I am a single father of 3 beautiful, independent and smart girls.  I raised the oldest for 14 years until my health led them to live with their mom, or my oldest on her own.  I have a 10 year old who keeps me and my spirits high.  I thank god everyday for what I have, and what I have to offer.  My life is completely different, and some for the good and some, not much so.  I am lucky to be alive and want everyone to know, DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP.  EVER. 

UPDATE in June of 2007 I met the love of my life, married her and adopted her three year old daughter. my middle daughter gave birth on 10/06/2011 to my first GRANDSON! My oldest is 21 this month and three months along. My youngest is 11 in less than a month 12. I have a stepson who is 14. 5 kids, bio, and step from 21 to 3. I'm growing tired and becoming angry about my situation. What we thought for years was simple bowel obstructions, I have done some research and found I have Chronic Inflammatory Pseudo-Obstruction. No real obstruction but google it or try medpage or webmd and you can read what it does. I suffered for years with this. A local hospital, I trained as an EMT at, and was born actually uninvited me to ever return to the ER because they labeled me a pain drug seeker. I am under the care of a pain clinic, but the pain would sometimes exceed what my home meds could provide. A simple shot or two of only 1mg of DILAUDID would set me straight and sometimes some fluids from dehydration. I realize I sound like an enigma, but I believe the Ulcerative Colitis, Primary Sclerosing Colangitis, and this "CIPO", are all related. If a test can be found and administered early, it could save the colon, maybe the liver if treated in younger, healthier patients. I'm not a doctor, or a nurse, and I am letting you know that now, because this is strictly my OPINION, and information Imderived from countless searches and study. Thank you for reading this very important update!