April 6,2011
I forgot to mention the lake we rode by yesterday. It is called Reelfoot. Some of you may have heard about this lake. It was formed in 1812 by the largest, strongest quake every recorded in North America just Southwest of St. Louis. Tremors from the quake were felt in Quebec City, Canada. The quake cause the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a time. I believe the fault is called the New Madrid.
The 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes (pronounced /nuː ˈmædrɨd/) were an intense intraplate earthquake series beginning with an initial pair of very large earthquakes on December 16, 1811. These earthquakes remain the most powerful earthquakes ever to hit the eastern United States.[1] These events, as well as the seismic zone of their occurrence, were named for the Mississippi River town of New Madrid, Louisiana Territory, now Missouri.
Today was another windy one. We left from highway 181 where we topped yesterday. The trip ended with Frank being pretty tired in Covington, TN, We are staying tonight in an Holiday Inn Express in Millington, TN. Tomorrow we head for Memphis and beyond. Vicksburg is probably out of the question for this trip. We will ride some on Friday and then head home. We have had a great time. We missed Bud and Bob. And, we enjoyed having Grace driving the Sag Wagon. She has done a great job!
The trip south today was very windy. And, it was great fun. We stopped near. Ripley, TN to help a couple change a flat on their car. We did not get it done, but used our phone to call for help. He bought us lunch at the Rat Cafe in Edith. See if you can find that on your map. The gentleman is 92 and his wife is 93. They have been married 72 years and have lived in the area all their lives. His son farms 7,000 acres of bottom land. Says,”The farms are bigger and the famers fewer.”
The ladies who run the Rat Cafe have been doing this for over 16 years. They sold their previous cafe to some “foreigners”. “I don’t think they are doing very well!” We had a one pound hamburger. Only thing on the menu. It was great!
We are now 320 miles below St. Louis. Should get in another 100 miles. I am having a great time. This is the way to discover America. We live in a great land. I hope Congress doesn’t ruin it! Please support the workers who make our country so strong. We need more jobs and less complaining. Somebody has to make money.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
more on the MRT
April 5, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
April 5, 2011
I dated this mornings blog incorrectly. It should have been April 5 as well. It is Tuesday our fifth day of riding. This morning we checked out of the holiday Inn Express in Cape Girarduea and drove to Columbus, KY to start riding. This could be called the dog day and the second wind day. We had been chased by one dog previous to today. At on place we had three dogs chase us for over three miles before they gave up. At another place a big boxer gave chase and then was joined by two smaller yapper biters. The boxer liked us and drove off the other dogs. Same thing happened with a big German Shepherd. All of this was along not very busy county roads with many different types of houses and mostly after we entered Tennessee. The three dogs that followed so far were in Kentucky. The economy varies along the route. But, it is mostly depressed. Some more than others. I think Cairo, IL was the poorest. Tonight we are in Dyresburg, TN. There economic condition is much, much better than some others. The waiter where we ate said that two factories had closed in the last two years. He did not know who in town would be the biggest employer today. But, if you wanted to shopping or out for a good meal in the area one would probably go to Jacksonville or Memphis. Jacksonville is 20 miles north. Memphis is an hour and a half south.
Congress members should be required to tour the US heartland before each session. Maybe they could see how badly the citizens are being treated. Just eliminate corporate taxes and watch the jobs come back into the US. The people out here are working hard and our government is taking their money and wasting it. And most of these folks don't even understand how they are being used. Where in the world is the media on this one? It makes me cry. How can we get this to be one country united and working together for a better tomorrow? Too many of us are greedy and selfish.
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
April 5, 2011
I dated this mornings blog incorrectly. It should have been April 5 as well. It is Tuesday our fifth day of riding. This morning we checked out of the holiday Inn Express in Cape Girarduea and drove to Columbus, KY to start riding. This could be called the dog day and the second wind day. We had been chased by one dog previous to today. At on place we had three dogs chase us for over three miles before they gave up. At another place a big boxer gave chase and then was joined by two smaller yapper biters. The boxer liked us and drove off the other dogs. Same thing happened with a big German Shepherd. All of this was along not very busy county roads with many different types of houses and mostly after we entered Tennessee. The three dogs that followed so far were in Kentucky. The economy varies along the route. But, it is mostly depressed. Some more than others. I think Cairo, IL was the poorest. Tonight we are in Dyresburg, TN. There economic condition is much, much better than some others. The waiter where we ate said that two factories had closed in the last two years. He did not know who in town would be the biggest employer today. But, if you wanted to shopping or out for a good meal in the area one would probably go to Jacksonville or Memphis. Jacksonville is 20 miles north. Memphis is an hour and a half south.
Congress members should be required to tour the US heartland before each session. Maybe they could see how badly the citizens are being treated. Just eliminate corporate taxes and watch the jobs come back into the US. The people out here are working hard and our government is taking their money and wasting it. And most of these folks don't even understand how they are being used. Where in the world is the media on this one? It makes me cry. How can we get this to be one country united and working together for a better tomorrow? Too many of us are greedy and selfish.
More on the River
April 3 Sunday
We are currently staying in Cape Girardeau, MO. We have ridden just past Ware, IL about 15 miles to the north. High winds are expected today. We may not ride. It might be a work on taxes day. Yesterday was another day of many flats. The rear tire is worn out and the nearest bike shop was in Cape Girardeau. We now have a new tire. Even with those problems we travelled about 85 miles yesterday. A big day for all the time spent fixing flats. At the end Bill put the only patched tube that wasn't leaking in the rear tire. It took Ir fine and pumped up to 90lbs on the travel pump gauge. The gauge may not be very accurate. It was just laying on the ground when the tube blew. Maybe God was telling us the riding day was done. I called Grace to come and get us.
There is a high school girls volleyball tournament in town. Must be 30 high school girls eating here where I'm drinking coffee and writing. Some of them are tall.
Yesterday was fun. We had wind at our backs most of the time. Great views riding along the river. Trains are frequent. And there is a fair number of barges traveling the river. Looks like commerce is picking up. Must be an improving economy.
Grace brought us lunch from McDonald's to a small park river side near Chester. So, at noon we had made it to where we spent the night. There was not much traffic on the roads. The road we were on had no shoulder and was narrow. But, the traffic was so light it was a pleasant ride. Lots of fixer up houses along the roads. We travelled by a large and old limestone mine. The bluffs along the river appear to be solid limestone. There is a big prison complex built up against the bluff outside Chester.
April 4, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
We are currently staying in Cape Girardeau, MO. We have ridden just past Ware, IL about 15 miles to the north. High winds are expected today. We may not ride. It might be a work on taxes day. Yesterday was another day of many flats. The rear tire is worn out and the nearest bike shop was in Cape Girardeau. We now have a new tire. Even with those problems we travelled about 85 miles yesterday. A big day for all the time spent fixing flats. At the end Bill put the only patched tube that wasn't leaking in the rear tire. It took Ir fine and pumped up to 90lbs on the travel pump gauge. The gauge may not be very accurate. It was just laying on the ground when the tube blew. Maybe God was telling us the riding day was done. I called Grace to come and get us.
There is a high school girls volleyball tournament in town. Must be 30 high school girls eating here where I'm drinking coffee and writing. Some of them are tall.
Yesterday was fun. We had wind at our backs most of the time. Great views riding along the river. Trains are frequent. And there is a fair number of barges traveling the river. Looks like commerce is picking up. Must be an improving economy.
Grace brought us lunch from McDonald's to a small park river side near Chester. So, at noon we had made it to where we spent the night. There was not much traffic on the roads. The road we were on had no shoulder and was narrow. But, the traffic was so light it was a pleasant ride. Lots of fixer up houses along the roads. We travelled by a large and old limestone mine. The bluffs along the river appear to be solid limestone. There is a big prison complex built up against the bluff outside Chester.
April 4, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Mississippi River St. Louis South First Day
April 2, 2011
Chester, IL
Good morning everyone! We have had an event filled start to the continuation of our Mississippi River ride. Grace and i left our home in Dillon on Wednesday packed outfitted and ready for a renewal of the MRT adventure.
Grace is joining son Bill and I on this trip because my brother Bud has decided not to drive the Sag wagon on this segment. We spent the first night in Hays with Bud and his family. That is always a joy. We ate tacos at T-Bones and talked until after ten. I think Bud is disappointed not to be going this year. It has been a blessing having him with us on the previous two segments. I am so blessed having him as a brother.
I am also grateful for the folks who have inquired about the trip and expressed a desire to receive updates on the progress. For the record and for them i am keeping this journal.
Yesterday we started from last Septembers stopping point in St. Louis below the Arch just after 2p.m. The ride went smoothly out of the city until we blew a tire on a drainage cover crossing the river on US50. Three flats and 40 miles later we ended the day on Bluff road about 13 miles from Prairie du Rocher, IL 40 miles from our start point. That was the last flat and we were without a patch kit.
Night before last we stayed with John and Peggy Kolb. They are Aunt Jacks parents. Her parents have a ranch outside Westphalia, MO. it is a glorious family retreat. We fished and rode ATV's on the numerous trails that crisscross the property. And, we ate some of the fish. Bill, Clare and the girls were on a family vacation with Jen. The family retreat is a representation of the things families are meant to be. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy a spot that has bound a family together for at least three generations. We have tried to do this with our family as all families do.
Last night we stayed at the Reid Best Western in Chester, IL. and, ate at their smorgasbord. It reminded me of George's cafeteria in Coffeyville, KS. it's Saturday and the road traffic is light. There is just a slight breeze and the temperature is in the fifties we are about an hour down the road 70 or 80 miles to go.
Chester, IL
Good morning everyone! We have had an event filled start to the continuation of our Mississippi River ride. Grace and i left our home in Dillon on Wednesday packed outfitted and ready for a renewal of the MRT adventure.
Grace is joining son Bill and I on this trip because my brother Bud has decided not to drive the Sag wagon on this segment. We spent the first night in Hays with Bud and his family. That is always a joy. We ate tacos at T-Bones and talked until after ten. I think Bud is disappointed not to be going this year. It has been a blessing having him with us on the previous two segments. I am so blessed having him as a brother.
I am also grateful for the folks who have inquired about the trip and expressed a desire to receive updates on the progress. For the record and for them i am keeping this journal.
Yesterday we started from last Septembers stopping point in St. Louis below the Arch just after 2p.m. The ride went smoothly out of the city until we blew a tire on a drainage cover crossing the river on US50. Three flats and 40 miles later we ended the day on Bluff road about 13 miles from Prairie du Rocher, IL 40 miles from our start point. That was the last flat and we were without a patch kit.
Night before last we stayed with John and Peggy Kolb. They are Aunt Jacks parents. Her parents have a ranch outside Westphalia, MO. it is a glorious family retreat. We fished and rode ATV's on the numerous trails that crisscross the property. And, we ate some of the fish. Bill, Clare and the girls were on a family vacation with Jen. The family retreat is a representation of the things families are meant to be. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy a spot that has bound a family together for at least three generations. We have tried to do this with our family as all families do.
Last night we stayed at the Reid Best Western in Chester, IL. and, ate at their smorgasbord. It reminded me of George's cafeteria in Coffeyville, KS. it's Saturday and the road traffic is light. There is just a slight breeze and the temperature is in the fifties we are about an hour down the road 70 or 80 miles to go.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Sovereign God and Me
January 15, 2011
Haven't been here for a while. And, I miss it. Thinking about you God. A Sovereign God who has granted us Free Will. How does that work? I have said "God has me just where he wants me". There are three choices, wildly enthusiastic, neutral or resistant. Just look back through life and judge for your self. Lots of discussion here. Think about good and evil. God has power over Satan. We can let Satan rule our lives or we can invoke God's power and choose life.
Join in an event, move to another town, think of anything you like and God will cause you to to be within His Will. He is Sovereign! And, God is the consummate planner. He not only created me but, he also created a glorious plan for my life. Here we can think of two phases of life. The fleshly life, the life here on this Earth. Then the spiritual life, the life in the new Heaven and the new Earth. Think of life at your home as a child. Our parents had us right were they wanted us and some of the time it was not where we wanted to be. But, because of our dependence the choices were limited. If you want to have a good time better go with the flow. Some never learn. God created some rebellious children. David was one of those. But, he knew God. There are many stories about God sovereignty. The twins Esau and Jacob. God planned for the deceiver to rule. And, the deceiver had an important role in the building of the Kingdom.
Why did God create? What is His plan? Why did God choose us? Would you like to know the answers? Well, just pay attention then. Here it is. Just know God. He will give the answers. In His revelation He has promised us this much. He has been and continues to introduce and reveal Himself to us. Read the book! Experience life! Where do we learn about God? From His creation. Learning about the world is learning about God. But, just knowing about Him is not enough. We have know God. I know about many famous people who I have never met. And, as far as I know I will never meet them. At least not in this physical life. But, I do have family and friends who I "know". And, I can get to know them better by meeting, talking and sharing. Well since God is alive and always with us in the Spirit, we can get to "know" Him and know Him well. The body of Christ is the priesthood of all believers. Know any of these folks and you will come in contact with the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God himself. It is impossible to be engaged, working in a group without knowing the members of the group. So, wherever you are today, get on the enthusiastic band wagon and learn more about God and His plan. You don't need any preparation. There are no manuals. No further education is required. Just do it
Haven't been here for a while. And, I miss it. Thinking about you God. A Sovereign God who has granted us Free Will. How does that work? I have said "God has me just where he wants me". There are three choices, wildly enthusiastic, neutral or resistant. Just look back through life and judge for your self. Lots of discussion here. Think about good and evil. God has power over Satan. We can let Satan rule our lives or we can invoke God's power and choose life.
Join in an event, move to another town, think of anything you like and God will cause you to to be within His Will. He is Sovereign! And, God is the consummate planner. He not only created me but, he also created a glorious plan for my life. Here we can think of two phases of life. The fleshly life, the life here on this Earth. Then the spiritual life, the life in the new Heaven and the new Earth. Think of life at your home as a child. Our parents had us right were they wanted us and some of the time it was not where we wanted to be. But, because of our dependence the choices were limited. If you want to have a good time better go with the flow. Some never learn. God created some rebellious children. David was one of those. But, he knew God. There are many stories about God sovereignty. The twins Esau and Jacob. God planned for the deceiver to rule. And, the deceiver had an important role in the building of the Kingdom.
Why did God create? What is His plan? Why did God choose us? Would you like to know the answers? Well, just pay attention then. Here it is. Just know God. He will give the answers. In His revelation He has promised us this much. He has been and continues to introduce and reveal Himself to us. Read the book! Experience life! Where do we learn about God? From His creation. Learning about the world is learning about God. But, just knowing about Him is not enough. We have know God. I know about many famous people who I have never met. And, as far as I know I will never meet them. At least not in this physical life. But, I do have family and friends who I "know". And, I can get to know them better by meeting, talking and sharing. Well since God is alive and always with us in the Spirit, we can get to "know" Him and know Him well. The body of Christ is the priesthood of all believers. Know any of these folks and you will come in contact with the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God himself. It is impossible to be engaged, working in a group without knowing the members of the group. So, wherever you are today, get on the enthusiastic band wagon and learn more about God and His plan. You don't need any preparation. There are no manuals. No further education is required. Just do it
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 10, 2010
Just had a thought as I was reading Ezra this morning. It follows from the discussion at small group last evening. I have been saved by God out of His grace and mercy. All I have and all that I am is a gift from God. When someone asks me what I did to receive any of these things or to become what I have be come, I must answer nothing. It is all a gift from a loving, wise and powerful God. I am what I am and who I am because of God's gracious will. We are to believe. It is by faith we are saved. Knowing is good, but it is not the knowing that changes us. Pharaoh knew, Satan knows. But, they will not believe. Faith, believing and trusting are the way. Trying and doing on our own will not achieve what we need.
So, what do we do, what should we do? Is it wrong to try to be good? Not at all. Grow in knowledge and wisdom. Who better to know right from wrong, good from evil. Be humble, submit to the Holy Spirit. Believe always. Trust in the Lord. Those who believe should know that they are not righteous. Only God is righteous. We cannot save ourselves. God has mercy on those He chooses. His is the only vote. If He has chosen you be grateful. Love the Lord your God with all your hear, with all your mind and with all your strength.
So, what do you tell a non-believer to do? There is nothing they can do to become righteous. God alone can save them for eternal glory. God alone can prepare them for a glorious life of service for Him. They can ask God for this life and He can grant it. If He does it will all be according to His terms. The new life will not be according to our expectations. It will be different and it will be joyful. But, it will probably not be what we desired or expected.
Who do you think is better equipped to try to lead a righteous life, the believer or the non-believer? Of course, the one who knows and trusts his maker is better equipped to speak and act well. There can be impostors. And, they can be convincing. These are the deceivers. Satan knows about God. He does try to deceive us. He appears where God's work is going forward. He does not need to deceive those who are already in his army. So, when you are turned back by the world do not assume it is God speaking. It may well be Satan or one of his workers. Trust God and obey Him.
So, talk with God everyday. He listens and acts on our requests. He will answer our prays for our best. We are His children and He loves His children. Ask Him to keep you in His will. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. And, then believe He will do it. Pray and read His word daily and He will glorify your life. We cannot change ourselves. But, we can believe In the One who can. Do not believe that we can become like God. Trust God and have a nice day.
Just had a thought as I was reading Ezra this morning. It follows from the discussion at small group last evening. I have been saved by God out of His grace and mercy. All I have and all that I am is a gift from God. When someone asks me what I did to receive any of these things or to become what I have be come, I must answer nothing. It is all a gift from a loving, wise and powerful God. I am what I am and who I am because of God's gracious will. We are to believe. It is by faith we are saved. Knowing is good, but it is not the knowing that changes us. Pharaoh knew, Satan knows. But, they will not believe. Faith, believing and trusting are the way. Trying and doing on our own will not achieve what we need.
So, what do we do, what should we do? Is it wrong to try to be good? Not at all. Grow in knowledge and wisdom. Who better to know right from wrong, good from evil. Be humble, submit to the Holy Spirit. Believe always. Trust in the Lord. Those who believe should know that they are not righteous. Only God is righteous. We cannot save ourselves. God has mercy on those He chooses. His is the only vote. If He has chosen you be grateful. Love the Lord your God with all your hear, with all your mind and with all your strength.
So, what do you tell a non-believer to do? There is nothing they can do to become righteous. God alone can save them for eternal glory. God alone can prepare them for a glorious life of service for Him. They can ask God for this life and He can grant it. If He does it will all be according to His terms. The new life will not be according to our expectations. It will be different and it will be joyful. But, it will probably not be what we desired or expected.
Who do you think is better equipped to try to lead a righteous life, the believer or the non-believer? Of course, the one who knows and trusts his maker is better equipped to speak and act well. There can be impostors. And, they can be convincing. These are the deceivers. Satan knows about God. He does try to deceive us. He appears where God's work is going forward. He does not need to deceive those who are already in his army. So, when you are turned back by the world do not assume it is God speaking. It may well be Satan or one of his workers. Trust God and obey Him.
So, talk with God everyday. He listens and acts on our requests. He will answer our prays for our best. We are His children and He loves His children. Ask Him to keep you in His will. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. And, then believe He will do it. Pray and read His word daily and He will glorify your life. We cannot change ourselves. But, we can believe In the One who can. Do not believe that we can become like God. Trust God and have a nice day.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sack Lunches
The Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and
then we're being deployed to Afghanistan
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack
lunches were available for five dollars.. It would be several hours before
we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the
time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if
he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a
sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to
base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I
walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty
dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and
squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a
soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers
were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best -
beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went
to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from
first class.
'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading
for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming
down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was
not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my
side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his
hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt, I stood and took the Captain's hand.. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot..
Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never
forgot..' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the
passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs.
A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane.
Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put
something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their
trip to the base.
I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will
take you some time to reach the base.. It will be about time for a
sandwich .
God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their
fellow travelers.
As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe
return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only
give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank
check made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who
no longer understand it.'
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to
everyone on your email buddy list....
I JUST DID
Let us pray...
Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!
Please send this on after a short prayer.. Prayer for our soldiers
Don't break it!
Prayer:
'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform
for us in our time of need. Amen.'
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and
say a prayer for our troops around the world.
There is nothing attached. Just send this to people in your address
book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts you could give a Marine,
Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very
best one...
GOD BLESS YOU FOR PASSING IT ON!
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