Welcome Home Corporal Kidd

Posted on November 10, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

We had a unique experience here in the Finger Lakes of New York yesterday. We laid a veteran to rest.

Now, that might not sound like a compelling event … but this veteran was recently identified as an MIA from the Korean conflict.

Corporal Elmer Kidd enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 shortly after graduating from Mynderse Academy, Seneca Falls. He was reported Missing in Action during the Korean conflict near the Chosin Reservoir. His remains were recently identified through DNA testing, which confirmed a match with his lone surviving sister, Alberta Stuck. His parents, Eugenia Pearl and Floyd Kidd, seven sisters and a brother went to the grave not knowing what happened to their son and brother.

A Funeral and Welcome Home service were held Friday at Sanderson-Moore Funeral Home in his home town of Seneca Falls. A steady stream of visitors passed by the flag draped casket — most passing by Corporal Kidd for the first time in their lives. Members of the local Korean War Veterans, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars were well represented and the Patriot Guard provided escort services. An Army Honor Guard, in full dress uniform, was on hand from the time Corporal Kidd arrived at Hancock Airport, Syracuse, Tuesday, through his funeral service and at the cemetery with full Military Honors. State Senator Michael Nozzolio — also a Mynderse graduate many years later — gave the eulogy.

But that’s not the story. The funeral procession wound its way from Seneca Falls, Birthplace of Women’s Rights, through Waterloo, Birthplace of Memorial Day, to Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Romulus, which was recently carved out of the former Sampson Naval and later Air Force Training Center, where 411,429 sailors and waves and an additional 16,000 air corpsmen were trained overlooking Seneca Lake. Along the 19 mile route, people stopped what they were doing to pay their respects to Corporal Kidd. Some held up “Welcome Home” signs … others stiffened and saluted as the hearse passed by … others applauded.

Corporal Kidd was initially declared Missing in Action in November 1950 after the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The Army declared him Killed in Action in October 1954, but his remains, in box CIL1993-312 among 208 turned over by North Korea in December 1993, remained unknown in Hawaii until DNA testing confirmed his identity.

Corporal Kidd received numerous military decorations and honors, including a Purple Heart, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp and National Defense Medal.

It truly was an outpouring of respect. But isn’t that what Veterans Day is all about?

As we approach the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, it’s not just a day off or a federal holiday. It is a time to remember all our veterans. Thank them for their service to our country. Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice … like Corporal Elmer Kidd.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: You cannot soar with the eagles as long as you’re hanging out with the turkeys.

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With a Song in My Heart

Posted on November 8, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

A strange thing happened today. As usual, I deliver my newspapers on Thursday. At my first stop, I entered the store whistling a happy tune … and spent the next five minutes engaged in conversation.

Next stop.  I entered the store whistling a happy tune … and spent the another five minutes engaged in conversation.

Next stop … same thing.

Now. In full disclosure, I usually say “Good morning” or “How’s it going” when I enter the stores. And the proprietor or clerk responds in kind, “Good morning” or “Okay, You?” But it’s in and out, strictly utilitarian. This week was different. The conversations were extended.

So, stop by stop, I intentionally went into the stores with a whistle and a smile. And each time my in and out time was extended. Conversations included jubilation or disapproval of Tuesday’s election results; the weather and how we dodged a bullet with Sandy; the latest castaway on Survivor; the state of affairs in the publishing world; the latest sale at Walmart; and a final construction update on road repairs on Cayuga Street.

And it wasn’t just with the clerks. Customers on line joined in. At one stop, Have You Ever Seen the Rain? was cranking out on the radio {maybe a little loud} when I got out of the car with my accompanying whistle. A guy three cars down {I told you it was loud} yells out, “CCR” and gives me a big thumbs up. Next thing I know he’s following me into the store telling me about his Woodstock experience.

My day stretched by close to an hour … but, you know, it was all good.

Generally speaking, I am not an extrovert. I’m not afraid of engaging in conversation, but not until I get to know someone. So this was somewhat of a new experience. And it all started with a whistle and a smile.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Remember, you don’t have to impress anybody. You don’t have to prove who you are. You are a child of the Most High God, anointed, equipped, empowered.

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Wednesday Writing IV

Posted on November 7, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

Well, it’s Wednesday. Time to revisit our collaborative community “novel” … or at least a short story.

I know there are a number of professional and amateur writers following or at least visiting this blog, so now’s you chance to contribute … and we can use your help! I’m trusting in your imagination and direction. We’ll decide together.

We’ve started you off by introducing Samantha on her way home. When we last left her, she had just pulled into the driveway … the same one she had pulled out of so many years ago. She grabbed her old key and opened the front door. The complete storyline thus far is on my blog, wisdomfromafather.wordpress.com, under Wednesday Writing III. Here’s where we left off.

 

“Hi, Mom,” I said, spotting Mom on the couch. She looked up and nodded, then quickly looked back at her crossword puzzle. I wasn’t quite sure whether it was her grief or her disinterest in my return that spurred her apathy…

Chapter 2
I thought I had a normal childhood. Dad was the light of my life, my biggest fan and supporter. And I was his little girl.
Mom was a different relationship. Even as a young girl there was a tension between us. I always sought her approval, but Mom was critical. I could get all A‘s and B‘s and Mom would focus on my lone C …

 

There you go, readers. We still have to develop Samantha’s story. We have a flashback, but why was she on the road? Why is she returning home? What is her history, relationships, story?

All you have to do is put down your thoughts and get them to me. You can post your ideas as comments on the blog – remember everyone will see them, so the “surprise” factor might get lost – or you can e-mail me directly at revblt@rochester.rr.com. Each Wednesday I will continue the story on the blog, along with that week’s attribution and periodically update Reveille/Between the Lakes readers. I hope we can have some fun with this.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When you are in the heat of the battle and need God’s favor, you can’t afford to have naysayers and doubters in your inner circle.

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A Time To Heal

Posted on November 6, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

I’m just starting to watch the election results roll in. I personally don’t think we’ll know who will lead our country for the next four years for awhile. I can envision the challenges already.

But whoever ultimately wins will have a monumental task ahead of him … healing the country. I don’t ever remember such vitriol  and I’ve been around for more than a few election cycles. We have the liberal left and radical right taking the rest of the country hostage. We’ve seen family values trampled and common sense hijacked.

A friend and I were commiserating about the state of the country the other day. We remembered a gentler time not so very long ago, and we both longed to go back to those simpler times.

Now, this isn’t an indictment on progress or science. In fact, I wouldn’t want to give back much of what has been accomplished technologically. Instead, this is a call for civility.

I have a few thoughts.

First, I would encourage English as the official language in the country. That’s not to disparage immigrants. My grandparents and probably yours came to this country from far off lands and assimilated into America. They learned English and it actually helped them succeed. They never gave up their culture but shared it in their new environs … and we are all the richer for it.

Remember when school started with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer? I do. Back then, we had a sense of pride in our country. We were reminded daily of our relationship with God, family and country.

I know this is a different time, but is it a coincident classrooms have become more unruly since we escorted the Pledge and God out of them? Spitballs have been replaced with weapons. Double dare taunting has escalated into bullying. Recess was a time for play rather than armed combat. We’ve taken away childhood and children are having children.

This is progress?

I think most the country — Democrats and Republicans alike — wants the same things from life, a sense of security, common sense, belief in each other, values and mutual respect. Isn’t it sad we have to walk through security screenings everywhere, are afraid to leave our homes unattended for fear of theft, have majority rights abridged by a few. Our leaders are not leading, they’re falling in line on both sides of the aisle.

I understand people may not agree all the time. In fact, I would get worried if they did. Sometimes it’s okay to agree to disagree. But it should never be okay to belittle or lie or fudge the facts until they are unrecognizable. There has to be some personal responsibility.

I believe all problems have a solution. The problems our president faces have solutions as well, but we have to get back to basics. We have to remember where we’ve been before we can move forward. It’s time to play nice in the sandbox … from Washington to our state capitals … to our counties, cities, villages and towns … to our schools … from Wall Street to Main Street …in our homes and communities.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Don’t compare yourself. Celebrate yourself.

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Time To Vote

Posted on November 5, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

I was watching Last Man Standing the other night. It was the voting episode.

To set the stage, Mike (Tim Allen), a bleed red Republican, tries to convince middle daughter Mandy (Molly Ephraim) to vote for Romney, but Obama supporter and oldest daughter Kristin (Amanda Fuller) disagrees with his methods. Toward the end of the show, with 28 minutes left before the polls close, Mike asks how Mandy’s  first time voting was. She explains she isn’t going to vote because if she votes for Romney, Kristin would be mad at her and if she voted for Obama, Mike would get mad. Mike presses her and she said she actually went to the web sites Mike and Kristin recommended and felt Obama should be given a chance to continue what he started. It led to the most comical exchange of the night, with Mandy saying, “Did you know that under Clinton there was a huge budget surplus? And, oh, by the way, Clinton’s mom is Obama’s Secretary of State.”

Mike continues to press her, with Mandy saying that’s why she skipping the whole voting thing.

“You happy now?” says Kristin, with Mike replying, “No, I’m not happy. I’m raising three daughters, two are Democrats, there are wet bras in every bathroom in this house. Get your ID. I’ll drive you.”

“Okay, but I just told you who I was going to vote …” Mandy says before being cut off. Then comes the most important phrase of the show. Mike says, “I want you to stand up, sweetheart, for what you believe in…”

That’s what I am asking as well to all my family, friends and followers. Stand up for what you believe in. If you believe in Obama and feel he should get a chance to continue, vote Democrat. If you think it’s a time to change, vote Romney. And look at the other races on the ballot as well.

The point is vote for the person — regardless of party affiliation — who believes in the same things you believe in. Voting is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. We can trivialize it … we can joke about the process, but the right was hard fought by the blood of our forefathers and foremothers {a little plug for the women’s rights movement that was birthed right here in Seneca Falls and the Finger Lakes region of New York}. We may not think our individual vote counts, but it does. It may not turn an election, but it is part of a process that makes us uniquely American.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Run your own race. You have something great to offer.

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Because He Lives

Posted on November 4, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

I had an unexpected blessing at church this morning. I knew there was going to be special music by a former longtime member and his wife. They sang perhaps the most recognizable anthem of faith, Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Because He Lives.

That song really is one of my favorites and a testament to faith. The chorus sums it.

Because He lives,
I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives
All fear is gone.
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives.

It is because Christ lives … not lived … I can go on day after day, through pitfalls and disappointments, good times and successes. It’s the foundation of my faith.

There are many times when life gets tough and it is hard to move forward. It’s easy to become paralyzed with fear. But if you are able to reach back and tap into the lifeline offered by a risen Christ, life becomes bearable and worth living … just because He lives.

When you look around and see the despair all around — including the insecurities and faithlessness — it’s not hard to figure out why.  I often wonder how people face adversity without a belief system that focuses on a brighter future. Their despair turns to cynicism … their insecurities turn to deprecation or bullying or worse; their faith in themselves, others and a higher power wanes. Self takes over. Isn’t that the world we’re living in today?

Because He lives,
I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives
All fear is gone.
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Confident, happy and secure people stand out because what’s on the inside shows on the outside.

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Home Sweet Home

Posted on November 3, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

My son and his family have moved in with me. In the blink of an eye, I went from being alone to adding a son, daughter-in-law, three kids, two dogs, an outside cat and a guinea pig. So far, so good.

This isn’t the first time one of my kids have returned home. My daughter and grandson moved in with me for awhile while transitioning from married to single life. But it’s been a few years since little feet graced the floors. Even the dogs died over a year ago.

I’m not surprised. Karen and I always told our kids the door was always open {although we moved a lot to throw them off}.

Actually, this has been an interesting transition. We’ve established boundaries … I have my room, the office and the living room {which I’m more than willing to share}; they have the rest of the house. Now, I know, that sounds one sided, but in truth, the only rooms I ever used since Karen died were my room, the office and the living room with an occasional stop in the kitchen and of course, the bathroom. In the past four years, I’ve probably eaten in the dining room only about a half dozen times and only when someone came to visit.

And there have been side benefits. I’ve actually had dinner every night! Often, cooking for one was too much trouble, so I would grab a spoon and hit the peanut butter.

And the house is starting shine once again. I walked into the kitchen the other day with the sun’s rays ricocheting off my stove, thanks to my daughter-in-law. And my son and daughter-in-law have been busy defrosting and purging the contents of my refrigerator-freezer. Of course, that meant the deep six for sun dried tomatoes from circa 2009 and chicken breasts buried in ice in the freezer. If only I had realized they were there …

They already depleted my supply of foodstuffs from the basement {aren’t expiration dates really just suggested use by dates?} Already a bulk container of garlic salt ended in the garbage just because it was more of a garlic salt block, so I can’t wait for them to discover the stash in the cupboards.

The looks of disbelief reminded me of a Garfield cartoon. Jon’s girlfriend peers into the oven and asks when was the last time they cleaned it. Jon looks at Garfield, then says, “It’s self-cleaning!” Bachelors, baby.

The only casualty thus far has been a ceramic angel harp that has been on a glass table for years. I expected one of the dogs to run into the table, but instead it was my granddaughter. The glass top survived, but the two cherubs were dislodged from their perch on the harp.

Seriously,  having others in the house has breathed life back into it. Hearing the kids laugh and play is music. Hearing their adventures at their new school over dinner is priceless. Knowing I have an LPN on site puts my aging bones at ease.

Families are special. May we never forget it.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Be comfortable with the person God made you to be.

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Speaking of Stats

Posted on November 2, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

I periodically check the stats on my blog. I don’t always understand them, but I do check them. Apparently, I hit a couple of milestones.

Thus far, my little 54 installment of words have had 1,007 views with 26 recorded likes, 236 blogger likes, 37 shares and 33 followers in a dozen countries worldwide. My “best” day was Sept. 3 with 60 views; my average is around 19 per day.

The most read blog was “Amazing Grace,” which was a tribute to my wife on the anniversary of her death, with 39 views. Right behind it was “Beer with Jesus” at 37.

Those are the stats. I don’t have anything to compare them with, so I’m not sure what real value they are. But it reminds me of the old saw, “Statistics are like loose women, they’ll tell you whatever you want to hear.”

I didn’t start this project with an eye toward statistics, but rather as an written history of my life and experiences.

As I stated in my initial blog, my comments are always filtered through the lens of Judeo-Christian values and largely based on 40 years of marriage raising five children. I still have thousands of ideas collected over the years, but sharing those ideas with strangers (who I hope will soon become friends!) is the challenge.

As then, that’s where you come in. I still need feedback. I still need suggestions. I still need constructive criticism. This is a journey we’re taking together.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: God will not tell others what He wants for my life without telling me Himself. God and I are on speaking terms. We talk every single day.

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A Senior Moment

Posted on November 1, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

I went to the local grocery store this morning. Normally, in my small town, I can get a parking spot in front of the store or, at the very least, in the adjacent parking lot two or three stalls from the door. Today, I had to park in the lot near the back of the store. It was just strange for a rainy, gray day in Podunk.

Inside, both registers were humming, with more people at the courtesy desk. And it struck me … most, if not all of the patrons were silver haired. And I remembered it was Nov. 1.

That explained the senior power at Big M. Monthly Social Security checks came and these seniors made a quick trip to fill up on the basics despite the weather.

But it was also disturbing to see these same fixed-income seniors lining up to buy lottery tickets. They wait all month for their checks, only to fork over some of it on a dollar and a dream. One woman purchased an instant ticket from the machine, cashed in a $10 winner and returned the cash to the machine … this time coming up empty.

Now, I’m a senior too, although I’ve resisted the urge to tap into my Social Security thus far, especially since I am still working. So I notice seniors more. I’m one of them although I don’t feel like I am.

What bothered me with the scene this morning was the demeanor of the seniors. No one was smiling. No one was talking. They were just there.

I was struck by how lonely these seniors appeared to be. Maybe they aren’t lonely, but they sure seemed like it. They were going through the motions of the day, but not enjoying life. Some lugged oxygen tanks with them; others needed a cane or walker; some fingers were noticeably disfigured, so I could understand their discomfort.

That led me to think about how we treat our seniors. We tend to forget about them … and I’m just a guilty. Now, I did go visit my Dad when he was in the nursing home almost every day, but there were an awful lot of other residents who were just forgotten.

Senior citizens and the elderly people of any community are such a great resource to those they share there life experiences with. The Bible teaches us to treasure these relationships and learn from those who are older than us. All we have to do is ask and engage them.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: If you give up anything for God’s sake, He will reward you more than you can even imagine.

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Wednesday Writing III

Posted on October 31, 2012 by wisdomfromafather

Well, it’s time to revisit our collaborative community “novel” … or at least a short story.

To recap, I am inviting readers – and that includes my Reveille/Between the Lakes readers as well – to contribute to an ongoing story. As long as there is interest, we’ll continue to advance the storyline.

I have no expectations about where the story will go. In fact, I don’t even have a storyboard or outline. I’m trusting in your imagination and direction. Will it end up being a mystery? A romance? A comedy? A drama? A slice of life? Inspiration?

We’ll decide together.

I started you off, Catherine moved us along followed by dj and I’ve added the latest segment. As we move forward, together, we will flesh out the storyline, develop characters, possibly throw in some curves or red herrings. In the end I hope we will be able to come up with a readable piece we will all be proud to share with family and friends.

Here is where we are at so far …

I was driving alone on the dark black asphalt, seeming darker because of ominous clouds on the horizon ranging from dark gray to puffs of white. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of white as the sun tried to peek out from behind the clouds. It didn’t succeed, but first a ray rained into the picture, followed by a halo of rays.
My name is Samantha … but this is not the beginning of my story.
As I caught the rays, my mind drifted back to the time I was driving my preschoolers to swimming practice. There was a similar canvas in the sky that day. They thought the light was heaven shining through. Interesting they made that connection. And it led to a brief discussion about Jesus and heaven.
I don’t know why that thought entered my mind right now. My children are well past preschool age. I miss those simple times. We had a moment to be very present with each other. Priceless is the time spent driving children to and from their events. Soon, we would be caught up in the busyness of life again.
The rays disappeared as quickly as they had appeared as the clouds stitched themselves closer together, and I was once again left with just the asphalt and the clouds. The darkness sucked away the happy memories and I was left with nothing but the task at hand. Though I was driving toward the darkest patch of clouds, I willed the car to reach the horizon quicker, although I was in no hurry to return to my girlhood home. There weren’t always happy memories. And I knew I would have to face those demons as well.
As I turned off the Inter-state, I could feel my body tense. The landscape was eerily familiar, yet distinctly different. There was the corner deli, the bakery and the bars … some with different names but bars nonetheless. The bank complex took out a square block. The cookie cutter homes looked basically the same.
I pulled into the driveway … the same one I pulled out of so many years ago. I grabbed my old key and opened the front door.
“Hi, Mom,” I said, spotting Mom on the couch. She looked up and nodded, then quickly looked back at her crossword puzzle. I wasn’t quite sure whether it was her grief or her disinterest in my return that spurred her apathy…

There you go, readers. We still have to develop Samantha’s story. We have a flashback, but why is she on the road? Why is she returning home? What is her history, relationships, story?

All you have to do is put down your thoughts and get them to me. You can post your ideas as comments on the blog – remember everyone will see them, so the “surprise” factor might get lost – or you can e-mail me directly at revblt@rochester.rr.com. Each Wednesday I will continue the story on the blog, along with that week’s attribution and periodically update Reveille/Between the Lakes readers. I hope we can have some fun with this.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Before you were born, God stamped His approval on you.

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