Thoughts of the Month ~ August

[Janet]

Liz, not to worry about the spelling of Darrel's name.  There are several ways that name is spelled!  What are Pastilles? I don't believe I've ever seen that word before, but will inquire about it, as we really do need something to help with his nerves, and to help him get some sleep!

Carol, I have an app't about my ankle on Wednesday.  I hope questions will be answered and that I won't be needing more follow-up, but if I do, will have to find a new doctor. 

See you all tomorrow!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful and sunny morning with it getting into the low 90's this afternoon.  I am going to Sunday School this morning and then will come home and get Pat so we can go to Church.  Last evening she said she planned to go but that will depend on how she is doing this morning.  If she goes we will stop on the way home to get something for our lunch and if not, as usual, I will pick up something to bring home for our lunch.  I did watch quite a bit of the golf championship yesterday and plan on watching the last part of it today. 

Janet, nice to read you were pleased with the reception for your art opening and nice you were able to sell a painting as well.  We had a few sprinkles yesterday while we were at Dairy Queen and I had left my car windows cracked a bit at the top, as I usually do on very hot days.  A man left the restaurant but came back in and looked at me and asked if I was the man with the blue car outside (he must have seen us come in).  I acknowledged that I was and he told me it was starting to rain so I went out and closed the windows and brought an umbrella back inside.  When we left there had only been a few sprinkles on the car and it had already stopped and that was the last of the rain yesterday.  Those Colorado peaches sound good.  I know we enjoyed the peaches we were able to get here earlier this year.  They do have a tendency to disappear rather quickly.  Were you saying that you were such a difficult patient that you are putting your surgeon out of business!!    Seriously I am sure glad you were able to get that appointment.  Sorry to read that Darrel is still having difficulty sleeping. 

Liz, interesting about putting a bar of soap on the botttom sheet to stop the leg cramps.  I recall someone mentioning doing that in the past but had totally forgotten it.  I haven't had a leg cramp in a long time and hope it is much longer before I have one again.  I don't recall you sharing with us about your son.  Certainly a sad thing to deal with. 

Carol, nice to see you were able to met your granddaughter and daughter in Golden.  Many years ago I was attending a two week management course that was held in Denver and we went on a field trip to the Coors Brewery, which was used as a case study in how to run a very successful business.  It was quite interesting and impressive. 

[Larry Hanna]

A few days ago Bubble shared the following two short videos with me and said it was OK to share them with you all.  I think you will find them inspiring.  This was an organization I had never heard of before.

https://youtu.be/OXLMB5TECMo

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TvT5kQYLM0w?rel=0&autoplay=1

[Carol]

Thanks Bubble and Larry for sending the wonderful sites on special wheels for children - what a sense of freedom they must feel. 

I did make it to the 7:30 service this morning.  It takes more effort these days to leave the house a bit before 7:15, park in the massive lot and greet friends.  Don cannot hear (understand) the speakers in the chapel even with their hearing aids.  He can understand the Saturday night more quiet service at the Lutheran church.  So, we adjust to the new norms a lot these days. 

We met the latest dog last night.  He is a sweetheart.  There is one more to meet in the family and we need to visit our daughter for her rescue golden retriever.  That one has adjusted so quickly - imagine flying them in from Turkey to keep the dogs from being left in the woods.  There is a rescue animal mission that works on that issue. 

I asked ALEXA to play "Bless the Lord, oh, my soul" and this time that song was found.  Finally, you can find songs we like to hear.  -

[Janet]

What a touching story, about "The Magic Wheelchair."  I know even my Beth would have loved this!  She had such a childlike spirit.  What a wonderful dad that guy is! May his efforts be richly blessed.

Thanks or sharing!

Carol, I surely hadn't heard about dogs being rescued from Turkey!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It looks like we will be having another nice and warm summer day here in South Carolina with only a small chance of rain this afternoon and a high of 94 degrees.  Yesterday was an enjoyable day with the morning at Church and then Pat and I had lunch at Zaxby's enjoying a small chicken salad and then a quiet afternoon.  I did watch the golf tournament most of the  afternoon.  Nothing is on the schedule for today so will just have to wait and see what develops.  I don't expect to leave the house. 

Carol, I thought the wheels for children made a very good point of how they feel as if no one notices them.  I was particularly touched when the father commented he would have his two sons only a short while do to their medical condition.  I don't think I would ever make it to Church by 7:30 in the mornings.  You must be attending a very large Church as you mentioned the massive parking lot.  Does your Church provide any type of transportation from the parking lot to the front of the Church?  Our Church provides a golf cart service for those needing help getting from their cars to and after the service.  I drop Pat off at the front of the Church and then find a parking spot and if it is far out I will use the special service to get back to the Sanctuary and then back to the car afterwards. Our Church uses special hearing equipment for those with impaired hearing.  Glad you are enjoying your ALEXA.  I haven't gone that route and really can't figure out how it would be of much use to me.  I can find about any song I want with my Spotify app and have nice speakers in my office.  If I listen elsewhere I almost always use earphones. 

Janet, one would have to have a pretty cold heart not to be touched by the Magic Wheelchair program.  Apparently there are a number of men who now make those special costumes for the children.  I have never heard of the dog rescue from Turkey either. 

[Carol]

Larry:  I attend 2 churches in Colorado.  One is on Saturday night at 5 PM and that is Lutheran and the other is 7:30 AM on Sunday and that is Evangelical Presbyterian.  Don can understand the pastors at the small service on Saturday night (he has the distorted hearing problem).  I go alone on Sunday and meet friends for service - two good friends who are widows.  They stay for Sunday School but I leave and go home or for coffee with Don.  We do what is easy and yes, the Sunday church is huge but I attend the chapel service early.  I don't see a golf cart but there are at least 8 special places to part and I am sure anyone would help walk or push a wheelchair.  It is very organized and thoughtful.  Yes, the main church is massive.  It is often used for special outside services - a policeman's funeral for instance. 

Janet:  Boulder has a rescue Golden Retriever group and they take in the young dogs that fly in from Turkey.  I have never heard of it before either.  Are you still healing?  Keep off that leg as much as you can. 

Quilting is here tomorrow night and Don will play cribbage with a couple of friends in the neighborhood.  It is cool this morning and has been cool enough to sleep with open windows.  Finally!  Such a different year with too many fires. 

[Janet]

Carol, why are the dogs in need of being rescued?  My ankle is a lot better; I'm thinking the doctor will question why I am even there when I go to app't. on Wednesday.  But they still hurt at night.
Seem to feel better when I am up on them than when I lie down!  Crazy. It's so sad that Don's hearing was so damaged by that cannon several years ago. 

I just sent my manuscript to the production team at Xulon Press.  I don't know how things will go there; they do everything completely differently than Tate did.  I just pray it will go smoothly!

Larry, for once, I don't have any "have-tos" on my calendar today!  I was going to go visit a friend who has been having severe health problems; but when I called, she didn't answer.  I haven't seen her in months!

Darrel has slept (in the bed!!) for two nights now, so I feel he is well on his way to recovery.  Still has pain at the surgery site, but that is to be expected, the surgeon said, for two to three months.  We both need to get back to exercising so we will be in shape for the Alaska trip; leaving on Sept. 1!

I need to call another member of my "team" at the publishing company.
I wish you all a blessed day!

[Carol]

Janet:  Wishing you full recovery - you will want to be able to hike a bit.  Are you going to Sitka?  We volunteered there for the month of July one year.  Fond memories. 

The dogs are only kept as long as they are puppies and just discarded.  I am glad you are going to the doctor anyway, because that is a hectic and fun trip you have planned.  Try to plan downtime for yourselves and remember they can always bring your meal to your room - where you can put your feet up.  That is strange - feeling better upright after ankle surgery. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We are suppose to have a totally sunny day today, which is very unusual for us as we normally see clouds around 3 or 4 pm every afternoon.  It will be in the 90's.  Yesterday was a rather wasted day as spent a lot of time resting and listening to my audiobook with my eyes closed.  I am feeling more chipper this morning so hope to have a good day.  I only have one thing on the schedule and that is a friend will be stopping by around 10 am to spend an hour with me.  Unless Pat wants to go out to eat I don't expect to even leave the house today.

Carol, thanks for the info on the Churches you attend.  Hope you have a great time with your quilting group this evening.  I haven't played cribbage in a long time and it has always been one of my favorite games that I have played since I was a child.  I can play it on the computer but need to load the Hoyle games on my laptop to do so. When we lived in Alaska I had the opportunity to take a business trip to Sitka but really don't remember much about it as that was in the late 1960's.   

Janet, good to read your leg is a lot better.  I know that is a relief to you.  I am looking forward to your new book.  I have never heard of the Press company but then I haven't looked for any self-publishing companies.  I do hope all goes well for you.  I was sort of shocked when I read that you didn't have any "have-to's" yesterday.  I hope you were able to just have a restful day.  Also good news on Darrel's recovery.  Time does heal.  I sure hope you both are feeling well for your Alaska trip.     

[Janet]

Larry, good to read that you are feeling more chipper today!  I didn't leave the house yesterday, except to go out to the garden, pick a few tomatoes and pull a big pile of weeds, then I did make a little walk out to the mailbox.  But the car never moved!  Unusual.

However, Darrel seems to not be doing well now.  He still has that sensation
of not being able to breathe, even though he knows he can.  He was awake all night again; has now fallen asleep in his recliner.  I want to tip him back farther so his neck isn't in a kink, but afraid I will wake him.

I had just typed that, looked over and he looked so uncomfortable I did go lay the chair back.  He woke up and wanted to go to bed, so I helped him to bed and got him settled.  I sure hope he sleeps for a few hours now!  He has a massage scheduled for 1:00, and maybe that will relax him enough that he will sleep tonight.  I hope, I hope!

Granddaughter in law Toni helped me via Facetime yesterday to get the book sent again; as I had added in what Becki sent, and they wanted the whole thing again.  Sigh.  I wish they would be more forthcoming with some help; otherwise, what am I paying them for doing?  It's frustrating!

Has anyone heard from Pat Scott Halbach lately?  I'm wondering how she is doing.  I want to call, but hesitate to do so, as don't want to wake her if she's resting.  ACK!!  Darrel is already up again!!  What to do?  What to do??  He is so tired, he's staggering!

Talk to you later............

[Carol]

Janet:  May Darrel have a more comfortable day! 

This morning is about making brownies and the large jar with Sun Tea is set on the deck slow brewing for tonight.  The weather person finally talked about a week of below normal heat - giving thanks!

Larry:  Sitka is still fairly small, only 7 miles to drive.  There is a Russian Orthodox church on main street and right next to it is the Finnish Lutheran church which is very plain and looks like a department store.  That is because.... when the Russians ran the show, they only allowed a plain church for the Finns (who were brought in to build the town).  We heard of a Brown Bear (the huge one) loose in the town & every little noise just stopped my heart (LOL).  We saw about a hundred eagles in the water park area, massive Sitka Spruce trees, lots of fish and very kind people.  Look up "The Ascension" painting from Finland and that is now hanging again in the Lutheran church.   

Janet:  You will get this printed and I hope Darrel will be really relaxed after the massage. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have a day with a zero chance of rain, according to the forecasters, which is pretty unusual this year.  It will get to the mid-90's this afternoon.  We did stay home yesterday and plan to do the same until late this afternoon when we plan on going out to eat.  We will meet Scott, and perhaps the girls, at Diablo's.  We haven't been there for quite awhile and we all like it.  The yard people are out working on the yards this morning.  Yesterday was a day of little accomplishment other than fixing breakfast for Pat and cleaning up the kitchen and then fixed the supper of the stuffed peppers, some salad and some applesauce.  I did finish listening to my audio book and began another one.

Janet, I bet your car felt neglected yesterday.  This evening will be the first time I will have started our car since Sunday morning.  So sorry to read that Darrel doesn't feel he is doing well.  A sensation of feeling like you can't breath right must be very unpleasant. Sorry to see that he wasn't able to stay in bed.    I have not heard anything from Pat Halbach but did send her a Jacquie Larson e-card with a note to let her know she is not forgotten. Hopefully Judy will stop by and give us an update regarding Pat as well as she and John.

Carol, Pat used to make sun tea and it was very good and brownies sound delicious.  Glad you may experience a break in the summer heat.  Thanks for the information on Sitka.  I am sure tourism is a pretty big business for the townspeople.   

[Carol]

A hailstorm hit our area lightly before everyone - 7 of the quilters) arrived but heavy hail hit in the north end.  It sure did cool the air. 

The toaster is acting up again.  It has been quietly doing its duty for several months and now is throwing one of the slices of bread out on the floor.  Gremlins in the kitchen. 

Did any of you read or hear about the baker in this state who refused to decorate one of his wedding cakes with two groomsmen?  He had to go to court (at an enormous expense to him and his family) and the Supreme Court ruled in his favor.  Would you think that is over.l  Not at all. A group is coming after him - his business once again as they are still demanding he should have made that cake. -- He was so polite, said that he would bake and decorate the cake but not put the images on top.  Not enough - they (a group on a mission) want to make this a landmark case that would force anyone to do the same.  Lots of money is behind this movement. 

If anyone has a site for anti-inflammatory vegan recipes, I would appreciate your guidance.  Thanks

[Janet]

Carol, on TV, they said the baker is being sued again for refusing to bake a cake for a "transgender" guy's "Transition Celebration."  Ugh.  Made up excuse to persecute a good Christian man. They shouldn't even give it the time of day!  He already won at the Supreme Court!!

Toaster gremlins?  We had those once!  They sure like throwing toast on the floor, don't they?

Larry, I keep forgetting to tell you I made the Instant Pot Potato soup! It was good, but makes such a big batch we still have nearly half of it.  Will be handy now, because our well is down, and I cannot cook without water!!
Grrr!  Sure glad I ran the dishwasher and got the laundry done before it broke.  The guys said there is a broken pipe underneath the pressure tank; will probably be a costly repair job.     I don't know anyone who has as many water problems as we do!  I wish it would just STOP already.

I got my ankle checked today; she said it's healing but is slow because of all the movement in the ankle when I walk.  Said if it were immobilized, it would heal in two weeks, but then I'd have bigger problems!  So I wait some more.

I need to do a couple errands on computer.  See you tomorrow!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. Our morning starts out overcast but we are to see some sun today as well as clouds and a chance of rain is back in the forecast.  It is suppose to be in the mid 90's this afternoon.  Yesterday was a quiet day here.  Around 4 pm Scott arrived and we visited until it was time to go to dinner at Diablo's.  Once again we all enjoyed our Tex-Mex meal.  He didn't stay very late last evening.  The girls did not join us for dinner.  Today will be my typical Thursday.  I will stop at the Walmart Pharmacy to pick up a new medicated shampoo prescription.  My co-pay on this medication is over $50.  I am staggered that any shampoo can be so expensive and I sure hope it works.  Then I will pick up my friend and we will go to coffee.  After I bring him home I will again stop at the grocery pickup area and pick up the grocery order that Pat placed yesterday.  This will be the first time since this closer Walmart started offering this service.  Scott plans to be here at 11:30 to help unload the car although I told him it was't necessary but he wanted to come and help.  It will be nice to spend a little time with him two days in a row as usually it is only one day. 

I did not sleep very well last night after the first 4 yours.  After laying there for a couple of hours I got up and worked a jigsaw puzzle on my laptop and then went back to bed and slept fitfully the rest of the night.  There was no particular reason but it just was the situation. 

Carol, do you stand in front of your toaster with a plate to try to catch the slice of toast as the toaster flips it out.  It sounds like it is time for a new toaster.  I make Pat's toast in the toaster oven so it doesn't popup.  I do have to watch it carefully but only once have I had to remake the toast as the first slice had toasted too long.  I did see the article about the baker.  I should think any judge would throw this case out of court since the Supreme Court has made a ruling on the matter. 

Janet, I read in the news that in China now they are taking down all of the pictures of Jesus and replacing them with the picture of the current leader of China.  Religious persecution is occurring all over the world against both Christians and Jews.  I was also incensed to see that a judge had bonded out the people from New Mexico that were apparently teaching their children how to become school shooters.  The bond was set at only $20,000.  I agree the recipe does make a lot of the soup but we found it doesn't last very long as our son really likes it and is happy to take any excess home with him.  Pat has ordered some quart size freezer containers to freeze soup or stews in and a quart makes a good meal for us.  She also got 5 more of the divided containers to make our own TV type dinners in.  I hope you can quickly get your water problem fixed.  Glad that the doctor found your ankle was healing although you already knew that. 

[Janet]

My goodness, Larry!  That is really expensive for shampoo!  What problem are you having, that you need special shampoo? I noticed in Garden City they have poles in front wrapped and marked for grocery pickup.  Wouldn't help us much, since it's 60 miles up there!  I should have frozen some of the soup, but didn't think of it at the time.  Next time! 

Abby's summer on her Cru mission was really good.  We just got her final update, and she wrote in glowing terms about it, and how it helped her grow as a Christian and determine to live for Jesus.  Makes us happy!

I did go to my Wednesday time at the Artery yesterday for a while, came home at noon to go to GC.  But I finished a small painting and did another card!  I was up at 3:30, and worked on the painting (yesterday).  After doing my devotions and Bible reading, I went back to sleep for a couple hours.  Darrel had another really bad night last night; no sleep at all.  He's so jittery he doesn't know what to do with himself.  I just gave him about 1/4 of a sleeping pill; will see if that gets him to at least take a nap.  We need a doctor!!  And we do not have one here that we trust.  Not a good spot to be in, especially as we get older.    We will have to go to Lakin, I guess (about 22 miles north).  They have some really nice young, Christian doctors there.  One is the last doctor who took care of Beth, and he always prayed for her each time he saw her.  Wonderful.

Time for the 700 Club!  See you later!

[Carol]

Good Day PAT!!! 

Our mornings are now near normal - that means it is cooler and do we ever appreciate it. 

Don may or may not have to go to the new VA building today.  That building is over 5 years in delay and billions over projected cost - for all of us taxpayers to be reminded.  It is a stressful drive too. 

Larry:  That is an awful price.  No generic, I suppose.  An allergist told me to use baby shampoo that is scent-free so that helped.  Your son is priceless. 

Janet:  So sorry about your well problems.  We had a well in Minnesota and the water ran so slow it took an entire day to ever finish the wash.  Shocking in New Mexico that these criminals are being let loose and even more shocking:  the news will not mention their real background.  It makes an unsafe place. 

[Jacqueline]

 Aretha Franklin...R. I. P

PRECIOUS LORD........

Lyrics

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home...   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another typical August day here in South Carolina.  It is clear and sunny this morning but we are to have a mostly cloudy afternoon and there is a small chance of rain later today.  Our main plans for today are to have our main meal at Ruby Tuesday's.  They still have a $12.99 three course meal offer that we haven't taken advantage of.  On the way home I will run into Aldi's for a few vegetables that Pat forgot to put on the Walmart Online Order.

Yesterday I did pick up the order she had placed at the nearby Walmart.  The nicest young lady brought them out and put them in the car.  She had a great personality and I came home and did the short survey that pertained to the service I had received and I gave her the 5 starts.  This was the first time I had done this.  Before I went to coffee I picked up the prescription for my very, very expensive shampoo.  My part was $56 dollar and the cash price would have been $350.  I am to use it three times a week for 4 weeks.  You have to apply it to the dry hair and wait 15 minutes before showering.  I sure hope this works.  I asked the pharmacist why this was so expensive and she had no idea other than the drug companies basically get to set the price. 

Janet, I have these tiny bumps on my scalp that itch a bit and they scale off.  The PA told me it could be a form of fungi or so something else as it was very difficult to assess.  I was just thankful that the insurance covered most of the cost as would have declined to have the prescription filled if I had been required to pay the complete cost.  We did get the new freezer containers yesterday that are freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe and are very sturdy.  Pat didn't think they would hold a quart so we got the measuring cup and filled it with a quart of water and poured into one of them and it was that size plus another 3 ounces. They are basically square cube size.  There were six in the package and we probably wouldn't have room for all of them in the freezer at one time but they will also made excellent refrigerator storage units.  It sounds like Abby's had a very memorable experience this summer and probably was life changing.  So sorry that Darrel is having so much difficulty.  I take it the Xanax is not helping his anxiety.  It is important to have doctors you can trust. 

Carol, I guess they must finally have started using the new VA hospital there in Denver.  There must have been some terrible planning, design and management of the project to have such large overruns.  There was no generic for the shampoo as I had inquired with the Pharmacist a few days ago.  If this doesn't solve the problem I will try to remember the baby shampoo.  I decided to stop using the Alberto VO 5 for men with grey hair for awhile and see if that helps.  Our son did come out for a few minutes yesterday and helped me unload the car.  I just read this morning that one of the women in that New Mexico situation is an illegal that has been in the US for 20 years. 

Jackie, there was a long tribute to Aretha Franklin on the news yesterday.  She did have a very memorable voice.  It is good to see your posting and hope all is well over your way and you are staying cool in the hot weather.   

[Larry Hanna]

You may have seen this before (I have) but it is certainly worth another read.  I would like to use it as part of a devotional I will give for our Sunday School class a week from Sunday but know I could never get through it without becoming very emotional, as I have just now reading it again. 

Two Choices,
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. Athe pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.

The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.' So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

 

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...I know nothing about baseball but I was right there alongside Shay as he was playing...

[Janet]

Larry, may I suggest you use the story in spite of your worry about tears.  Tears are the mark of a true man (in my opinion!)
I love this story, and feel with the father, having had a handicapped child of my own.

Praise God, the guys got our well repaired yesterday!  I think I told you this already........

I now have a purple patch in the top of my hair, in honor of Beth's birthday which is coming up soon.  Getting wild in my old age, I guess. 

[Jacqueline]

Janet...
...I totally agree...I can never understand why men think they are not a man if they shed tears-cry...they are human beings like everyone else...and it shows that they are human too...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another overcast morning and will be a mostly cloudy day.  It will keep the temperatures in the high 80's today.  Pat was not up to going out to eat yesterday so we just stayed home and had a quiet day.  I will have a pretty busy day, or at least morning, as plan on attending a meeting.  I also plan on stopping at Lowe's to check out the small freezers.  Since we only have one car now we have room in our garage.  The freezer in our refrigerator is upright and the shelves are narrow and it is a bit difficult to get some of the things out.  This would give us more options on buying frozen dinners from Schwan's and other places and not have to shop as often for frozen things.  I also need to stop at Aldi's for some fresh vegetables and a couple of other things.  Hopefully Pat will feel up to eating out later this afternoon.  That will be plenty for today. 

Janet and Jackie, I have become a very emotional person ever since I had my first heart surgery many years ago.  I am not ashamed of being emotional but just don't want to not be able to continue to read something when I am doing the devotionals. 

Janet, so glad you were able to get your well fixed and I don't believe you have mentioned that here before.  I wonder how many comments you will get from the purple patch in your hair? 

Jackie, I guess I got the message that men shouldn't cry as I was growing up.  I only saw my father cry a few times.  My mother was very emotional and I guess I have taken after her a lot. 

[Janet]

Larry, I thought that was likely the reason, and I do understand.  It's never easy when we become emotional in public.  I guess I'm fortunate in that I can cry quietly, and have become less uncomfortable about doing so, since Beth went to heaven.  She has been very much on my mind lately; maybe because her birthday is coming up soon.  For quite a few years, every year at this time I wondered if she would be with us another year, so always had a party for her.  I have gotten quite a few comments, everything from, "I love your hair!" to "Was that on purpose?"  Several said they admired me for having the courage to do it.  It's not very dark, really a soft lavender color, but everybody is noticing it!  I'm wondering how long it will last.    It's not nearly as daring (or glaring) as a lot of things I've seen done with hair!  And I feel sure if Beth could see me, it would make her smile! 

I went out early to the Farmers' Market as I wanted to buy a small frozen casserole from a friend who always has them there.  It's for a gift for a long-time friend who is having severe health problems.  She has Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it's now attacking her lungs.  I just wanted to do something nice that might give her a little lift.

Darrel seems to be better again today.  He has been looking at his clothes, said he took out some pants he knows will fall off him since he's lost so much weight.  He's talking about the Alaska trip, so I feel more at ease about his condition now.  Guess I better think about packing, too--we are to leave two weeks from today!

I'm reading a book on my phone called The Girl with No Name, about a girl who was kidnapped at almost five years old, in Columbia, then dumped in the jungle and raised by monkeys--a true story.  Fascinating!

[Carol]

Kudos to everyone who has been through many storms in life and you "soldier on" with peace in your hearts. 

I think we about to have a real storm here as predicted.  The warnings are up. 

[Larry Hanna]

Posting for Kelly at his request.

Hi Larry

I read your article online and very moving it was.


Whether a person has a physical disability as I have, or what in the United Kingdom is known as a severe learning disability.   It is not what you cannot do in life, it is all about what you can do.


Why did I say severe learning disability?


Simply, because Mentally handicapped or a Mental disability is not a phrase that most parents in the UK use now.


As for men crying, surely it is the mark of a true man and woman.


Regards

Kelly

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone on a very cloudy and dark morning.  It looks like we will be in the mid-80's today and a good possibility of rain.  We did get a very nice rain last evening.  Our timing was great as we had gone out to eat and had just gotten back into the car when it started to rain and it came down is considerable quantities. 

We had a delicious dinner last night at Ruby Tuesday's taking advantage of their 3 course dinner for $12.99.  It started with a trip to their great salad bar and then the entree with one side.  Pat had the Tilapia with steamed broccoli and I had the 6 oz. sirloin steak and a nice side of coleslaw.  Then the third course was chocolate cake with a scoop of ice cream or key lime pie.  Pat and I both chose the chocolate cake. 

I am ready to go to Sunday School and then Church.  I don't know whether Pat will try to go to Church this morning or not as she isn't up yet.  If so I will come home and get her.  The rest of the day will be spent quietly and restfully.  If she goes we will likely stop somewhere for lunch and if not I will pick up something to bring home for our main meal of the day. 

Janet, it sounds like your purple hair spot is very attractive and is getting a lot of comments.  I admire you for being welling to try new things.  We do miss our children but I find the pain lessens and the good memories overtake the less than good memories as time goes on.  Nice of you to take such a thoughtful gift to your poor friend.  It must be terrible to have the arthritis attack one's lungs.  Glad to read the positive news regarding how Darrel is feeling.  Hopefully in another two weeks he will be feeling much better and will be able to enjoy your trip. 

Carol, hope the storm wasn't as bad as predicted for your area.  You all do get some interesting weather. 

[Janet]

We had a nice rain of a half inch last night. Further North in our county I hear they got much more- up to 5 inches, along with high winds!  Glad we didn't get that!

We have been to church and now I'm trying to think what I can do for our lunch.  I started another flower painting for Abby yesterday.  She wants three of them for her apartment, and I'm pleased she likes what I'm doing.  I have one finished already.  The harder part is cutting the mats and buying the frames!  I'm trying to start my framing business up again, but am having trouble with all the paperwork, tax number, etc. 

Larry, your meals yesterday sound delicious!  We aren't eating very much these days, it seems, and then have leftovers to deal with.  That's good sometimes; sometimes not!  We have eaten a lot of chicken lately!

Darrel is watching football, with his eyes closed.  And I turned the volume down so low I can't hear it.    

It seems my Facebook account has been hacked, and is sending my friends that baloney message about winning lots of money.  Grrr!  And I have no idea how to fix it!

I hope you are all having a pleasant day!