I read the message above posted by Pope Francis this morning, so I thought it would be especially meaningful today as we all hope and pray for his recovery.
It's also meaningful because our world could very much afford to be "slammed" with goodness and fraternity.
May goodness be overpowering.
💚💙💜💛
A few days ago, I read the post below on one of my Facebook friend's pages.
I don't personally know the author, but he knows my brother Mike. They graduated together from Sandpoint High School in 1962, which makes them both 80 somethings.
His words and personal story struck a chord for me personally.
Moreover, I believe that his proactive stance of facing life's obstacles and putting them aside while trying to live the fullest life possible is powerful.
Doesn't matter if you're 80 or a teenager, the wisdom is there.
So, I asked him if I could share what he had to say.
Thank you, Dick Ragland, for your thoughts and your update and your inspiration.
May they be helpful to anyone in need.
My Journey: From Darkness to Purpose
By Dick Ragland
In February 2018, my life changed when I had a stroke that affected my right, dominant side. A year later, I started insulin for type 2 diabetes.
By June 2020, I weighed around 200 pounds, my blood sugar was dangerously high (200-400), and I was taking 70 units of insulin daily.
I was also on antidepressants and hydrocodone for pain,
spending my days in a dark bedroom or gaming room, hating my life and blaming
others for my situation.
Then, one morning in June 2020, I woke up and said, Enough. I need to change my life.
And from that day, I started taking steps to turn things around. It wasn’t easy, but with determination—and God’s help—I began to reclaim my health and my happiness.
Fast forward to January 2022, I had another realization: I needed to leave my living situation and the United States to find a new path.
So, I did.
I moved to Boquete, Panama, where I lived for 2.5 years. While there, I walked almost 4,000 kilometers, pushing through injuries, illness, and even COVID. But no matter what obstacles came my way, I persevered.
From Panama, I moved to Medellín, Colombia, and now I’m in Baños, Ecuador. My journey is still unfolding, and my ultimate destination is Mauritius. Through it all, I believe God has had a mission for me, and I’m on that mission every day.
I’m sharing my story because I know I’m not alone. So many people feel stuck, hopeless, or trapped by their circumstances.
I want you to know that change is possible—no matter how
dark life may seem. It starts with one decision, one step, one day at a time.
Update:
My journey is still ongoing, and like anyone, I continue to face challenges. I have neuropathy in my right foot that sometimes affects my sleep, and while I’m still on insulin, I’ve reduced my dosage to just 12 units.
I also have a fully torn rotator cuff that causes pain most of the day, but I manage without medication. Recently, I’ve been dealing with blood pressure issues, but I refuse to let any of these setbacks stop me.
The road isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and determination can carry you through even the toughest times.
My next stop is Lima, Peru—and beyond. I’m excited to see where this
journey continues to lead me, and I’m grateful for every step of the way.
💚💜💛💙💖
In spite of that, I got to know Mr. Dean Fredlund fairly well by hanging around in his classroom after school.
We thought of him as the coolest teacher in the school, so we enjoyed spending time with him whenever possible.
There was plenty of banter going on, and, for some reason which is in my distant memory right now, he liked to issue the friendly command of "Down Brown."
I think I probably earned the right because (this may surprise people) I talked and laughed a lot.
Anyway, Mr. Fredlund is now receiving long-term care in his present community of Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
His wife Paula, who was also a teacher, keeps me up-to-date on how he's doing.
Yesterday, she sent me the photo below (taken last year), and I posted on our class Facebook page and sent it to my friend Chris, one of his students.
It was neat to see some of the initial responses from those who knew him and remember him fondly.
Thought I'd post them this morning as another upbeat reminder of how influential positive people can be simply by passing through someone else's life.
----from Dr. Christine Moon, retired psychology instructor at Pacific Lutheran University: There he is. He must have been pretty young when he taught at SHS.
Probably my best teacher ever. I would have been a biologist if not for a crappy college course.
from James Baldwin, retired lawyer: Mr Fredlund: you were my most memorable biology teacher.
However, your most profound impression was in the area of musical appreciation. You exposed our church group to "Handel’s Messiah." And for that I am ever Grateful.
from Don Shaffer: Love and prayers to you Mr. Fredlund. I’m sorry that I never had you as a biology teacher. I wished I had but you inspired me in ways that you may never know.
I went on to be a biology teacher for 46 years in San Diego.
Thank you. You take care and God bless you, Don Shaffer Class of 1962.
from Francie Spencer Hanson: He made biology fun with his great sense of humor.
from Dianne Rucker Dymack: Thoughts and prayers for Mr. Fredlund 
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