he would have never found himself and the path to recovery. Today he has a radiant smile and speaks from his heart. I felt so moved by what he shared that inspired me to look within myself for where I may have thought I'd forgiven others, and I pondered how much and if there was more to forgive.
My first thoughts traveled to the area of being involved in a head-on car accident in 1979. The other driver may have been drunk, and maybe, in some way, it could have been avoided. Back then, I had turned it inwards and seldom considered those possibilities. I never blamed the other driver and always thought of it as a very, very tragic accident. If forgiveness was needed, I was more than willing to forgive, and I did that. Also, I thanked that precious Angel for helping me to learn so many valuable lessons about how fragile life really is and for helping me to reach out for help from God and others.
Another era (the mid-to-late 1960s) came to my mind, about being very young and in the Air Force in Okinawa, during the Vietnam War. I was thoroughly terrorized by the guys in my squadron. The last day that I was on the Island, they came to me and shared that for the past almost 18 months they had tried to drive me insane but decided that they wanted me to be all right when I got back to the USA. Yes, they came very close to succeeding at driving me insane, but God definitely had other plans. I have always been very grateful that they found enough honesty to share with me, that I was being tormented and it wasn't imaginary. If they hadn't done such vicious things and threatened me so violently, I wonder if I would have learned how to give compassion to others and grieve for them when really terrible things happen. Without personal experiences like this one, I wouldn't be able to give hope to someone else by saying my favorite four words ("this too shall pass") if I didn't truly believe in "this too shall pass." How could I not forgive these men for teaching me the ability to endure and to really, really want to live? I haven't seen any of these guys since I left Okinawa, but I have truly forgiven them.
Please don't consider me saintly by any means, because that is not my motive for sharing these insights with you. It was critical for me to forgive, because not doing that could have caused extreme self-destuction. It took me many years to realize that, but I have changed from being extremely suicidal to having a zest for living life to its fullest.
I have so much more to learn, and I thank God for the people who help me to learn what I need to learn, at the exact right time.
Sometimes God has used me as a vessel for bringing hope to someone who felt hopeless. The treasure is seeing those miracles unfold and watching those people reach out and help others--which becomes miracles upon miracles upon miracles. Thank you for the opportunity to share some really deep-felt thoughts and feelings with you.
ALWAYS remember that you are loved!!
~~Inspired by a friend and written by Chase~~
Copyright © 2002-2024--Chase (chase4ever+webaf@gmail.com). All rights reserved.
The following article is something I wrote and want to share with my friends and visitors:
HEAVEN ON EARTH
I have heard that religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell and that spirituality is for those of us who have already been there. I love spirituality because it never judges and always expresses unconditional love to everyone--all of God's kids.
I have experienced Heaven on earth through my internet friends--my "Family Of Friends." I have shared some of my deepest pain and problems with these wonderful souls. I have cried and cried, and whoever was there--at that special moment--was a gift I could never have found without access to the internet.
Some of my greatest joy has come from someone on the internet who just naturally knows how to convey love and friendship--with absolutely no strings attached. It doesn't matter if I haven't shaved today or if I'm having a "bad-hair day." When I receive e-mail from one of these lovely people, it is like an Angel has graced my domain. I can't see the person and I can't hear his or her voice, but I can sense the genuine care and concern for others.
When tragedy strikes, it amazes me how these wonderful souls (with bodies that I cannot see) all come together to help someone in need of a little encouragement--whether it be a friend, a friend I haven't met yet, or me. Sometimes I ask these Angels on earth for spiritual or emotional help, and without question they send it across the heavens.
Because each and every one of God's kids needs a little extra love from time to time, I encourage others to reach out to someone to add a little joy to his or her life. I hope that I have added a spark of joy to your heart. Thank you for adding so much joy to mine.
Yes, I have experienced Heaven on earth from you--my very special internet friends.
Love and best wishes always!!
Chase
Copyright © 2000-2024--Chase (chase4ever+webaf@gmail.com). All rights reserved.
Thank you to those of you who have shared my website with your family and friends. That kindness has definitely touched my heart.
Regarding my dream (and my other web pages reaveal more of it), it all began when I shared a story about my childhood pet turtle with my very special friend Roger. Through Roger's encouragement to write turtle's story, my dream started materializing, and I am continuing to follow that dream into other avenues of adventure.
Dream, dream, dream, because.......
DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE.
~~~Chase~~~
BELOW IS A LIST OF MY OTHER WEB PAGES
This is your personal invitation to experience
~~my world of dreams and reality~~
by CLICKING the items on this list:
Chase's Tears of Joy
Chase's Treasures
Chase's Turtle Story
Chase's Feeling Feelings
Chase's I Am Home With My Family
Chase's Awards From Others Page #1
Chase's Awards From Others Page #2
Chase's Awards From Others Page #3
Chase's Awards From Others Page #4
Chase's Favorite Links
Chase's Recognition at Cybertown
Chase's Home Page
Chase's Tribute to Mom in Heaven
Chase's Wonderful Dad and His Love
Chase's Birthday Gift for You on Your Birthday
Chase's Reserved Chair
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