Still Blessed!

It's been quite a while since I've strolled through the pages of this blog. What brought me back? A power outage!

Yes, that's right. A power outage of all things...

It was just about 5 years ago after a week of heavy rains and winds, the Puget Sound area was hit by a round of power outages similar to those we're enduring now - with trees knocking down power lines and causing havoc and damage around the area.

This time it's a little different - the result of heavy snow, ice and freezing rain causing the havoc... but none-the-less, still power outages.

Once again, like in 2006, much of my local family was hit. This time around, TL and her family have been battling it for a few days, and Mom & Ralph are "camping out" at their house for their 2nd night.

Here? Ours went out midday Thursday and came back on tonight. But, memories of that full week without power, and how blessed we felt have ran through my head a lot today. Hitting Starbucks for coffee and hot cocoa. Bundling up, and still seeing your breath when you exhale. Being in a dark, cold house - but safe, happy & together! Just like this time albeit without a tree landing on our garage to get us there. And once again, Dina kept everyone on the right track - smiling & laughing all the way.

I found myself rummaging through the pages of this blog from that week in 2006, and came across the words of my youngest (7 at the time) who summed it up saying, "We are Blessed!!"

It was kind of sad when the power came back on. Okay, maybe sad isn't really the right word. But as we each retreated to various places in the house, with our heaters on and our laptops or game systems whirring... Dina suggested, "Maybe we should do this more often, but on purpose."

All it takes is a little flick of the switch on the fuse panel and it could be dark again. No TV's; no laptops; no game systems. But safe, happy & together!

And blessed!

We hope you all are safe and warm - if not tonight, then soon! And we hope you too, are feeling blessed!
John

Really?

Could it really be that today marks the 4th year? Dina, TL & I (as have, I'm sure, many more) have commented so many times... sometimes it seems like so much longer, and other times - like it was just yesterday.

Still haven't got around to taking him out of my email or phone contacts, and his memory is everywhere as much as always... but much more at peace now-a-days than in years past.

Dina still volunteers regularly at the local elementary school... even with neither of our own kids attending there. Supporting the community, none-the-less, just like Dad always did.

Elijah? He's graduated from SLHS, and working (as Grandma Patti reminded me) in the produce department at Safeway, just like Grandpa Buddy did when he was in college in SoCal.

Austin's in 6th grade now, and using vocabulary that would make a preacher proud. No Greek or Hebrew, but he does make up his own words every once in a while like Dad would.

Me? Same ol' same for the most part. Still at Best Ways (16 years and counting now) working in the same office where Dad would visit a couple times a week. His presence is still felt, just a different presence now. Although, talks of him frequently break out, and smiles are everywhere when they do, and no work gets done - just like if he were there stirring things up.

You? I hope thoughts of dad you find slipping by are happy ones like they are for us.

Still miss you, Dad... every day!
Johnny:)

United States Map

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby.

She wanted to know what the United States looked like, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country.

Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby, and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.'

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.

'Oh,' she said, 'On the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'

'Pastor, what is this?'

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.

The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.'

'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?

The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together... staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service - the 8:30 or the 10:45?'

This Should Keep Us All Thinking...

Just got this one in an email from my sister... What a message! Obiously you can't exactly forward this page, but feel free to forward a link to the blog, or go to the youtube site directly by clicking here.

On the site under more info it says:
I know a lot of people are saying the story isn't true, but it doesn't matter if it's true or not, its the message in the story.

Songs:
First is "It Ends Tonight" by The All-American Rejects
Second is "Tomorrow" by Avril Lavigne

Definitely will make you go hmmm...
Johnny:)

Where's Dad?

Back again... another year gone by. Not sure about you, but for me it hasn't gotten any easier. Different - but certainly not easier.

Here a while back - while dropping Elijah off at a friends house near Dad & Trish's old neighborhood - I detoured to drive past the old house. Guess what? No Dad to be found.

Fathers Day, when I stopped by Mt Tahoma? He wasn't there either!

So where IS Dad? I've searched for 2 years now. I've looked for that place to go when I really need to find him. Well, on this the 2nd (for lack of any better words at this early hour) anniversary of Dad's passing... I wonder no more.

I took today off work. Looking ahead, I kinda expected this day would probably have it's ups & downs - highs & lows - hills & valleys (I'm sure you get the idea), so I planned ahead and took a vacation day. But how do I spend it? Where do I go to be with Dad?

That's where the learning came in. Dad always told me Dina was smarter than I am... I guess last night, that point was proven once again.

As we chatted about todays plans, I was rambling through pros and cons of visiting Tahoma again. Being the eternal optimist she is - Dina suggested going somewhere else to spend the day with Dad. Somewhere I'm certain to find him.

Like McDonald's or Starbucks for a cup of coffee & bit of the morning paper... that sounds like it might be a good place to start ...I bet I'd find him there!

Maybe a surprise visit to the school (Dina's there running school pictures today) or a family member or friends office to say 'hi' - just cause 'I was in the neighborhood' ...I bet I'd find him there!

A trip to South Hill could be a great place for a walk and some frugal shopping at Target ...I bet I'd find him there!

Dina reminded me that there are tons of places to find Dad. Some expected & searched for - like Starbucks or the mall. Others, possibly just a glimpse of him in passing - like in my sons as they get more & more grown up, or even in my own reflection in the mirror from time-to-time.

I know Dina misses him as much as I do. But while I frequently catch myself in the midst of little pity parties, she's reminding me to search for the silver linings... a lot like Dad used to do!

Take a look around as you go through your day ...I bet you find him there, too!
Pedro:)

Splendour in the Grass...

What though the radiance which was once so bright, be now for ever taken from my sight. Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower.

We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.

In the primal sympathy which having been must ever be; In the soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death; In years that bring the philosophic mind.

-William Wordsworth
(Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood, 175-186)

Making Pancakes...

Got this email from a friend that, like Dad used to do, gets & sends bunches of email every day. Sadly, many times (due mostly to lack of time) I scan through to see if anything other than the preverbial forwards, etc... deleting some of them (sorry, Betty) without paying much mind.

This one (of the 7 I received tonight) stuck out for some reason. Nice little story, so thought I'd post it here.

Johnny:)
You're the only person that can control how your day goes tomorrow... Make it a GREAT one!
_____

MAKING PANCAKES
Six year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated.

He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

Just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but sometimes it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us... even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up - we can't stop trying to 'make pancakes'. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then we'll be glad we tried...

In Loving Memory!

Michael's been gone a whole year already... hard to believe, I know!

As I tried to think of something to say - I ran across this from his Mom, posted on Michael's myspace page.

Hope you don't mind me stealing your words, li'l sis... I thought they were more appropriate than anything I could have written.

Love & miss you, Mickey Roy!
Uncle John:)
_____

Sep 17 2008 10:21 PM

Hey baby boy! Just got home from a candlelight memorial in your honor! You wouldn't believe the friends you have! There were so many that came to show their love for you - it was so amazing! You're still missed very much by all your friends and family, especially me!

I can't believe you've been gone a year! Some days it seems like yesterday but others it seems like eternity! I miss you so much it hurts - but you'd be proud of how strong I've been. I even held myself together tonight, just for you!

The moon came up huge and red tonight! Thought it was fitting, your favorite color! I know you were there with us! I love you with all my heart!! Good night sweet one!

I miss you! ~ Mom

You can let go now, Daddy!

Ever hear a song that tells your story? My li'l sister did a while back. From learning to ride a bike, right up to the hospital room... as TL put it, "Why do they write theses things?"

Here's the video...
Pedro:)



Crystal Shawanda - You Can Let Go

Wind blowin’ on my face
Sidewalk flyin’ beneath my bike
A five year-old’s first taste
Of what freedom’s really like
He was runnin’ right beside me
His hand holdin’ on the seat
I took a deep breath and hollered
As I headed for the street

You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Oh, I think I’m ready
To do this on my own
It’s still a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I’ll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go

I was standin’ at the altar
Between the two loves of my life
To one I’ve been a daughter
To one I soon would be a wife
When the preacher asked,
‘Who gives this woman?’
Daddy’s eyes filled up with tears
He kept holdin’ tightly to my arm
‘Till I whispered in his ear

You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Oh, I think I’m ready
To do this on my own
It still feels a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I’ll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go

It was killin’ me to see
The strongest man I ever knew
Wastin’ away to nothin’
In that hospital room
‘You know he’s only hangin’ on for you’
That’s what the night nurse said
My voice and heart were breakin’
As I crawled up in his bed, and said

You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Your little girl is ready
To do this on my own
It’s gonna be a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I’ll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go
You can let go...

Welcome to Walmart!

Well, we made it past the anniversary, for lack of a better term, of Dad's aneurism.

Regardless of which method you use to mark "the anniversary" - the date itself; or the 3rd Sunday of July (yes, that's pronounced joo-lie) or the 197th day of the year - another one has passed. 2 years ago? Can you believe it's been soooo long!

Anyway, to try and lighten things up (at least for me)... I'm posting an e-mail I really think Dad would've got a chuckle out of. You may not consider it politically correct, but since I write these pages mostly for me... you'll just have to deal with it.

Hopefully you enjoy it, too!
John:)
-----
There I was on my way to shop at Walmart. Getting into a fight was the farthest thing from my mind. It wasn't even on the horizon. I was in a great mood!

And then... I rear-ended a car!

So there we are alongside the road and slowly the driver gets out of the car (and you know how you just get sooo stressed and life-stuff seems to get funny)? Yeah, well, I could NOT believe it... He was a DWARF!

He storms over to my car, looks up at me and says, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!'

So, I look down at him and say, 'Well, which one are you then?' And that's when the frickin fight started.

Happy Birthday Dad!

TOGETHER has Power - Don't Run Alone!

Want to hear a fantastic story of a Fathers love? You may have heard or seen it before, but this morning I got an e-mail from my other Dad, Ralph.

Either way, it's certainly a story worth (re)telling, so I'm passing along a video to tell the story of a father and son... TOGETHER!

Keep the Kleenex handy!
Johnny:)

I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
-----
From Ralph's e-mail:
A son asked his father, ‘Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?’ The father who, despite having a heart condition, said ‘Yes’. They went on to complete the marathon together.

Father and son went on to join other marathons - the father always saying ‘Yes’ to his son’s request of going through the race together.

One day, the son asked his father, ‘Dad, let’s join the Ironman together.’ To which, his father said ‘Yes’. Father and son went on to complete the Ironman race together.

Click play... talk about INSPIRING!



Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they’re not in a marathon they are in a triathlon — that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,770 miles across America.


For info on being a part of Team Hoyt's 2009 Charity Teams, click on the "Join Us" button.

My Dad - My Hero!

What can I say on Father's Day? Dad really is my hero!

My day started with a visit to Mt Tahoma. Then on returning home for brunch, I was reminded how truly blessed I am. A wonderful wife; 2 glorious kids; great parents - plus so many unbelievable memories! WOW... what a life!

God Bless & Happy Father's Day!
Pedro:)


For a special Father's Day treat click play below. Then kick back, listen & enjoy! -JE
Father's Day - Buddy Ellis The Doo Bee's of Daddyhood; June 18th, 2006 (FBC of Lakewood)

Interview with Jesus?

There's some powerpoint presentations going around again by email lately. In fact, I received a good one from Trish yesterday called Happiness is a Voyage. Want me to forward it? Shoot me a note & I'll share. It's definitely worth watching.

But, I digress. I received a link to the movie below. Kind of an online powerpoint, so thought it fit the theme. The site - Interview with Jesus - lets you view movies, and links to their store where you can buy the movies on dvd, plus books and more.

No, I'm not their newest salesman... just hoping by offering the links to their stuff, that posting one of their movies here would be alright.

Anyway... ENJOY!
Johnny:)