Loving Remembrances

This December 21st will mark the second year of my mother's passing. I truly miss talking with her. I telephoned her 4-or-5 times a week. It was perhaps her laughter that I enjoyed the most.
I remember as a young child living on Rosemont Avenue in East St. Louis; Friday nights were my dad's union meeting nights. A fella with whom he worked attended the meetings and the man's wife would visit with mom until the men returned. I can close my eyes even today and hear those two ladies chatting in the nearby room. Their voices were soft and soothing and my mother's voice was particularly comforting and reassuring. Her vocal tones soon brought quiet slumber to a 11 year old boy.
There are other voices I miss. My dad always spoke in confident tones that gave encouragement, which initiated motivation.
I had two childless aunts who took upon themselves the profound interest in all the nieces and  nephews. Each had a distinct charm and both required 'particulars' when responding to their questions. Both aunts had full volume tones.They too are silenced.
I suppose everyone, this time of year, has such reflections...I was blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving

Last Sunday, the preacher asked the question: "If you could only pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for ONE thing, what would THAT be?" Of course, it is an unfair question! In fact, many times my prayers become somewhat lengthy because I tend to 'itemize' my many blessings.
As I sat there in the pew (I got to church late and all the good chairs in the back were taken), I decided to play the preacher's game; it was a quick and easy answer that came to mind...if on this Thanksgiving day, I could thank my God but for one thing, I would thank Him for sending His Son to pave the way to eternal life.
I cannot close this rant with listing only one Thanksgiving prayer so let me finish saying, I never let a prayer moment pass that I don't thank The Lord for the health and safety granted my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stop and think; we all want so very much for our off-springs and yet WE cannot provide the most coveted gifts for our love ones.

May your day be filled with thankful thoughts.

She Got Me Started

My wife walked into the family room and noted the televised college football ball I was watching. One of the teams was Florida State. She commented about the Indian 'logo' helmet worn by the Florida State Seminoles and asked, "Why do they get to use an 'Indian' for a mascot and Illinois cannot use Chief Illiniwek?" She likely wished she had not asked because I went on one of my lengthy rants about the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
In descending rank, I deplore the following organizations: Ku Klux Klan, Black Panthers and the NCAA. The first two are intolerant 'hate-groups' and the latter is a pompous, pretentious, greedy group.

I explained to my wife the old saying, 'Money talks; bullshit walks!' Whereas there is no existing Illini Tribe to throw money at to appease and thus use the name 'Chief Illiniwek mascot,' Florida State pays-off the Seminole folks. Of course the pompous NCAA ignores the money game and puts aside their holy war against its college members using degrading mascots and mascot names, which may offend ethnic groups.
My complete 'rant' on the NCAA is 573 pages long; I shall stop here.

Bogus

In 2011, the city of a Chicago had 433 murders. 70 percent were committed by 'Blacks' and 75 percent were 'Black' victims. This statistic suggests a hellava lot of 'Black-on-'Black' murder. Just a few weeks ago, a young, 4-year old black girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap when a stray bullet came through the wall striking the child and killing her.
Questions Where is the community and nationwide outrage? Where  is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton? Where are the demonstrators? Where is the national media, especially  the 'rock-throwing' reporters from CNN?
Obviously, we can note a lot of disingenuous voices in our society today along with profound inconsistencies!

I Don't Recognize Today

Two doors South from our house lives twin brothers who are seniors at Decatur MacArthur high school. They live with their widowed mother. Both boys are better than 6'3"; one weighs in at 245, the other at 210. Upon graduation they intend to join the military. They are polite young men and over the past few years, we have funneled many dollars their respective directions with a variety of lawn care jobs. They are now comfortable enough to ring the door bell and inquire; "Can I make a few dollars today doing something." Often we have a legitimate need and if we don't, my wife manufactures a need.
This past Saturday, one twin knocked on the door at mid-morning and soon Gerry had him 'on-the-clock.' I noticed on three rather quick back-to-back moments, the lad was on his cell phone texting I suggested to my wife that she needed to ask the boy if he wanted to work or talk on the phone?
My wife jumped my crap and said,  "Stop acting like a crabby old man!" Next summer, I hope the boy's Army drill sergeant resembles my wife; warm, 'fuzzy-' caring and cuddling however, I am betting the sergeant will be a crabby-asshole...it's a different world than I remember.

Midnight Christmas Thoughts

My wife completed our Christmas tree decorations yesterday. It's a beautiful tree with a
lovely and serene Nativity Scene beneath. My wife is much like my late Father when it comes to Christmas decorations...passionately intense!
Just before midnight last night, I came downstairs to the living room and turned on the Christmas tree lights. In the stillness of those hours, I allowed my thoughts to wonder with recollections of Christmas past. I recalled the thrill of those cowboy toys, bikes and sports equipment. I remember mom and dad sharing a kiss under a mistletoe.
Soon my memory checked off those wonderful 'all-families' get-togethers at Grandpa E.V. and Mammy's home on Christmas Eve. The laughter and joyous interactive love was incredible; so was the homemade custard!
With the passing of grandparents, the Christmas gathering baton was handed to my parents...come hell or high snow drifts and great distances, the three sons were expected to deliver their families to my folks home Christmas Eve AND...WE DID. The decorations at my parents' home was a page out of Macy's and the spread of food would rival any Country Club. Our kids hold those fond memories, I am sure.
These days, my wife and I hold the baton and host the hoopla as memories are made for another generation of children.
Finally, I stopped my reminiscing and pushed the CD play button to hear the voice of Ray Charles sing, The Spirit of Christmas. Soon, the warm tears in my eyes swelled beyond the rim of the lids and flowed slowly down these wrinkled cheeks. Ray Charles asks, "Why can't it remain all through the year, each day the same...that  "Spirit of Christmas." My selfish heart cries, 'Why can't it remain all through life...and I know the answer; because life longs for itself. The Christ Child calls each to embrace His Spirit and then let go.

On-Road-Again!

Another milestone passed! I remember that magical age '16' when I took that written & behind the wheel driving test to get my first-ever driver's license; glorious day! Then there was that age '18' and I headed to the post office to register for the military draft. (That was back-the-day when the wealthy & the poor fought for America's freedoms). Three (3) years later at '21', I could belly up to the bar and have a brew...never was one to sit at the bar too often.
We'll at age 75, it appears that I am starting over again. Yesterday morning, I went to the driver's license facility to take a written test, eye test and behind-the-wheel test. This time around, the thought occurred that if I fail any one of the three test, I will be stuck at home watching Big Bang Theory re-runs 24/7! I stopped watching CNN sometime ago; one night I kept seeing Wolf Blitzer's face every time I closed my eyes.
Well, I handled all test. I did miss one of the 29 written test items; it had some scenario about my auto arriving at an intersection at the exact moment a boy on a bike at my right arrives at the intersection.
I am good for another four years. I will then be seventy-nine.
Post Thought: I think at seventy-five, I should be required to go directly into the military. Actually, I think the UN should have all nations send seventy-plus-year old fellas to war. There would be fewer casualties due to poor eye and bad shooting. If you did shoot some old fart you would be eliminating health care cost.

Make The Point

A few years ago, I was asked by a Metro-East high school to present a program addressing coaching discipline techniques. It appeared that one of that school 's coaches overreacted to a student-athlete's bad behavior using excessive physical running as punishment, which compromised the athlete's health. I did spend an evening with the school's coaching staff using several methods to convey what I called, "Sensitivity Decision Making."
The so-called bottom line message that I left with these sport mentors was this: 'Youngsters will mess up and behave badly at times. When they do, you must address the behavior in such a manner to preserve the honor and integrity of your program. However, remember when the athlete misbehaves the spotlight and scrutinizing is on him; do not invoke questionable punishment that would swing the wrong behavior spotlight onto the coach.'
Personally, I always thought that reduced game-playing time was the best punishment to get the attention of the misbehaving athlete and shape a more desire able behavior.
One of the biggest changes in parent-child relations, as it pertains to discipline, is the degree of 'negotiation' between parties. My parents' generation seemed to subscribe to the biblical charge; "Let your yes be Yes and your No be No."

Ain't It A Shame

Our Illinois State lawmakers tend to be a phony desigenuous collection of people. If you follow the 'cola wars.' You will note that cola giants Pepsi & Coke are required to bid for rights to place products in State facilities. Of course there is always some questions around the process and it's fairness. One lawmaker stated that it is the lawmakers responsibility to get the best financial 'deal' for its citizens. Now there is some gobbledygook crap!

These same lawmakers require public (middle schools/high schools) to unplug their vending machines in the name of healthy choices. Understand that the public schools, as the state facilities and universities benefit from the soft drink companies as they donated scoreboards and other athletic perks; a great financial bump for local school districts. Therefore, while our State fails to meet its constitutional financial contribution to local public schools they dismiss the 'Goose & Gander Story.'

To 'ban' or not to 'ban;' and the American answer is 'BAN!' We ban smoking in public places, we ban 'gay' marriage in many states and right here in Decatur,  Illinois, we ban loud music in public.  Garden City, New York bans washing your car in your driveway. Nine Orange County cities ban sleeping in your car. Some cities even have a ban on homeless people in public places; I suppose it is too depressing for 'them-that-got.' Of course the one ban that chaps my ass is the 'leaf burning ban.' It not only burns my butt, it is breaking my back!

We Americans get our jollies off and enjoy telling our neighbors how they should 'roll.'
Banning is nothing new to me. I recall as a young boy in 1947, (East St. Louis) when 'Negroes' could come into 'white' neighborhoods to clean houses but could not be 'in those neighborhoods' after 6PM; they were banned!
I am going to get some folks to unite and call for a ban on mattress sales on Veterans' Day, parents from little league sports and stupid people ahead of me in all lines!!!

I Share My Joy

We have a husband and wife who co-pastor our church. My wife enjoys a weekly Bible study class conducted by Mrs Pastor. Yesterday, my wife returned home from the class and shared some topic exchanges; she mentioned that Mrs Pastor told her that she has truly enjoyed meeting her (my wife) and said to her, "You are a hoot."
I smiled hearing the opinion. I am always glad for people to discover my wife's pure charm. I can only imagine what gems rolled across my wife's lips while discussing 'The Exodus.' Suffice to say, my sweetheart roller skates to the same music as Yogi Berra. Once while vacationing in the Missouri Ozark country, my wife said, "Have you noticed it really gets dark at night down here?" I simply responded, "Goodnight Gracie.
My personal favorite was on a snowy night when my Christmas shopping sweetheart telephoned me from the mall to tell me that she had locked her keys in the car. I had to call a locksmith and thus asked her where the auto was parked. She said, "It will be easy to find because the lights are on and the car is running." Goodnight Gracie!

Between a Rock & a Wet Place

Lately, I have 'put-on' a few pounds. Yesterday while negotiating the pharmacy aisle looking for aspirin and vitamins, I noticed a section filled with diet pills. Given my extra weight, which does not permit me to get into three of my favorite trousers, I stopped to examine and consider the diet pills,

It would appear one of the side effects using diet drugs is the possibility of bladder seepage. After much thought, I passed on the pills.  I could imagine losing the weight and having the front of those nice trouser always wet.

Probability Matters

I'm not the sharpest mind in any crowd. I know this because I often find myself wandering around Walmart's parking lot trying to find my car and this exercise comes on the heels of a seven aisle search for Cool Whip. Because of my limited brain power, I use 'probability' factors to negotiate life's maze. Example: I see 15 rather tall and agile teens stepping off a school bus; 2-white kids and 13 black kids, I immediately think>basketball team. I drive through Decatur's 'hood' of an evening and notice black men wearing large brim hats and gaudy gold, I think, 'drug dealers' who are NOT representing Walgreens. Entering a restaurant, I notice six older white gals wearing Red Hats and  cheap costume jewelry; my first thoughts?...They will 'probably' laugh too loudly and leave less than 10% tip for the waitress.


A few years back when our government went goofy with a color-code for terrorists' alert warnings, I recall some people worried about terrorists becoming certified public school bus drivers. Here's my 'probability' conclusion on that issue: Terrorists do their homework. At training sessions they watched videos of American students' behavior on school bus travels after school and on field trips. No terrorist is going to volunteer for THAT GIG!
Yesterday, my wife was downstairs cleaning out the utility room. She yelled up to me, "Do these basketball bounce?" I yelled back, "Hold them above your head and drop them to the floor!" I am wondering if she'll start talking to me today.

What Really Matters?

Bruce Rauner was NOT my choice but he is MY Govenor and I will pray for his leadership to be characterized by wise counsel and insightful decisions. I grow weary of inconsequential nitpicking by both political sides. Example: Some of my Democrat contemporaries attempt to make something of Rauner's post election comment that he telephoned Democratic leaders Madigan and Cullerton to express his desire to 'work together.' It seems Rauner did not actually speak to the gents but left voice messages. Oh, my goodness, 'he did not lie;' my fellow Democrats need to accept an ass-whupping and move along.

I am not hung up on the trival. I am more interested in what voters expressed as desires and how leaders respond. Fifty- one percent of Illinois voters said they wanted Rauner as their Govenor. Sixty-two percent of Illinois voters said they want the minimum wage to increase to $10.00 per hour. The people have spoken and I expect my Govenor-elect to embrace both of the peoples' wishes. Let's watch for that!

Full Circle

Seldom a day passes that our three adult children don't telephone us. They have always held a genuine concern for their folks but it is obvious that mom & dad's advancing years increase the 'check-ins.' My wife and I have never attached strings to our relations with the kids but I suspect their behavior pattern is in place by observing their parents' attentiveness to their grandparents. The 'blueprint,' was very clear and evident. It is the BEST return on any investment my wife and I ever made.

The only downside to these frequent telephone calls is our kids make fun of our television habits and bedtime.

Simply Stated

I never thought his line would be topped...but I believe it happened. Let me explain. Our son and daughter-in law's triplet boys will soon turn sixteen. When they were toddlers they played comments off one another that could be quite amusing. I recall one such moment when they were about three and a half years old. The three were lined up naked in the bathroom for an assembly line bath. Jake was in the tub and his father was soaping a wash cloth when another triplet, Jamie noticed that his brother's penis was erect. Jamie exclaimed pointing at the erection, "Jake, how'd you do that?" Jake in a matter-of-fact tone answered, "I just rubbed it." I truly thought that exchange would remain number one among 15 grandkids. I think a topper arrived this week.

Number fifteen grandchild, Ashlyn delivered a dandy to her mother. Ashlyn was coming off a week long bout with a flu like viral infection and towards the episode's end she experienced diarrhea. After several very loose bowl movements, the 31/2 year old girl said, "Mom, my poop is melting!"

Never Know Who's Watching

My first cousin, Bob telephoned yesterday morning to thank me for a East St. Louis high school baseball cap that I sent him. The current East St. Louis high school athletic director sent me two caps so I forwarded one to Bob.
Bob was a special individual in my youth. Although he was four years my senior, Bob insisted that I play summer sandlot baseball with his friends every day when I was nine years old. That summer of 1948 was a defining moment in my love affair and put me on a journey that would pay for a college education. I am indebted to cousin, Bob. I have not seen Bob for years. I am aware of his physical health problems and current challenges due to periodic updates from his younger sister.


We spoke for a few minutes and did a bit of reminiscing before the telephone conversation concluded. Just before hanging up, Bob once again thanked me for the baseball cap and told me as he has told me several times over the years, "Moe, Bob said, "I will always remember at grandpa E.V's funeral visitation when you and your and your mom approached E V's casket and placed one of your high school baseball medals inside grandpa's coat pocket. I thought to myself back then; this guy at 19 years old is special."


I appreciate Bob's recall and thanked him for his opinion. Truth of the matter, grandpa E V Bennett was blind in one eye and never could watch any of games; too difficult for the half-sighted elderly man to follow the baseball in the bright sunshine. However, grandpa EV always insisted that I stop by his home and give an account after each game...and cousin Bob; we'll, he started the ball rolling...those two were the 'special guys!'

Surely the General Public is NOT That Dumb

In case you forgot it was during the 2012 mid-term elections that the Fox News crew lead by Sean Hannity talked that doom & gloom and economic disaster with $4.00 plus gasoline prices. If we did not understand 'why,' the Fox News boys quickly explained it was  caused by President Obama. We'll I'll be damned if those conservative fellas not only refuse to give the President any kudos for gas prices dropping to around $2.75; those narrow-minded, 'sell-your-soul-for a vote' right wingers now say that the lower gas prices are bad for the economy and you guessed it...it's Obama's fault.
Please support your local educational institution; our only hope is to insure a basic education so a person with fifth grade knowledge can see through this BS propaganda logic.

Halloween Game Plan

Last Friday morning, my wife gave me the annual Halloween instructions. I shall summarize: (1) Open the door and act really surprised, (2) determine immediately if the little treat-seeking-toddlers are children of close friends, neighborhood kids or total strangers. (3) Then I was shown the three different canisters of treats designated for the appropriate recipient. (4) Lastly, she explained that when we go to bed or should we run out of candy; 'turn off the porch light to signal for the Halloween treat-seekers to pass us by.' She then asked, "Do you have any questions?"  I said, "Yes. Is there a porch-light signal for political campaigners and Mormons to pass us by?"