Transcript: translated from ASL @ Fellowship Congregational Church

This ASL stewardhip talk was given by Rich to the congregation at Fellowship Congregational Church on Sunday, November 2, 2008:


Show and tell. There are some pictures of me “before and after” on the table in the Narthex. Please look at them after the service.
I THANK God for everyday I draw a breath. I thank GOD for everyday I draw a breath. Thirty years ago, before my fortieth birthday a doctor found a tumor about the size of a golf ball just below my right eye and in line with my ear. I had four surgeries to remove it. After one surgery which took 23 hours, I was in I.C.U for one month and the hospital for seven months. To date I have been in the hospital over 500 days. That is one year plus in the hospital. Many people thought I could die. But only the good die young. I am mean. I thank God for EVERDAY I draw a breath
When my work was suspended, our Pastor gave me a check for $1,000. I was blown away! It was hard to accept the money from friends, people I considered family. But I have learned one way to show love is to accept help. I thank God for everyday I DRAW a breath.
I taught at Edison High School for fourteen years. My first surgery occurred with one quarter of the school year left. My third surgery occurred with one half of the school year left. I had some sick leave saved but not nearly enough. Many, many teachers gave me some of their sick leave and I was paid for two full years. I am blessed with many friends. Most I do not know. I THANK God for everyday I draw a breath.
I have received so much love and support over the years. I want to give back. Some say you should give 5% to the church and 5% to the needy and home less. It is interesting to note, if every member gave 5% to the church, then the church would have enough money. But in the real world every member does not give 5%. So, some must give more. I am able to give over 10% and three hours a week outside church time. I know some who volunteer more time. I am very grateful. I thank God for everyday I draw a BREATH.
You don’t have to become sick to be grateful. “Joke.” You can be grateful to God because you are healthy. And for many friends you don’t know. We all are grateful to God. If you wish, please sign with me. I thank God for everyday I draw a breath. Thanks, Praise God.
Rich Curby