Texas Tech vs Coach Mike Leach: My stories/my arguments

Yesterday I was asked if I would write a story about the chaos brewing at Texas Tech University, but I was unable to for different reasons -mostly mental fatigue. Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about all things Texas Tech and how torn up I have been because of said chaos. I have been a fan since the age of 5, and I still firmly believe it is an excellent learning institution with much to offer and it continues to be competitive among other fine universities anywhere. This truly is an issue which could easily tear at the very fabric between fan and foe, but I for one refuse to allow it. Persons with close ties to the university are in shock over the firing of Coach Mike Leach and are experiencing some kind of disappointment and disdain and that is where I have been emotionally.

Today, however, I am in a better place spiritually and mentally and I have reached a resolution for myself that one can be for something without having to be against another; therefore because I am for Coach Leach does not mean I am against Texas Tech – the university. That the good ole boy saying which goes as such: “you are either with us or against us” is nothing but rubbish – just meaningless semantics with no real cause except to try to bully people. I do hold true to my beliefs of the other adage I posted yesterday on my FB wall which states: "A person who stands for nothing will fall for anything".

With that said and off my shoulders and with no more cross to bear, per se, this is my story.

As I began my morning ritual this morning, I kept thinking that I wish things were different in Red Raider land and that the public events which began Monday’s unfair suspension of Coach Mike Leach and his ultimate termination on Wednesday were just a dream. I say public events because the lynch mob, which is the Texas Tech brass, had already met and convened several days ago in regards to the Coach Leach allegations and had long ago decided on a “guilty verdict” and sentence to terminate his employment. Yep, they were going to show him! By the way the Tech brass, as I will refer to them going forward consists of: President Guy Bailey, Chancellor Kent Hance and Athletic Director Gerald Myers. They are the very culprits who paved the way for Coach Leach’s ultimate demise as head football coach of Texas Tech U. They are the ones who did the dirty deed yesterday and rid our university of the most successful Coach that our football program has ever had. How I would have preferred that the brass had instead extended an olive branch to Coach Leach and allowed him to tell his side of the story versus treating him like he had broken the Geneva Convention and been sending out orders of torture towards his players. This would be a non-issue if the school had been true to their own and allowed Coach Leach to tell his side of things first and foremost.

I do believe that this controversy was started by the Tech brass indeed when they listened to people (James family) who clearly never had Tech’s best interest in mind. The Tech brass began their witch hunt of Coach Leach and then had the audacity to believe that no one would care or pay attention to their unethical decisions against Coach Leach. Because the Tech brass did that, they had part in drawing a proverbial line in the dirt which in turn forced Tech fans/alumni to do what we thought was best. Thus “Team Leach” was formed and many of us have joined it in support of him. This is our stance and we stand true in our convictions and steadfast at what needs to be done. In the end, right is right and the Tech brass got it wrong as Coach Leach was “not afforded process” as he himself stated.

Coach Leach will have his day and the truth is certain to come out eventually, but for now, let's keep minds open as the Tech brass should have done and let due process run its course. I am not insinuating that the cited allegations should have been swept under the rug or kept hush-hush; no one is in support of torture of any player but this incident falls short of that by any means. As I stated above in reference to the Geneva Convention comment, Coach Leach broke no rules there - which has no bearing whatsoever on college ball, I merely used it to drive a point. Nope, no sir, no rules broken there much less any NCAA rules. In fact the NCAA says that they have nothing to do with said ordeal and are allowing Texas Tech to conduct their own in house investigation. If Coach Leach had indeed broken any rules by mistreating an injured player, the NCAA surely would have intervened and had their hands all over this issue - like “white on rice”! The Tech brass did need to listen to the allegations brought about by the James family, but they should have done it carefully and not so hastily…started out quietly (in house as the NCAA stated) and not made it so public so quick. It needed to be a lengthy process instead it was expedited. Coach Leach was not allowed the right which states one is innocent until found guilty. Unfortunately - it was vice versa and he was made to look guilty from the get-go stemming from actions that his own employers took against him.

Disappointedly so - in the end, this entire ordeal just places an ugly blotch on Texas Tech U. The Tech brass will be able to hide behind the curtain which is their authority and the James family will be allowed to continue their associations with the university (and ESPN) like things are okay and status quo. However, the reputations of the university, the football program and Raider Nation is forever tainted and perhaps jaded.  I for one would like to kindly request that Adam James be removed from the Red Raider football team immediately and not be take part in the Alamo Bowl, and that he then register and attend another university. As I write this, I do wish him well.

“Thank you” to all my family and friends (FB friends as well) who are joining me in support of Coach Leach.

Why Texas Tech fans and alumni have created and joined “Team Leach”:

As supporters of Coach Leach, we stand up for doing the right thing, we are not Tech haters, quite contrary, we still love our university. However, we are focused on our university also doing the right thing and siding with someone who has been with them for 10 years and has brought a lot of fame and fortune their way versus siding with a player (Adam James) who has not established himself as a football player or shown any signs of siempre fidelis to Texas Tech and their football program. Adam has rather shown signs of laziness and entitlement because of who his father (Craig James) is. By the way, Craig (the helicopter dad) was neither ethical himself when he played football at SMU nor did he leave behind a reputable legacy for Adam to follow. As part of the “pony express”, Craig accepted illegal-financial-hand-outs by SMU alumni which lead directly to the “death penalty” brought upon SMU by the NCAA. Craig himself is a persona non grata at SMU as I am afraid Adam will become at Texas Tech. I don’t blame the James family for Coach Leach being fired as they clearly do NOT have that kind of clout no matter what they may want to think in that narcissistic world of theirs. The Tech brass is merely using them as an end to a means.

Why Texas Tech should have been more patient:

The brass should have waited for the Alamo Bowl to conclude and then set forth with its investigation to involve all parties…James, Leach, other coaches, trainers, players and parents! Doing all of this before an important bowl game is ludicrous. It messes with the mindset of players and coaches to finish the season on a positive note. It just makes the Tech brass appear like money hungry mongrels hell-bent on keeping Coach Leach from getting any monies owed to him. Never mind what it does to the recruiting aspect as potential players become leery of attending a university with so many issues at hand. Coach Leach, although at times different and maybe quirky, drew players to our university who otherwise might not have given Tech a second look. The immature brass at Tech acted like keepers of the flame; they agreed to punish Coach Leach long ago when his contract was extended earlier this year. That was when they decided to deal a mighty blow to Coach Leach, and like the vultures they have been portraying, to look out for anything and everything that would help their plight to rid themselves of this successful Coach. Thus, in December 2009 do enter the James family and said allegations…do let the witch trials begin, my friends.

Why Coach Leach should remain Head Coach of the Texas Tech football program:

Let us not forget that under Coach Leach, the football program enjoyed a very high graduation rate…the last few years having been in the top 10 nationally, but number one among public institutions. A huge turn-around from when he took over the program and Tech was on NCAA probation. Plus, he helped take Tech to a bowl game each of the 10 years under his helm. We had winning records every year under Coach Leach. More Tech football players began to get drafted into the NFL. Tech ticket sales increased for sure and not just for home games, but for away games. That in itself was an awesome feat. People can watch bowl games now and see as many or more Texas Tech fans in the crowd. This year’s Alamo Bowl sold out twice, and who was the majority of the fan base to buy it out each time? Yes, Texas Tech. There is so much that Coach Leach did for our university. As fans and alumni, we know his resume and his accolades, but for anyone else wishing to research his accomplishments, google it for there are many. Plus, under Coach Leach we were not just fans, we became more like a family. Raider Nation and Raider Power took on a deeper meaning, and our pride increased. Our popularity increased as well, sometimes because of the quirky coach, but most often because our football program had finally arrived and they were winning more games - not just the games they were supposed to win, but important and significant games. Under Coach Leach, Tech started giving the bigger schools in the Big 12 and around the country a run for their money in many facets of the game - especially in the logistics that is football. Lest we not forget Pirate Nation! Coach Leach brought that tradition to our university and the camaraderie which ensued was awesome. What is our Pirate Nation without Captain Leach?!! It is nonsensical under the helm of any other coach. It will become another awesome tradition lost due to the Tech brass who wanted to save some money. The brass who never did partake in the Pirate Nation tradition which in turn makes me question if they were ever on the Raider Nation bandwagon.

Why Texas Tech AD, Gerald Myers must resign or also be terminated:

I am especially citing Gerald Myers for using the James family ordeal to terminate Coach Leach because it was Myers who first wanted to hire Coach Leach then became indignant with Coach Leach in years to come because he never joined “Country Club Myers”. Furthermore, Coach Leach refused to succumb to being a “yes man”; he did things his way as a head coach should be allowed. No decent coach would ever agree to play the role of marionette. In further stating my views of Myers and his inabilities as an Athletic Director, it was Myers who proceeded to get Coach Bob Knight hired even when Indiana University fired him and no other institution wanted him. But, because Myers was a friend of Coach Knight, Myers disregarded Bob’s reputation for being hard on players. At the beginning of being hired by Myers, Bob Knight brought a lot of fame to Tech but little glory half-way through his contract and almost none in the end. The Tech men’s basketball team suffered severely under Knight as many good players gradually left the team for obvious reasons directly relating to Knight’s treatment of them. Our team diminished in power through the years under Knight and as victories became fewer, they were usually over-shadowed amidst controversies that be Coach Knight. This was a coach who blatantly mistreated his players, but he was allowed to retire his position in his own time as head coach of the Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Program and even allowed to name his replacement long before he retired. The replacement Knight named was his son, Pat Knight, whom I strongly do support and wish well.

So what is my point regarding Myers not being a good AD for Texas Tech?  That he allows a coach like Bob Knight (whom I do respect and support), with a long-storied reputation for being hard on his players and whom has had numerous grievances filed against him, to remain employed as a coach for Tech.  But then takes part in firing Coach Leach whom has never had such allegations brought forth against him in nearly 10 years with Tech prior to James.  That deal stinks but will not go away, Mr Myers, you will be next if Raider Nation has anything to do with it.

Family members we missed this Christmas day.

Another year-another Christmas. Everything went well this year and all the Dominguez family once again gathered at my Mom's home in Big Spring to celebrate another Xmas holiday. The usual suspects were there sans my niece, Michelle, and her husband. Also missing were my two nephews, Gilbert and his new family; they spent the holiday at their home in San Francisco. My other nephew who was missing was Jay; we hope he is home next year to celebrate with us as he was sorely missed as were his comedic ways. My brother, his wife and their 3 sons (Rudy III, Christopher & Jacob) were also not there but missed just as much. To add, his second oldest son, Christopher, is in Afghanistan via the Army doing a second tour of duty. Many blessings and God speed to him while he is there and may he come home safe, sound and soon.

Another awesome Christmas for the record books!

Anyway as is the "norm" in my family, Mom's home was jammed-packed with loved ones. Mom, my four sisters (Aurora, Betty, Josie & Eva), and I were there including our respective spouses, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren - with the exception of the ones aforementioned who were unable to join us in our annual Xmas folly this year for different reasons. I was in awe as I looked across the room and thought about how our family has been so blessed and how it has grown so much in size. With the addition of my great-great nephew, Ayden, this year - our family is now into our 5th generation. I plan to write an article for a local media outlet who requested I do so as 5th generation-based stories are rare and of human interest for the avid reader. BTW: Ayden was born to my great niece, Dominique, on June 25th. 3 days after my birthday (23rd); he was born on the very day that the great Farrah Fawcett passed away due to cancer. Oh, yeah, Michael J. also died that day.

Anyway, like I said, my family and I did partake in our usual follies...one has to be witness to appreciate what I mean, but we do have a great time. We gather on Christmas Eve and everyone eats until their hearts content as everyone pitches in a variety of foods to compliment the food Mom has already prepared. Oh and how there are a bunch of desserts from which to pick from as well. All kinds of edibles one could imagine -sweet, sweet'n'sour, surf'n'turf, hot'n'spicy - is strewed out on the stove, the counter tops, the table, even some making their way onto the washer and dryer because there are so many. As those who did not attend mass await those who did, we keep ourselves occupied closely watching out for the church-goers to finally arrive so we can first eat before we start tearing open all the many gifts placed under the awesome tree. Again I give thanks but for the many gifts which clearly stretch a good 15 ft diameter under the tree which is a pretty big pre-lit one that towers a good 7.5 ft in size. Because of all the gifts each member of the family has brought, it makes the tree seem almost diminutive in size . Despite the bad economic times this world is currently experiencing, our tree does not denote such set-back, but for that we acknowledge the luck we have had rather than being petty and proud of having such things because now is a time to remember so many who have so little and to give thanks and appreciation for what we were able to have because no one knows when that could come to a halt for any of us.

A long while after the clock struck midnight and brought in this day of Christmas, everyone at Mom's knew somewhat of the gifts Santa and his helpers had brought them this year. Even after we all gathered for the holiday at Mom's, many of us still had more presents to open up as each respective family gathers again in various homes to open more presents immediately following this first celebration.  That adds to our great fortune this year, and I continue to be thankful and hopeful.  I hear this year brought more electronics than ever as some received their much anticipated laptops, Wii(s), Playstation3s, X-box3s, PSPs, DSs, MP3s, MP4s, HDTVs, Droids, Iphones...I received several Bollywood DVD's and was ecstatic to see my DVD collection grow to the point where I have to keep it catalogued.
In reflection of Christmas 2009 come and gone, it makes me giggle as I think about how much time and care that goes into wrapping of the gifts, and how it takes just seconds to tear them open with probably little thought being given to how pretty the box looked all draped in Xmas paper attire.  As the gifts are opened, the culprits that are us begin to create another layer of flooring - Christmas wrapper flooring - across Mom's living room and foyer. My sister's and I usually take the lead and ensure that all left-over wrapping, bows, boxes, etc is carefully placed into trash bags before we leave or Mom won't let us go (ha,ha).  We also do this to prevent too much chaos at the end because as careful as we are to make certain that no gifts are thrown away...trust me, in our family, this has been an occurrence for the past few years to have a gift accidentally thrown away.  It is guaranteed to happen each year so we now deem it a family tradition only now we await to see who will fall victim to such said event. This year it was yours truly and my cat. (story about that to follow).

Anyway, another successful Christmas...many blessings...much happiness - yea!

Dude, where's our Xmas gifts?!!

As I wrote in the post above, our family Christmases are always surrounded with lots of people so that when it comes time to open up presents, chaos almost breaks out in the form of lost Xmas presents.  This year it was moi and my cat who fell victim to the lost present's bandit.  With over 20 adults and over 20 children gathered at Mom's when we open gifts, it can easily be that someone will accidentally take someone else's gift by mistake or it can be accidentally thrown away.  Each year we separate every one in such a way that each person has her/his own little space for which she/he may open up gifts.  For the most part it works out okay except for the one or two gifts which get lost in the shuffle somehow.  This year, I thought I was being "slick-Willy" by retrieving silently into a corner where the foyer turns into the living room.  All the furniture had been placed back onto different walls to give us more floor space so all could spread about and such.  My Mom hates the look of furniture backed onto walls, but for this day, we opt for that arrangement for obvious reasons.  Anyway since I thought my gifts would be safe, after I opened up all my stuff I left it carefully placed in said corner and began to assist with putting trash into bags so we could control the amount of litter in the room(s).  I even helped my great-nephew, J.J., pack away his presents.  Yes, I even helped him with his UT Longhorn stuff; some of which Sara and I bought him since we support collegiate interest of all kids in our families even if it is not Texas Tech. 

(on a tangent...We just want the kids to go to college, but I am happy and proud to say that 24 out of 25 nieces, nephews (great & great-great) are Tech fanatics.  Especially Rudy, Erica, Felicia, Alex and Gabby they will not start any smack-talk but if anyone is stupid enough to start in on them and try to put down anything Texas Tech, watch out.  Yes, indeedy, their Auntie Dora is proud of them for that!)

Anyway, my gift and my cat Caty's gifts went missing.  The weird thing was that both gifts were from my sister, Eva, and my niece, Felicia.  Even funnier---both gifts ended up being accidentally taken by the same family member my other sis', Betty, but she did not find them until they went back to their home.  Eva's hubby Philip retrieved my gift that same night, but we are still waiting for Betty's son, Rudy (my nephew) to bring Caty's gift over.  At least we know where it is and who has it.

Don’t forget the furry-family members at Xmas time!

Each year our family remembers each others furry-family members, and this year we added several more to the Xmas list. Aside from almost 40 family members who received gifts this year, there were 2 cats, 8 dogs, 1 turtle and 2 horses.

Cats (our cat, Caty; Felicia's cat, Noey)

Dogs (Alex's 2 dogs, Shadow & Spirit; Rudy's 2 dogs, Jackson & Mike; Erica & Nick's 3 dogs, Lola, Emma, Ricco; and Betty's dog, Casper)

Turtle (Felicia's mini turtle, Squirt)

Horses (Erica's 2 horses, Red & Raider)

Where Have All the Young Stars gone...

In remembrance of Brittany Murphy, 32, who passed away earlier today, Sunday 12-20-09.

(click on each pic for IMDb bio, open in a new tab or window)

I posted on my FB wall that she, like Heath Ledger, was much too young when they died. Heath passed away last January 2008 at the age of 28. Brittany was found collapsed in her shower at the West Hollywood home which she shared with her British screenwriter husband of 2 years, Simon Monjack. The LA Times writes that she suffered a massive heart attack, but hospital sources refused to comment. Additional reports state that Brittany was found in full cardiac arrest and that attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. She was rushed to Cedars-Sanai Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m according to a hospital spokeswoman. TMZ media sources said it was her beloved mother who found Murphy and Brittany's husband who called the LA City Fire Department. The rumormill started out quickly after her death was announced by the LA Times- as is expected in Hollywoodville - alleging anorexia, drugs, and such just like when Heath died last year; his an alleged drug overdose . Many blogs, forums and trash mags all too ready to cite the negative and unproven which is why I am dedicating this post to the late Brittany Murphy in order to shed a brighter light on her career and her life.

Whatever the causes were behind the untimely death of each respective actor, let's not forget that they were still someone's loved one and several broken hearts remain amiss. Somewhere out there survives many a loved one, a close friend, and a grateful fan who will continue to love and will forever miss each one of these brilliant actors. Yes, each one much too young to die especially near or at the prime of their craft, but each one leaves behind a legacy perhaps bigger and surely longer than the short-life they were allowed. Today I remember Brittany Murphy and the movies she made which made me laugh, cry, etc...several emotions brought about but never a disappointment to me. My final thought on the death of Brittany...'what a loss!'

Other actors we lost earlier this year whom were especially endearing to me for different reasons... Natasha Richardson, Farrah Fawcett...

Today I also remember my beloved nephew, Philip Guzman Jr, who passed away May 4th, 2000. Click on his pic to view the blog I dedicated to him...

[JavaSpecialists 100] - Java Programmers aren't Born

[JavaSpecialists 100] - Java Programmers aren't Born

Remember the Alamo...the Alamo city, that is!

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Well, here is my story. Many of you have been asking me what it was about and when was I going to write about it. After many months of going back and forth with issues surrounding this problem, I am finally in a lucid state through-out all the madness surrounding said ordeal and am in spiritual place where I can write about it without getting irate all over again. Before I begin, I want to encourage everyone reading this post to always keep all your paperwork in a safe place for an indefinite time, no matter what it may pertain to, because the proof it provides could come back to save you later in life. Trust me, I know!

As you know, I lived in the fair city of San Antonio for several years and came back in 1995 to be with my family in west Texas. This past April, the city of Midland-where I now reside-was hit by a terrible thunderstorm which brought with it lots of hail, large hail. I had to get a new roof for my home and the workshop in the backyard. During all of this my birthday came and went in June (yes, it took over 8 weeks to bring the roof issue to fruition); Sara and I even took my niece, Alex, and her friend, Danielle to San Antonio for the Vans Warped Tour in early July. Anyway, I forgot to renew my driver license on my birthday (June 23rd) and had to get Sara to drive me to the local DMV to get it renewed upon our return from the SA trip. I especially needed my DL because I was opening up a second banking account with Chase because my bank of over 15 years, Bank of America, was difficult to work with during the roofing fiasco so I was going to show them they were "personas non grata". Without a current DL I could not get another account, that was when I finally realized I had allowed my DL to expire.

Well, long story short, Sara drove me to the DMV and I waited in line for what seemed like hours, which is no surprise. I waited only to be told that my DL was flagged and not eligible for renewal. I was given an 800 number to call because the DMV did not know why I was denied the renewal.

Well, it turns out that the city of San Antonio, the city I loved and wanted to move back to one day, put the block on my DL. They (city) alleged that I had 2 traffic tickets that supposedly went unpaid so it showed me as "fta" (failure to appear). The tickets dated all the way back to October of 1993...YES, 1993!!! I fought the issue for months because it is so not like me to ignore such a thing. I don't mess around with the law and in the past, whenever I did get tickets, I paid them right away. To add, since those said tickets in 1993, I have never received a driving citation of any kind (knock wood). I spoke to an Attorney whose services I often use in Big Spring, Texas and to several other people. As part of the Pre-Paid Legal team, I even took advantage of the tools within our community as well. Turns out that in Texas, traffic tickets have no statute of limitations so they (TX) can go back as far as they want and charge people for tickets they (TX) allege are unpaid. Like I said, I fought it for months mainly because I did not agree that I had allowed the 2 tix to go unpaid. I was not willing to pay for something I did not believe I would have neglected. By this time, it was not a monetary issue but a matter of principle.

Half-way through arguing my case, I was no longer sure I would win. Since I did not want to drive to SA to appear before court, I first asked for "deferred disposition" and was granted it (10-01-09). I then got the mayor of San Antonio (his office staff) and some nice and caring City Council members involved and in the end I changed my request for "deferred disposition" to "deferred adjudication" (11-03-09). The fines for each respective traffic ticket were reduced by a lot (cannot say how much for obvious reasons). Since I did not want to drive to San Antonio for a court hearing and since I could neither provide proof of having paid the two tickets, I decided to meet them half way. I would be allowed to renew my DL as soon as I paid the fines and such which I did pay on 11-09-09 thanks to my Mom's encouragement. I was thankful to the City Council members who intervened on my behalf and to the Mayor for making sure my issue was handled.

The week before Thanksgiving Day, my niece, Erica, had a business/training trip in Austin so Sara and I went along with her. By going to Austin - our state capitol, where my driving record data was being stored via Omnibase, I could make sure in person that my record was cleared and I could then renew my DL in person. I also had a huge opportunity to work with the State of Texas so it was more important than ever by this time that I have my DL. I was indeed able to renew my DL by the end of that Austin trip. I was so nervous when I was getting it. I kept making stupid mistakes and kept waiting for someone to pop out from the back of the DMV office and tell me I was being punked or arrested. I left there like a kid in a candy store. I jumped up and down outside the office and hugged Sara and was laughing like an idiot - I am sure. I called my Mom first since she was my rock through-out this 4+ month ordeal. Then I sent a text to all my family & friends who knew the situation and were awaiting news about my DL renewal. Everyone sent a congratulatory text reply right away.

Last week I finally received my actual DL via snail-mail, and I showed it off to everyone and re-told the story to anyone who would listen to it. My loved ones were so happy for me as always and glad to see me driving again. So...think about what consequences we may endure when we throw away any paperwork, no matter how old it might be. Please, please, please, to everyone who reads this - keep my story in mind and tell everyone you know about it and hold onto your paperwork. I usually do that myself for taxes, medical purposes, insurance records, you know - the obvious. But it never occurred to me that I should have to hold on to proof of paid traffic tickets dating back to over 16 years. Going forward, I will hold onto all tangible proof for anything and everything. As unlucky as I thought I was leading up to all of this nonsense, I concluded that I was just as lucky for never having had an arrest warrant issued in the 16 years and for never having been arrested. My record was flagged but never issued a warrant; apparently it fell through the system and somehow popped up this year. I still stand tall and proud and will say that I know I paid the tickets in 1993.

In closing my dear readers, remember that in Texas and many other states, there is no statute of limitations for traffic tickets. Big Brother can and will come for you for anything they allege is not paid...it is up to you to prove otherwise if the occasion ever arises, and I hope it does not because it totally wreaks.

I bid you all well and...Remember The Alamo (the city and Dora's terrible ticket issue).

BTW: For those asking...YES, I still like the city of San Antonio.

Because I felt like it - or NOT!

I have had people asking me why I haven’t posted a story on this blog in a long time. I really don’t have a good answer for that except that I just haven’t been in the mood. My writing of late has mainly been devoted to other blogs and sites and has lead to the neglect of my own. Any bit of inspiration for contributing to my own “e-opus” has been sucked from my brain due to exhaustion, but I shall no longer allow exhaustion -or the hint of it- to stifle me and keep me from posting stories on my own blog. I feel ready to write a story this evening so here it goes (following this post). I hope everyone will enjoy it and please do comment if you feel inspired…good or bad, it is always welcomed. It makes a good writer even better, wouldn’t you say (rhetorical).

Xmas or Christmas: Apropo or not? Materialistic or not?.

I was thinking about Christmas and all the traditions and/or controversies which surround it. That then lead me to ponder about the usage of the term Xmas in lieu of the longer word Christmas. Wrong, right or just plain ole semantics? Well, it is not black or white when you really think about it. To many people Xmas is not the same as Christmas and thus - should never be used or substituted. Many who oppose the term Xmas feel like it is in some way sacrilegious to use it instead of Christmas. On the other hand, many people do not have a problem with using the term Xmas. All persons have their own respective reason(s) for believing one way or another. No one is right or wrong.

Each year of the 43 years of my life, I have seen and been witness to the very idea that people have tainted the meaning of the holiday. The material side with Santa having the leading role, makes it just another paganistic holiday. Millions of people agree that this is so. So to us, it matters not if people use Xmas or Christmas. It is just another holiday taken for granted by millions of people to show off their financial success by presenting loved ones, friends, co-workers, etc. with elaborate gifts. Or for those less fortunate, a time that financial institutions grossly take advantage of the consumer and make all types of loans which people obviously cannot afford. Overall, the holiday has resorted to being an opportunity for people to make up for their short-comings and such. The idea of honoring the birth of Christ has completely gone awry with Xmas being the most materialistic holiday on the calender.

In closing, it really and truly just astounds me how so many people get upset when one abbreviates Christmas with Xmas. I used to be naive myself and among those who denounced such usage of the word until I delved further into the myths surrounding the whole controversy. I found out that the letter X, in reference to the Greek letter (chi), was often used in reference to Christ. It is an abbreviation for the name Christ which in Greek is Χριστός. Maybe instead of getting irate over the wording of certain things, especially when not meant to be derogatory, people should try being nicer to one another. Maybe we should strive to be better human beings. Instead of showing off our money and success to loved ones, we should be more humble for it and try to share it with strangers who are in dire straits. After all, it is easy to share one's wealth and success with those close to us, but I believe it takes a bigger person to share his/her blessings with strangers.

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However people decide to celebrate it is respective. All I want to add is that Christ wanted his death to be celebrated, he never did ask for his birthday to be remembered especially NOT on such a grandiose level.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

As we all are fortunate enough to gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving Day, let us see each other in a different light. Make it a point to speak to those who you usually avoid or just make small talk with - talk to that one person or persons and find out as many different things as you can. Who knows, it might make you appreciate them or yourself even more. A college professor once said that one should strive to learn a little about a lot of things instead of a lot about a limited amount of things because by doing that, you will always be able to communicate with more people. More topics you know about, the more conversations you are able to have with many others. In other words, do not limit yourself to certain things. I have taken that to heart through-out the years and have opened myself up to different things and people that I might not have otherwise given second thought to in the past. I have been lucky to meet so many people and to make so many friends - lifelong friends. Plus, I have been able to learn things about current loved ones and continue to learn (vice versa).

Things I am thankful for this year are many and varied, but I always revert back to being thankful for loved ones. Long ago I lived in San Antonio and was not always able to go home for the holidays and I missed it. Since having moved back close to my family, I try hard not to take it for granted. Most people who know me realize what great importance I place on my loved ones. Family, friends, they are all the same...to me, family consists of people who are in your life no matter what and those who would do as much for you as you would do for them...no room in my life for fair-weather friends. I have been blessed with loved ones who are caring, mindful, and loving; those who will listen when you just need an ear, those who will help when you ask them for it and those who will move heaven and earth when you have been silent with your needs because they "just know".

I adore my family and I look forward to spending time with them no matter what the occasion may be. Being a rather large family, large in how many of us there are, that is - we can guarantee that we will gather at least twice a month to celebrate birthdays along with the usual other holidays. But, somehow Thanksgiving Day is different. Sure each celebration is fun and unique but there is something about this particular day, a day where we gather to give thanks and partake of a rather large and ugly fowl, that makes being with loved ones extra special. I know it is to give thanks, but isn't that obvious, there is something much more involved with this holiday. Whether it makes you crazy trying to get ready for it or if certain relatives drive you nuts because of their set ways which often leaves you having to come up with a "plan B", on the actual day and time that everyone sits down and begins to eat, you find that certain peace which can only be found on this day. All the trouble you went through is worth it. You look at each person and inside you give thanks for that special thing they did or said during the year that no one else did for you. You get all warm and grateful on the inside that these people are still part of your life and that the good Lord has indeed blessed you because that certain person is still part of this holiday's gathering. You are more blessed on this day/this holiday more than any other because it is a time to see what you have rather than what you don't or what you wish you had. Your blessings are mulitplied on this day when giving thanks. Remember that one cannot be blessed with too much until they are thankful for what they already have.

I am thankful for being the most wealthy person in the world on this Thanksgiving Day celebration. My family is healthy and happy. Plus, we have all gathered yet another year to indulge in our vices as we share in the good eats everyone has prepared and we get to enjoy each other's company one more time because one never knows when the last time will be the last time. So...please join with me to honor the many things and persons in our lives this Thanksgiving Day. Join with me that we are all equally wealthy with what we still have in our lives!

ENJOY THANKSGIVING DAY, EVERYONE!

The story many of my FB friends have been waiting 4

I am almost to the point to where I can blog about it. For now, all I can or will say is everyone hold onto all your paperwork. Legal, medical, work-related, whatever...keep it all and keep it for as long as you can - forever would be best. In other words, in quoting the mighty Buzz Lightyear..."to infinity and beyond"...keep it for infinity and beyond.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: Samhain/Old Irish!

The ancient festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in), the origin of Halloween that celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and the beginning of the "darker half." The meaning denotes the end of the harvest and the end of summer. The beginning of dark, cold winter times often marked with human death.
BTW, the definition of Samhaim, it is a Gaelic festival or another Irish name or Scottish Gaelic name for November. Another one of its meanings is disambiguation. Disambiguation means to remove the ambiguity from; to make unambiguous. Ambiguous means doubtful, uncertain, lacking clarity of meaning or open to more than one interpretation.
Read the history on the following post:

Ancient Origins of Halloween: The Real Story of Halloween.

Ancient Origins of Halloween - The Real Story of Halloween - History.com

Ancient Origins of Halloween - The Real Story of Halloween - History.com

Mark Sanchez rocks: let the "hot dog" player eat a hot dog!

Via today's Facebook wall post I wrote the following:

Dora D. Carey...is wondering why the sport's pundits have nothing better to do today than to criticize Mark Sanchez for eating a hot dog on the sidelines during the Jet's/Raider's game. I love watching Mike & Mike (Greeney & Golic) first thing each morning at 5AM. Greeney defends Mark while Golic thinks Mark could have chosen a power bar to eat. They make me laugh. I think Nathan's should let Mark endorse their dogs. (lol)

Although I am a Dallas fan (have been since I was a little girl), I am really fond of Mark Sanchez even if he is a NY Jet. I followed his career kinda late when he played at USC. It is this blogger's personal belief that Mark was not really allowed to grow as a player under Coach Carroll thus his abilities were a bit over-shadowed by his past USC predecessors at the QB position...Leinart, Palmer, Booty (shout out to RB-Reggies Bush).

Bottom line is, the sport's world of late should have more important things to worry itself about than which player is eating what on the sidelines. I realize what the implications of eating on the sidelines could have if a player were eating something really gross or just out of bad taste (pardon the pun). But, Mark was just eating a hot dog. It was the quickest, fastest edible item that someone thought of handing over to him when he claimed how hungry he was. Mark had a quesy stomach before the game and therefore was unable to eat so it is understandable that he was famished during the game. Besides, they were beating the Oakland Raiders and beating them quiet handily. Mark was clearly not finished playing for the day, but he was in dire need of food replenishment. He ate it as quickly as he could and he did try to do so as discreetly as he could. It was the cameras who honed in on what he was doing. Give the guy a break.

So...after Sanchez being successfully picked up in the draft (against Carroll's wishes & prediction), getting a very good contract with a decent NFL team, and starting off his rookie year on a pretty good note...the best that the sport's world can do right now is pick on him for eating a stupid hot dog on the sidelines. Not like it occurred in the middle of a huddle. Besides, do any of us even know what the players (any of 'em - NFL, NBA, MLB) are really drinking in those Gatorade-laden cups?

The Sanchez/hot dog story blows my mind, and just makes me narrow it down to a laugh because I know Mark is better than this. However, it makes me leary that the media does not concentrate on positive, feel-good stories; the kinda stories which give us the "warm fuzzies". They are always too focused on the negative players and their negative actions. I welcome the spotlight for once going to an NFL player who did something good for his community and such. Those kind of stories are out there - I read about them all the time, BUT I have to search for them...usually when doing research for freelance writing gigs. Sadly those kind of stories do not usually headline any ESPN shows or other sport's shows or AP posts. I am proud of Mark Sanchez; he does a lot for the Latino community just by being the caliber player and the stand up guy he is. Viva Mark Sanchez!

STUPID ECONOMY: My niece Alex said it best.

If today's on-going, rotten economy is indicative of what we are going to continue seeing for several more months -maybe years - to come, then we had all better brace ourselves and start planning accordingly.

This writer is no stranger to the negative effects that the economy has had to persons world-wide. Those who know me already know my dilemma so I won't bore anyone with details about it. All I will say is that people need to start saving as much money as they possibly can each paycheck. If you can put aside $5 here and there, it is better than spending it on frivolous things you really don't need. I facetiously stated $5 because it is quite obvious that people need to put aside more than $5 at a time, but maybe I am not too far removed from the financial ails of people and I can see that $5 could actually be the most that people can really put aside. Maybe most cannot even afford that. Whatever amount can be saved one week or bi-week is good because the time will come when those $5 or more will come in very handy.
Going forward in my adult life, I will listen more to what my Mom has to say and what advice she has to offer as she is the wisest person with the best foresight of anyone I have ever known. Since the new millennium began, Mom has been telling my siblings, me, their kids, friends...most everyone whom she had contact with to start saving our money, to be less carefree with our money and more frugal with our expenses; to buy groceries & everyday necessities (IE: sundries) in bulk for the hard times because the hard times were coming and coming fast. My Mom has been doing just that - doing just as she recommended that others do and she has prepared her household for those hard times which indeed did rear its ugly face and everyone is clearly seeing its effects if not also feeling its awful effects. She has helped feed others who fell short of being able to buy food, and loaned money as she could afford it herself. She has been a life-saver to many, many people. Her pantry is like a grocery store. My siblings and I are often the beneficiaries of her pantry and we can often grocery shop for the essentials straight out of her pantry. As for the recession that Mom kept forecasting for years & years, it took a few years to finally hit, but they are here. In actuality, my Mom saw the economy start to decline & she was quite vocal about it long before the un-necessary war of "W's" that saw fuel prices sky-rocket, long before the Lehman Bros. fiasco, long before the diabolical home loan/predatory lending scandals, long before bank bail outs and car industry plummeting sales, my Mom predicted the economy going sour long ago and was not afraid to tell people. Our ignorance to even acknowledge such an occurrence was probably born out of fear. Fear that she was right and none of us would be prepared for it.
I am certain that several people thought my Mom was being overly cautious or just paranoid. I am ashamed to admit that those thoughts crossed my mind from time to time, but I respected her views and opinions because she did have a history of being right. She had long been right about many things that most of us would not even want to think about. My Mom got it right as did many older people who have been through the great depression or similar. Those very people who went through worse times than we are seeing now, those people who have made a mental note of past bad times in order to prevent from repeating them. Those older people -our elders - who have since prepared for bad times each and every year. Who better than that generation, my dear Mom's generation, to be able to see when the bad times were coming AGAIN? After all, they had to live through and endure through the world-wide, financial collapse that came to be known as the Wall Street Crash of 1929; the very inciter of the great depression which saw several years of financial windfalls of epic proportions. My Mom's generation lived it, and they remembered it every day until things got better but as they moved forward they proceeded with great caution. The very caution that present day has eluded to once again. Did people forget what catastrophic events had to occur before the world recovered from the great depression? The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and in doing so they... "awakened the sleeping giant". WWII and all that ensued was apparently what brought an end to the great depression.

The United States has since then fallen asleep on too many occasions. The signs were ignored back then just as they went ignored this past decade. The demise of the financial world for the new decade, the new millennium would begin the minute "W" was "selected" by the Supreme Court (SC). Sara, my Mom and I hung our heads and agreed that nothing good would ever come of that man's appointment by the SC to President of the United States. Sara and I agreed that war would soon come our way. We said this even before the attacks of 9-11. For months we said that and hoped we be proven wrong until "W" announced war against a sovereign nation and pushed aside the real culprits behind the 9-11 attacks. Only the gas companies and certain construction companies would benefit from this wrong & cumbersome war. Fuel stocks soared and the Wall Street "bull" was happy and the "bear" was sad, but patient for his turn would come soon. Oil barrel production and prices would increase and hit extremely high prices that were really questionable, but no one did anything about it; shame on Congress. The "no bid contracts" made companies like Halliburton richer than ever; it was a damned monopoly and still no questions would come from Congress. The Senate waited for the House to make a move which would never come because the House sat on its laurels.
ANYway, the "W" administration was the worst one to date. "W's" reign began the descent of our country's financial system, of our country's reputation, and of our empire. His lack of action in some areas and his over-reaction in others was just too much. There was never any balance to his administration/reign. Our country would slowly start to spiral downward and it would have a domino effect on the rest of the world. During his reign is when financial institutions began their sorry attitudes of entitlement. No one was watching them anyway, all eyes were on the war and how it was being mishandled. The Lehman Bros. fall was not the beginning of present day recession, this recession started way back on January 20th, 2000...then for the next 8 years, things would just get worse as would the ignorance. I read a book once and in one of the chapters the author referred to a certain theory that touched upon the effect of "a man with no plan but who gains much power is a dangerous one". That theory and description is how I will always remember "W".
I bring this up because it makes me mad that so many people are suffering right now through no fault of their own. So many things could have been done to prevent this recession. I know there are always other people who have it so much worse; those who have nothing, but let me remind readers that had things been caught and tended to during the "W" years, these needy people could have been helped and helped big.
As I think about those who have nothing, I think how much they could have had. As I think of those who had a lot and lost it, I think how much could have been done to prevent it. As I think of the privileged that still have everything and had a hand in the recession, I think about the negative Karma they have invited into their lives and I feel sorry for them. One day they will see the error of their ways and maybe admit a little guilt for this stupid economy.

Recession takes its toll on local, small business owners.

Sara told me a story about a very nice, Hispanic couple we know who own an automotive shop. We have used their services in the past and they have always done a great job, been very nice and never took financial advantage of their patrons as other automotive establishments have been known to do. These people were cream of the crop; they excelled in what they did and they always took pride in having a very friendly and clean work environment; their shop was immaculate in appearance. One could tell how thankful they were that they were doing well with their business and they always took time to let their employees & customers know how appreciated they (we) all were. Well today, Sara called me to tell me that this couple, due to the current recession, had to drop their business insurance because it was getting to be too costly. Because their sales had dropped, they had to choose to do without certain things. Unfortunately for this couple, they opted out of continuing their business insurance in hopes that things would improve and business would pick up in time for them to renew said insurance. Instead, this couple suffered an awful loss yesterday as a fire broke out and their place of business burned. I am not sure how bad the damages were yet. The couple said that they would rebuild as best as possible. I remember they had two sons, one was getting ready for college and the other one was serving his country in the military and was abroad on a tour of duty. This family had done everything right and because of other people's love of money, other people's greed (aka: the banking system, Wall Street, etc.); they were now suffering for it...another victim of this stupid recession. I was humbled and glad I knew this couple ever more so after I heard what their reaction and comments had been today when the media interviewed them. They said it could have been worse and that they were just glad that no one had been injured or worse. What a class act they are. Many blessings & good Karma to them that they do recover their losses and come back stronger than ever.

Blame It on Rio!

Congrats goes to Rio de Janeiro for beating out 3 major cities for the 2016 Summer Olympics!

As much as I was pulling for the city of Chicago (CHI-town), I could not help but hope that Rio would someone pull off the victory today when the IOC voted. I had been pulling for them for months since the cities which were vying were confirmed. Jacques Rogge announced that Chicago had been defeated in the 1st round and would not continue in the voting. It was a blow to the people of Chicago and to many other Americans. Tokyo was eliminated in round #2; I am sure many Asian dreams were also deflated as they went out. My hopes of Rio getting the bid were really elevated going into the final round. I was not really convinced that Madrid would get the bid as they and Rio were the final two cities left to vie for the 2016 Summer Games. I was clearly not disappointed at the final announcement because as a continent, South America has never had the pleasure of hosting any prior Olympics. They need the money as much as any of the other 3 cities do. I was disappointed at how the Chicago venue, the people who were part of the USOC, citizens or just spectators, were saying negative things about Rio. Speculations over Rio's monetary ability to play host to the games as if our country is any better off financially speaking. All countries world-wide are going through financial woes. Other further negative remarks pointed out Rio's large wave of crime. Just more shameful accusations coming from the Chicago venue as if Chicago was itself free of crime. It could very well be that the very crime, the crime plaguing the youth of Chicago lately, is what deterred the IOC from considering Chicago enough to allow it to continue beyond the 2nd round of voting. When a city such as Chicago has the kind of crime it has had involving teenagers in which they are dying and no one bothers to come forward to testify against the perpetrators, I understand why the IOC would be turned off. Indeed, I believe that the IOC was sending a clear message to Chicago that they were not the best city to host the Olympics in 2016. I am an indignant American over political pundits within the American media who say that President Obama had no business in traveling to Copenhagen, Germany to help the USOC try to make a final plea in getting Chicago the bid. That this country has enough issues for him to have stayed behind. Either way, those pundits were going to mock & chide President Obama's attempts at getting his city (rather his country) the 2016 Games. Had Obama not traveled to Germany, those same people would have blamed his lack of action for Chicago not getting the Games. Many said that Chicago and the USOC had put together a fairly weak presentation and were in need of "power players" to drive the point home to the IOC at the very last minute. The President and First Lady (Michelle) tried their best and no one should say otherwise or put them down for it. I don't know exactly what caused the IOC to drop Chicago so early in the voting. For sure I cannot say that my previous comment about Chicago's crime is what put them out of the running, but I can say that it is about time that Rio (South America) won an Olympic bid. I wish one day to see my favorite city win a bid - San Antonio, but I won't hold my breath. Until then, way to go Rio. As a proud Hispanic American Woman, I will say that at least the 2016 Games went to a Latino country. Viva Rio!

RSVP's gone ignored...for goodness sake, just say "yes" or "no".

I wanted to begin the day by posting about something very close and dear to this blogger's heart. To write about it and get that 100 lb monkey off my back once and for all- and that thing is in regards to...

RSVP's (and why they go ignored)

Here goes so bear with me now. Why is it that in these days and times with so many tools of communication available to us all that most people still do not seem to get the idea behind an RSVP. (rhetorical Q)

It just drives me crazy to know that some people completely ignore the RSVP idea and appear so non-chalant in getting back to the person(s) who originally sent it. The really funny or ironic part behind their inability to reply within a timely basis or failure to reply at all is that these people are usually the first one's to complain when they are the ones that it happens to. Going forward I will refer to this issue as...

The RSVP factor

Now I won't even try to act like I haven't been a culprit of the factor; I can admit that I, too, have forgotten to reply to an invite or waited until the very last minute to send one. I do understand that everyday life is often difficult and extremely busy and people can get all caught up in the mix and just plain'ole forget to honor an RSVP. I have been guilty of doing as such in my younger years. It is as I have gotten a bit older (and hopefully wiser) that I realize the value & courtesy of responding to RSVP's. I used to have the kind of career which would hinder my abilities to multi-task and in order for me to not allow an RSVP to go without response, I would have to revert to requesting that the person email me a reminder along with the RSVP. Sure that was probably not the best way to handle the factor, but it was my way of letting people know that their invitation was important to me and that by emailing me a reminder, it would ensure a reply from me.

I have friends and family who are really bad offenders of the RSVP factor. Either they wait until the very last minute possible to reply, they allow someone else to reply for them or they just do not bother with it at all. Boy, that used to chaffe my hide, per se, or just hurt my feelings, but here recently - I have decided to become equally apathetic about sending future invites to certain people. After all, if they didn't care enough to reply the first few times I sent them invites, then it should not bother them to get omitted from future gatherings I plan on having. Maybe I will invite them and call them at the last minute to un-invite them or maybe I will wait until the last minute and call someone we both know and have that person pass on the information for me that they are no longer invited.

Life is short, but precious and when an RSVP comes your way from someone who loves you and cares enough about you to extend an invitation to you, do the respectful thing and just reply. A "yes" or a "no" is best at the earliest time possible. If the RSVP has a date and time included by which you should reply, please honor it. The person who sent it did it for a very good reason of that I am certain. It takes a lot of planning for certain gatherings and when you receive an invite with an RSVP, treat it like you would like your RSVP to be treated. Maybe the problem lies with the fact that the offenders of the RSVP factor are the kind of people who usually do not host parties and such so they do not understand the importance of planning an event. I do not really know what their problem is. All I know from personal experience is that it happens all too often and by the same people.

I just don't get it. I would never ignore an RSVP in such a blatant manner, nor would I pass on my reply via a third person (not kosher either). If I had to reply at the very last minute because something important came up which created a delay in my reply, I would call the person and apologize for it and be honest with them. I would not over-do my apology either because that can be just as offensive as the late reply was.

I am not sure what has happened to people being honest and respecting other people's feelings. All I know is that I try to live my life each day by placing myself in other people's shoes as best as I can and try not to hurt their feelings. To treat others as you would like to be treated. No amount of church-going will get that into people's heads if they don't practice it first. It is a matter of right and wrong. Everyone knows right from wrong; one's actions prove that theory everyday. Rotten actions bring about rotten results.

Why we need to remember our past...

I am not perfect, and do not claim to be. I just want to be the best person I can be and to show appreciation for what I have and for what others have done for me. I have had numerous difficult times in my life -and am currently going through another rough time. Thankfully, though, I have overcome many of those difficulties but they linger close to my heart and are deeply embedded in my mind so that I do not forgot them because true is that old adage of "remember your past or you will repeat it".
If someone needs my last dime, I remember a long time ago being without one myself so I will give it because ever since I have had a change of heart to give rather than to expect to receive, He has never allowed me to go without anything. He has replaced my dime many times with dollar bills or just with a full heart and good health and a loving family with their own good fortunes. If someone needs a ride anywhere, I will bend over backwards to give the person a ride because I remember the countless times I had no ride so that I could go to work, to school, to Dr's appts or just to run daily errands. It totally bites to be without a car, and I just don't see how anyone could ignore other people's needs. I am deeply saddened by the idea that those who have never been without a vehicle simply just do not understand what it is to be without one therefore they justify their lack of helping others by way of some stupid excuse. Or they just ignore the person's needs. It's so very shameful when one ignores others needs when that person who needs assistance is one who has always been there for you. If someone has done something good for me, I will remember it for a long time and try to one day repay the favor or will just show little bits of gratitude here and there. If I once bought you a little gift, took you to eat or just did a little something nice for you...you probably once did something nice for me at a time I needed it the most. If you do not remember an occasion in which you did do something nice for me, then my gift was just to show my love, respect & appreciation for you, of how much you mean to me. The things I do for others are never-never-never about what that person can do for me to repay me one day. I believe in doing things for others without never expecting them to pay you back. Not even money; one should lend money if one can afford it and then treat the idea with no expectations of getting the money back. After all, if you could afford to lend it, you should be able to afford to not get it back. Don't lend it if you cannot afford it - those who truly understand your situation will understand.

Here lately as Sara and I have had our struggles, there have been many people who have offered an ear for us to just vent and it meant a lot to us. Some have actually offered money and although we have turned it down, it meant more to us that it was offered. My Mom has given me money and I am deeply grateful to her for it. She is truly a God send. Her offering of the money came at a most needed time for us and it was hard for me to accept it, but thanks to my sister Josie, she and Mom made me realize why I needed to take it. Regardless of what I have done for my Mom in the past that she wanted to show her appreciation now, I will continue to do whatever I can for her and for my entire family. If a person completely ignored our struggles and was not concerned enough to pick up a phone, to open up their outbox to send an email or to figure out a way to just communicate with us to see how we were doing - we forgive their lack of action. Even if we were there for them once before, and they have not tried to find out how we are, we forgive their lack of action and continue to wish them the best. We have been okay. Even when the worst of days seemed upon us, we made it somehow and blessed were we that some people did show concern for us and were part of the reason that we overcame certain things. Most people just need someone to listen to them or to acknowledge their tough times. If I failed to be there for someone who needed my help, shame on me. I pray for forgiveness and that I learned from it and will not forsake anyone else going forward.
I still believe Sara and I have it good, though. There are way more people out there struggling worse than us - whether we know them or not - other's are suffering badly. Some people have no home, no food, no family. I feel very wealthy compared to most. I am most thankful to date for my Mom and for her health. She cares for her family and loves us unconditionally like no one else. She is always there when we need her even when we have forgotten her needs, even when her health is worse than ours, even when someone treated her badly, she is there. She makes excuses for our shortcomings and continues to brag on us even when all we did was what one should do as part of life. I love her dearly and value her so much. I want to love her, appreciate her and do for her as much as I can while we are still blessed to have her here with us.

In the end, what do I really know...just that more people need to try harder to lend a hand or an ear. It really is not that hard. Just picture yourselves in other's shoes and run with it...(pardon the pun).