Under The Wolf Archives
Thanks to my brother, The Wise One, Ken Kay, for the catchy name of this archive page! I have made it a practice to save everything ever published here in archive form, and the short features appearing “under the wolf” are no exception. ENJOY! Feel free to submit material for this section too. Deb V
From Christmas Past
I wrote the following article over six years ago. Sadly, the controversy over Christmas
continues.
Religiously Correct
Deborah Venable
12/14/01
In this especially
holy season, we must be very careful that we examine every word, every action,
and every greeting for “political correctness,” or so it would seem. We wouldn’t want to make anyone feel
uncomfortable or hated or betrayed by their own beliefs, so we dare not mention
anything with a religious connotation – better to keep everything generic and
nobody gets hurt. “Happy Holidays” or
“Season’s Greetings” has passed the “discomfort detector” with flying colors,
so that’s perfectly okay to send as a greeting or place on a big sign in front
of your business, or post on the school bulletin boards around the
country. That is political correctness
at its best – forget “religious correctness.”
Christmas takes it
on the chin again, just as it has in recent years past. The demonization of American Culture
continues in favor of burying it in feel good politics. Don’t we all feel better now that the evil
religious intent of Christmas celebration has been denigrated to a position
beneath that of both Islam and Judaism?
Christmas isn’t “really” holy anyway with all the paganism attached to
its history – not compared to the untouchable Islam and Judaism purely holy
histories. So what if Christians are
angered or hurt that their most reverent of holiday observances is attacked
year after year by pompous idiots waving the flag of “religious freedom” as
they trample on the graves that allow them to do it! As for the religious part of Christmas – well, who’s going to
make a big deal about the birth of a baby anyway? Perhaps if Mary had utilized abortion, it would be okay for us to
have a celebration commemorating her “choice?”
The “can’t we all
just get along” crowd seems to forget that religious tolerance works both
ways. There seems to be an infection of
the brain in those who would strike such a low blow to a celebration of love
and charity. If Christmas is nothing
else, it is most assuredly that! I was
hoping that after such a recent heinous attack on Christian values and American
innocents, the locals would lay off Christmas, but I was dreaming. From various state public schools systems to
corporate hierarchies, the warnings have been issued – stick to the politically
correct and ignore the religiously correct.
What could we expect after the continued assault on the Pledge of
Allegiance and God Bless America?
Christmas is just another one of those uncomfortable irritants that
bothers like the pea did the “real” princess.
How can a
celebration that encourages “Peace On Earth & Good Will Toward Men” cause
anyone discomfort? And why should we
care if those who are uncomfortable follow a religion that calls for our
annihilation, or choose to follow a different path to destiny through another
religion or no religion at all?
Their discomfort is
bogus. It is merely a weapon they use
to undermine the very religious freedom that they demand for themselves. May God have mercy on their souls for denying
so many Americans their traditions!
Meanwhile,
they can get out of my way, because I will continue to light my candles, revel
in the beauty and magic of the music and the lights, sing carols to the high
heavens and my heart’s content, joyously celebrate the love and innocence in
the faces of children everywhere, give as much as I can to whom I please, and
wish everyone I see and communicate with a very Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year. After all, that is what I see as
religiously correct.
This idea has been passed along to me from most of the folks that
contribute material for this site. I
think it is a great idea!
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year,
please include the following:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
Warning! We believe in American and Christian
tradition here. Therefore, if
Thanksgiving and Christmas offends you for some ignorant reason, or if you do
not value the sacrifice of our active duty and military veterans and their
families, perhaps you should just run along now – just click on by and don’t
bother to write!
Otherwise, welcome to the fruits of a lot of
labor. We’d love to hear from you!
A big thank-you to Rose for this:
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at '
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of '
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you
can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service
men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's
try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30t h Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum ,
Do You Know the Preamble For Your State?
(Thanks, Dee!)
Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the
favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following
Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to
those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to
Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful
to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879,
Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God
for our freedom.
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of Universe.
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good
Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature,
the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates
of their consciences.
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to
Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection
and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble . We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine
Guidance... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God
for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to
Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so
long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble.
We, the
People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise
of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being
for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a
continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble . We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God
for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for
the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful
to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful
hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an
opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful
to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780,
Preamble . We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful
hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe .. In the course
of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful
to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857,
Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our
civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention
assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence
for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ..
Establish this Constitution.
Montana 1889, Preamble.
We,
the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings
of liberty establish this Constitution.
Nebraska 1875, Preamble . We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our
freedom. Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble
. We the
people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom
establish this Constitution
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right
to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey,
grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long
permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to
Almighty God for the blessings of liberty
New York 1846, Preamble . We, the people of the State of New York, grateful
to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble . We the people of the State of North Carolina,
grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil,
political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon
Him for the continuance of those
North Dakota
1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the
blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble . We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our
common
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble . Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to
secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ..... establish this.
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty
God according to the dictates of their consciences..
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to
Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly
invoking His guidance
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island
grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He
hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina,
1778, Preamble . We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for
our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble . We, the people of South Dakota, grateful
to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III.
That all men
have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the
dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble . We the People of the Republic of Texas,
acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble . Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this
Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble . Whereas all government ought to enable the
individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other
blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our
Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of
all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each
other
Washington 1889, Preamble
. We the
People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble . Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the
blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West
Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility
Wyoming 1890, Preamble . We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to
God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. Establish this
Constitution.
After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state
constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe,
the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!
We ARE One Nation Under GOD.
Memorial Day Remembered
DebV
The benefits of being an American have been served
up on a silver platter, compliments of the brave souls who defend our honor,
our shores, and our freedom. We should
never forget that. Memorial Day was set
aside to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to our
country. How we choose to celebrate
this holiday is left completely up to each individual, but I would hope that
the great majority of us bow our heads and say a prayer of thanks to the
continued bravery it takes to secure us in the greatest and freest country on
earth.
As the politicians pat themselves on the back for
opening the purse strings to OUR money to supply the brave souls with what they
need to continue the fight for our future well being, the least we can do is
teach a child the meaning of Memorial Day so that one day perhaps the ignorance
and apathy about past sacrifices will be erased from the soul of America.
To all the fallen heroes and their survivors, God
Bless you and a heartfelt thank you from a grateful American!
From the archives:
Great Lines From Rambo:
This exchange between Rambo and his former Colonel –
Rambo: “Sir,
do we get to win this time?”
Colonel:
“This time it’s up to you. The
old Vietnam is dead.”
Rambo: “Sir,
I’m alive – it’s still alive, ain’t it?
When I came back to the states, I found another war going on. War against the soldiers – the kind of war
you can’t win.”
(When asked if he hates his country, Rambo replies)
“Hate? I’d
die for it!”
Colonel:
What is it you want?”
Rambo: “To
win – survive. I want what they want
and what every other guy who came over here and spilled his guts wants. I want my
country to love me as much as I love it.”
God
Bless all the Rambos – past and present!
DebV
My tribute to Mother’s Day – from the archives – The White Rose
Welcome To America
Deborah Venable
Every day I see more evidence that America is
being underestimated. More to the
point, Americans are being underestimated and misjudged in a number of
ways. For some reason, the “old
countries” seem to think they have the market cornered on legitimate heritage
and culture as if America has never, doesn’t, and will never have claim to an
American heritage and an American culture.
It is always seen as watered down by the pieces of the whole, and some
in this country are doing their dead level best to make that so. Once and for all, let me introduce you all
to the real American heritage and culture.
Those of us descended from the original settlers
of this land called America are the products of the foundation of our culture –
all those who have come after are the beneficiaries of that foundation, and in
many cases, the strengthening glue for the structure of our melting pot
culture. Never in the history of
mankind has there been such a successful and beneficial culture – beneficial to
the whole world.
America went through tremendous growing pains and
progressed along a course of advancement like every other culture in
history. We had our struggle for
independence, our defensive border battles and barters, and our civil war. These things are a part of our past and
should not be tolerated all over again.
We’ve fought for our freedom, drawn our boundary lines and shed our
blood on the altar of civil differences.
We established our rule of law and continued to hone the sword of
justice to a razor edge. Those who
insist on dulling that edge for the benefit of some perceived “greater justice”
or better law are an insult to our very foundations and a danger to our
progeny.
I still know that America is a force to be
reckoned with – a force for good over evil and opportunity over tyranny. I believe that Americans, those who do not
have to be identified with hyphenation or their “native” culture, can prevail
over any enemy, adequately defend our way of life, as well as the well being of
our friends and allies, and continue to lead the world in hope for the best
that life has to offer.
There dwells an eternal spark in the soul of
every American that can instantly light a ferocious flame of offense to those
who would encroach on our liberty, blaspheme our good intentions or attack our
innocent citizens. America’s foolish
enemies have been emboldened to ignore this truth, and that will eventually be
their downfall. They hear us bickering
among ourselves and witness some of our more thoughtless citizens flinging
careless recriminations against their homeland while on foreign soil, and they
jump to conclusions that we are a weak and divided people. They could not be more wrong!
We have what no other people on earth have – the
freedom to appear as stupid as we wish and still be devoted to each other and
our heritage. God bless the
liberals! As a conservative, I thrive
on their presence and the perfect illustrations they provide to illuminate the
truth of this country.
We are one nation, under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all, and we will defend the weak and the strong alike
for as long as we exist. That is our
real American heritage.
Identity Crisis
Deborah Venable
As you all know I am not a Democrat or a liberal.
I do not think that all Democrats and liberals are bad people, but I do think
that the smart ones had better start distancing themselves from both
labels. It has become more than a
matter of a differing philosophy that separates the opposing major political
parties and their ideologies. It is a
matter of destructive ignorance and it spreads like a virus. It is, more than anything else, a media
borne virus that infects those who embrace the tenets of collectivism over
those of God-given individualism.
America is a country of great blessings and great
hope bought and paid for by courageous heroes – past and present. Unfortunately the Democrat and liberal
leaders in this country have not the good sense to know that lasting power and
greatness is not secured with weakness and shame of who we are as
Americans. It is not secured by
squeezing out the middle class while telling the lie that the playing field is
being leveled. The chance for upward
mobility is absolutely necessary to preserve our Republic, and class warfare
does nothing to insure that. Yet, with
everything that Democrats and liberals propose, this warfare is
inevitable. They are the architects of
the war on individual freedom.
We have a legitimate war to fight against enemies
who would crush liberal ideologies along with individual freedoms, but
Democrats and liberals refuse to see these enemies or the present location of
their front lines. They look at the
battle in Iraq exactly as they saw the battle in Vietnam – a fight that isn’t
any concern of ours. Our courageous
heroes of both wars have not been allowed to fight and win without the meddling
of those ill equipped to fight those vicious enemies. The history of Vietnam did not teach them anything – even after
the slaughter of so many innocents because of these unconscionable
mistakes. Will it happen again?
There is one lone voice in the United States
Senate that holds steadfastly to his Democrat and liberal philosophy in most
things, but seems to possess the courage of his ancestors – long forgotten by
others of his ideology – where our enemies are concerned. Joe Lieberman, who still caucuses with the
Democrats, wrote this
article recently.
Those who refuse to learn from history suffer a terrible kind of identity crisis. Not only do they have an inability to tell the good guys from the bad guys, but they also confuse who they are with what they really are – their own worst enemy.
Virginia Tech
Deborah Venable
Once again we find
ourselves reeling from reality – the reality that there are some very sick
folks among us who have no conscience and will eventually do evil to
innocents. The media has whipped
society into a frenzy of trying to understand the whys and wherefores that
allowed one young man to kill 32 people and himself in one morning on an
American university campus. Everyone is
looking for someone or something to blame for this horrendous event and too many
are willingly trying to lay that blame on the American culture. Why not?
It’s done every single day with the horrendous acts that happen in Iraq
and everywhere else, isn’t it?
Everything evil and bad in the world is America’s fault!
I am heartsick over
the loss of those young lives in Virginia, just as I am heartsick over the
continued loss of lives everywhere for senseless reasons. But it will continue to happen because we
cannot accurately profile the evil that causes it. The best we can do is to stop rolling over and training society,
especially future generations of adults, to be victims of evil.
If blame must be
placed for the events at Virginia Tech in order for us to grieve and go on,
then let it land squarely where it belongs – on the disturbed young man who
premeditated the act and committed it.
Lessons may be learned only if our common sense is left unclouded with
blame. Politicians cannot insure that
future such events will not happen again – no matter how articulate they try to
make their case for this or that preventative action plan. The media cannot make us any more aware of
dangers than we already should be. It
is up to each individual to decide for himself the best course of action to
take to lesson the danger that future events pose. There isn’t a law that can be legislated over all of society that
will do that. In the case of preventing
horrendous results from evil acts, one individual can make a difference in the
future.
God bless all who are grieving
the loss of loved ones at this time of national mourning. May you find comfort in the good and
meaningful lives they led while you were blessed with their presence.
A Celebration Of Easter
A Special Easter Message
And
this from the Big Kahuna:
Be Thankful
What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other
people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, and
social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of
the United States, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by
the brain and purpose of man. Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a
noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children
and theirs. I suggest we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If
we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to
future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not
careful, this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful
generation'' - a far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest
generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.
Thanks to Kahuna for finding this one!
THE FINAL INSPECTION
~Author Unknown~
The Marine stood and
faced God,
Which must always come
to pass.
He hoped his shoes were
shining,
Just as brightly as his
brass.
"Step forward now,
Marine,
How shall I deal with
you?
Have you always turned
the other cheek?
To My Church have you
been true?"
The soldier squared his
shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess
I ain't.
Because those of us who
carry guns,
Can't always be a
saint.
I've had to work most
Sundays,
And at times my talk
was tough.
And sometimes I've been
violent,
Because the world is
awfully rough.
But, I never took a
penny,
That wasn't mine to
keep...
Though I worked a lot
of overtime,
When the bills got just
too steep.
And I never passed a cry
for help,
Though at times I shook
with fear.
And sometimes, God,
forgive me,
I've wept unmanly
tears.
I know I don't deserve
a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me
around,
Except to calm their
fears.
If you've a place for me
here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had
too much,
But if you don't, I'll
understand.
There was a silence
all around the throne,
Where the saints had
often trod.
As the Marine waited
quietly,
For the judgment of his
God.
"Step forward now,
you Marine,
You've borne your
burdens well.
Walk peacefully on
Heaven's streets,
You've done your time
in Hell."
Please click here to read a special
announcement from yours truly.
DebV
Not many answers on this question yet – why not?
Question of the month poll.
Question: What is the number one most valuable natural
resource in America?
That is our question
of the month, folks. If you would like to
be counted in this poll, simply send me a quick email with your answer to the
question. The subject line of the email
should simply state: Question One. I
will post the results, along with the answers (only from those who request
public posting). All email addresses
will be deleted unless you make a specific request to be added to our update
list. There will be a prize for the
answer I subjectively deem as BEST.
Answers must be limited to 200 words or less.
Click Here To Send
Your Answer DebV
Happy
Groundhog Day!
12
years ago my first grandson was born.
95
years ago my mother was born.
120
years ago Groundhog Day was born in Punxsutawney, PA.
Daddy's Poem
Author Unknown
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for
a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?"
She heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.
You see he is a Marine
and died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mother’s amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
This came out last
year, but still fascinating. Since my
own father was older than these statistics by two whole years, I can vouch for
the high probability of accuracy of this data.
Enjoy!
THE YEAR 1906
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1906
The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47.
A three-minute call from Denver cost eleven dollars.
There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than
California.
With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous
state in the Union.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in the US. was 22 cents per hour.
The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500
per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical
engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at HOME- Ninety
percent of all U.S. doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended
so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the
government as "sub-standard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for
shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their
country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
Arizona , Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the
Union yet.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all
Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the
local corner drugstores.
Pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the
complexion, > gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels,
and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."
Eighteen percent of households in the U.S. had at least one full-time servant
or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!