I'm at a loss for words here. Being from Henderson, I'm just asking how could this happen in our town. From the accounts in the newspaper and on tv, I see that in addition to Henderson, the small towns of Sebree and Dixon were really devastated. Again, how cold this happen? I wish I had the answers....I don't.
I'm praying for understanding as I know that God is in charge. I know that through His time and our willingness to trust Him, this too will be an opportunity to glorify Him. But, how?
I see the hispanic community has been hit especially hard by this tragedy. I pray that the Henderson community will embrace this hurting group of people. I hope and pray their wonderful faith lifts them up and carries them through this.
Taffy is trying to have her puppies and we'll be travelling over the weekend. You have a great day, luv, Susan ps, from the promo on GMA this morning, I think I'll tune in to see that new summer doctor show tonight, it sure sounds inspiring.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
THINK ABOUT IT
ALL I EVER REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW, I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN.
These words are at the top of a wonderful bookmark I've had for years. It's an essay by the Rev. Robert Fulghum. I think he also wrote a book by the same name. I believe the essay, which I've been told is also a poster, sums it up beautifully. I read this to my United Methodist Women's group last month and they were unfamiliar with it, but were greatly impressed with it's simple wisdom.
In the past almost two years, I've been honing in on the small sentence within this piece that states, "Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody." Did you learn this in kindergarten? Or maybe from your mom or dad, a sunday school teacher? Most of us seem to know it from our childhood, it is ingrained within us. It can be called common sense, common courtesy, it's so simple, just say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
I've been paying attention to a man by the name of Randy Pausch. He caught my interest when he was first brought to public light as the professor dying of pancreatic cancer, who gave a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. I paid close attention to this man who is leaving the wisdom he's accumulated over his forty some years to his students in this one lecture. My ears perked up when he said it is so important to say you're sorry when you hurt someone, even if you didn't mean to hurt them, you still need to say it for their benefit and yours...wow.
Last month I read an article in the Lexington Herald that was headed Apologies Seem To Head Off Suits. A line in the article states that, "For decades, malpractice lawyers and insurers have counseled doctors and hospitals to 'deny and defend.' But now, some prominent medical centers are trying a disarming approach. By promptly disclosing errors and offering earnest apologies, they hope to restore integrity and make it easier to learn from mistakes and dilute the anger that often fuels lawsuits." Sounds like common sense to me.
Yesterdays Lexington Herald printed another article, on the front page, that was by Jim Warren, a local newspaper writer. It, too, is about the new policy that many hospitals have adopted, the seemingly simple concept that has become a model for many across the country. This policy includes apologizing and communicating. A statement from an involved attorney highlighted in bold print reads, "That felt good; that felt right; this is the way we're going to do it from now on." Sounds like what Randy Pausch said about benefitting after apologizing.
As a mother, babysitter, daycare provider, preschool teacher and finally, as a substitute teacher in the Henderson County School system, I always gently instructed a child to say he or she was sorry when another child was hurt. When they pleaded that they didn't know they hurt the child or it was an accident, I merely pointed out to them that this child was hurt because of something they did, intentional or not and it was their responsibility to apologize to the hurt child. In my recollection, the child always said they were sorry and the other child usually said that's okay. Children are beautiful like that.
Whenever a child was hurt on my watch, whether it was my fault, or not, I always felt terrible pangs of guilt because I was responsible for the child's safety. Of course, I always apologized when explaining to the parent how the child was hurt and exactly how it happened. The parents' response was always, "we understand, thank you for telling us what happened". One dad was extremely unhappy when a child bit his little girl, but I understood his anger. The general consensus was always forgiveness for me.
Now, my point. I was told that no one in the Henderson County School system apologized to the Owens family when Ryan Owens collapsed on the school football practice field in July of 2006. He later died. You can only imagine the pain the family has endured these past almost two years.
I believe if the coaches and school representatives had sat down with the family and sincerely apologized and communicated with the family every detail of what happened there would be no lawsuit. I believe through continued communication and public awareness this terrible incident could have prevented further deaths related to sports in this "win at all cost" atmosphere that is prevalent in high school sports. That's just my opinion, finally got it off my chest.....whew.
Have a great day, luv, Susan
These words are at the top of a wonderful bookmark I've had for years. It's an essay by the Rev. Robert Fulghum. I think he also wrote a book by the same name. I believe the essay, which I've been told is also a poster, sums it up beautifully. I read this to my United Methodist Women's group last month and they were unfamiliar with it, but were greatly impressed with it's simple wisdom.
In the past almost two years, I've been honing in on the small sentence within this piece that states, "Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody." Did you learn this in kindergarten? Or maybe from your mom or dad, a sunday school teacher? Most of us seem to know it from our childhood, it is ingrained within us. It can be called common sense, common courtesy, it's so simple, just say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
I've been paying attention to a man by the name of Randy Pausch. He caught my interest when he was first brought to public light as the professor dying of pancreatic cancer, who gave a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. I paid close attention to this man who is leaving the wisdom he's accumulated over his forty some years to his students in this one lecture. My ears perked up when he said it is so important to say you're sorry when you hurt someone, even if you didn't mean to hurt them, you still need to say it for their benefit and yours...wow.
Last month I read an article in the Lexington Herald that was headed Apologies Seem To Head Off Suits. A line in the article states that, "For decades, malpractice lawyers and insurers have counseled doctors and hospitals to 'deny and defend.' But now, some prominent medical centers are trying a disarming approach. By promptly disclosing errors and offering earnest apologies, they hope to restore integrity and make it easier to learn from mistakes and dilute the anger that often fuels lawsuits." Sounds like common sense to me.
Yesterdays Lexington Herald printed another article, on the front page, that was by Jim Warren, a local newspaper writer. It, too, is about the new policy that many hospitals have adopted, the seemingly simple concept that has become a model for many across the country. This policy includes apologizing and communicating. A statement from an involved attorney highlighted in bold print reads, "That felt good; that felt right; this is the way we're going to do it from now on." Sounds like what Randy Pausch said about benefitting after apologizing.
As a mother, babysitter, daycare provider, preschool teacher and finally, as a substitute teacher in the Henderson County School system, I always gently instructed a child to say he or she was sorry when another child was hurt. When they pleaded that they didn't know they hurt the child or it was an accident, I merely pointed out to them that this child was hurt because of something they did, intentional or not and it was their responsibility to apologize to the hurt child. In my recollection, the child always said they were sorry and the other child usually said that's okay. Children are beautiful like that.
Whenever a child was hurt on my watch, whether it was my fault, or not, I always felt terrible pangs of guilt because I was responsible for the child's safety. Of course, I always apologized when explaining to the parent how the child was hurt and exactly how it happened. The parents' response was always, "we understand, thank you for telling us what happened". One dad was extremely unhappy when a child bit his little girl, but I understood his anger. The general consensus was always forgiveness for me.
Now, my point. I was told that no one in the Henderson County School system apologized to the Owens family when Ryan Owens collapsed on the school football practice field in July of 2006. He later died. You can only imagine the pain the family has endured these past almost two years.
I believe if the coaches and school representatives had sat down with the family and sincerely apologized and communicated with the family every detail of what happened there would be no lawsuit. I believe through continued communication and public awareness this terrible incident could have prevented further deaths related to sports in this "win at all cost" atmosphere that is prevalent in high school sports. That's just my opinion, finally got it off my chest.....whew.
Have a great day, luv, Susan
Friday, June 20, 2008
GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR...
Summer's here, I'm glad of that, got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat, it's a beautiful time of the year and I'm glad that it's here. James Taylor
I hope so much that you have gotten out and taken a walk this spring. Now that it's summer, things are gonna really heat up. I encourage a nice walk around the block so you can meet your neighbors. My block, I guesstimated, was approximately 7.5 miles. I walked it Tuesday. Pepper and I really enjoyed it. I actually got to talk to one of my neighbors, and later learned she is a member of my church. I look forward to talking to her again without the presence of her two gentle large dogs and my little vicious beast, who bit me at the time, I might add.
We also saw a little red fox running up the hill towards us. He was running away from the sound of a farmer's tractor, we later realized. I was able to identify a yellowthroated warbler that we saw and again saw a box turtle trying to decide whether or not to venture out into the busy road. I think we saw five vehicles during our walk, saw the mail lady twice. No better way to meet your neighbors than to take a walk around your block.
Yesterday was our monthly United Methodist Women's meeting. Our president, Mildred led us through a wonderful study called Say Welcome: Offering Hospitality to the Sojourner. From a previous study, I was reminded that we are all sojourners, travelling through this foreign world to our final home and resting place in heaven with our Father.
However, this study reminds us to welcome, accept and embrace those weary travellers. Coincidentally, when I read the paper last night, I was slapped in the face with a letter to the editor from a citizen wanting to remind everyone about the drain "illegal immigrants" take on our country's resources.
I'm sorry, as Christians, we should be willing to share what we have for our brothers. Aren't we all here as immigrants.....really? Maybe the Native Americans should have tried harder to secure their borders.
This will be an awesome day. It's my best time of year, the longest days of daylight of the entire year. In a couple more days, each day will be shorter, that's a difficult thought for me. I love the light.
Have a great day, luv, Susan
I hope so much that you have gotten out and taken a walk this spring. Now that it's summer, things are gonna really heat up. I encourage a nice walk around the block so you can meet your neighbors. My block, I guesstimated, was approximately 7.5 miles. I walked it Tuesday. Pepper and I really enjoyed it. I actually got to talk to one of my neighbors, and later learned she is a member of my church. I look forward to talking to her again without the presence of her two gentle large dogs and my little vicious beast, who bit me at the time, I might add.
We also saw a little red fox running up the hill towards us. He was running away from the sound of a farmer's tractor, we later realized. I was able to identify a yellowthroated warbler that we saw and again saw a box turtle trying to decide whether or not to venture out into the busy road. I think we saw five vehicles during our walk, saw the mail lady twice. No better way to meet your neighbors than to take a walk around your block.
Yesterday was our monthly United Methodist Women's meeting. Our president, Mildred led us through a wonderful study called Say Welcome: Offering Hospitality to the Sojourner. From a previous study, I was reminded that we are all sojourners, travelling through this foreign world to our final home and resting place in heaven with our Father.
However, this study reminds us to welcome, accept and embrace those weary travellers. Coincidentally, when I read the paper last night, I was slapped in the face with a letter to the editor from a citizen wanting to remind everyone about the drain "illegal immigrants" take on our country's resources.
I'm sorry, as Christians, we should be willing to share what we have for our brothers. Aren't we all here as immigrants.....really? Maybe the Native Americans should have tried harder to secure their borders.
This will be an awesome day. It's my best time of year, the longest days of daylight of the entire year. In a couple more days, each day will be shorter, that's a difficult thought for me. I love the light.
Have a great day, luv, Susan
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
STILL KNOCKING
When the African Children's Choir came to Henderson in the nineties to perform, I had the opportunity to have two members stay at our home. They were beautiful, talented young girls. It was quite the experience seeing how they adjusted to an American home.
When we first pulled into the driveway, they were somewhat alarmed by our privacy fence. I assured them it was simply a garden, then a swimming pool on the other side of the fence. I couldn't help but wonder what these young girls had envisioned on the other side.
At one time during their brief stay, a cardinal was persistently pecking at one of my dining room windows. The girls and I ran to the window to see the cardinal fly up into a tree. I told them that the cardinal is always pecking at the window, I guess he wants to come in. Without skipping a beat, one of the girls reached down and opened the window wide and said ,"Let him in, let him in!!!" Well, I shut the window before the cardinal did just that and told her, I didn't want him in the house. She believed having a bird fly in your house was good luck.
Many of us live our lives barrelling through on our own not even realizing that there might be another way, a better way. If we slow down and take the time, we'll hear and be made aware of a tugging at our heart. If we quiet our racing mind, we'll hear our savior asking to be part of our life.
It's never too late to let Him come into our lives. Your life can take on a new dimension if you answer the door to Him. Let Him in, let Him in!!!
Go Celtics, have a great day, luv, Susan
When we first pulled into the driveway, they were somewhat alarmed by our privacy fence. I assured them it was simply a garden, then a swimming pool on the other side of the fence. I couldn't help but wonder what these young girls had envisioned on the other side.
At one time during their brief stay, a cardinal was persistently pecking at one of my dining room windows. The girls and I ran to the window to see the cardinal fly up into a tree. I told them that the cardinal is always pecking at the window, I guess he wants to come in. Without skipping a beat, one of the girls reached down and opened the window wide and said ,"Let him in, let him in!!!" Well, I shut the window before the cardinal did just that and told her, I didn't want him in the house. She believed having a bird fly in your house was good luck.
Many of us live our lives barrelling through on our own not even realizing that there might be another way, a better way. If we slow down and take the time, we'll hear and be made aware of a tugging at our heart. If we quiet our racing mind, we'll hear our savior asking to be part of our life.
It's never too late to let Him come into our lives. Your life can take on a new dimension if you answer the door to Him. Let Him in, let Him in!!!
Go Celtics, have a great day, luv, Susan
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Fuzzy White Blessings
Nine years ago, my Aunt Linda called me and said she had new puppies at her house. When she thought about who might need a puppy, I was the first to come to mind. I had lost my little dog, Twinkles, some four months before.
Well, I accepted the puppy, named her Taffy and she has been an awesome little dog for me. She's had three litters of puppies these past few years and I've been delighted to find wonderful homes for each one, they're my grandpuppies.
Because Taffy had a little lump that was removed after the last litter, the vet thought it best not to let her have any more. Well, I kept Pepper and Taffy apart, until the day they went out in the yard together and I walked back into the house to get the phone to call Mark. Well, just a matter of seconds later, all my previous efforts were in vain. Need I say more.
Taffy will have puppies in the coming days. I'm praying that she'll remain in good health and it will be an easy delivery. Just thought I better clear this up because in the days to come, I will be mentioning, I'm sure, these little critters.
Country walks are totally awesome. Deer are so easily spotted in the evening hours. They just look at you like you're the one that's not supposed to be there.
Mark thinks I'm nuts as I couldn't get enought of the final episodes of Can You Duet, it was just the perfect ending to a really fun show. I had a feeling when Brett told Belvis in the first audition that he might be holding his boy, Will, back. Well, you have to know that Will and his third partner, Caitlin, won the whole thing. I hope I get to see them sing in Nashville someday. You can't get any more down to earth, real and really sweet than Will, and Caitlin.
You have a great day, luv, Susan
Well, I accepted the puppy, named her Taffy and she has been an awesome little dog for me. She's had three litters of puppies these past few years and I've been delighted to find wonderful homes for each one, they're my grandpuppies.
Because Taffy had a little lump that was removed after the last litter, the vet thought it best not to let her have any more. Well, I kept Pepper and Taffy apart, until the day they went out in the yard together and I walked back into the house to get the phone to call Mark. Well, just a matter of seconds later, all my previous efforts were in vain. Need I say more.
Taffy will have puppies in the coming days. I'm praying that she'll remain in good health and it will be an easy delivery. Just thought I better clear this up because in the days to come, I will be mentioning, I'm sure, these little critters.
Country walks are totally awesome. Deer are so easily spotted in the evening hours. They just look at you like you're the one that's not supposed to be there.
Mark thinks I'm nuts as I couldn't get enought of the final episodes of Can You Duet, it was just the perfect ending to a really fun show. I had a feeling when Brett told Belvis in the first audition that he might be holding his boy, Will, back. Well, you have to know that Will and his third partner, Caitlin, won the whole thing. I hope I get to see them sing in Nashville someday. You can't get any more down to earth, real and really sweet than Will, and Caitlin.
You have a great day, luv, Susan
Saturday, June 14, 2008
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
This is going to be a very busy weekend. We are so blessed as a family. We will be celebrating two birthdays and Father's Day on Sunday. I know you'll be thinking of your Dad on that day as well.
I've had some ask me why I blog. Well, it's really pretty simple. I'm a very sentimental person and when I meet someone and become friends, it is very, very hard for me to let go of them. I, through the years, have sent lots and lots of letters, cards, etc. I've maintained many friendships through the annual Christmas cards. Many have reciprocated, some have not. I still have a need to know how all my friends are doing, those I'm currently in contact with and those I've lost contact with.
Because I left a place where I lived and established friendships over twenty years, it was especially difficult, so this helps . I know everyone is too busy to answer my emails, and this way I can communicate and feel as if my friends, will stay in touch with me. Am I weird, maybe, but I can't help it. I really hate to let go of my friends, even the ones from my childhood.
Believe it or not, I have even kept up with my first best friend. That was Richard. He lived next door to me in Fort Worth, Texas. We had the best time climbing trees and running around. His mom still lives in the same house, so it's been meaningful to me to keep tabs on him and his family all these almost fifty years. Anyway, that's why I do it. You all have a Happy Father's Day and a great day today. luv, Susan
I've had some ask me why I blog. Well, it's really pretty simple. I'm a very sentimental person and when I meet someone and become friends, it is very, very hard for me to let go of them. I, through the years, have sent lots and lots of letters, cards, etc. I've maintained many friendships through the annual Christmas cards. Many have reciprocated, some have not. I still have a need to know how all my friends are doing, those I'm currently in contact with and those I've lost contact with.
Because I left a place where I lived and established friendships over twenty years, it was especially difficult, so this helps . I know everyone is too busy to answer my emails, and this way I can communicate and feel as if my friends, will stay in touch with me. Am I weird, maybe, but I can't help it. I really hate to let go of my friends, even the ones from my childhood.
Believe it or not, I have even kept up with my first best friend. That was Richard. He lived next door to me in Fort Worth, Texas. We had the best time climbing trees and running around. His mom still lives in the same house, so it's been meaningful to me to keep tabs on him and his family all these almost fifty years. Anyway, that's why I do it. You all have a Happy Father's Day and a great day today. luv, Susan
Monday, June 9, 2008
Housecalls
Another Monday. Hope you had a great weekend. Took my walks early today. I'm enjoying meeting new neighbors here especially now that everyone is getting out.
So far this morning, I've been listening to CMT. I'm attracted to my second Kid Rock video. The first was called Amen, really liked that one a lot. This one is All Summer Long. Months ago I watched a special on CMT about Hank Williams, Jr.. I learned a lot about him. What struck me most was that Hank, Jr. is a strong Christian and is influencing a lot of his "rowdy friends". Bless his heart. Kid Rock is one of those he's influenced. Did you know his new CD is called Rock and Roll Jesus?
Church was fun yesterday as it was Youth Sunday. Our little church has some talented kids to say the least. It's so nice knowing there is such a strong Christian influence in this area. One of the neighbor kids delivered the sermon and did a great job. He picked one of my favorite stories about Jesus' ministry. It's the story about Levi, the tax collector. I especially like Matthew 9:12-13. From that verse, I understand that we all have sin, which is a sickness, and we all need our great physician, and hey, He even makes housecalls.......I know.
I've got to go get caught up on everything I let slide over the weekend. I'm actually sending out new address cards to those friends who are not on my email list. Have a great day, luv, Susan
So far this morning, I've been listening to CMT. I'm attracted to my second Kid Rock video. The first was called Amen, really liked that one a lot. This one is All Summer Long. Months ago I watched a special on CMT about Hank Williams, Jr.. I learned a lot about him. What struck me most was that Hank, Jr. is a strong Christian and is influencing a lot of his "rowdy friends". Bless his heart. Kid Rock is one of those he's influenced. Did you know his new CD is called Rock and Roll Jesus?
Church was fun yesterday as it was Youth Sunday. Our little church has some talented kids to say the least. It's so nice knowing there is such a strong Christian influence in this area. One of the neighbor kids delivered the sermon and did a great job. He picked one of my favorite stories about Jesus' ministry. It's the story about Levi, the tax collector. I especially like Matthew 9:12-13. From that verse, I understand that we all have sin, which is a sickness, and we all need our great physician, and hey, He even makes housecalls.......I know.
I've got to go get caught up on everything I let slide over the weekend. I'm actually sending out new address cards to those friends who are not on my email list. Have a great day, luv, Susan
Friday, June 6, 2008
Take a Walk
Summer weather is here!!! I love to take walks, especially country walks. Because the weather has really heated up, it is now necessary to take those walks very early or very late. This morning was especially nice. The wildflowers along the way are amazing. Most of the ones I pass are white or purple, but a few yellow ones here and there.
I passed a box turtle trying to decide whether or not to venture out onto the road. He was gone when we came back. I took Riff and Roy, the Rowdy Boys, with me this morning. They were excepitonally well behaved.
Luckily, I walk up a hill that is completely shaded in the morning, so it was pleasantly cool all the way to the top. The only traffic was one neighbor on a motorcycle and another who stopped to say hi.
I noticed some fresh deer prints in the soft mud along the side of the road. Now that they have all these leafy trees to hide in, I've seen very few, but still have my glimpses.
Well, Alan Jackson beckons me to get up and line dance...ha....have a great day, luv, Susan ps, I'm gonna take part in a yard sale this weekend, if anyone is interested in any of my country stuff, let me know.
I passed a box turtle trying to decide whether or not to venture out onto the road. He was gone when we came back. I took Riff and Roy, the Rowdy Boys, with me this morning. They were excepitonally well behaved.
Luckily, I walk up a hill that is completely shaded in the morning, so it was pleasantly cool all the way to the top. The only traffic was one neighbor on a motorcycle and another who stopped to say hi.
I noticed some fresh deer prints in the soft mud along the side of the road. Now that they have all these leafy trees to hide in, I've seen very few, but still have my glimpses.
Well, Alan Jackson beckons me to get up and line dance...ha....have a great day, luv, Susan ps, I'm gonna take part in a yard sale this weekend, if anyone is interested in any of my country stuff, let me know.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I Need You
As usual, I'm listening to CMT as I write this. Tim and Faith just finished singing their love song, I Need You. It's always fitting for us to stop and realize the stunning truth of these words.
I was trying to solve a problem yesterday, on my own. Today, I took the time to lift it up to God because the problem just seemed to get bigger the more I dwelled on it. Well, after my prayer time and reading the upper room, I realize the problem is apparently not at all as massive as I had thought. In fact, it's gonna make our lives easier in the months ahead. This is actually an IRS problem, so you might be able to understand the situation somewhat.
Today is dark and threathening. We've had rain and it's terribly humid. I need to get myself organized. Between the move, two address changes and my current state of disarray I've managed to reach a point of necessity in paperwork management.
Hope you're staying dry..have a great day, luv, Susan
I was trying to solve a problem yesterday, on my own. Today, I took the time to lift it up to God because the problem just seemed to get bigger the more I dwelled on it. Well, after my prayer time and reading the upper room, I realize the problem is apparently not at all as massive as I had thought. In fact, it's gonna make our lives easier in the months ahead. This is actually an IRS problem, so you might be able to understand the situation somewhat.
Today is dark and threathening. We've had rain and it's terribly humid. I need to get myself organized. Between the move, two address changes and my current state of disarray I've managed to reach a point of necessity in paperwork management.
Hope you're staying dry..have a great day, luv, Susan
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