In late 2012 I wrote about problems I was having with my right foot, which turned out to be a broken fifth metatarsal. In February 2013 I had surgery, but after three months of waiting, the bone had not healed properly.

At the time I felt very down. Was it caused by my diabetes or something I'd done? I don't know. My doctor didn't have any answers.

At the time we discussed the possibility of another surgery, but he basically told me that there wasn't a big rush and I moved on.

There was no follow-up and I really wasn't sure if another surgery would be prudent. What if I went through all that again and it still didn't heal? And where would I find the money to pay for my share of the surgery?

Then, in September or thereabouts, my insurance deductible went from $400 to $1,000. That pretty much sealed the fate of that surgery.

In late May my right foot started swelling again. It came out of left field and I call a foul. It's like, really? Really? You are going to do this to me now, foot?

About a month ago I gave in and went to my family doctor who referred me to a different orthopedic doctor. He looked at X-rays and saw problems with other bones in the foot, but couldn't tell me a lot. But he did discuss a bit about how my diabetic neuropathy may be the cause of some of it. And the doctor also pointed out on my X-ray where two of the bones in my foot looked a little out of alignment.

Does it surprise me? No. With the problems I have with my feet, I figure the bones take a beating. So I'm back in my big walking boot and will return to the doctor to see if that is helping. But he did suggest the possibility of a cast eventually, if it doesn't get better.

So you can imagine I'm feeling a bit discouraged now. It's not that I'm unhappy or feel discontented, though. I've been richly blessed in so many ways and I really am trying to bring that into focus.

Like many folks, I struggle to keep my blood sugar levels lower. I know what the suggested range is, but I rarely ever make it that far down.

But thankfully, the grace and mercy I need are new every morning. So, I just have to get with the program and and start fresh every day, like it or not.

On the up side, I have made some positive changes in my diet that are helping. And even though my blood glucose levels aren't perfect by any stretch, they have been lower for the last few weeks. So even though my levels are not where I want them to be, they're better than they were.

One of the things that helps me feel better about my life is helping others. It gets me outside myself and my perceived misery, and it benefits those who need help.

I try to help my mother in our church clothing room when I can, although she'd probably say I could be there more. But she'd say it lovingly.

Another thing I do is deliver food from the Rice Depot to a senior citizen who lives in Little Rock. If you've never seen the Rice Depot in action, it's a thing of beauty.

On the last Saturday of the month a gaggle of good folks show up to pack boxes of food that are then delivered around central Arkansas. It take a couple of hours, but I know it helps someone who can't get out and about.

I don't want it to sound like I'm tooting my own horn or patting myself on the back. I mainly want to share ideas for those who might feel the same way I do.

Last year during the recovery from my foot surgery, my mother and I went to Mardel Christian and Education store. I'm sure I was quite a sight as I maneuvered around the store in a wheelchair with a big heavy wire basket on top.

But I digress.

In the super bargain section I found a book titled Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference, written by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza.

The authors' goal is that the book be an "involvement" guide to give straightforward and uncomplicated ways to get ourselves involved and to help others. I'll admit I've been lax in getting to it, but I got it off the shelf, dusted it off and want to share some ideas with you guys.

The authors also want to help us change the image of our back-to-work Mondays by making them mean something amazing. Surely we can spare some time one day a week. Some of their ideas are:

• Make a list of what matters most to you, then act on it.

• Eat better for your health, your wallet and for those who love you. Or pledge to not eat fast food on Monday.

• Write a letter to a U.S. military hero.

• Help feed the hungry.

• Donate blood.

• Donate books.

• Register to donate your organs.

• Treat the homeless with dignity.

• Learn CPR.

• Pick up litter and don't be a litterbug.

• Thank a firefighter or police officer. I took some desserts to one of the Sherwood volunteer fire department locations after our Thanksgiving meal last year. That way I didn't eat the sweets and the firefighters got to enjoy them. They seemed appreciative.

There are many more great ideas in the book, so if I've piqued your interest, find a copy or come up with ideas of your own. You'll be glad you did.

Email me at:

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ActiveStyle on 06/30/2014