June: The Month of Death

Maybe not but it did same to be that way. The month started out with Doug Thomas passing away. Unfortunately, the funeral information was not forwarded to me. I would have liked to attend his funeral, he was a great man. Then a friend of my wife's dad died. Which started our 2 funerals in three days weekend. A small service but a tight family. Then "Bobbie" Miller's memorial service on Monday. There was a large turn out at St. John's for this service, even for a Monday morning service in the middle of vacation time. Bobbie deserved a big turn out. She did so much for so many people and for the church. St. John's kitchen was really her kitchen. It was odd being in the fellowship hall afterwords with the food. I kept sensing she would pop out of the kitchen with another tray of food...

An Appreciation To A Friend

Last Sunday, I went to church and I heard the news that Doug Thomas had passed away. He was elderly and living in a rest room. I feel bad or guilty. I feel guilty because I never went to visit him at the rest home. My wife says when she called he didn't remember us, but that is no excuse. We did visit him before he went to the retirement home. I'm happy that he will be reunited with his wife Janet. She was good for him. Doug, in a lot of ways reminded me of me. However, Dug always wanted the best for me and my family. He wanted us to be married, he wanted us to have a house, he wanted the best for us. There was no real reason for Doug to want those things for us, but his heart. We would be so much better off with more people like Doug Thomas in our world. He volunteered for as long as he was able. We volunteered too, but he directed us to where to volunteer. Through Doug we know SHARE and were encouraged to volunteer at REACH experiences which have changed my life. We are better people touched by the life of Doug Thomas. God Bless you Doug! You will be missed!

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. It is time to say thank you to a veteran. It's time to remember the soldiers, Marines, sailors, pilots who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The brave men and woman who face the war zone everyday in Iraq and Afghanistan are heroes. Today is not a day of politics, though I think we all pray or wish for a time of peace. Even in peace, there are rescue missions. There are natural disasters where the National Guard put themselves in harms way for our protection. As you enjoy your Holiday take a moment to think about the ones we have lost. Take a moment to be thankful for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Take a moment to be thankful for the National Guard and reserves. May we one day have peace, may one day may all of our POWs and missing service men come home, and may we never forget the ultimate sacrifices which have been made.