Three Things Thursday

Right now, I am downloading my blog contents, including photos and contents. I am going to have them printed up in a book. SIX YEARS! 276 posts. The entries I like include pictures and stories. Here goes:

Meet Hannah. She has been my little buddy on and off for the last week. She is SO GOOD! Her mom ruptured a disk in her back :(

Two funny things - I had her in the high chair eating lunch and I thought I would sneak in a few minutes reading on the computer. I put on my reading glasses (ugh!) & Hannah started to cry. As soon as I would take them off, she would smile and laugh. Back on? Crying. Haha. Second story, we arrived to my house and I was listening to Alma 5 (from the Book of Mormon) in the car. After a few minutes, she started calling, “Daddy? Daddy?” I said, “Daddy’s not here!” And then she started saying, “Eena! Eena!!”

Ryan turned 14. Wow wow wow. Where does the time go? For his birthday, he asked to be able to run two races. Track practice has already started and he is antsy to improve his time. He ran a 5K in 18:11 and won his age group (14 and under) on Saturday. I would show you the video, but the videographer (Jared) was pointing the iPhone at the wrong guy.

One other introduction - meet one of the Biker Babes (Kim) and Betty White (my bike). We try to get together on weather-permitting Fridays and ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The weather is supposed to be GLORIOUS tomorrow and I am super excited. I am always smiling and happy and tired when we are finished. During the winter months, we haven’t had much company on the trail - just some homeless guys and occasional dutiful walkers. (By the way, could my smile be any sillier in the blue-jacket picture? I think not.)

Honoring a Fallen Soldier

A young man died in Afghanistan and the funeral was today. Big-time protestors had targeted this funeral. I believe their threats actually encouraged more people to come out.  Many from the community came out to line the streets of Simpsonville. We were planning on meeting up with the scouts but decided to stop & find a spot because there was so much traffic.

I learned & cried & waved my flag. The Patriot Guard was out en masse! We missed the initial procession but I guess there was a stream of motorcycles for fifteen minutes. If there were protestors, the motorcyclists would have driven to the area & revved their engines so that the mourners would not be able to hear what the protestors were saying. No problems today though. The Patriot Guard stood shoulder to shoulder around the huge church and protected The attendees. They also walked the crowd  to make certain there was no disturbance.

Photo by Shawn Drury

Photo by Frederick Chapman

A short video of the crowds plus the bagpipes:
http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/video-a-community-says-goodbye-to-a-fallen-soldier#video-8852207

Freedom is definitely not free. I believe this man deserved to be honored for his choice to serve & sacrifice & fight for our freedoms. His family & friends deserved the chance to pay their respects.  One of my friends on Facebook posted the following:

Thank you to the members of the WC. Your antics have galvanized a community in patriotism and Christian love. You have caused us to truly honor a fallen soldier and son. You have made us aware there is no place for intolerance and hate. The Golden Strip has been moved like never before by brotherhood, love and thanksgiving. I'm sure this is not what you preachers of hate intended, but that is what has occurred. Thank you.

Well said Carlus.

Rest in peace PFC Whitmire.
"Heaven needs an army. "