CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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Oh, so sorry to hear of this. Take heart, Mike. Your Howdy family cares for you and anticipates your return when you are able.
Blizzi, thank you for passing this along to all of us.
Very sorry to hear this.
Mike was actually the person I confided in back in 2004 when my own grandmother passed away. Hang in there, Mike. We are thinking of you.
Anr, Ryan, you were there for me. I’m eternally grateful. If and when you need to talk, Mike, we’re both here for you.
Actually, I’m back early, guys. I really missed this place and you. I’ll probably not be here as constantly, but I had some time to kill today and wanted to distribute my two-cents to some of the recent posts/threads…starting with this one:
Thank you for your well-wishes. It’s tough, but easier than I’d thought; the whole family has felt sorrow and a bit of relief. My mother, God bless her, was incredibly courageous and self-sacrificing the past four years, overseeing the care and legalities of my grandparents before they died; my grandmother passed away a few days ago, and her husband, my granfather approximately ten months prior — and they both took ill about a week apart just about 4 years ago; in nursing homes, and eventually the same nursing home, since.
Right now I’m entering my second semester as a masters student in Illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and it’s wonderful, but incredibly demanding, which is to be expected. This latest tragedy upped the daily challenge, however. But all things considered, including other recent events, I remain unconvinced that my life is purely a series of meaningless accidental events, whether good or bad — too many things, good and bad, worked out beautifully for the best, and not always precisely what I had in mind, either. I’ve felt the hand of God guiding me throughout, and beckoning when I failed to trust Him. But family tragedies and awareness of one’s mortality have me asking myself, “Can I do better, for God?” Life is so fleeting; am I doing what I should be doing? And the answer is yes to both of those questions; for in His timing, and with trust, no matter what he calls me to, He’ll call me through it. This is more or less the sermon the priest gave at the funeral (my grandmother was Catholic). And how I hope and pray it caused my family there to reflect as I have, and how I hope you might as well. That’s all, just to reflect; I’m not trying to convert anyone. It’s just that, yeah, the priest was right: we live in some very challenging times, on all fronts. And there are many things that are negative and destructive that we seem to wholeheartedly accept or condone by virtue of its popularity and presence in our culture. Such is life, but letting go of that, trading in sin for righteousness, pleasing God by living for our fellow humanbeings, meeting them where they are at and seeking to love them as ourselves, reflecting Christ’s example and God’s love for His creation, using our unique spritual gifts to glorfy Him, pointing the way to salvation through Christ. That’s what it’s all about, this life. And I couldn’t be happier.
God bless you men and women. So glad to be back. I’ll be here weekly, if not more frequently; CaptainHowdy.com, in its own way, points people to THE EXORCIST, and thus, the Lord. It is a book and film designed to tell a story but also cause individuals to question good and evil, and where they ought to fit into the equation.
Incidentally… so, too, does Ben S.’s forthcoming book of essays on Blatty’s life, career and works. And, before I forget, I’d just like you to know that my essay on DEMONS FIVE, EXORCISTS NOTHING has been officially approved, accepted and canonized with rest of what will be 14 (?) essays comprising this book. I’m in. Probably the honor of a lifetime, if I’ve ever heard of one associated with Mr. Blatty. I screamed like a little girl when I got the good news. Not only is it good for my ego as a fan, but infinitely more importantly, God has allowed me to participate in what could be a major light in the literary world: the first book of essays concerned with Blatty, pointing people to Mr. Blatty’s works, and… by God’s will and grace, Christ. 😀
Conclusion: It’s been a rollercoaster of a year — two years, actually — and God has been so good to me. I don’t deserve any of this, fom my point of view; that’s where He and I disagree. And I’m okay with that. 🙂 Thanks to each of you for your encouargement and kind words. You are true friends.
Blessings, no stressings.
M.I.K.E.
Ps.If you’ve made it this far, check out my other posts (give me some time, if they’re not already up). catchup time as I go post away…! Cheers!
Well, you know me… I’ll be along after ya on all posts minus Domion. 😛 Follow your heart (you do, and I’m proud to know someone who does), Keep the faith, Jason says. Through all our different paths; Catholic, Athiest, Jewish, Agnostic, ect. Miraculously, we get along. The world could take a lesson from the CHers. God is controversial. Love is universal. That’s my new quote. Peace.
Nice you’re back, Mike. Your faith is seeing you through some troubled times.
It’s delightful that you got accepted officially into the book. Congratulations – I’m sure the text is richer for your contribution.
Our friend Mike’s grandmother died a few days ago. I’ve been asked to tell you guys that, though he won’t be around much for a while, he’ll be back soon. You’re in our hearts, Mike. Take care, my brother.
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