And Then There Were None..Last WWI Veteran Dies..RIP Frank.

Friends- The last WWI veteran has gone on to join General Pershing to fight for eternity. Mr. Buckles has passed on. ~ David DeJonge~

I first learned about Frank Buckles by reading The Last Leaf by Stuart Lutz. I started following his story on the facebook page, Pershing Last Patriot. Frank Buckles Story. It is an amazing story that deserves to be told and heard.

Per his Website......

Frank was born on February 1, 1901. At the age of 16, he witnessed the European theater of World War I, serving in the United States Army as an ambulance driver. In World War II, he became a Prisoner of War in the Philippines and was imprisoned for 39 months. After his return, Frank settled down in West Virginia to his humble farm, where he lived until his death on February 27, 2011, at the age of 110.

His life is a true story of American commitment and heroism, inspiring many to ask how they can help. Frank's family is deeply appreciative of these offers and attention, but continues to stress it is not so much about Frank, but all he represents.

I was sadden today by the news of Frank's passing. Not because he has not lived a long and wonderful life, but because our length to that part of history is now gone. His story deserves to be told. My hope is that his story will be told, David DeJonge has worked so very hard to make that happen. We as a nation owe Frank that and so much more.

My hope and prayer is that our lawmakers will step up and ensure that a WWI Memorial is built to honor the dough boys of World War I. That was Franks last wish was to see his comrades honored , we as a nation owe them that and need to ensure it happens.

"These are difficult times, and we are not asking for anything elaborate," he said in a statement in November 2010. "What is fitting and right is a memorial that can take its place among those commemorating the other great conflicts of the past century." He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetary at a date to be determined, with special Honors from the French and United Kingdom. President George W Bush signed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, WV, for the burial at Arlington in 2008.

CPL Buckles is survived by a grateful Nation, and many relatives and friends. Frank your work on earth is done. Into the West..Rest in peace...The ships have come to carry you home....

Thought for Today...Kindness

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

You might be surprised ...at how much better you will feel not to mention how it affects those around you.

Story of Faith and Forgiveness

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” Robert Muller

Watch the below video to see an amazing story of faith, forgiveness and love. To forgive you must look deep within yourself and trust a power greater than you or I.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Thought for Today...

You cannot do wrong without suffering wrong. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Two wrongs do not make a right. So many times in life we take a wrong road and then wonder why things go wrong in our lives. I for one believe that at some point you reap what you sow..that at some point your wrong will come back to haunt you in the end. Life is full of choices and we have to make them each and every day. Wrong choices render us to let our emotions take hold and we do not look to our soul to find the right choices.

Can you make the right choices, the ones that in the end will bring you real joy and peace? Or do you continue to make the wrong choices allowing yourself to fall victum to yourself and choices that you make each adn evey day...I think that may have said it best.....

Rather fail with honour than succeed by fraud. -Sophocles

Can you say that you live with honor, integrity and decency. Are you at peace with yourself as you look in the mirror each and every day.

Clay Dyer..This Amazing Man Will Forever Change Your Outlook On Life

This is Clay Dyer. He is a professional bass fisherman. Clay was born without limbs and has overcome so much not only in fishing but in life.

Clay started fishing at age 5 and began tournament fishing at age 15. Clay has not allowed his physical disabilities to be an obstacle ...his motto is simple "If I Can , You Can....

Watch the below video that tell the story of Clay Dyer...if this does not make you stop and think and ponder.... then you need to do some soul searching.

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

This was sent in an email and it seems like there is very good advice in here..reading takes a while but it is worth it...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway

.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television..

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard.Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Thought for Today...

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."

Failure to be honest with ourselves, leads to being dishonest with others. Without being honest with ourselves, how can we expect to be honest with others? Some people continue to tell the same lie over and over ..to some it becomes their reality. Bottom line deep in their heart they know the truth.. What good is telling a lie doing for anyone? Misery will be the end result because the lie grows just like the "nose" in the picture above.

At some point you have to look yourself in the mirror and realize the dishonesty will only hurt you and those around you. It is a choice.

Thought for Today

While watching Shawshank Redemption last night......Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. I would argue..while hope is important in all our lives the truth is what will truly set you free...

Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. In the first, it is ridiculed, in the second it is opposed, in the third it is regarded as self-evident. ~Arthur Schopenhauer

The Buglar

A wonderful story that was written on a Patriotism site I visit often....

The Bugler....

April 7th, 2008, I hid my eyes deliberately from the crowd in the dining room as I walked outside into the night that was chaste with the glow of natures cannon fire . . . or perhaps I fantasized, they were mortars falling in the distant darkness, leaving behind a thundering roll of them falling to earth. On any other night in any other town, it would have merely been lightning , a precursor to a coming storm.

But On April 7th, as I sat in the dining area of the motels restaurant, I heard the faint crying of a lone bugle from somewhere in the darkness beyond the reach of the motels lights . . . a song of mourning . . . of despair . . . the sound of a heart crying through the note of a single trumpet . . . somewhere beyond the veil of night, and it called to me. There was such a needing to be near it, to listen to its reverence . . . and tears formed and fell across my cheeks . . . and I hid my eyes from the folks in the dining room as I made my way out of the restaurant, past the pool gate and headed into the expanse of grass east of the motel to the small forest lining the property . . . shielding the motel from highway 69.

I followed the cry of that trumpet . . . barely able to see the bushes . . . and finally I stepped into a small opening where a gazebo stood resolutely in the flash of the thunderstorm forming to the south.

I stood there letting my eyes adjust to the darkness after a particularly brilliant and blinding strike . . . .the thunder began rolling . . . like a chorus of many drums that herald a coming finale . . . and then the song of the bugle began again . . . Taps . . . and it is impossible to tell of the longing and the loneliness of that sound . . . a cry of honor for the fallen . . . a single horn playing a symphony of ‘I remember you" and gratitude and respect and good-bye . . . and it tore at my heart.

I could see the silhouette of a man . . . standing in the gazebo . . . bugle to his lips . . . holding the last note of the ‘good-bye’ for what seemed like minutes . . . without breathing. I wished I could have recorded that moment for all to see and hear . . . the lone figure silhouetted in the gazebo against a backdrop of lightning and thunder playing in the background.

Finally he stopped and sat down on the bench that lined the inner circle of the small gazebo and I hesitated . . . not wanting to disturb him . . . but finally said, "That was probably the most beautiful rendition of taps I’ve ever heard"

And he looked in my direction briefly . . . then turned away . . . and I could see as he pulled a hanky from his pocket and wiped his eyes, that he had heard me. Finally he spoke in a voice that had tasted the good and the bad of his eternity . . . "Thank you . . . that’s kind of you to say. I hope I wasn’t disturbing you"

And I was nearly offended by his gentle unspoken apology to me. "May I join you?", I asked him.

And he motioned to the bench across from him. "My names Leo . . . short for Leonard . . . but friends call me Buzz . . . an’ I reckon yer ok . . . you can call me Buzz if ya like".

"I gotta tell you Buzz . . . you brought tears to my eyes, like your heart was in that Bugle".

"Has been", he said, "For nearin’ 70 plus now, and tomorrow is the last good-bye to a fellow soldier. I been playin’ Taps for my buddies funerals now since ’64, been blowin’ the horn since boot in ’41. I got no other way to let’ em go." He stopped, visibly fighting back hurt and memories of so many years. "I’m 92 last week, and tomorrow I’m playin’ for ‘Golpher’. His plaques gonna read Staff Sergeant Patterson , Geoffrey S, but I’m playin’ for Golpher", his voice cracking a bit. "We was in the same outfit in the war ya’ know . . . him n’ me and 27 others . . . an’ we made a pact that the last ones standin’ would blow the horn for each other as we got laid down. Last year, Golpher n’ me played at 3 funerals . . . .tomorrow . . . I’m playin’ for Golpher . . . .an’ then its just me left."

"I’m am so very sorry to" . . . But he held up his hand to stop me . . . and I stopped.

There was a long pause . . . punctuated with the chorus of rumbling drums in the background . . . flashes of mortar in the distance . . . streaking across the night.

"I have had the honor and the humblin’ privilege", he said after a few moments, "of being able to say good-bye to so many. Esther, my wife of 69 years, has been there with me at every one of ‘em . . . and she is waiting in the room for me to try on my dress blues again. Don’t cry for me sonny, and don’t give me your pity . . . I am the luckiest man on earth to have played at nearly every National Cemetery . . . an’ bein’ the last one standin’ to say good-bye."

We talked for a bit . . . well I mostly listened . . . as he took some time to cross the familiar bridges of his memory . . . about how he’d played at San Bruno, Little Rock, San Diego, one called Zachary Taylor in Kentucky where "the trees cried at that one", he said, and on and on, naming off places he has said good-bye. "An’ ya know somethin’? It’s awful dang fillin’ to stand up an’ be the last one to say good job soldier. I’ll see ya later. An’ it never meant nothin’ to me that most times, my wife an’ me was the last ones there, when everyone else was gone on. I kept my word, an’ I’m proud o’ that". He wet his lips, put the horn up to blow and paused to say . . . " If ya don’t mind, I gotta practice one more time . . . since this is the last good-bye I’m gonna play . . . it’s gotta be perfect."

I said simply , "Thank you sir, and God Bless you. You are someone I will treasure having met".

He looked at me, smiled and said in a grunt, "My friends don’t call me sir. They call me Buzz." And he began again . . . allowing the Bugle to cry the song of his heart.

Nor do I think he heard me say . . . "God Bless you Buzz." But I have a feeling that God will do that . . . even with out my permission. And as I walked away through the veil of trees to my room, I heard a bugle cry, and the mortars fell, and their flash that streaked through the night seemed to say "Amen"

Written by Robert VanDerslice

A simple 'thanks' changes Vietnam Veteran's life

This story was told in 2008 on the Today Show. A story about how this veteran's life was forever changed by a simple "thank you".

“I can't tell the story without breaking up,” Vietnam veteran Bud Willis, 67, said of one painful yet inspiring encounter in the Vietnam War. “That moment changed my life.”

In 1966, late in his 14-month tour, Willis was assigned to provide air support for Marines by flying the wounded out of combat areas. An emotionally challenging job, he quickly learned to look straight ahead when picking up injured soldiers.

“I was just a young pilot with no medical experience. I certainly wasn't a hero, because everyone in my squadron was doing those kinds of jobs — because it was a moral obligation." On one particular mission, Willis was ordered to pick up a Marine and take him to a specialized facility that treated life-threatening injuries. The young soldier, no more than 19 years old, was in critical condition. He was missing a leg, an arm, an ear and an eye. To ease the soldier’s pain, the corpsman shot morphine into his remaining leg.

After dropping his passengers off at the local hospital, Willis saw the wounded Marine motion to the crew chief to lean forward so that he could tell him something over the deafening noise of the helicopters. The chief nodded, walked back over to Willis and took a minute to collect himself before relaying the message:

“Captain Willis, do you know what he said to me? He said to 'tell the pilot, thanks for the ride.'"
On the way to their base, Willis said his men, touched by the gratitude, were “all bawling like babies” and praying for the full recovery of the wounded soldier.

“Any man who could see through his own incredible circumstances and still have the presence of mind to say ‘thank you’ still brings tears to my eyes,” Willis said. "It made me want to be like him."

Willis still doesn't know what happened to the wounded Marine. "One of the hardest parts about these medevacs — and one of the things that hit us back home — was that we knew his family was going to have to hear about this, and we knew it long before they did," Willis said. "It was traumatic."

Although Willis admits he doesn’t “re-visit Vietnam a lot,” he hasn't forgotten that experience. From that day on, Willis committed himself to thanking at least one person each day.

“I have told this many times to teary-eyed audiences,” Bud said of his life-changing story. “We should remember to show gratitude and to thank people every day, and to thank God for people like that young Marine.”

Watch the below video which was on air in 2008, as Bud tell his story of what a simple "thank you" did to change his life forever.....

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Thought for Today...

“Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.” Alfred A. Montapert

Which choice will you make? The choice is yours..just remember there are consequences for your actions.

Love Delayed for 57 Years....

"He stands close to my mother, without touching, staring worshipfully at her, rather than looking at the person taking the picture," Nancy Rossman read from the book she wrote for her mother, 'First Love, Last Dance.' The man staring worshipfully at her mother is not her father.

"11Alive News first introduced you to Peter and Elise Eaves last year, almost 92-year-old lovebirds who married each other in their 70's. The two first fell in love more than 70 years ago, but because Elise's mother disapproved, they wound up with other people. When their spouses died, they found each other again and the story of their reconnection became Rossman's book. Our story aired, then it was on CNN, and the little book that was a gift, caught fire."

"Elise and Peter first met in 1938 in Atlanta. Elise was a UGA student born and raised in Ansley Park. She met Peter at a noon hour dance one day.

"I was leaning over the piano watching somebody play when he walked up. I thought he was cute," says Elise, laughing. "He was very persistent, he asked me out, just put the pressure on."

The story after that unfolded much the way you would expect. They fell in love and got engaged. Then Peter was drafted in 1941. While he was gone, Elise's mother pressured her.

"My mother did not like him. She kept telling me he would not make me happy, he would not be a good husband. Back then you thought your mother knew best."

Elise broke the engagement.

Sitting together on the couch in their home they talked about what it was like to have a second chance 57 years later. "

Watch the video which tell their story of a love that never ended....and they happiness they found after all these years.

Thought for the Day..

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. ~Henry Van Dyke

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day... .. May you find love every day..

..And may you all find true love once in your life.

Team Hoyt..A love story for the ages....

Dick Hoyt’s son Rick can’t walk or talk. Rick convinced his dad to push him in his wheelchair in a 5 mile race, he told his dad that he didn’t feel handicapped when they were competing. Below is the story that appeared in Sports Illustrated, June 2005 witten by Rick Reilly.

"Strongest Dad in the World"

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he’s pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he’s not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars–all in the same day.

Dick’s also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much–except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

“He’ll be a vegetable the rest of his life,” Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. “Put him in an institution.”

But the Hoyts weren’t buying it. They noticed the way Rick’s eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate.

“No way,” Dick says he was told. “There’s nothing going on in his brain.”

“Tell him a joke,” Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.”

Dick and Rick's story is one of not only courage, determination but most of all a story of love. The unconditional love a father has for his son. A love a son has for his father and the bond they have for each other because of this love.

I saw this story over three years ago, yet every time I watch it again I am inspired. Not only to be a better parent but to be a better person. To look in the mirror everyday and count my blessings. To realize that you can love someone so much that you would do anything for them....

Dick Hoyt demonstrates all that is good in humanity...all that is good in a father and friend. When you talk about a "love story" I think this one should be at the top of the list. Dick competes not for himself but for the love of his son and a chance to give him an opportunity to feel free from his disability. He is one of the most caring and compassionate men I have ever read of.

Pull up a chair, watch this amazing video of "Tea, Hoyt" and one of the greatest love stories ever told. When you wonder what true love is.....look no further than this remarkable story.

May you too be inspired.

Thought for Today....

Love is the beauty of the soul. ~ Saint Augustine

The traditions of Valentine's Day are many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates and jewelry are in order as is romantic dinners.

It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many a couple become engaged or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love. And for others to remembr the one they fell in love so long ago...

Love is the deep beauty of ones soul for which is only shared with few.... where you can hear forever the "Unchained Melody" that only true love hears.

Support Our Wounded Warriors...

There are men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day. So many come home as wounded warriors, their lives are forever changed. We owe them so much....they ask for nothing in return.

"Thank you" is never enough...but we can "Stand by Them" and help them by lending our support to projects like the Wounder Warrior Projects.....take the time to watch the video below and support our warriors.

There are many people who support our warriors both at home and abroad but there are some folks that are just special....Trace Adkins is one of those people. He has dedicated much of his time and money to helping our warriors. He takes time to honor them every chance he gets ...let him know how much we appreciate his support. Thank you Trace...Your kindness and generosity have not gone unnoticed. Watch the whole video ...especially the end. Amazing.

Support the Wounded Warrior Project

Thought for Today....

“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.” ~ Harvey MacKay

Take a look at how you spend your time...never waste it and make sure to take the "time" to spend with those you love...it may never come again...Are you working so much that you miss out on the precious time that can never be replaced , especially with your kids or spouse. Do not let time slip away....

Watch the below video which puts it all in perspective...........Daddy do you have 25.00 dollars.....

Ben Comen's Inspiration Story of Running

iFor every kid who has ever played sports, for every parent who has ever had a kid involved in sports this story is one of courage, inspiration and pride. Ben's inspirational story should be read and seen by all who play the game, who run the race....

Ben Comen holds the record as the slowest cross country runner in the United States of America. On a typical 3.1 mile race, he takes 40-42 minutes to complete the race. But there is a catch in this inspirational story. Ben Comen is not a normal runner.


Ben Comen is an 18 year old teenager who was born with cerebral palsy. Since he was young, he has limited control of his arms and stiffness in his legs that made running a strenuous task. When he sleeps, he has to wear a set of leg brace to keep his leg functioning properly. He attends regular physical therapy to ensure that he can lead as normal a life as possible. What is most amazing about this inspirational story is that Ben just wanted to run for his schools cross country team.

In all the races of this inspirational story of Ben Comen, he would line up with every other race participant at the start line. As soon as the starter's gun sounded, Ben would be quickly left behind to run on his own while the other runners powered ahead of him. Within the first few minutes, Ben would be running on his own over undulating terrain, slippery ground, around bends and turns of nature. Mostly, Ben is racing on his own trying to beat his personal best. That would be in the range of 40-42 minutes for a 3.1 miler.

The finishes of Ben in his races were always a sight to behold. As Ben approached the finish line at dusk, his accompanying runners, including his siblings would cheer him on and help him up when he faltered. It reminded us of scenes of war movies we saw, when the King or great leader would lead the cavalry charge ahead of his horsemen. In these inspirational stories, the King was the inspirational leaders ahead of his troops. Similarly, as Ben came in towards the finish line, he was the inspirational leader to the others running behind him.


Ben Comen's inspirational story is a humbling one to us all. If someone with cerebral palsy could have a dream and fulfill it, what more is called of those of us who are normal. Ben Comen has been running all his life. Not from something but towards something.

With all that seems to be wrong with sports in today's society....here we find something that is right. A coach who let this kid be part of the "team". Kids that made Ben feel like part of the "team". A mom and dad who allowed their child to be normal even in the face of adversity. A community who embraced someone who was different. A child who only wanted to finish the race. People who did the right thing....and made a difference in a young mans life.

Ben's story is very inspirational, it is hard not to tear up as you watch the video. He demonstrates such determination and yet just as inspirational is the love his friends show for this young man. Grab a tissue and enjoy this powerful video about courage, determination and love.

More than just a game....

While strolling along my facebook page today I came across the following story "Winning isn't everything" ..written about a circumstance involving Coach Mark Richt.

"

"I’ve been a football fan all my life and have called football games on the radio for the better part of 30 years. I know how important it is to win, especially in the Southeastern Conference, unquestionably the most dominant football league in the universe.

The Georgia Bulldogs’ most recent season wasn’t one most UGA fans will want to remember. The year ended with the first losing record of head coach Mark Richt’s career and, predictably, many Georgia fans were calling for him to be fired.

We’ve all seen coaches screaming at the top of their lungs at their players, many of them cursing with every other word. And, of course, some of them get away with it because they win on the field more than they lose, so their fans put their hands over their eyes and ears and say that it’s all OK.

A devout Christian, Richt has never been a screamer or a cusser. But some “experts” even criticized him for those aspects this year, saying that “top” coaches never bring their religion into play, that intensity and winning should be their primary focus. Basically, because he is a coach who prefers to let his actions speak louder than his words, he has been a target of criticism.

I want to share a little story with you that illustrates clearly there should be much more considered than whether or not he is winning more often than he is losing that measures the worth of a coach — and a man.

Three weeks ago, James Eunice of Valdosta went duck hunting on a big lake in Lowndes County called Ocean Pond. A 17-year old senior at Valdosta High School, Eunice was a talented baseball player who had already been accepted at the University of Georgia.

But as talented he was on the baseball diamond, Eunice was more passionate about football. He was an emotional leader on the most recent edition of Valdosta’s legendary Wildcats football team. And even though he wasn’t a star on the gridiron, his desire made him determined to be a part of the Bulldogs football team once he got to Athens.

So with that dream in his mind and burning in his heart, Eunice had written Richt a letter that spelled out his plan to walk on at UGA in the fall and be a Dawg.

At some point while on the before mentioned hunt, Eunice apparently fell out of his boat and drowned. His body was recovered on Jan. 31, and his funeral was held this past Saturday.

The Valdosta community was stunned. For a bright, young life so full of potential to be snuffed out so prematurely, lives across the board were shaken from their foundations.

For the last two years, Eunice’s Wildcats football teammate, Jay Rome, was one of the most highly recruited players in the nation. While all of the confusion and despair about Eunice was going on, Rome was one of the top players who committed to the University of Georgia. At the memorial service for his friend, Rome spoke. As part of his message, Rome read a personal letter written to the family from Richt.

Mind you, this was a letter written during perhaps the busiest period of the year for big-time college coaches — a time when they are crisscrossing the nation recruiting those players that will be the lifeblood of their programs for the coming years. For weeks at a time, they don’t see their own families while trying to convince top football players in every nook and cranny across America to come to their schools.

In the letter, the Bulldogs head coach opened up about his own heartbreak in learning of Eunice’s passing and also offered his most sincere prayers for the family. He also shared how he had been contacted by Eunice about his plans to walk on the Bulldogs football squad.

Richt stated that Eunice’s name had been added to the teams’ roster and he had officially “made the team.” The family was then presented an official UGA jersey emblazoned with "EUNICE" across the back, and “23” — the number Eunice wore at Valdosta.

Those gathered at the funeral for James Eunice stood, applauded — and cried.

I know if you are a head football coach at a major university you are supposedly paid to win. I understand that ultimately championships and such are your measuring stick, and that just goes with the territory.

But any human being who believes that any victory on the football field could be more important than what Richt just did for the family of a young man whose life ended much too soon needs to take a long look in a mirror.

Like football, life isn’t a game that should be solely measured by whether or not you lose or win. Rather, it should be measured by how you play the game and whether or not God’s rules are at the center of your performance, both on and off the field.

Coach, thank you for the reminder of that fact, one too many of us forget far too conveniently."

Thank you Chip for posting this for all to read. When all is said and done, no one can ever question the character or goodness of this wonderful man. I have read and heard of the countless times he has done these type things for kids, families and just fans. We as the bulldog nation are fortunate and blessed to have this type man as our Coach. I understand the frustration of the past few seasons, I do not like not finishing strong or even well. Yet with that said...if either of my kids had been given the opportunity to play at the college level , I would have been honored to have them play for such an honorable and decent man as Coach Richt. The likes of his character are far and few in the ranks today....we such count ourselves blessed to have him as an example for kids to look up to in this day and age.

Below I found two videos that are appropriate..one is about the young man who lost his life and the other is about another kids life who was changed by an act of kindness and goodness offered by Coach Richt.

Rest in Peace James...You will always be a Bulldog.

Thought for Today....

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Waldo Emerson

In life many times it is easier to take the path that has been well traveled. Follow the crowd, go the path everyone else travels. Yet, we do not take the time or effort to carve out our own path, a road or path less traveled leads to many a reward. Make a real difference...carve your own path in this world. Leave the trail that will show your life was more than just the well traveled road, it was a journey and the light at the end of the trail will shine forever.

A Feel Good Story....One Person Can Change a Life

While strolling through the internet I found the below story....

"On Tuesday night, Patty and Rick Parker were in their cramped kitchen with their 8-year-old son Ben. Dinner was over. Bedtime was near.

Ben’s twin brother, Sammy, lay on a cot in the narrow hallway just outside the kitchen. Unable to see or speak or control his limbs, he coughed or let out a little moan every now and then. Rick and Patty took turns feeding Sammy, who has cerebral palsy, through a stomach tube. He cooed when they kissed his face or stroked his cheek, and when they cooed back, he opened his mouth into a wide, joyful O.

A few feet away was the narrow, winding stairway that is the family’s biggest burden lately.

Which is where 17-year-old Rudy’s simple, life-changing act of kindness comes in.

Until recently, Rick carried Sammy up those 14 stairs to his bedroom each night. But a few months ago, Rick had major surgery for a life-threatening heart condition, and now he can’t lift much at all, let alone a 75-pound child."

What a wonderful example this young man is setting for us all. Would we take time out of our day to help someone else in this way? Can we brighten another person's day with a small act of kindness?

We hear so much about the kids of today, how they are not showing respect or dignity to others. Rudy is an exception. He shows what it means to give of ones self...pay it forward. Make it your goal to follow the example that Rudy has shown us, what it means to give of one's self. Make it a good day..think of what you can do to make a difference in someone else's life.

Thought for Today....

Patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet..~.Lida Clarkson

Some things just make you smile....this is one of them.....

The Tail that Did Not Wag....

I found this story on another blog and thought it was so sweet that I wanted to share it with you all ....

Four wiggling puppies spilled from the crate into the cage next door, tails waggling and happy yips puncturing the air. I sighed; they’d be snapped up as soon as ‘the people’ came this weekend.

It was a ritual I’d been through so many times I’d lost count. Every Saturday the dog pound opened its doors to ‘the people’, and every weekend many dogs went off to new homes and new lives.

But not me. Apparently I was too old and too sick for anyone want me. But how could I help my age, and this thing I had called diabetes? It wasn’t my fault. Bob, the man I had lived with for many years hadn’t minded. He called my medication ‘sweetie time’, and pushed it inside a piece of cheese. I knew it was there, of course. But I do like cheese.

Then Bob got sick and went to live with his daughter. That’s when I came here. I missed Bob but hoped I’d find a new home where someone would love me. But that was a long time ago now.

Saturday arrived and in came ‘the people.’ The other dogs barked; standing up, eager to see what was happening. I didn’t bother. No one would want me. They never did.

Sure enough, most people walked past my kennel without a second glance. Those who did stop muttered about my age or illness and walked on. I watched as one by one the puppies were picked up, cuddled, and went off to their new lives.
I closed my eyes, tried to sleep. Then I heard a voice close by

“He looks so sad. Dad, we can see him?”

I waited for the inevitable answer.

“Are you sure, Tommy? He’s an old guy, and he’s got diabetes.”
I sighed.

“I don’t care if he’s sick. I am too.”

I opened one eye to see a boy in a wheel chair. The boy was staring at me with wide, brown eyes. I raised my head, meeting his serious gaze.

My goodness. He knew! This boy knew exactly what it felt like to be thrown on the scrap heap through no fault of your own. How helpless that made you feel.
“I want him, Dad. He’s the one.”

“Are you sure, Son.?”

Before Tommy could answer, a lady walked over.

“This is him, Mum. He’s the one.”

Within minutes I was out of the cage and sporting a new collar and lead. Tommy it held tightly as his Dad wheeled him to their car. My car! Once Tommy was safely inside I noticed his Mum and Dad share a quick hug.

Soon we pulled up at my new home. Tommy held my lead and took me into the
back yard. The smells were amazing and I spent a contented hour or so adding my scent to my new territory.

Later that evening Tommy called me into his bedroom.

“You want to come up, fella?” He patted the bed beside him.

I’m old, but not that old. Bunching up all my strength, I leapt. Tommy grabbed and helped me up. He leant across to the table and picked up a plate.

“Don’t tell Mom and Dad,” he whispered. “D’you like cheese?”

For the first time in a long while, my tail began to wag.

Thought for Today....

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our choices and attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.

Take a look at your circumstance....Have you taken responsibility for your choices and your attitude. Maybe it is time to take a long look in the mirror. Change the choices you can , otherwise the bad ones you make may linger a lifetime....we have to take that step to make "good choices" the "right choices"....which did you make today.


Take responsibility for those choices, grow up and face them head on.... for only then will you see the light.

There is more to life if we only believe ..take time to look around at the "good" there is...the "right" choices make that possible....

Tomorrow is the Day.....

While for many it is Super Bowl Sunday and a day of fun and the "big game" but for me it will be a day to reflect on the life of one of the greatest men to ever grace our land. It would have been the 100th birthday of our beloved 40th President , Ronald Wilson Reagan.

Below is a tribute that is to be played at the Super Bowl to honor this wonderful man that lead this country to one its better times in history.

He left office more than two decades ago, but former President Ronald Reagan's mark on America has yet to fade.

To date, Reagan is the oldest man elected to the office of the presidency (at 69). In his first inaugural address on January 20, 1981, which Reagan himself wrote, he addressed the country's economic malaise arguing: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem."

Ronald Reagan was known as a staunch conservative, a cheery optimist, and an implacable foe of Soviet communism. He advocated lower taxes and higher defense spending, and aggressively challenged the Soviet Union. His ability to communicate is unmatched even to this day.

After leaving office in 1989, the Reagans purchased a home in Los Angeles in addition to the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara. In August 1994, at the age of 83, Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease,

In November he informed the nation through a handwritten letter....

"I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage." ~ Ronald Reagan

As we honor the man who talked to us about the "shinning city" upon the hill, may we remember his words to us in his farewell speech ....as President.

"You know, 4 years ago on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, I read a letter from a young woman writing to her late father, who'd fought on Omaha Beach. Her name was Lisa Zanatta Henn, and she said, "We will always remember, we will never forget what the boys of Normandy did." Well, let's help her keep her word. If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are." ~ Ronald Reagan~

Let us always remember what they did ...so we will know who we were, so we can always know who we are which is Americans. Let not our spirit falter or our patriotism wavier....never forget them they make us who we are yesterday, today and tomorrow.

In his letter to us about his diagnosis of Alzheimer's he also wrote...

"In closing let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President.

When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future." ` Ronald Reagan~

We wish you a Happy Birthday Mr.President, as we know you now celebrate somewhere over the rainbow where that city really shines....we look back and celebrate a life well lived. As you left us with a great love of country know that your country loved you and still does to this day. A man of honor, dignity and humility.

A love and respect of country, a love for Nancy that was so very special ....an example of true love.

You are a true American Hero.....you are missed, loved and will never be forgotten.