This site and these web pages have been started with what you might call on the "wings of a hope and a prayer" in the hopes of bringing comfort to those who need it after losing a loved one and as a way to remember those special people who have touched our lives in one way or another, whether online and/or in real life as my friend Lonzo touched mine. I started these pages with the intention of helping myself to deal with the feelings of sadness and loss that I felt when I heard the news of Lonzo's passing on August 9 as well as to help his family and his other friends who were mourning the loss. It hit me harder than it normally would have due to the fact that just before I got the news, I received a ICQ message from Lonzo saying "Hello" to me.....I replied back to it then noticed he was showing offline but didn't think too much about that since I had been offline for a few hours that day before when ICQ said that his message was sent. Now, I realize that it was probably just another ICQ delay but it can also be taken as Lonzo's way of letting us know that he's still around even if we can't always see him. I like to think of him as a guardian angel for his family and friends....probably cruisin' up and down and all over Heaven on his motorcycle, enjoyin' the ride while he's just waitin' for one of us to give him something to do but hopin' we won't give him too much work. *soft chuckle with a laugh* Lonzo was and always will be a very special guy and a good friend.....kind, generous, and loving to those who knew him.....I hope he knew and realized just how much his family and friends cared about him before he answered God's call to join him in Heaven. I'm very glad to have known and met Lonzo and to have his friendship even though I wish he had been able to stay here on Earth with us a whole lot longer but I know we will all meet up again with him in Heaven when the time comes. And knowing Lonzo, he'll probably coming roaring up the road to meet and greet us on his motorcycle, ready to take whoever is there on a "wild ride." I don't know how many people are aware of this but Lonzo apparently had a stroke about two weeks before his death and he did not go to the hospital or the doctor afterwards. Sadly, I only found out about it after his death so I don't know why he didn't go...he may not have realized that it was a stroke? But knowing Lonzo, he probably shrugged it off and didn't think much about it when he felt better later. I know Sandi and his family urged him to go but he refused. Part of me still wishes that I had known about Lonzo's stroke before his death since I believe that I could have persuaded him into going for treatment based on my experience with my dad when he had a stroke a few years ago and he made a complete recovery thanks to the treatment he received as well as going through physical therapy afterwards. So now, in memory of Lonzo (and I think with his guidance and approval - a little "whisper" in my ears from him....*soft smile*), I am asking that if you or someone you know have any of the following symptoms as shown a little farther down on this page, PLEASE do not hesitate for even one second, call 911 and get to the emergency room at the nearest hospital because time is precious and those seconds do count! The sooner treatment of a stroke/heart attack is started, the better! According to what I have read, studies show that brain damage begins from the very moment that a stroke begins. Chances are that if Lonzo had gotten treatment following his stroke, he might still be here today! By recognizing the symptoms of a stroke or a heart attack and getting emergency medical help right away, you could possibly prevent a major stroke or save a life. The life you save may be your own, a loved one, or a good friend!
Warning Signs Of A Stroke
Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
Sudden dimness or loss of vision (particularly in one eye)
Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech
Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause (i.e., the worst headache you've ever had).
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, particularly if accompanied by any of the previous symptoms
Difficulty swallowing
Note: The warning signs may be temporary, lasting from a few minutes to 24 hours. Even symptoms lasting only seconds should be taken seriously.
Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulders.
Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold, sweaty skin.
Paleness or pallor.
Increased or irregular heart rate.
Feeling of impending doom.
Note: Not all of these signs occur in every stroke/attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast.
I hope to be adding more words/pages/links in the days to come to give comfort to those seeking it. Please e-mail me if you have something to add to these pages.
In memory of Lonzo....... Click on the rose above for more information/links about strokes/heart attacks.
Welcome to Heaven's Door! 
