Mom's 80th ... Grams 97

Yesterday we had a surprise 80th birthday party for my mom! It was my good wife's idea and carry through that made it happen. It completely surprised my mom, and when we called her again today, she said that her sister/and husband who couldn't be at the celebration yesterday were throwing a small party for her today at Gram's house. Now Gam is 97, an though she is getting physically more and more challenged she still lives by herself at home. My oldest granddaughter from Alabama is with us this week and we are having fun; mostly she loves calling her mom to report on what 'stupid' things Gramps is doing [and I'm certainly not disappointing her]... I told her she'd have to stop that or I was sending her back home early, but with Gram's making faces and snickering in the background I don't think she feels threatened! ha!

This coming friday morning we'll be traveling to the good wife's hometown in Ilinois to spend time celebrating her mother's 80th birthday party .... must be something about being 80? All three of our kids [along with 12 of the 13 grandkids] will be gathering there, so it's also going to be our family reunion. This means the kids from Alabama and Upper New York will be joining the kids from Big City East, Michigan. It will be the first time in a couple years all the grand kids have been together ... watch out Illinois!! I'm huddling with the old people for protection.

Some reflections....

It has been interesting to read about Gen. McChrystal the last few days; and as is always the case we'll never know the complete story until its immediate significance is long over. Some of the articles have been by reporters, who obviously have their reason for writing about it and others who had or do serve in the military. There does seem to be some irony in the fact that McChrystal was hired by the President, then released by him, despite the fact the General was not insubordinate in following the President's orders. I believe firmly in civilian leadership, but I also recognize the pitfalls when our civilian and military leaders fail to communicate and place the well-being of our country as top priority. I do agree with George Will in that this little fiasco comes nowhere close to the seriousness of McArthur & Truman, and to try to make is so weakens both civilian and military leadership. I am amazed at the foolishness of a 4-star general in popping off his mouth, and even more so at allowing his staff to publicly do so .... what was he thinking? Even as a specialist 4 in the Army, though there were times when I disagreed with my Captain, I never voiced that disapproval, either to his face or in any channel where it would get back to him; it wasn't just about military honor, it was about a personal code of obedience. I believe that the General lost sight of priorities, somehow someone on his staff, or in the military media, convinced him that spouting off the public media was a wise thing to do. Most military leaders shun the public media like the plague, and wisely so. On the other hand I'm not so sure the President handled it correctly; firing someone does not always signal a strength of character, often times it takes more guts to carry on. Severe reprimands can have positive consequences, and second chances can result in greater achievements. Time will tell us whether firing the General was a wise move, or one that should have been more properly handled ..... guess I could follow the President's lead and require that all the spiritual leaders in my church must never voice any opposing views to the ones I have? yah, right. ONe more note then I'll close because probably some of you are convinced I'm way off base, somewhere between the bases, or on this issue should never have entered the park. Since when can you have 'true debate' without 'division?' That's a good one, wish I'd thought of that, for in my intellectual meanderings I always though 'debate' was a result of differing, or divisive thoughts ... and then when a decision has been reached, it doesn't mean everyone agrees, but it does mean that there is unity of action; and as far as I know the General was following the President's orders. Sometimes it's almost an unbearable burden wanting to be seen as loved by everyone!

Council of Lobsters??!

This past week I read two books, 'The Secret Life of Lobsters' and 'The Council of Dads.' The first book I read about lobsters was not normally a book I would chose to spend time reading, but the remarks about it really made me curious. It was indeed a book about lobsters and their unique mating habits, but who cares except those who may profit and be able to catch more of them. The book was almost like a science textbook about lobsters and their migratory and mating habits. If promoting the lifestyles of lobsters in the context of romance was to sell books, I guess I played right into the scheme, though I guess one must admit those who were studying the lobsters definitely had strong feelings for them. There was some information about the lobster-catchers, and a running dialogue about the conflict between scientists and the fishermen. Yet, at least for me, the book did not even come close to living up to its title; well, perhaps it did only in the sense that so much about the lobsters lifestyle is still a mystery .. I guess that's where the word 'secret' fit in. If however, you are more inclined towards a scientific view then I think you would find this book an excellent catch. I guess I just prefer to eat them rather than fall in love with one.

'The Council of Dads' was indeed a unique book. I have read Bruce Feiler's books 'Walking the Bible' and 'Abraham' and enjoyed both of them very much, so I looked forward to reading this one. Its title 'The Council of Dads' captured my attention. It seems that Bruce was diagnosed with a tumor in one of his legs that he had injured as a young child. Anticipating the worst - that he might never get to see his twin girls grow up - he got this unique idea to find some men he knew well who would be willing after his death to tutor his girls on who their dad really was. I'll not spoil the book for you except to say that his wife plays a leading role in shaping that idea into an intimate working relationship - a relationship that continues today, even though Bruce has survived. The chapters on how each man fit into the plan are great, and led me to believe it probably is a good idea for any parent who still has very young kids at home. Even should a father decide that putting the whole plan into motion is not needed the ideas that are presented can still be fruitful; and what an emotional insurance policy. I wish that as a young father, with three young children, I had had a book like this. In premarital counseling I'm always advising young parents-to-be to make a will once their are married, for their future kids sake .... but this, planning to have others, who we're close to, educate and equip our children in case we're taken from them goes beyond the pale! [pun intended]

THE SECRET LIFE OF LOBSTERS, by Trevor Corson, Harper Perennial pub., 2004 ISBN:Ah, forget it
THE COUNCIL OF DADS, by Bruce Feiler, Harper Collins pub., 2010 ISBN:9780061778766 ENJOY

Birthday, every day.

Yesterday my good wife totally surprised me. For the first time that I can remember she took the day off and celebrated my birthday with me. It began with opening a beautiful card from her as I started shaving .... then she took me to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Next we headed towards the big-city East, and it became clear to me, we were headed for my Son/Daughter-In-Laws[I only use d-i-l as a term of identification, she's really every bit as much my daughter, just w/o the growing up years!]. After arriving there and having a light lunch, during which time the good wife went to eat lunch with our granddaughter in first grade, my son announced that he, his oldest son[3yrs old] and I were going to see tigers at the zoo. To show you how dense I can be, I never caught the clue, then when we drove past the zoo, he said there were other places that had tigers too, dah!
We ended up at the parking lot for Ford Field, and so the son, my grandson and I got to see a Tiger's game, the Tigers easily were man [probably should say animal]-handling the nationals 8-3! I bought a hat - at the Stadium; and yes I know I paid more - but for this to be a complete memory, the hat HAD to be purchased there! My son also bought my grandson a jr. tiger's hat. Then we picked up sandwiches on the way home, and had dinner with the whole family. WOW! Now that's how to celebrate a birthday. Then when I got home, my daughter[and family] from down real close to the gulf called and sang happy birthday to me ... sometimes the blessings just keep coming, and I had a birthday card waiting in the mail from my mother-in-law!!
What day!

I mentioned the parking lot to Fords' Field which is for the Lions; but is also available for parking for Tiger's Baseball. We got to take a shortcut through the Lions Indoor Stadium which is beautiful!! I hope to get to go to a game there sometime. The Lion's football Ford Field is right next to the Tiger's Coamerica Baseball Park [right across the street to be exact!]. My son also told me that there is an effort to get a Pistons Basketball Stadium next to these two. And the Red Wings Hockey Stadium is down the road not too far.

40years hiding in plain view!

The Associated Press has come out with a story about a man, sentenced to life in prison, got out on parole, and just walked away. A grandson, who became interested in the story of this killer, which he hadn't ever heard about, hired a private investigator and began searching himself also. The killer was found living a good citizen life and making a contribution to society. But this is where some interesting discussion enters:
a. should this man be sent back to prison, who for 40yrs has shown he is
a contributing citizen? or should that not make a difference?
b. the convicted killers' almost comical attitude to being captured again
leads one to question the motive of his conduct ... true remorse or just
convinced he's got it made?
c. the value in knowing family history ... and how the killers recapture is
allowing a family begin to put closure on the case?
this is a very interesting article .... I think I'll read it a few more times and perhaps later have some more comments?! I also plan on using this article in defense of my love for family genealogy. AP,Tuesday, Jun 15, 5:55am ET, by Matt Gouras, AP writer. YOu can find it quickly by going to http://news.yahoo.com com and looking for 'wedding chapel fugitive.

Andersonville Camp

Some things we find out in our family history give us a desire to visit places that not only bring back good memories, but almost sacred memories, as we journey through the darkness of the struggles that they faced. The more I study family history the more 'connections' I find. Let me illustrate one I just found, and probably will find a few more involved in this same event. Most of us have long been somewhat familiar with the Civil War's most notorious prison camp at Andersonville, GA. So here are the 'ancient connections' I've found. On my father's side there is an ancestor who married a widow whose former husband died at Andersonville camp [and this ancestor was with Gen.Sherman on his famous march to the Sea, so does this make his wife both a war widow, then a war bride?]. On my mother's father's side an ancestor married a woman whose brother survived 14months at Andersonville, that has to be some kind of record; then on my mother's mothers side an ancestors wife's uncle died at Andersonville. I've got documented proof for almost all of this info, and find that as I find more relatives who experienced this horror, I want to visit this place. Morbid, no not at all, perhaps there's a sense that my presence there will add some acknowledgement to the price they paid, I don't know, I just want to go there.

In an earlier war, 'The Revolutionary War' I found another 'family connection.' This connection came in the Battle of Kings Mountain. This was a battle in which the revolutionary forces defeated Loyalist troops and stopped Gen.Cornwallis from invading the Southern Colonies; matter of fact most historians believe this to be a major turning point in the war. It was mostly a battle between 'Patriot' troops that were against British 'Loyalist' troops that supported the King. Some historians believe that the only true British person in the conflict was the commander for the Loyalist side. The connection is that 1]on my father's father's side an ancestor fought on the side of the 'over-mountain men' and was even captured in a further skirmish, but escaped to continue fighting with Gen.Greene; 2] on my mother's fathers side an ancestor, who was probably the only doctor in the 'REvolutionary troops in this battle, although its still questionable how 'trained' he was - he is talked about as a surgeon, served also with those same 'over-mountain'men. Makes me want to visit King Mountain, NC. I guess I'm getting quite a list of places to tour - well, maybe one day.

The NOTICER!

This is an interesting little book. It tells the story of a mysterious old gentleman who always seems to show up just at the right time as people are about to give up hope.
On one ever sees him coming, or leaving for that matter; and he's always carrying a small suitcase. So no personal information about 'Jones' [he does not like to be called 'Mr. Jones.] is ever known, and then one day his suitcase is spotted sitting in a parking lot, but no 'Jones.' This sets off quite a chain of concern, and people who have touched/changed by his life/wisdom began to gather where the suitcase has been taken. The people began to share their story in how 'ole Jones' helped them, as they began to fear the worst that might have happened to him. There is a 'red herring' thrown out by the author, if you're reading carefully enough to catch it! In the end they find a note in the suitcase that offers................
ENJOY!
Andrews, Andy. The Noticer. Thomas Nelson Publisher, 2009. ISBN: 9780785229216
There are some other books written by this Inspirational Author: 'The Traveler's Gift,' 'The Lost Choice,' and 'Island of Saints.'

Grandpa, the medicine doctor!

Yesterday I blogged about my tough old gggrandpa who got his finger seriously bit and hacked it off. In a small book, 'Images of America: Unicoi & Limestone Cove' there is a picture of Civil War vet grandpa Daniel. I was wondering about his qualifications for being a doctor and here what I found. 'He used medical knowledge he learned while working with Civil War physicians to treat his grateful neighbors in Limestone Cove. In the last year of his life, 1919, 'Dr. Schultz,' as his patients called him was still delivering babies! I guess if you can just hack off a finger, you can still be delivering the neighbors babies at 76.

God visited graduation; and where did that finger go?

Yesterday the good wife and I went to my niece's daughter's graduation in a small town in my home state of Ohio. It's was held in one of those new school buildings that includes everything from kindergarten through high school. It is only two years old and this was the first Senior class to graduate in it. I must admit I was fairly proud of the whole event. As hundreds met to celebrate the graduation of 54 students someone unexpected decided to drop by - God! A couple of honor students, in brief addresses thanked God for his help in their achieving this accomplishment; and a local pastor, representing all the town's churches, gave an inspirational, yet direct challenge to all the graduates, then a student dismissed the assembly in prayer. I guess it will be only a matter of time before some parent discovers their sensitivites have been bruised, or their rights maliciously infringed upon, or their graduate permanently scared, maybe not?!

There was a special time during which at least 2/3 of the graduates received scholarships, a number of them receiving from $28,000 to $51,000 individually. Over $250,000 was handed out. Then when all the recipents had been applauded, pictures taken and everyone seated, the principal, after there was a complete silence called one garduate to come forward, then the principal announced that this graduates scholarships would come in the form of boots, uniforms, kp duty and obstacle courses. The next leg of his life's journey was not college but boot camp - and then the people in the auditorium, as though they had been told what to do before hand, stood to their feet, no one was left setting, and with thunderous applause thanked that young graduate for volunteering for military service .... and I thought 'only in America, even in times of divisive views of the military could such celebration take place! I walked out of that auditorium a proud American and even prouder great Uncle.

No visit home is ever complete without stopping by and seeing Gram - she's 97, and physically struggling, but just as loving and mentally alert as ever. I can't remember Gram ever saying a bad word about anyone, and everyone in the family loves her. I mentioned that in some recent family research I had come across a great great grandpa I was never aware of - and right then her face began to glow. "Oh, yes, I very much aware of daddy's[my late grandpa, her husband]grandpa Dan. When we were first married he used to tell me many stories about him, for daddy spent a lot time with his grandparents. Now gggrandpa was a 'self-taught' doctor [some genealogical records have referred to him as a doctor; so I don't know exactly how that title fits]. But evidently my grandpa used to help him pack quinine in newspaper and gggrandpa Dan would take it on his house calls. Two searches have defined gggrandpa Dan as a pillar of the community; maybe being a pillar people trusted you to practice medicine on them??? Quinine in the early 1900's was not restricted as it is today, and it was widely used as a pain killer and relieved one from most fevers. Well, one day gggrandpa Dan had dropped something in the leaves and reaching his hand down to try and find it he got a vicious bite - he told my grandpa to run in the house, get into his medical bag and bring back as much quinine as he could find - which he did - the most of which gggrandpa consumed, after assessing the bit on his finger, he got a short handled axe, [told my grandpa to go in the house and get a wet towel, and to wait at the door and when he called him to come running bringing the wet towel ... grandpa Dan then laid his finger on the tree stump and with one decisive blow eliminated the finger, called my grandpa who brought him the towel, which grandpa Dan rubbed the remaining quinine on then wrapped up his finger stub. Now that's a tough old bird!! I doubt that we could apply any part of Jesus sermon on the mount about hacking off parts that offend you and cause you to sin, but in my rapidly declining years of pastoral ministry left I might find an application. Grandpa Dan had served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Civil War, in the 2nd TN Volunteer Cavalry from 1863-1865, so maybe after all the suffering he had seen hacking off a contaminated finger wasn't such a feat - maybe not for him, but it would be for me!

No Ending

Last month[May] I read and wrote about a book called 'Gilead.' Yesterday I finished the sequel to that called 'Home.' My title for that book is Home: A Story with no ending!' Ever since I read the 'Tiger or the Princess' in school I've enjoyed stories that let you make up your own ending, but not this one. Everyone likes an ending to a movie, and usually a good ending, sometimes even a bad ending is better than no ending. I don't know if the author was creating a setting for a sequel or not, but she certainly didn't bring closure. Then again maybe closure to the author meant passing on the mantle from one generation to the next one; for she left a bundle of loose strings. The author had a warm way of keeping us wanting to hear more about the other side of the story from Gilead, and she also kept us subtly updated on moderninity as it invaded Gilead. I was so excited to see whether or not Jack found his soul, how would the 'old Reverend' breath his last breathe, would Gloria end up staying at home, what would Teddy do; yet not one of those threads was tied up. But the last two pages, in a somewhat mysterious way, through a small child named after the Rev. Boughton, brought them at least to a meeting place; perhaps the 'meeting place' is closure? All throughout both of these books the spiritual wisdom 'oozes' from its pages. I will definitely have to go back and read both of them again, maybe the next time in a setting where I can read them together. I found myself so wrapped up in the hope that Jack was finally putting his life together, when just at the wrong moment, as has always been the case, he decides again to leave. Maybe there's a spiritual lesson for us there in that when we sense we are being spiritually challenged we too try to find a way of escape.
HOME, Robinson, Marilynne. New York, NY. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Publishers 2008
ENJOY!

A Frontier Journey

What fun ............ the grandkids, from the big city east, were here for the holidays. I don't know that gram and I became any younger but their energy certainly made us feel that way.

On another note, a cousin of mine, that lives in Seattle WA. sent me a journal from her ancestors. It was a journal about their journey from North Carolina to Kentucky and Ohio. It was also a great revelation about the Religious Awakening in America in the 18th century; most of the journey took place from 1750-1800. I really enjoyed the look into the frontier days of America. I thought I would share a few examples of how religion was viewed in that era. One of her ancestors was a 'strict Calvinist' and talked about how the Baptist were persecuted. Anglicanism was a strong force in those days, along with Methodist circuit riders; both are very briefly noted, so I'm anticipating that the persecution mentioned is about prejudices and how those prejudices played out on a social/economic scale at that time. Yet he is faithful to the Baptist tradition and in one place where they lived he gathered up about 5 other baptists and they had a 'house church.' House churches in that day were more common than one would believe. There is a section where Grandfather hears about a stirring among the Presbyterians, here it is:
In the summer of 1799 there was a great excitment of religion among the Presbyterians. Some twenty miles off, they held camp meetings in Burbon Co. Father felt anxious to go and see and hear for himself, as reports said they were very strangely exercised. Some would jerk, some would bark, somefall as though they had been shot. So, father went and stayed three daysand tried to find out the cause of that new exercise in religion. Some said it was the work of the Devil; others said it was all delusion. But Father said when he came back from Canebridge meeting that he saw and heard many things that he could not account for, but some of them looked happy,while they were dancing or walking back and forth, or jerking and barking. This exercise soon came to the Presbyterian church at Walnut Hill - fourmiles off. Father took MOther and me to Elder Crawfords' church to hear and see for ourselves this new exercise. As soon as they began to sing, their exercise began. Some shook they heads, while others jerked all over and would bark as they would jerk their heads down. Some would jump up on their feet and shoult and sing until their strength was gone and then they would fall as though they were dead, and lie for two or three hours, only breathing. We went home. Father said he could not think it was a delusion but that there must be some good done there, for he felt some of the influence on his mind and that the singing was ringing in his ears yet.
Wow! Later in the journal, revival that year is also recorded in the Baptist church; and one day about 30 people, in the dead of winter go to Hickman creek, where men break the four inch frozen ice, and clear it away from the shore, and the preacher stands in that water baptizing the people ........ on the shore the snow is was about four to five inches deep. And 'strange as it will seem to some that not one that was baptized took cold. Later we find Garrard back in Kentucky, after he moved back from Ohio preaching in three churches. Two young preachers, 'very strong Calvinists' began to minister under the older mans mentoring. However, here I'm wondering if something from that earlier Presbyterian campmeeting had changed him, we find these two young preachers beginning to be critical of him, here's the notes:
'under father's preaching, they found fault with Father as he would sing and shake hands with all at the close of the service, they called him an Armenian. Again, I loved this journal because it gives us a window into that era and some of the religious effects it had on the frontier.