"We can cure physical diesases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Having grown up in the 1960's and 1970's ("All You Need is Love"), we seemed to steer away from those thoughts in the 1980's - the "Me Generation." As a young husband and father (Josh was born in 1982), I witnessed a lot of selfishness in personal relationships, business, and in general - how people conducted themselves. Thankfully, the 1990's brought us back a little closer to what God intended, but here we are - right back in the "What's right for ME" world.
As an unemployed Conservative (but one who has many friends on the left and one who listens to AND considers ALL viewpoints), I see this played out in politics, on MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, the "Mainstream Media" of the 3 "Major" Networks, and even to a point on my network of choice: FOXNews. There's too much bickering between both sides: the right blames the left and the left blames the right. So - where's the mediation? Who will come forward and unite the two parties so this ends before the damage is irreparable? There are TOO MANY people in the USA suffering right now. I am one of the lucky ones - sure, I'm not in the financial shape I was 3 years ago . . . not even close, but I have a family who loves me and I love and adore them, and would do ANYTHING to protect and NOT exploit them, so I consider myself "Rich." It's not about ME, it's about US!
Washington, when are you going to wake up? This is directed to my fellow Conservatives in Office (and those much further on the right) as well as those Liberals in Office (and those further on the left). Come on people, our Nation is at stake here - and our future AS A NATION in is YOUR hands. Don't SCARE US anymore; do what's right (whatever that might be) and become UNITED as ONE! Our Founding Fathers expect no less, and neither do WE THE PEOPLE!
I spoken my piece and am stepping off my soapbox . . . I've just had it.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/14/2010 11:25AM CDT (and 60 pounds lighter as of today!)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 13, 2010
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'' - Muhammad Ali
As I entered the sixth Decade of my life two years ago, I looked back at what made me successful as a person, from the prospective of three key aspects: 1). a Christian 2). a Family Man - Husband and Father of two great sons, and 3). a Businessman. When I turned 50 in 2008, I was still working on the first two aspects, and had already been interrupted in the third earlier that year. Today, that third aspect still eludes me, but Jill and I took charge of our lives back in February when we joined up as Independent Marketing Directors with Team National, a company that places my first two aspects in the exact same order.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are frustrating times, but my frustration is not with the company - for it has under promised and over delivered. My frustration is with me and my lack of patience. That's why this "dare" that I took on July 14th is SO IMPORTANT (when I was 260 pounds - remember, I'm only 5' 7" tall - with a blood pressure of 149/96 WITH BP meds, and a BMI Index of 40.0)! I let stress get to me, and I was about to give up. It wasn't until I felt the lowest in my life that I decided that no one but God and me can get me out of this, and the "dare" was born (with thanks to LeeAnn King for directing me to Lance Armstrong's website: www.livestrong.com). Now, walking 7 miles a day is routine - in fact, I make it a game each day! I have met so many wonderful people during my walks, and have been inspired by the likes of Betty Hamilton, Judy, Jeff and a host of others.
"Never Give Up - Never Surrender" is the signature phrase of Captain Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) in the cheesy movie "Galaxy Quest" (1999), but it serves a purpose today, for without that quote and others like it, I would have easily thrown in the towel on July 14th when I literally thought I was going to die after walking two miles: a measly TWO MILES!!!
Thanks "Champ" for those encouraging words!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/13/2010 10:37AM CDT
As I entered the sixth Decade of my life two years ago, I looked back at what made me successful as a person, from the prospective of three key aspects: 1). a Christian 2). a Family Man - Husband and Father of two great sons, and 3). a Businessman. When I turned 50 in 2008, I was still working on the first two aspects, and had already been interrupted in the third earlier that year. Today, that third aspect still eludes me, but Jill and I took charge of our lives back in February when we joined up as Independent Marketing Directors with Team National, a company that places my first two aspects in the exact same order.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are frustrating times, but my frustration is not with the company - for it has under promised and over delivered. My frustration is with me and my lack of patience. That's why this "dare" that I took on July 14th is SO IMPORTANT (when I was 260 pounds - remember, I'm only 5' 7" tall - with a blood pressure of 149/96 WITH BP meds, and a BMI Index of 40.0)! I let stress get to me, and I was about to give up. It wasn't until I felt the lowest in my life that I decided that no one but God and me can get me out of this, and the "dare" was born (with thanks to LeeAnn King for directing me to Lance Armstrong's website: www.livestrong.com). Now, walking 7 miles a day is routine - in fact, I make it a game each day! I have met so many wonderful people during my walks, and have been inspired by the likes of Betty Hamilton, Judy, Jeff and a host of others.
"Never Give Up - Never Surrender" is the signature phrase of Captain Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) in the cheesy movie "Galaxy Quest" (1999), but it serves a purpose today, for without that quote and others like it, I would have easily thrown in the towel on July 14th when I literally thought I was going to die after walking two miles: a measly TWO MILES!!!
Thanks "Champ" for those encouraging words!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/13/2010 10:37AM CDT
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 12, 2010
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
9 years ago, this was the "morning after" the events of 9/11/2001. The sun did come back up, the birds sang, and life resumed - although we would never be the same again. I dedicate this Blog post to the families of the victims of 9/11 (and my fellow citizens of the USA); may we all continue to heal in our own way, and may God Bless each and every one of us. Thank you, Groucho, for that wonderful quote. I am closing this Blog post with the words of the song "The Morning After" - sang by Maureen McGovern (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks in August 1973 and #28 for the entire year of '73) from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure" (song written by All Kasha and Joel Hirshborn - 1973) . . .
There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light
Oh, can't you see the morning after
It's waiting right outside the storm
Why don't we cross the bridge together
And find a place that's safe and warm
It's not too late, we should be giving
Only with love can we climb
It's not too late, not while we're living
Let's put our hands out in time
There's got to be a morning after
We're moving closer to the shore
I know we'll be there by tomorrow
And we'll escape the darkness
We won't be searchin' any more
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
[Fade]
(There's got to be a morning after)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/12/2001 10:50AM CDT
9 years ago, this was the "morning after" the events of 9/11/2001. The sun did come back up, the birds sang, and life resumed - although we would never be the same again. I dedicate this Blog post to the families of the victims of 9/11 (and my fellow citizens of the USA); may we all continue to heal in our own way, and may God Bless each and every one of us. Thank you, Groucho, for that wonderful quote. I am closing this Blog post with the words of the song "The Morning After" - sang by Maureen McGovern (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks in August 1973 and #28 for the entire year of '73) from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure" (song written by All Kasha and Joel Hirshborn - 1973) . . .
There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light
Oh, can't you see the morning after
It's waiting right outside the storm
Why don't we cross the bridge together
And find a place that's safe and warm
It's not too late, we should be giving
Only with love can we climb
It's not too late, not while we're living
Let's put our hands out in time
There's got to be a morning after
We're moving closer to the shore
I know we'll be there by tomorrow
And we'll escape the darkness
We won't be searchin' any more
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
[Fade]
(There's got to be a morning after)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/12/2001 10:50AM CDT
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 11, 2010
"Some of the greater things in life are unseen; that's why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry, or dream..." - Anonymous
Today of all days is the time to close our eyes, cry and dream. The families of the victims of the tragic events 9 years ago today should be in our hearts, our minds, and our dreams. The families of the Challenger Tragedy back in 1986 can relate, as can the familes from the OKC tragedy of 4/19/95. The heartache is different for each family and each person, but it is still a common thread, only in greater numbers in 1995 and in 2001 than it was in 1986. Still, it affected all of us very deeply.
I leave you with this poem, authored by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. in 1941 (shortly before his death in WW2 on December 11, 1941), and used in the Eulogy for the Challenger Astronauts by then President Ronald Reagan:
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Please pray for the families of the victims, and that they may heal over time - and that we may never re-live the horrors of that day as we mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years . . .
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/11/2010 2:36PM CDT
Today of all days is the time to close our eyes, cry and dream. The families of the victims of the tragic events 9 years ago today should be in our hearts, our minds, and our dreams. The families of the Challenger Tragedy back in 1986 can relate, as can the familes from the OKC tragedy of 4/19/95. The heartache is different for each family and each person, but it is still a common thread, only in greater numbers in 1995 and in 2001 than it was in 1986. Still, it affected all of us very deeply.
I leave you with this poem, authored by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. in 1941 (shortly before his death in WW2 on December 11, 1941), and used in the Eulogy for the Challenger Astronauts by then President Ronald Reagan:
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Please pray for the families of the victims, and that they may heal over time - and that we may never re-live the horrors of that day as we mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years . . .
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/11/2010 2:36PM CDT
Friday, September 10, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 10, 2010
"Never shall I forget the times I spent with you; continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." - Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
This is dedicated to the families, friends and acquaintances of the tens of thousands of people that were together in New York and in other cities on September 10, 2001. The following day, almost 3,000 died, and they were loved ones, friends, acquaintances, business associates - you name it, they touched the lives of the many. And with the events that unfolded less than 24 hours later, memories were all that were left for those tens of thousands of people that filled the categories listed above that were left when the almost 3,000 victims perished.
Life is too short to be petty, and it's definitely too short to hold a grudge. We think of Beethoven for all of his masterful works (Symphony #5, Symphony #9 - for example), but rarely do we examine the words that emanated from the genius that defined him as a person. I lost friends and customers in the 9/11 attacks, just as I lost friends and customers on that fateful day in Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995 at 9:03AM). I had customers in the Murrah Building, and when living in OKC, was there quite often. I passed the Day Care going into the building every time I was there, which was 3 days a week when I managed the Tandy Business Products Center in the mid-late 1980's before moving to Kansas City to be closer to family. Friends died, and their names are on the 168 chairs in the memorial garden on the site of the greatest act of terrorism on American soil before the events of 9 years ago.
In a split second, it can be gone. A great friend of mine, Ginger Stiver, has told me several times to "plan for the end-result, but live in the here and now - and never forget."
Ginger - this is also dedicated to you. God Bless You . . .
Think about it . . . more thoughts tomorrow with the Quote of the Day, and you can probably imagine what the topic will be; centered around healing.
Until then,
Yogi: 9/10/2010 1:11PM CDT
This is dedicated to the families, friends and acquaintances of the tens of thousands of people that were together in New York and in other cities on September 10, 2001. The following day, almost 3,000 died, and they were loved ones, friends, acquaintances, business associates - you name it, they touched the lives of the many. And with the events that unfolded less than 24 hours later, memories were all that were left for those tens of thousands of people that filled the categories listed above that were left when the almost 3,000 victims perished.
Life is too short to be petty, and it's definitely too short to hold a grudge. We think of Beethoven for all of his masterful works (Symphony #5, Symphony #9 - for example), but rarely do we examine the words that emanated from the genius that defined him as a person. I lost friends and customers in the 9/11 attacks, just as I lost friends and customers on that fateful day in Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995 at 9:03AM). I had customers in the Murrah Building, and when living in OKC, was there quite often. I passed the Day Care going into the building every time I was there, which was 3 days a week when I managed the Tandy Business Products Center in the mid-late 1980's before moving to Kansas City to be closer to family. Friends died, and their names are on the 168 chairs in the memorial garden on the site of the greatest act of terrorism on American soil before the events of 9 years ago.
In a split second, it can be gone. A great friend of mine, Ginger Stiver, has told me several times to "plan for the end-result, but live in the here and now - and never forget."
Ginger - this is also dedicated to you. God Bless You . . .
Think about it . . . more thoughts tomorrow with the Quote of the Day, and you can probably imagine what the topic will be; centered around healing.
Until then,
Yogi: 9/10/2010 1:11PM CDT
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 9, 2010
"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne, Legendary Actor (1907-1979)
Courage (and not the sign-off phrase that Dan Rather used for a few days in September 1985 when anchoring the CBS Evening News) is defined as: –noun; 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. Obsolete - the heart as the source of emotion. —Idiom; 3. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism. (source: http://dictionary.reference.com) I've had some dealings with this through the years, not only me personally, but our entire family.
Please note the following 2 examples:
Mom and Dad: They had to develop instant Courage when my brother Jim (only 25), was diagnosed with Leukemia on December 27, 1974, and watch him wither away as he went downhill fast. Dad received a call from the University of Iowa Med Center (3-West) at noon on April 24, 1975, telling him that we needed to come to Iowa City right away (210 mile trip). Mom, the 7-12 Vocal Music Director at Corning High School, took me out of Self-Supervision immediately and we were on our way in less than 30 minutes (Jeff "Jedd" was at the Drake Relays with the Track Team). When we arrived at 4:50 that afternoon, a nurse intercepted us as we were making our way to Jim's room, and all Mom asked was "He's gone - isn't he?" The nurse replied "yes." (He had passed away at 2:45 with his wife by his side) Mom collapsed, Dad started crying (one of 5 times I ever saw him cry), and we were ushered to a room to await the Doctor. Those 5 minutes waiting for his Doctor seemed like an eternity, and Mom and Dad found the courage to keep their composure and listen to what the Doctor said had happened that day. Mom would have to relive this 2 more times in 2005 (Dad had already passed away in 2002). I'll never forget the courage that my parents had through all of this, as I was only 16 and my idol, my closest brother, had passed away. I can't imagine having to bury one of my sons, let alone 3 of them.
Me: Jill and I had a car crash on January 1, 1979; a very freak accident after a 10-inch snowfall with a 2-inch layer of ice underneath the snow. We were driving around looking at the winter wonderland in Bedford, Iowa (her hometown), and we came to Highway 48, which had been closed but the road closed signs were pushed to the side, and we had been told that the road had reopened. There was a huge snowdrift down the road about a half mile, so I drove my 1977 White Pinto at 35mph to get through the snow. The only problem was that there was no highway under the snowdrift, and we dropped a foot and a half. I slammed on the brakes, only to skid and abruptly hit where the highway resumed (a foot and a half higher). Not wearing a seat belt at the time, the lower part of my face hit the steering wheel and broke it in two, and changed my facial features forever. Six dental surgeries and three plastic surgeries in 15 months has left me with permanent bridgework, a flatter face from the nose down, and no nerve endings in my cheeks and mouth, except for my lips and tongue. I shouldn't be alive - a fraction of an inch either way would have completely broken my neck and severed my spinal cord. I learned that day to never take life for granted, EVER. I also learned to NEVER GIVE UP, as it would have been so easy to do. I had all of this work done while being on the air co-anchoring the nightly news on KXCV-FM and finishing the final 16 months of college. I had to learn to talk and form words all over again (like a toddler), and do it in less than 20 days (because the swelling didn't start subsiding until after the first 10 days). This has defined who I am, and should answer any of my friends' questions regarding my tenacity. It was also a sign from God who the Love of my Life would be, as Jill and I had only been dating for less than 3 months, and she stood beside me the entire ordeal. The "Phantom of the Opera" was better looking than I was right after the accident, yet she stood by her man (my mouth resembled raw hamburger for about 10 days). The accident left her with an injured back that she still has to deal with today (and yes, we have always worn our seatbelts from that day forward).
Now, in two days, we mark the 9th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The above indicates Courage in two different examples, but pales in comparison to the Courage shown by the members of the NYFD, the NYPD and the Port Authority as they tried to rescue those trapped in the twin towers, knowing they would not likely survive the rescue mission. Yet, they "saddled up" and faced their fears, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Not only do we pay homage to the victims of 9/11, but we pay homage and remember those courageous public servants that laid it all on the line to save human lives, and paid the ultimate price. This Blog is dedicated to them. My courage is miniscule compared to theirs.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Think about it . . .
God Bless all of you!
Yogi: 9/9/2010 8:09AM
Courage (and not the sign-off phrase that Dan Rather used for a few days in September 1985 when anchoring the CBS Evening News) is defined as: –noun; 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. Obsolete - the heart as the source of emotion. —Idiom; 3. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism. (source: http://dictionary.reference.com) I've had some dealings with this through the years, not only me personally, but our entire family.
Please note the following 2 examples:
Mom and Dad: They had to develop instant Courage when my brother Jim (only 25), was diagnosed with Leukemia on December 27, 1974, and watch him wither away as he went downhill fast. Dad received a call from the University of Iowa Med Center (3-West) at noon on April 24, 1975, telling him that we needed to come to Iowa City right away (210 mile trip). Mom, the 7-12 Vocal Music Director at Corning High School, took me out of Self-Supervision immediately and we were on our way in less than 30 minutes (Jeff "Jedd" was at the Drake Relays with the Track Team). When we arrived at 4:50 that afternoon, a nurse intercepted us as we were making our way to Jim's room, and all Mom asked was "He's gone - isn't he?" The nurse replied "yes." (He had passed away at 2:45 with his wife by his side) Mom collapsed, Dad started crying (one of 5 times I ever saw him cry), and we were ushered to a room to await the Doctor. Those 5 minutes waiting for his Doctor seemed like an eternity, and Mom and Dad found the courage to keep their composure and listen to what the Doctor said had happened that day. Mom would have to relive this 2 more times in 2005 (Dad had already passed away in 2002). I'll never forget the courage that my parents had through all of this, as I was only 16 and my idol, my closest brother, had passed away. I can't imagine having to bury one of my sons, let alone 3 of them.
Me: Jill and I had a car crash on January 1, 1979; a very freak accident after a 10-inch snowfall with a 2-inch layer of ice underneath the snow. We were driving around looking at the winter wonderland in Bedford, Iowa (her hometown), and we came to Highway 48, which had been closed but the road closed signs were pushed to the side, and we had been told that the road had reopened. There was a huge snowdrift down the road about a half mile, so I drove my 1977 White Pinto at 35mph to get through the snow. The only problem was that there was no highway under the snowdrift, and we dropped a foot and a half. I slammed on the brakes, only to skid and abruptly hit where the highway resumed (a foot and a half higher). Not wearing a seat belt at the time, the lower part of my face hit the steering wheel and broke it in two, and changed my facial features forever. Six dental surgeries and three plastic surgeries in 15 months has left me with permanent bridgework, a flatter face from the nose down, and no nerve endings in my cheeks and mouth, except for my lips and tongue. I shouldn't be alive - a fraction of an inch either way would have completely broken my neck and severed my spinal cord. I learned that day to never take life for granted, EVER. I also learned to NEVER GIVE UP, as it would have been so easy to do. I had all of this work done while being on the air co-anchoring the nightly news on KXCV-FM and finishing the final 16 months of college. I had to learn to talk and form words all over again (like a toddler), and do it in less than 20 days (because the swelling didn't start subsiding until after the first 10 days). This has defined who I am, and should answer any of my friends' questions regarding my tenacity. It was also a sign from God who the Love of my Life would be, as Jill and I had only been dating for less than 3 months, and she stood beside me the entire ordeal. The "Phantom of the Opera" was better looking than I was right after the accident, yet she stood by her man (my mouth resembled raw hamburger for about 10 days). The accident left her with an injured back that she still has to deal with today (and yes, we have always worn our seatbelts from that day forward).
Now, in two days, we mark the 9th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The above indicates Courage in two different examples, but pales in comparison to the Courage shown by the members of the NYFD, the NYPD and the Port Authority as they tried to rescue those trapped in the twin towers, knowing they would not likely survive the rescue mission. Yet, they "saddled up" and faced their fears, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Not only do we pay homage to the victims of 9/11, but we pay homage and remember those courageous public servants that laid it all on the line to save human lives, and paid the ultimate price. This Blog is dedicated to them. My courage is miniscule compared to theirs.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Think about it . . .
God Bless all of you!
Yogi: 9/9/2010 8:09AM
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 8, 2010
"A heart that loves is always young." - Greek Proverb
Having grown up in a very loving family, I look at my parents as role models and examples of today's QOTD. Most of you who know me know that I am the youngest of 7 children; 5 born into the family, and 2 that were adopted through The Christian Home in Council Bluffs - one in 1966 and one 1968. My parents had more than enough love in their heart to share with the world, let alone the 5 of us, and the love that they showered on the aforementioned 2 that became my brothers. Not everything works out as it does in a fairy tale, as one of the 2 ended up being too old to change his ways. However, the youngest of the 2 (Jeffrey Dennis "Jedd") turned out to be golden!
My parents lived into their 80's (Mom is still going strong, although significantly weakened by full-fledged Parkinson's Disease), and I believe that it was/is the love in their heart that helped extend their lives. Lord knows they both had their heartaches, as all of my brothers have passed away with the exception of Jeffrey Dennis (Jim on April 24, 1975 from Leukemia (25), Joseph Darwin in January 2005 (53) from heart disease, and Joseph Jonathan Cook III on October 18, 2005 (60) from lung cancer), and that leaves 4 of us left: Joan, Jane, Jeffrey and me. Any parent could have packed it in right there, as we believe that our children are supposed to outlive us, but that's not always God's Master Plan. To talk with Mom today, she still does not sound like a woman about to turn 88 in December.
I am one of the lucky ones: I came from a family that had more love than a heart could hold, and I have been married for 30 years to the kindest and most loving person I have ever met. Both of our sons, Josh and Jordan, were taught at an early age to hold love in their heart and share their love, and they both have done Jill and I proud. I always receive compliments on the two of them, and even though it may not show when I thank the person for the compliment, I am literally busting through the seams inside! We both try to live the example of this love through the Boy Scouts of America and through the God and Country Program, as well as being volunteers for Oak Park High School and thorough the National Philanthropic Organization "Scouts Helping Scouts," in which I founded in 2007 in the wake of the Greensburg, Kansas EF-5 tornado (I serve as Managing Director and Founder). Our experience thus far with Team National further accentuates the love that we believe in, as our Team Members (both hosted by us and fellow Team Members that we meet on a daily basis) truly love each other. That's what makes Team National so different, and why we are very proud to be a part of that family and that environment.
So, how much love can a heart hold? There are a lot of people I love, and I intend to live a long life. I promised my Mother that I would live past 60 - and I sincerely hope that Jeffrey Dennis does as well, although he is battling heart disease and diabetes (it runs in the Reeves Family - where Joseph Darwin and Jeffrey were brothers before they were brothers in our family), so his odds aren't as good - but he has love in his heart. To me, he will always be young, even though he turns 55 on October 2nd and is battling his ailments galliantly. "Never give up, never surrender!"
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" - recorded by The Four Aces (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1955) and the Ray Conniff Singers (late 1950's)
Love is a many-splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living,
The golden crown that makes a man a king.
Once on a high and windy hill,
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing,
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing.
Think about it . . .
As Always,
Yogi: 9/8/2010 8:00AM CDT
Having grown up in a very loving family, I look at my parents as role models and examples of today's QOTD. Most of you who know me know that I am the youngest of 7 children; 5 born into the family, and 2 that were adopted through The Christian Home in Council Bluffs - one in 1966 and one 1968. My parents had more than enough love in their heart to share with the world, let alone the 5 of us, and the love that they showered on the aforementioned 2 that became my brothers. Not everything works out as it does in a fairy tale, as one of the 2 ended up being too old to change his ways. However, the youngest of the 2 (Jeffrey Dennis "Jedd") turned out to be golden!
My parents lived into their 80's (Mom is still going strong, although significantly weakened by full-fledged Parkinson's Disease), and I believe that it was/is the love in their heart that helped extend their lives. Lord knows they both had their heartaches, as all of my brothers have passed away with the exception of Jeffrey Dennis (Jim on April 24, 1975 from Leukemia (25), Joseph Darwin in January 2005 (53) from heart disease, and Joseph Jonathan Cook III on October 18, 2005 (60) from lung cancer), and that leaves 4 of us left: Joan, Jane, Jeffrey and me. Any parent could have packed it in right there, as we believe that our children are supposed to outlive us, but that's not always God's Master Plan. To talk with Mom today, she still does not sound like a woman about to turn 88 in December.
I am one of the lucky ones: I came from a family that had more love than a heart could hold, and I have been married for 30 years to the kindest and most loving person I have ever met. Both of our sons, Josh and Jordan, were taught at an early age to hold love in their heart and share their love, and they both have done Jill and I proud. I always receive compliments on the two of them, and even though it may not show when I thank the person for the compliment, I am literally busting through the seams inside! We both try to live the example of this love through the Boy Scouts of America and through the God and Country Program, as well as being volunteers for Oak Park High School and thorough the National Philanthropic Organization "Scouts Helping Scouts," in which I founded in 2007 in the wake of the Greensburg, Kansas EF-5 tornado (I serve as Managing Director and Founder). Our experience thus far with Team National further accentuates the love that we believe in, as our Team Members (both hosted by us and fellow Team Members that we meet on a daily basis) truly love each other. That's what makes Team National so different, and why we are very proud to be a part of that family and that environment.
So, how much love can a heart hold? There are a lot of people I love, and I intend to live a long life. I promised my Mother that I would live past 60 - and I sincerely hope that Jeffrey Dennis does as well, although he is battling heart disease and diabetes (it runs in the Reeves Family - where Joseph Darwin and Jeffrey were brothers before they were brothers in our family), so his odds aren't as good - but he has love in his heart. To me, he will always be young, even though he turns 55 on October 2nd and is battling his ailments galliantly. "Never give up, never surrender!"
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" - recorded by The Four Aces (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1955) and the Ray Conniff Singers (late 1950's)
Love is a many-splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living,
The golden crown that makes a man a king.
Once on a high and windy hill,
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing,
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing.
Think about it . . .
As Always,
Yogi: 9/8/2010 8:00AM CDT
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