Strength and courage -- for those who are concerned and care about me.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

Joined
Mar 5, 1999
Messages
34,096
I've received some personal email from people who are deeply troubled about my current health status -- some of this mail heart wrenching -- and thus the reason for this thread.

First, I want to say that I am touched and most appreciative for your communications and proud of the courage displayed by the strongest, toughest and the best of men who had it in them to tell me they had shed tears on my behalf.

Second, I want all you fine men and women to know that I am fine.

I am without fear and have little concern for myself. I am at peace with my Maker and hold no grudges against men. Old enemies and those who have wronged me are forgiven. I have mended those fences which could be mended and have prayed for those on the other side of fences I could not mend. I have left nothing undone.

So, as I told Yangdu who panicked and was out of control in the ER almost 4 years ago when we were told that I was having a heart attack and might die, "I'll be fine no matter how this goes. Take care of yourself. Think of yourself. Don't worry about me. I'm just fine." And, then I tried to con my way out to the street so I could smoke a Camel.

And this is how I am today.

My belief as a Buddhist is my death day is already fixed so I don't worry about it. When it comes I will go and I'm ready. Until then I will face whatever karma I have in store with a knowledge that it is fair and just and I will deal with it to the best of my ability. I do not always like it and do not have to. I may get pissed off about it and swear, rant and rave but that is my right. But I will deal with it regardless.

In the interim I'll still do my best to continue with my dharma and will drink coffee and smoke in the mornings until I can't lift the cup or pick up a cigarette. In the evenings I'll drink my Heineken and smoke. As long as the music plays I'll do my own dance and when the music stops I'll be ready.

So I will leave all of you with the same message I left with Yangdu 4 years ago:

"I'll be fine no matter how this goes. Take care of yourself. Think of yourself. Don't worry about me. I'm just fine."

And this: Be strong. Take courage. Have faith. Everything is fine and will be exactly as it should be. And do not weep but smile as I am. I would much rather have you smiling with me in the knowledge that we have won the battle than weeping for me. Take heart. All is well and will be well.
 
Uncle Bill

You are truly one of a kind, to think of others in this situation. You have my prayers !!

Blessings
Brendan
 
Honestly Uncle Bill,

I'd rather prefer it if you stuck around. It's obvious to this here newcomer that you are a loved and cherished member of the human race.

Good folk ain't exactly a dime a dozen.

and Bill Martino is one of a kind.
 
Good folk ain't exactly a dime a dozen.

and Bill Martino is one of a kind.
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You can say that again! It takes quite a man to be more concerned about the people worrying about you than with your own health (don't neglect it entirely though!). I know I for one feel a whole lot better after reading this thread, still hoping and praying but smiling none the less.
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
"I'll be fine no matter how this goes. Take care of yourself. Think of yourself. Don't worry about me. I'm just fine."

And this: Be strong. Take courage. Have faith. Everything is fine and will be exactly as it should be.
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It's just been proven to me again that almost or maybe all, since I don't know how all of the newbies are, of the people that frequent this forum are "One of a Kind!!!!"
And it also seems that the majority of the people who find this place that may be less than they could be, change for the better after being here a while.
It just goes to show everyone, yet again, that trust begats trust. Kindness begats kindness. Caring begats caring and so on, as Good always begats Good, and Good always has and always will rule over Evil.
Prayer begats prayer and so on and on.
There's been people that have come here with no personal belief in anything that have achived at least belief in something greater than themselves. Good begats good.:)

Bill the top sentence applies to you as it does to us. And if the worse comes to worse we'll still be fine, eventually.
and here the second sentence applies to you as well.
 
Great men(And I know you won't like me saying that Uncle Bill, but I'd bet you're only one here in Cantina who would argue with me calling you that, and fact you don't want it just proves it more) tend to draw great people. I've enjoyed my time in Cantina here immensely, and from the start you ahve impressed me with your strength of character. Your philosophy here through this impresses me too, and is way I try to live, though don't always meet it.

Anyways, prayers will still be going out, but I tip my hat to you(or will later when I put hat on. ;) )

Gonna pick up some Heineken tonight and drink one in your honor, just sorry I live too far away to actually share some with you and jsut talk.
 
This is the approach one should have towards life. Some aspire to it, but few achieve it. Still, I hope everything will turn out for the best this Monday...
 
Bill, it's hard to find words to add to what has already been written. I offer a commitment to earnest prayer for your Peace and Healing.
 
I wish I was more like you Uncle Bill. Be strong as you are, we'll wait to greet you here or somewhere else.
 
Guess I better siphon off some of this green homebrew, filter it through an extra pair of three day old socks, & tip one or three in your honor tonight, while I watch the pot slowly bubble on a recipe of chili. Second thought, I may need to send you a gallon of the chili. All these years I've known you, I have appreciated your candor, honor & sense of humor & I'm betting on getting to continue enjoying it for a long, long time. Take care of yourself my friend.
 
You really have made me feel better, Uncle Bill. I have a trouble saying the right thing when somebody else is going through a hard time, and hear you are--the one going through it--and you can make everything clear and all right. I'm so glad I wandered into the Cantina back when, and only wish I'd done it even sooner. Thanks and take care.
 
Bill?

Then, based on what you said, I'm presuming you DON'T want me to dust off the stone altar, re-edge the obsidian knife, and send a "collection" team to get Brendan to sacrifice him to the gods for your health?

uh-oh.

Now, where DID I put that collection team's number?:eek:
 
Originally posted by Kismet
uh-oh.

Now, where DID I put that collection team's number?:eek:
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(918)266-18**. I'm in Kis!!!! Anything to help Two Dogs out a little!!!!!:p ;) :D :D
 
What did I do to deserve being considered for a sacrifice - I'd like to help but that is taking it to the next level !!

B
 
Well, Uncle Bill, if I wasn't a little choked up before, I am now...but also smiling. Your words came from the heart which makes it easier to reach others. I have really been worried about my own situation these past few weeks. Not anymore. Thanks.
 
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