"I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." - Nathan Hale, American Revoutionary (9/22/1776)
Bill O'Reilly has a new book forthcoming (next Monday) called "Pinheads and Patriots: Where You Stand in the Age of Obama." Bill has certainly made the phrase a household term, and politics aside, it's time we examine the true origins of the two words. "Patriot" was a term that defined a Revolutionary War combatant or sympathizer to the Independence cause back in the 1770's and after. "Pinhead" has a much more diverse background, going back to 1655 as the 1). head of a pin, 2). something very small or insignificant, or 3). a nitwit or unintelligent person. Obviously, O'Reilly focuses on the third definition. Moreover, in March 1971, the comic book character "Zippy the Pinhead" made it's debut in "Real Pulp Comix #1." The comic strip can still be found within the comic pages of the Kansas City Star, much to the chagrin of many subscribers - and yes, Zippy is DEFINITELY a Pinhead, but then - he's supposed to be.
So what's my point, and why did I select this? I believe that this is "Patriot Week," as we come up to the 9th Anniversary of the 2nd worst attack on American soil (2nd only to Pearl Harbor). The NYFD and NYPD BOTH climbed those stairs in the twin towers facing certain death, yet not only were they heroes; they were Patriots. At a time that we should be honoring those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives to save others, it's time we place politics aside and try to heal as a Nation, for I fear that we haven't done that yet. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news that morning? I certainly do. I was driving to work and I saw a large crowd of people at the corner a block from my house listening to a portable radio. I stopped and asked them what they were doing, and heard the awful news and immdiately tuned in just in time to hear that the 2nd tower being hit. See, I had ignored the CNN Breaking News and Fox Breaking News coming into my email inbox on a minute by minute basis that morning; I had work to do. When I arrived at work at Computer Source in Lenexa, KS, the break room turned into a memorial room with the TV constantly giving updates. There were no phone calls coming in. Eric Bereuter, son of former Nebraska Congressman Doug Bereuter (1st District), was frantic trying to get a phone call to make sure his Dad was ok when the Pentagon was hit. Congressman Bereuter was at the Pentagon for an Intelligence/Defense Briefing when the attack happened. He was unharmed (several layers deep within the Pentagon, but Eric did not get the news until 4:45 that afternoon. The only phone call I received that day was from an IT and Accounting Provider (a very good customer of mine) for Cantor Fitzgerald who needed 500 IBM notebook Thinkpads in 2 days for the company to operate in a makeshift environment. We witnessed Patriots in action. We also witnessed Pinheads in action: the gas station owners that immediately raised the price of a gallon of unleaded regular from $1.22 to $4.99 - especially on the corner of Nieman Road and 75th Street in Lenexa. They got theirs later on, as I took a photo of the signs with my camera (always with me at all times - that's from being a Professional Photog for so long), and I emailed it to the Kansas State Attorney General and Channel 4 news.
For those of us who are older, we remember the day and the time we heard of the Columbia burning up in re-entry on February 1, 2003 (it was minutes before the 10th Annual North Star District Pinewood Derby began), the Challenger Explosion on January 28, 1986, and President Kennedy's Assasination on November 22, 1963 (I was in Kindergarten, but was home - and I remember it like yesterday, also remembering the live coverage of Jack Ruby mortally wounding Lee Harvey Oswald the next evening). For those of you who are older, you remember where you were and what you were doing when the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was announced (my Mom turned 19 on the day that Congress declared War "The Day which will live in infamy" - which was also the day that Dad was given a huge send-off by his friends and Fraternity Brothers), just as you remember the news on V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day - May 8, 1945), and V-J Day (Victory in Japan Day - August 14, 1945 and again on September 2, 1945 on the deck of the USS Missouri after the formal and uncoditional surrender documents were signed by Emperor Hirohito).
So, this week of all weeks, let's focus on our Patriots, just as we do every year around Independence Day. They deserve no less credit for what they have done for America; preserving our freedom, and placing their lives on the line day in and day out. Finally, let's not forget those serving in Afghanistan and around the world. They need our prayers, support and love more than ever.
I believe I'm a Patriot - how about you? Nathan Hale was one, and I know the USA is full of them. This is officially "Patriot Week" in the Cook Household. Who will join me?
Think about it . . . and God Bless America!
Yogi: 9/7/2010 9:28AM CDT
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 6, 2010
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein
Ok - this is an obvious choice for me (or so I believe). Before I get into my experience with the QOTD, let's look back at history (if we do not learn from history, we are destined to repeat it) and take (for example) the Space Race of the late 1950's: the USSR was the first to place a satellite in orbit around earth (Sputnik - 1957), and the first to place a man in space (Yuri Gargarin - 4/12/61). We as American's in 1957 amd 1958 tried and tried just to get a rocket to fly correctly once it took off. Failure after failure, yet we continued to try. Insanity? Who made the first Moon walk (and the only Country to do so thus far)? We built rockets over and over again, and even lost the Apollo I team in a flash fire during a dress rehearsal in 1967 (1/27/1967), but each time we got better. Consider WW2 and the strategies of the Allies: we continually hammered away at the Axis Alliance until the war was finally over in both theatres by the end of August 1945. Doing the same thing over and over? Insanity? You make the call. Even Albert Einstein on his "then controversial" Theory of Relativity (e=mc²) - it took years to finally prove him correct, but the same thing was done over and over again.
Now to my experience: I began walking on July 14th, and have since walked 5 days a week, every week - gradually (depends on your definition of "gradually") building my laps from 4 per day (2 miles) to 14 per day (7 miles) in less than a month and a half. Now, I also learned to eat the same foods day in and day out: those that produce energy, they're high in fiber, low in sodium and high in protein, and I rarely go over 1,000 calories, yet feel full. Why do I do this every day? Because I expect different results from when I was 260 pounds on 7/14/2010 and stuffing my face due to stress. Those who know me know that I have been unemployed since March 21, 2008. After 14,000 plus resumes sent out and ONLY 6 face-to-face interviews (and losing $425,000 in 2 years), I could either have a "pity party," or reinvent myself (believe me - I had a 6 month "pity party" before February of this year). I reinvented myself on February 24th with Team National (actually my wife's business - I work it for her for free), and the rest is history. Am I a changed man? Yes! Am I doing the same thing over and over again? YES - both with walking and working Team National! Am I insane? You be the judge - however, I haven't felt this good in over 12 years, wtih NO STRESS! (Things haven't changed much, but how I treat my body and my brain HAS changed) I have my health back, God and I talk every day, I still work with "my boys" in the BSA (just celebrated my 21st Anniversary as a Leader - as has Jill), and I feel as if I AM contributing to society and helping other people become successful. I am also VERY MUCH in LOVE with the LOVE OF MY LIFE! She has been a Godsend to me, and we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the night we met on October 19th (Oct. 19, 1978 at 9:12PM). There has NEVER been anyone since, and there will never be anyone else!
So - “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein: If I am insane (and I believe Albert quoted this "tongue in cheek"), then so be it! I feel very good being "insane!" Maybe you should, too!
Think about it . . .
May "all your wildest dreams come true" (Pedro in "Napolean Dynamite"), and God Bless You!
Yogi: 9/6/2010 12:06PM CDT
Ok - this is an obvious choice for me (or so I believe). Before I get into my experience with the QOTD, let's look back at history (if we do not learn from history, we are destined to repeat it) and take (for example) the Space Race of the late 1950's: the USSR was the first to place a satellite in orbit around earth (Sputnik - 1957), and the first to place a man in space (Yuri Gargarin - 4/12/61). We as American's in 1957 amd 1958 tried and tried just to get a rocket to fly correctly once it took off. Failure after failure, yet we continued to try. Insanity? Who made the first Moon walk (and the only Country to do so thus far)? We built rockets over and over again, and even lost the Apollo I team in a flash fire during a dress rehearsal in 1967 (1/27/1967), but each time we got better. Consider WW2 and the strategies of the Allies: we continually hammered away at the Axis Alliance until the war was finally over in both theatres by the end of August 1945. Doing the same thing over and over? Insanity? You make the call. Even Albert Einstein on his "then controversial" Theory of Relativity (e=mc²) - it took years to finally prove him correct, but the same thing was done over and over again.
Now to my experience: I began walking on July 14th, and have since walked 5 days a week, every week - gradually (depends on your definition of "gradually") building my laps from 4 per day (2 miles) to 14 per day (7 miles) in less than a month and a half. Now, I also learned to eat the same foods day in and day out: those that produce energy, they're high in fiber, low in sodium and high in protein, and I rarely go over 1,000 calories, yet feel full. Why do I do this every day? Because I expect different results from when I was 260 pounds on 7/14/2010 and stuffing my face due to stress. Those who know me know that I have been unemployed since March 21, 2008. After 14,000 plus resumes sent out and ONLY 6 face-to-face interviews (and losing $425,000 in 2 years), I could either have a "pity party," or reinvent myself (believe me - I had a 6 month "pity party" before February of this year). I reinvented myself on February 24th with Team National (actually my wife's business - I work it for her for free), and the rest is history. Am I a changed man? Yes! Am I doing the same thing over and over again? YES - both with walking and working Team National! Am I insane? You be the judge - however, I haven't felt this good in over 12 years, wtih NO STRESS! (Things haven't changed much, but how I treat my body and my brain HAS changed) I have my health back, God and I talk every day, I still work with "my boys" in the BSA (just celebrated my 21st Anniversary as a Leader - as has Jill), and I feel as if I AM contributing to society and helping other people become successful. I am also VERY MUCH in LOVE with the LOVE OF MY LIFE! She has been a Godsend to me, and we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the night we met on October 19th (Oct. 19, 1978 at 9:12PM). There has NEVER been anyone since, and there will never be anyone else!
So - “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein: If I am insane (and I believe Albert quoted this "tongue in cheek"), then so be it! I feel very good being "insane!" Maybe you should, too!
Think about it . . .
May "all your wildest dreams come true" (Pedro in "Napolean Dynamite"), and God Bless You!
Yogi: 9/6/2010 12:06PM CDT
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 5, 2010
"Well, I guess it goes from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners! Right, Kent?" - Bodie, "Real Genius" (1985)
Ok - this is off the wall, so to speak - but it has a purpose, especially today of all days. The 1985 Movie "Real Genius" was Val Kilmer's first real starring role, and it is a cult classic for many reasons: the statement made on weapons based in outer space (Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, and as a Reagan Republican, I saw the logic of it as we were still in the Cold War days), and the misinterpretations that we experience when we believe that God is talking to us and guiding us. The quote was definitely "tongue in cheek," but think about the situations in our past that come down to the accused, the Leaders, and the famous and the infamous - stating that God told him/her to do this. Some are hard for us to fathom, yet others seem very realistic. Regardless, not only does God speak to us in many ways, but I believe God speaks to us through events that unfold - yet some are hard to see when they happen. Only later in life do we fully understand what we were witnessing. So, does it really go from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners? Only you can truly answer that.
Tonight begins the 45th Annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, and I truly believe that this was something that Jerry Lewis heard from God. Actually beginning in New York in 1954, this iconic and legendary Comic has raised hundreds of millions, if not a billion dollars or more to help those kids and adults have a fighting chance to walk again. Jerry Lewis was one of my favorite Comedians, and when he teamed up with Dean Martin, there was magic in the end result. I am a fan of Old-Time Radio (Channel 118 on Sirius), and every week I hear a radio broadcast of "Martin and Lewis," usually from 1949-1952. The pure Genius of the two was incredible, and truly entertaining at a time when the Cold War was really beginning to rage, and the Korean Conflict was about to explode. Yet, through all of this, Jerry found his calling, and he will forever be linked to helping less fortunate people with MDS all the way to Lou Gehrig's Disease. A message or epiphany from God?
You decide - I've already made my decision.
Think about it . . . God Bless You, Jerry - and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Yogi: 9/5/2010 10:42AM CDT
Ok - this is off the wall, so to speak - but it has a purpose, especially today of all days. The 1985 Movie "Real Genius" was Val Kilmer's first real starring role, and it is a cult classic for many reasons: the statement made on weapons based in outer space (Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, and as a Reagan Republican, I saw the logic of it as we were still in the Cold War days), and the misinterpretations that we experience when we believe that God is talking to us and guiding us. The quote was definitely "tongue in cheek," but think about the situations in our past that come down to the accused, the Leaders, and the famous and the infamous - stating that God told him/her to do this. Some are hard for us to fathom, yet others seem very realistic. Regardless, not only does God speak to us in many ways, but I believe God speaks to us through events that unfold - yet some are hard to see when they happen. Only later in life do we fully understand what we were witnessing. So, does it really go from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners? Only you can truly answer that.
Tonight begins the 45th Annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, and I truly believe that this was something that Jerry Lewis heard from God. Actually beginning in New York in 1954, this iconic and legendary Comic has raised hundreds of millions, if not a billion dollars or more to help those kids and adults have a fighting chance to walk again. Jerry Lewis was one of my favorite Comedians, and when he teamed up with Dean Martin, there was magic in the end result. I am a fan of Old-Time Radio (Channel 118 on Sirius), and every week I hear a radio broadcast of "Martin and Lewis," usually from 1949-1952. The pure Genius of the two was incredible, and truly entertaining at a time when the Cold War was really beginning to rage, and the Korean Conflict was about to explode. Yet, through all of this, Jerry found his calling, and he will forever be linked to helping less fortunate people with MDS all the way to Lou Gehrig's Disease. A message or epiphany from God?
You decide - I've already made my decision.
Think about it . . . God Bless You, Jerry - and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Yogi: 9/5/2010 10:42AM CDT
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 4, 2010
"Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come." - James Earl Jones, "Field of Dreams"
Since the "Boys of Summer" are winding down their Seasons this month, I often reflect on my heroes that I followed since I can remember. See, baseball is just like life to me, as curve balls can be thrown at you at any time. It's how you compensate that makes the difference. I grew up a St. Louis Cardinal fan (long before the Royals began in 1969), and I began listening to Harry Caray on KMOX radio in St. Louis when the sun would go down and the signal would skip to SW Iowa. "It could be, it might be . . . it IS! A Home Run! Holy Cow!" was his signature phrase long before he moved to WGN for the Cubs TV Broadcasts. My heroes in the day were Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver. Gibson was a fireball pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska (used to be the spokesman for Kitty Clover Potato Chips on Omaha TV Stations), played for Creighton University when he was drafted by the Cardinals, then sat out his first year to tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. McCarver was his catcher, his "battery mate." Together, they would win the World Series in 1964 and 1967, only to lose a heartbreaking series in 1968 against Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain (with a 31-5 record - unheard of now!) of the Detroit Tigers. After that, it wouldn't be until 1982 when the Cards were back in the World Series again. Dad was an instrumental part of my baseball life, along with my neighbor, Tom Fees, also a Cardinals fan. I grew up reading about the exploits of Dizzy Dean (from the Cardinals "Gashouse Gang" of the 30's) and Stan Musial, along with Satchel Paige, who is a true legend; all 3 Dad's heroes. Every one of those players gave back to their communities, never once thinking about themselves.
Today, that legendary dna of "giving" and contributions is carried out by my favorite player, Albert Pujols. A Fort Osage HS Grad (Ft. Osage is halfway between Independence, MO and Buckner, MO on US Highway 24), and a one-year player for Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, a half mile north of our house, he made the headlines constantly in the Kansas City Star's Sports Section. The Cardinals drafted him in 1999 - and his rise to fame was nothing short of amazing. He was named the NL "Rookie of the Year" in 2001, and to date, has 401 Home Runs (he's only 30) and a Lifetime Batting Average of .332 (compared to HOF 3rd Baseman George Brett's lifetime avg of .305). Most importantly, Albert gives back to the Community, and lives the teachings of the Bible. A devout Christian, he is an example of how we all should live our lives. Fame is not what he is about - people and giving back is his mantra.
God Bless You, Albert! This St. Louis Cardinal fan is proud that you are wearing the uniform of my favorite team, and proud of the way you carry yourself on and off the field!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/4/2010 12:05PM
Since the "Boys of Summer" are winding down their Seasons this month, I often reflect on my heroes that I followed since I can remember. See, baseball is just like life to me, as curve balls can be thrown at you at any time. It's how you compensate that makes the difference. I grew up a St. Louis Cardinal fan (long before the Royals began in 1969), and I began listening to Harry Caray on KMOX radio in St. Louis when the sun would go down and the signal would skip to SW Iowa. "It could be, it might be . . . it IS! A Home Run! Holy Cow!" was his signature phrase long before he moved to WGN for the Cubs TV Broadcasts. My heroes in the day were Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver. Gibson was a fireball pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska (used to be the spokesman for Kitty Clover Potato Chips on Omaha TV Stations), played for Creighton University when he was drafted by the Cardinals, then sat out his first year to tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. McCarver was his catcher, his "battery mate." Together, they would win the World Series in 1964 and 1967, only to lose a heartbreaking series in 1968 against Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain (with a 31-5 record - unheard of now!) of the Detroit Tigers. After that, it wouldn't be until 1982 when the Cards were back in the World Series again. Dad was an instrumental part of my baseball life, along with my neighbor, Tom Fees, also a Cardinals fan. I grew up reading about the exploits of Dizzy Dean (from the Cardinals "Gashouse Gang" of the 30's) and Stan Musial, along with Satchel Paige, who is a true legend; all 3 Dad's heroes. Every one of those players gave back to their communities, never once thinking about themselves.
Today, that legendary dna of "giving" and contributions is carried out by my favorite player, Albert Pujols. A Fort Osage HS Grad (Ft. Osage is halfway between Independence, MO and Buckner, MO on US Highway 24), and a one-year player for Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, a half mile north of our house, he made the headlines constantly in the Kansas City Star's Sports Section. The Cardinals drafted him in 1999 - and his rise to fame was nothing short of amazing. He was named the NL "Rookie of the Year" in 2001, and to date, has 401 Home Runs (he's only 30) and a Lifetime Batting Average of .332 (compared to HOF 3rd Baseman George Brett's lifetime avg of .305). Most importantly, Albert gives back to the Community, and lives the teachings of the Bible. A devout Christian, he is an example of how we all should live our lives. Fame is not what he is about - people and giving back is his mantra.
God Bless You, Albert! This St. Louis Cardinal fan is proud that you are wearing the uniform of my favorite team, and proud of the way you carry yourself on and off the field!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/4/2010 12:05PM
Friday, September 3, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 3, 2010
"I think one of the most important attributes is perseverance." - David Rose, Musician
Today, I'm writing about my Dad. Joseph Jonathan Cook II was born in 1919 as the youngest of 11 children. From the time he picked up a football at the age of 6, it was as if it was meant to be (my great-grandfather - Joseph Jonathan Cook I - is a member of the Orginal Pro Football Hall of Fame (before Canton) as he was a Pro Player in the 1880's and 1890's). Dad lived in Iowa, California (where he had a near death experience at the age of 8 and remembered everything - including the light and the warmth - he almost drowned in the Pacific Ocean), and then back in Iowa again, graduating from Greenfield HS in 1938, and was an All-State Football selection - 1st Team, in fall 1937. Growing up in hard times, he enrolled at Simpson College in Indianola, IA (also a College I attended before transferring), and immediately started on the Football Team, earning All-American consideration as a Punter and Defensivc End. He was also runner up to James Angell (the famous Presbyterian Author) for "Most Representative Male on Campus" in 1940, in which Dad felt honored to be 2nd to a person like James. He was President of Kappa Theta Psi (the world's oldest Local Collegiate Fraternity) for 3 years, up to the time of Pearl Harbor. On the night of December 7, 1941, Dad decided to enlist on Tuesday, December 9th. The Fraternity threw a going away party for him on the 8th, presenting him with a gold watch. On the 9th, he reported to enlist in the Army.
The physical went well until the physician checked for a heartbeat in the normal location, and couldn't find one. When asked why this was, Dad said his heart was on the right ride of the sternum (like everyone else - or so he thought). Turns out that Dad was a "Dextroardia Situs Inversus," a very rare genetic trait that completely places the internal organs on the opposite sides within the body, compared to everyone else, and the odds of this are approximately 1 in 500 million. "Dextrocardia," (just the heart) is much more common, but not the type that Dad had. Rated as a "Battlefield Surgical Risk" (physicians weren't trained for this condition), he was classified as 4-F - NOT the popular thing to be in WW2. Embarrassed and dejected, Dad did not return to College or his friends (he couldn't face them) - 6 hours short of his BA Degree in History and a certificate for Coaching, which remained until his death.
Mom (a Simpson Student beginning in fall 1941) and Dad met in 1943, and were married on traditional Memorial Day (May 30, 1943). From the point of the 4-F to his death, Dad persevered to give back to those who did so much for him at Simpson. His best friend, Dean Ray, was KIA in the Pacific Theatre in 1944, so to honor Dean's memory, James Rae Cook was born on November 12, 1949, the middle name in honor of Dean (Jim died of Leukemia on April 24, 1975, when I was 16 and a Junior at Corning HS). Dad never forgot his friends, and repaid each and every one of them for their kindness and generosity through their friendship, and for the party that was thrown in his honor on December 8, 1941. By the time he died on May 18, 2002 of Congestive Heart Failure, he had persevered to keep his promise and had completed his mission.
Are you "Keeping and Delivering the Promise?" If you need inspiration, hopefully the story above will help you do just that.
Think about it . . . Dad, I love you and I miss you so much. God Bless You, and thank you for teaching me how to be a true Disciple and a true Citizen with true Values. You did good . . .
Yogi: 10:52AM CDT
Today, I'm writing about my Dad. Joseph Jonathan Cook II was born in 1919 as the youngest of 11 children. From the time he picked up a football at the age of 6, it was as if it was meant to be (my great-grandfather - Joseph Jonathan Cook I - is a member of the Orginal Pro Football Hall of Fame (before Canton) as he was a Pro Player in the 1880's and 1890's). Dad lived in Iowa, California (where he had a near death experience at the age of 8 and remembered everything - including the light and the warmth - he almost drowned in the Pacific Ocean), and then back in Iowa again, graduating from Greenfield HS in 1938, and was an All-State Football selection - 1st Team, in fall 1937. Growing up in hard times, he enrolled at Simpson College in Indianola, IA (also a College I attended before transferring), and immediately started on the Football Team, earning All-American consideration as a Punter and Defensivc End. He was also runner up to James Angell (the famous Presbyterian Author) for "Most Representative Male on Campus" in 1940, in which Dad felt honored to be 2nd to a person like James. He was President of Kappa Theta Psi (the world's oldest Local Collegiate Fraternity) for 3 years, up to the time of Pearl Harbor. On the night of December 7, 1941, Dad decided to enlist on Tuesday, December 9th. The Fraternity threw a going away party for him on the 8th, presenting him with a gold watch. On the 9th, he reported to enlist in the Army.
The physical went well until the physician checked for a heartbeat in the normal location, and couldn't find one. When asked why this was, Dad said his heart was on the right ride of the sternum (like everyone else - or so he thought). Turns out that Dad was a "Dextroardia Situs Inversus," a very rare genetic trait that completely places the internal organs on the opposite sides within the body, compared to everyone else, and the odds of this are approximately 1 in 500 million. "Dextrocardia," (just the heart) is much more common, but not the type that Dad had. Rated as a "Battlefield Surgical Risk" (physicians weren't trained for this condition), he was classified as 4-F - NOT the popular thing to be in WW2. Embarrassed and dejected, Dad did not return to College or his friends (he couldn't face them) - 6 hours short of his BA Degree in History and a certificate for Coaching, which remained until his death.
Mom (a Simpson Student beginning in fall 1941) and Dad met in 1943, and were married on traditional Memorial Day (May 30, 1943). From the point of the 4-F to his death, Dad persevered to give back to those who did so much for him at Simpson. His best friend, Dean Ray, was KIA in the Pacific Theatre in 1944, so to honor Dean's memory, James Rae Cook was born on November 12, 1949, the middle name in honor of Dean (Jim died of Leukemia on April 24, 1975, when I was 16 and a Junior at Corning HS). Dad never forgot his friends, and repaid each and every one of them for their kindness and generosity through their friendship, and for the party that was thrown in his honor on December 8, 1941. By the time he died on May 18, 2002 of Congestive Heart Failure, he had persevered to keep his promise and had completed his mission.
Are you "Keeping and Delivering the Promise?" If you need inspiration, hopefully the story above will help you do just that.
Think about it . . . Dad, I love you and I miss you so much. God Bless You, and thank you for teaching me how to be a true Disciple and a true Citizen with true Values. You did good . . .
Yogi: 10:52AM CDT
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 2, 2010
"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." - 1 Timothy 6:11
Years ago, while growing up in the small town of Corning, Iowa (population 1,800 - on a good day), I had the opportunity to be influenced by so many people other than my Parents and siblings. Dad was a former Mayor of our great little "Metropolis," and was the Mayor when I was born. My coming into the world in 1958 was not by accident, but by "Divine Providence." Let me explain: Mom became pregnant in late fall of 1956 with what would have been their 5th child (that was to be their last), but it was not to be, for she miscarried in April of '57. As traumatic as that was for the family, it gave them more determination to plan their 5th child (this was before we adopted Joseph Darwin ("Little Joe") in 1966 and Jeffrey Dennis ("Jedd") in 1968). That 5th child became me, and I grew up in a loving household where God and Family (and the Green Bay Packers!) was first and foremost. Dad was also a Minister for the United Methodist Church, and served the Congregations of Carbon, Iowa, and Mount Etna, Iowa; combined population at the time of no more than 300 people - yet 22 miles apart (he had 30 minutes between services to get from Carbon to Mt. Etna via gravel roads, and he did this from 1949 until 1977). My Mom (still living - soon to be 88 and racked with full-blown Parkinson's Disease) and Dad (passed away at the age of 82 on May 18, 2002) were living examples of the verse that was chosen for today.
Another fine example was a true gentleman by the name of John Riegel. By the time I knew John (when I was 2-3 years old), he was already a widower, but was a living example of the type of person that the verse describes. John used to babysit me when my sisters and brothers were at school, and Mom had a morning Doctor's appointment, or something similar. I always remember that we read the Bible each time we were together, and then he would fix hard-boiled eggs. The lesson involved with the eggs was that "A hard boiled egg is an example of life; we must break through the shell that we are in before we find the good inside, just as a Christian must work through the challenges of life to find his place in God's World." I'll never forget that lesson, or that exact phrase, and I still enjoy hard-boiled eggs today (I pass on the salt now). John entered Heaven in the early 1970's, but he was a tremendous influence in my life and in my family's world. My sister Jane (63 next month), when asked what she thought God looked like, once responded "Why, he must look just like John Riegel!"
God Bless You, John! Someday, we'll be reunited - and what a story we'll have to share over a hard-boiled egg! I'm looking forward to that day . . .
Yogi - 8:22AM CDT 9/2/2010
Years ago, while growing up in the small town of Corning, Iowa (population 1,800 - on a good day), I had the opportunity to be influenced by so many people other than my Parents and siblings. Dad was a former Mayor of our great little "Metropolis," and was the Mayor when I was born. My coming into the world in 1958 was not by accident, but by "Divine Providence." Let me explain: Mom became pregnant in late fall of 1956 with what would have been their 5th child (that was to be their last), but it was not to be, for she miscarried in April of '57. As traumatic as that was for the family, it gave them more determination to plan their 5th child (this was before we adopted Joseph Darwin ("Little Joe") in 1966 and Jeffrey Dennis ("Jedd") in 1968). That 5th child became me, and I grew up in a loving household where God and Family (and the Green Bay Packers!) was first and foremost. Dad was also a Minister for the United Methodist Church, and served the Congregations of Carbon, Iowa, and Mount Etna, Iowa; combined population at the time of no more than 300 people - yet 22 miles apart (he had 30 minutes between services to get from Carbon to Mt. Etna via gravel roads, and he did this from 1949 until 1977). My Mom (still living - soon to be 88 and racked with full-blown Parkinson's Disease) and Dad (passed away at the age of 82 on May 18, 2002) were living examples of the verse that was chosen for today.
Another fine example was a true gentleman by the name of John Riegel. By the time I knew John (when I was 2-3 years old), he was already a widower, but was a living example of the type of person that the verse describes. John used to babysit me when my sisters and brothers were at school, and Mom had a morning Doctor's appointment, or something similar. I always remember that we read the Bible each time we were together, and then he would fix hard-boiled eggs. The lesson involved with the eggs was that "A hard boiled egg is an example of life; we must break through the shell that we are in before we find the good inside, just as a Christian must work through the challenges of life to find his place in God's World." I'll never forget that lesson, or that exact phrase, and I still enjoy hard-boiled eggs today (I pass on the salt now). John entered Heaven in the early 1970's, but he was a tremendous influence in my life and in my family's world. My sister Jane (63 next month), when asked what she thought God looked like, once responded "Why, he must look just like John Riegel!"
God Bless You, John! Someday, we'll be reunited - and what a story we'll have to share over a hard-boiled egg! I'm looking forward to that day . . .
Yogi - 8:22AM CDT 9/2/2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 1, 2010
"Mental toughness is many things. It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength. Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love." - Vince Lombardi
Coach Lombardi was one of my Father's heroes, and eventually became one of mine. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer Fan, some of our family vacations would be centered around traveling to Green Bay to tour Lambeau Field and other Packer shrines in the area. One memorable trip was the Grand Opening of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, which opened in the summer of 1970. My immediate family revisited that "hallowed ground" in the summer of 1994 when the Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
The reason I picked this particular quote was that I felt it embodied the true spirit of perseverance. "Simplicity is the sign of greatness" can be better described by the teachings of Darren Hardy in his book "The Compound Effect." It is the little things that we do each and every day that help us attain and conquer our goals, not the "one time home run swing for the fence." Lombardi's musings were years ahead of the forgotten movie "Galaxy Quest" and its one memorable line spoken many times by Actor Tim Allen, "Never Give Up, Never Surrender!" Coach Lombardi was a classic; someone who will not be duplicated. When he died of cancer in 1970 (after leaving the Packers in 1968 to Coach the Washington Redskins), part of my Dad died too, as "Coach" was THE all-time legendary hero for Dad, and an inspiration for him to follow. Coach is also counted as one of my inspirational heroes, and always will be.
Coach's legacy still lives on in the "frozen tundra" of Green Bay, Wisconsin . . .
Coach Lombardi was one of my Father's heroes, and eventually became one of mine. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer Fan, some of our family vacations would be centered around traveling to Green Bay to tour Lambeau Field and other Packer shrines in the area. One memorable trip was the Grand Opening of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, which opened in the summer of 1970. My immediate family revisited that "hallowed ground" in the summer of 1994 when the Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
The reason I picked this particular quote was that I felt it embodied the true spirit of perseverance. "Simplicity is the sign of greatness" can be better described by the teachings of Darren Hardy in his book "The Compound Effect." It is the little things that we do each and every day that help us attain and conquer our goals, not the "one time home run swing for the fence." Lombardi's musings were years ahead of the forgotten movie "Galaxy Quest" and its one memorable line spoken many times by Actor Tim Allen, "Never Give Up, Never Surrender!" Coach Lombardi was a classic; someone who will not be duplicated. When he died of cancer in 1970 (after leaving the Packers in 1968 to Coach the Washington Redskins), part of my Dad died too, as "Coach" was THE all-time legendary hero for Dad, and an inspiration for him to follow. Coach is also counted as one of my inspirational heroes, and always will be.
Coach's legacy still lives on in the "frozen tundra" of Green Bay, Wisconsin . . .
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