Strange Series of Occurrences?

You may consider the story I'm about to tell you a strange series of occurrences, at first, I did, too.

Last week while on FB, I received a friend request. Since I recognized the name, I immediately clicked on the person's page to accept. Much to my surprise, the profile photo looking back at me wasn't my friend's face. However, I did accept because this lady looked like someone I'd certainly have befriended had we ever met. If you know me at all, I'm sure you aren't a bit shocked.

Since I hadn't seen or talked to my friend in about three years, pangs of guilt began to peck at my terrible negligence. I wondered if she had a FB page so I typed in her full name and about thirty people bearing the same moniker appeared. Unfortunately she wasn't among them. About to give up at this point, I noticed a profile without a photo but with a high school's name I recognized. I clicked on it and, voila, I'd arrived! From the looks of it, her page wasn't used much, but I sent her a friend request anyhow.

When I didn't get a response after a two day's wait, I decided it was time to give her a call. I dialed but again my efforts were thwarted since that number was no longer in service. Things were getting weird. Immediately I googled my friend's name in the white pages of our phone directory. What I found was confusing to say the least. There were two addresses listed, the newest in a small town in North Carolina I'd never heard of before, and the one I knew.

I've always been a person intrigued by mystery, so I had no intention of quitting this search now. I googled the small town in NC and, lo and behold, when perusing the white pages, my friend's husband's name popped up. I quickly jotted down their number and address and dialed. After four rings a familiar voice informed me that I could leave a message and someone would get back to me soon. I didn't need to explain who I was so I simply asked to receive a call back at her earliest convenience. Two days went by and when I didn't hear from her, I tried again and promised my friend I'd keep calling until she forgave me for me negligence and called back to give me hell!

Finally in the evening of the third day, the phone rang. When I answered, we both started talking at the same time and by the sound of it, we both were very glad we'd connected. What she told me next blew my mind! She'd been in Pittsburgh for the past week attending her brother's funeral. After expressing my heartfelt sympathies, she explained how he died suddenly, and wasn't quite ready to come to terms yet with his death. I totally understood since six years ago I, too, lost my brother under similar circumstances.

We talked for over 90 minutes, and even though we knew we had to end our conversation, I'm sure we could have gone on for at least another ninety.

After hanging up, I thought about everything that had occurred over the last five days. Why did somebody with the same name as that of my friend's FB me now? And why did I decide to check to see if my friend had a FB profile now? And why did I call her after not connecting in over three years now? And why did I continue to search her out when I kept hitting roadblocks now?

Strange series of occurrences? I think not. I believe that when people have a strong connection to one another, when their bond is so tight it will never be severed no matter how much time passes without a word or an encounter, they always remain unconsciously in touch. There is never a moment that their souls aren't aware of each other's existence. Then when something extraordinary happens, their spirits communicate as only spirits can, alerting one or the other that their friend is in need. Their spirits persist until a connection is made.

Strange series of occurrences? Certainly not. I know 'why now' and I'm glad our spirits continued to speak so we, too could talk, and I had the chance to be of some comfort and support.

I Remember June 6, 1944!

I wasn't born yet, but I remember June 6, 1944, which came to be known as 'D-Day'. I didn't arrive into this world until September 9, l944, however throughout my childhood, Uncle Tom, my mother's brother, told plenty of stories of that horrific day. Although he, himself, wasn't on the beaches of Normandy (he was stationed in the Philippines at the time), he knew many of the men who were. And whenever he spoke of his buddies, the ones who lived and the ones who died, his eyes stared into space and tears streamed down his cheeks like he was watching a sad movie that only he could see.

European countries were invaded by the Germans and, being their allies, the United States sent troops to curtail the enemies' advances. In the wee hours on June 6, 1944, thousands of young men jumped into the cold waters off the coast of Normandy, France, with rifles and bayonets raised above their heads, prepared to do battle. Unfortunately these soldiers weren't as prepared as they thought. Even before many of them actually departed their U-boats, they were mortally wounded. Hundreds more were killed on Omaha beach by German artillery without ever reaching the shore.

Perhaps General George Patton, who headed up the Allied Forces, praised these selfless soldiers best when he said, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."  Although their efforts seemed futile in those first few moments, with courage and determination, those who survived continued on to eventually secure the beaches and drive the Germans out of Europe.

I tell you about D-Day because many of you have never heard of it before. This event has been memorialized in history books and cinemas, yet if you ask anybody under the age of forty, they probably would say they have no idea what you're referring to. How sad! In order to not be repeated, the past must be studied, analyzed, and understood. According to Oprah, "when we know better, we do better."

I have six grandsons and one granddaughter. Just thinking about the possibility that any of them would some day lose their lives in a foreign land fighting for a country's freedom brings tears to my eyes. Yet I thank God that these strong-minded youngsters, should they choose to serve in the United States military, would gladly join in the efforts to bring peace to a war-ravaged land.

God bless America! God bless those who have served and who will continue to serve so that freedom will always be ours.

If you don't anything know about D-Day, and don't have an Uncle Tom to tell you stories, make it a point to google it today!

His Free-the-Six-Pack Mantra Is Embarrassing!

Our governor's mantra, 'free-the-six-pack', is at best embarrassingly juvenile for a man his age, and, at worst, highly supportive of reckless behavior. Selling beer in gas stations is the last thing we need in Pennsylvania. Oh, by all means, let's make it more convenient for people to purchase alcohol, and then get behind the wheel of a two ton pick-up! And, of course, let's make it easier for teenagers to get their hands on some cans, and then roar down our highways sipping brew without any thoughts of responsible motoring.

Tom Wolfe is DEFINITELY 'a wolf in sheep's clothing!' When running for office, he assured us he'd be there for the middle class, for fair taxation, for infrastructural improvements, and most importantly, for our children and their education. Yet he did everything to block this year's budget, causing many schools to cut staff, bloat classroom size, and force districts to take out loans in order to merely function from day-to-day. And to top if off, he now is allowing the purchase of beer in gas stations so that the very lives of our youngsters will be at risk every time they get in a car or ride the bus to and from school.

Have you lost your mind, Mr. Wolfe, or is it that your political career is more important than your word? Since your popularity ratings are in the toilet, will you sacrifice our children's lives in order to gain accolades from beer-guzzling, drunk drivers whose words are slurred and meaningless as are your own?

If I sound unhappy with your decision to allow the sale of alcohol in gas stations across PA, that would be a huge understatement. I'm more than just unhappy, I'm irate! Stocking the shelves of convenience stores and filling their coolers with beer is, in my estimation, highly irresponsible and totally uncaring for those you adamantly professed to serve and protect.

Mr. Governor, the next time you stand in front of a mirror practicing a speech, make sure you look yourself in the eyes and search out the truth of your words. We, as your constituents, deserve honesty from those we elect to do the will of the people.

8-0 IS GREAT-O !

Yesterday was my hubby's 80th birthday, and if you do the math, he's been on this earth for 29,219 days! That may seem like a lot to somebody who's seven, seventeen, or even forty-seven, but to me it seems like it should be way more than that!

Because...

Everyday for 80 years he's opened his eyes to a new and promising day, and everyday for 80 years he's closed his eyes knowing that he's done his best and is deserving of a peaceful rest.

Everyday for 80 years he's started each day looking heavenward for guidance and strength, and everyday for 80 years he's ended his day on his knees with a prayer of thanks on his lips.

Everyday for 80 years he's accepted each challenge with determination to succeed, and everyday for 80 years he's vowed to try even harder to make his dreams a reality.

Everyday for 80 years he's watched his family grow smart and strong, and everyday for 80 years he's exhausted himself so that they could do exactly that.

Everyday for 80 years he's been a friend to those in need, and everyday for 80 years he's been a friend indeed!

Everyday for 80 years he's practiced what he's learned, and everyday for 80 years he's gladly shared those lessons with those wanting to know.

Everyday for 80 years he's laughed at the many foibles in the world, and everyday for 80 years he's cried over the myriad of life's injustices.

Everyday for 80 years he's celebrated the accomplishments of others, and everyday for 80 years he's been satisfied to simply be in the cheering section.

Everyday for 80 years he's thought well of people no matter their circumstances, and everyday for 80 years he's been completely satisfied with how folks perceive him.

Everyday for 80 years he's known that life's a journey he's been blessed to take, and everyday for 80 years he's also known that someday life's journey will come to an end.

Now that I've had a little more time to reflect, I suppose 29,219 days IS a long time on this earth.
And one thing I'm absolutely sure of is that my hubby has made the best use of his time!

I wish him many more days and nights of happiness and health. 8-0 IS GREAT-O! But imagine how FINE-O, 9-0 WILL BE!

Storytime Pup, A BIG HIT!

Kids are so excited about the new channel on YouTube made just for them. Storytime Pup, created by Bill and Diane McManus, is focused on providing entertainment and education for youngsters 2-6. There are tons of great stories, toe-tapping music, terrific games, and much, much more.

One of my books, No Way To Haircut Day! is featured. How about checking it out, maybe giving it a thumbs up, and posting a comment. I would really appreciate it.

There is such a need for good, wholesome programming for little ones, and Storytime Pup intends to be the leader in this endeavor. None of the authors are compensated, and all monies received are donated to St. Jude's Hospital to continue the fight against childhood cancer.

Please take the time to put Storytime Pup on your screens. Everybody benefits. Thank You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b17uuX9UgNs

Storytime Pup Children's Book Read Aloud: No Way To Haircut Day! - Gramm...

No Way To Haircut Day!' is now on the new channel for ages 2-6.http://www.storytimepup.com/videos.html If you haven't gotten around to it yet, a view & a thumbs up would be greatly appreciated.

WHAT IF......

What if Donald Trump actually becomes president of this great land of ours?

1. Women's rights will be set back hundreds of years.
2. Immigrants, legal or illegal, will be subjected to undue scrutiny and horribly mistreated.
3. Terrorists' families will be killed without actual involvement in malevolent actions.
4. An ineffectual trillion dollar wall will be built along the Mexican borders.
5. Superficial policies will be adopted to serve nobody other than the rich.
6. Wars will erupt simply because Trump will instigate rather than effect peace between nations.
7. Nothing will get accomplished in Washington because of his inability to reach across the aisles.
8. The middle class will once again get the shaft and be left paying for the stupid ideas of govern.
9. Trump will override Congress at every turn which is unconstitutional.
10. After 8 years of turmoil, the US will be in worse shape than it was before Trump took office.

What if Hillary Clinton actually becomes president of this great land of ours?

1. Women in business will receive the same salary as men received for the same job completed.
2. Immigrants, legal or illegal, will be subjected to the current laws of the land and treated fairly.
3. No families of terrorists will be killed because of what their children have done.
4. No wall will be built costing a trillion dollars along the Mexican borders. Instead the monies will be used to beef up patrols, and turn back aliens until they've followed due process.
5. Middle class taxing will be minimized while taxation on the rich will increase proportionally.
6. Because Clinton's bonds with foreign governments have been solidified over her career, her chances to negotiate compromise are high.
7. Clinton has friends on both sides of the aisles making progress more of a reality,
8. The middle class will receive better treatment, much like it did when her husband was in office.
9. Clinton will not take it upon herself to ignore Congress and sign laws indiscriminately. 
10. After 8 years, the US just might be on track to becoming the great land it once was!

Now before you start to cuss at me, I am a registered Republican and have supported the party for most of the time since I was a  registered voter. But in good conscience, I simply cannot, will not vote for the likes of Donald Trump. It makes me sick to think that a man of such low morals and unscrupulous behavior could actually hold the highest position in the United States!

Furthermore, I have many doubts about how effective Hillary Clinton will be as the first woman president. But she at least has some knowledge of the political process, friends in higher places, and a good track record in foreign polices. She isn't the answer to all of our national problems, but she at least has a better chance to fix some of them.

Come November, nothing short of divine intervention will save this great land of ours! Pray hard and long for a positive outcome, otherwise WE'RE SCREWED!