Best Friends

 I have been including writings which I have made for my grandchildren.  

A brother can be a very special friend.  A brother will defend you and share with you when others won't.  A brother will help you and go out of his way for you.  I have been very fortunate to have a great brother and I thank the Lord for him.

 

But the Bible says, "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother"  (Proverbs 18:24) and that friend is the Lord Jesus Christ, the best friend anyone can ever have.  He has told us that "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) and He has always kept that promise.  He is the best friend that you can ever have.  I pray that He is your best friend, too.

 

An old hymn says "What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?  We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer."

 

But the Lord also blesses us by giving us some very special human friends. It is so important to have friends who love the Lord and help us do things that please Him.  When I was in junior high and working at Mizpah Grove the Lord blessed me with some adult friends who watched over me during the summer.  These were Charlie Mann, Roy Hertzog and Leonard and Nina Buck, all of whom went on to serve the Lord as missionaries around the world.  They were friends who had a profound influence on me and my Christian life..

 

While I didn't have any real close Christian friends in high school, that changed in college.  I met Jim Herrold as a freshman and then we roomed together for two years.  He has been like a brother since that time.  Through our church in Sunbury I became close friends with Paul Brosious and Norm Zellers.  They, too, were very special and the Lord used them in various ways in my life. Later in life Gary Varner, Ralph Michel, and Claire Harstad became close friends and they and their families shared much with our family over the years.

 

But as special as all of these folks have been, none of them became my closest friend on earth.

My first contact with my closest friend on earth came when she wrote me a letter before I entered Susquehanna University.  The letter, written by the secretary of the youth group, was an invitation to attend her church and youth group while I was at Susquehanna.

 

And, I did attend church there, not so much because of the letter, but because my grandfather was pastor there.  And, I did meet this Dianne Bickle.  But that was as far as my interest in her went at that time.  Actually, since she was a year older than me, I didn't give her too much thought.  What neither she nor I knew was that some folks in the church were praying that we would get together.  And, the power of prayer …

 

A few months later Norm Zellers asked me if I would go with him and his wife June to a regional youth gathering in Shamokin.  He also asked if I cared if he would invite someone to accompany us.  I said yes, without any idea who this person would be.  I was very surprised when it turned out to be Dianne and even more surprised when we had a very good time together.

 

Norm followed up by taking the two of us out for ice cream several times with his family following the Sunday night services.  And, as my interest developed, I got enough nerve to call her and we began to spend time together.  We attended a church banquet, a concert, church activities, basketball games ….

 

Several things made it easier to spend more time together.  First, the church had prayer meetings on Tuesday and Thursday nights and we managed to attend both of these as well as Sunday services, morning and night.  Second, she had her own car, and this certainly made it much more convenient to be with her.

 

As our relationship developed we spent more time together.  I would come to the bank where she worked to meet her when she was done working on Friday nights at 8:30.  I would often go to her house and study on Sunday afternoons.  She would take me back to college following services and then she'd race home before her curfew.  We wrote daily letters when I was at home.  It was obvious that a special relationship had developed.

 

I don't remember when I actually asked her to marry me, but we were officially engaged on New Year's Day, 1962.  We had a big dinner at the Bickles with her family, my family and the Wolfs.

 

Since she had a good job at the First National Bank, we decided that we could afford to get married before I graduated.  With only six weeks to go, we planned a June wedding.  I found a summer job with the Sunbury Daily Item and we hoped to find an apartment by the end of the summer where we would spend my senior year together.  The next few months were very busy.

 

On June 2 we were married by Grandpa Wolf in Sunbury.  It was a beautiful windy day.  Dianne was beautiful in a dress borrowed from her cousin.  I bought a black suit for the wedding.  We had a big crowd and a nice reception at the YMCA.  We went to Watkins Glen for our short honeymoon.  The bank didn't want to give Dianne any time off for her wedding but she did take Monday off.

 

We moved in with the Bickles and began looking for an apartment.  We finally found one but before we could move in when it was available in September, we discovered that, unexpectedly, our family was about to grow.  We know that the Lord had all that planned so we stayed with the Bickles where we had our own "apartment" with a bedroom and a living room.  It worked perfectly for us while I finished my senior year.

 

Without any hesitation I can say that Grammy really has been my closest and best friend on this earth.  That is because, for both of us, Jesus is our best friend.  Ours has been a very special relationship, with very few disagreements, mainly because Jesus has been the center of our lives. He alone has united us and made us one.  We can't imagine what a married life would be like without the Lord at the center.  He has provided purpose and direction for our marriage both in the good and in the challenging times that develop in any married life.

 

We have prayed not only for you but also for your future spouse.  Pray with us that the Lord will lead you to a spouse who loves the Lord and puts Him first in his/her life.  Don't compromise and settle for anything else.  Life is too long to spend it with someone that doesn't put the Lord first.  We pray that your spouse may also be your best and dearest human friend on earth.

So Much To Learn (LB)

LOOKING BACK - A feature where I repeat a blog that I had previously posted.  This was posted in 2012.

          It's that time of the year when our schools send out      another wave of graduates to face the world.  Hopefully they have learned their lessons well. 

           But so many of the important lessons in life are only learned through experience.  Recently somebody sent me a list of things that are learned with time.  I thought it was so good that I am passing it on to you.  I only wish that I had written it.  

          Here goes. 

(1)  I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."  

(2)  I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll  miss them when they're gone from your life.  

(3)  I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.  

(4)  I've learned that people will forget what you said ... people will forget what you did ... but people will never forget how you made them feel. 

 (5)  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  

(6)  I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.  

(7)  I've learned that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.  

(8)  I've learned that money doesn't buy class.  

(9) I've learned that under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.  

(10)  I've learned that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?  

(11)  I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.  

(12)  I've learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.  

(13)  I've learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.  

(14)  I've learned that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.  

(15)  I've learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.  

(16)  I've learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.  

 And finally,  (17)  I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Fwd: Sleep

          SLEEP – a vital part of a healthy life.  Something that we all need and something that we crave especially when our bodies and minds are tired.

          But sometimes we folks find it very hard to sleep.  Maybe we have had too much caffeine or have eaten too much food too close to our bedtime.  Maybe our mind is clogged with problems and worries.  Maybe there is too much noise or other distractions around us.  Or maybe we have genuine physical problems confronting us.  And we may turn and toss and watch the clock, but sleep just doesn't come.

          There are numerous medicines that can help such a situation.  There are sound machines which can provide relaxation.  And doctors can provide suggestions which may help.

          But others face the opposite problem – they can fall asleep easily and quickly, especially at times when they don't want to sleep.  Physical problems can be a source of this problem.

          I am a diabetic and one of the results of a high sugar level is that I can suddenly doze off and not realize it.  It is very embarrassing when this happens while you are talking to someone or are in a conference.  It can be very dangerous when this happens when you are driving.  I have a friend who totaled his car when he fell asleep while driving.

          I am embarrassed to admit that this sometimes happens to me when I am praying.  But I have a feeling that I am not alone with this problem.

          Now I feel sorry for those who must work night shifts and must be wide awake and attentive during the long night hours.  It must be hard at times to not doze off or slumber.

          Thankfully we do know one who never slumbers or sleeps no matter the time or the situation.  He is always there to hear us and help us.  In Psalm 121:4 we are told, "Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."  So we don't need to worry night or day for we are always in His care.

          Don Moen put this truth into music by writing the following words:

 

When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray

Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer in on it's way

Our God is able

He is mighty

He is faithful

And He never sleeps He never slumbers

He never tires of hearing our prayer

When we are weak He becomes stronger

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him

Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need

Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see

Our God is able

He is mighty He is faithful

And He never sleeps He never slumbers

He never tires of hearing our prayer

When we are weak He becomes stronger

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him (repeat * 2x)

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him

 

Maybe this is a reminder that we all need.  Sleep in peace because our protector never sleeps or slumbers.

 

You can listen to it here as sung by the author. MOEN

Or you can listen to my favorite version as done by the Derric Johnson Vocal Orchestra.   ACAPELLA

 

   

A Very Special Brother

This is another of my writings for my grandchildren.  This is in memory of my brother who would have celebrated his 77th birthday on June 4 if the Lord wouldn't have called him home 13 years ago.  And I still really miss him.

         My grandfather used to sing a song that said, "We are going down the valley one by one, with our faces toward the setting of the sun ..."  And the reality of this has certainly been in my mind recently.  During the past four years four of my closest friends have walked down the valley of death and been taken home to heaven.  First it was Norm Zellers, then Gary Varner, then Ralph Michel and now yesterday, my brother, Terry.   While I know that all four are in heaven, it is so hard to lose real life-long friends.  

          Their deaths were all so hard to take, but Terry's is the hardest.  It hurts.  We were always close.  We enjoyed being with each other. He was always so positive, even when he was suffering in his final days.   He had a strong Christian testimony and encouraged so many people.  He had wisdom and always had ways to solve problems.  He was always willing to help me. 

          I have so many memories ... sharing the mumps in Elizabethtown  ... enjoying our dog Frisky ... Christmas trips to Bethlehem ... walking to school with him up N. Queen St. in Lancaster ... stitches and broken bones ... playing baseball in the backyard ... trying to nail together a broken tree ... enjoying Cho-Chos in Sunbury ... waiting in line together to buy a television for nine cents ... camping at Mizpah Grove ... coaching his Teener baseball team ... getting pinned by him when we wrestled ... watching his football team win the league championship ... cheering him on as he wrestled in tournaments and in college  ... working together picking cherries ... laying down a squeeze bunt that scored him from third to win a church softball game ... taking our kids to Long's Park ... using his car to take a trip to Indiana when we were having trouble with our car ... working with him in Awana ... serving on the elder board together ... trips together, especially to Williamsburg  ...  going to a Penn State football game with him ... spending New Year's Day together at dad's ... Sunday lunches at Wendys ... dealing together with mother's sudden death ... checking on dad for us at times when we couldn't find him ... and so much more.  Good memories are so important, but there is now a void in my heart that will never again be filled.   

          I do thank the Lord that he took him peacefully yesterday while we sang hymns around his bed in the hospital.  We were singing "When We All Get To Heaven" as he breathed his last breath here on earth and was ushered into the presence of the Lord.  And I hope that he had the chance upon his arrival to wish mother, "Happy Mother's Day!".  I thank the Lord for the 63 years that I had the chance to have him as my brother and I look forward to sharing again with him throughout eternity.  For it is true, we are going down the valley one by one.

 

TERRY'S FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE – PSALM 16

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.  I said to the LORD, "You are my Master!  Every good thing I have comes from you." The godly people in the land are my true heroes!  I take pleasure in them!  Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.  I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.  LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land.  What a wonderful inheritance!  I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.   (New Living Translation) 

 

A SONG SHARED BY TERRY IN HIS LAST E-MAIL UPDATE TO FRIENDS

 Oh I know you are never unkind, But Heavenly Father

Since you know my heart,Surely you can read my mind

Good people underneath the sea of grief, Some get up and walk away

Some will find ultimate relief

Chorus:  Home Free, eventually, At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free

Home Free, oh I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing, We will be Home…Free

 

Out in the corridors we pray for life, A mother for her baby, A husband for his wife

Sometimes the good die young, It's sad but true

And while we pray for one more heartbeat, The real comfort is in you

Chorus:  Home Free, eventually, At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free

Home Free, oh I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing, We will be Home…Free

 

Pain shows little mercy, And suffering's no respecter of age, of race or position

But I know every prayer gets answered, But the hardest one to pray is slow to come

Oh Lord, not mine, but Your will be done

Chorus:  Home Free, eventually, At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free

Home Free, oh I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing, We will be Home…Free

 

Lord, Let it be... Home Free, oh, I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing we will be Home, Home Free, oh, I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing we will be Home

We will be Free

 

50 Years (LB)

This blog was posted ten years ago on our 50th anniversary.  I'm reposting it for our 60th anniversary which came on June 2.

          50 years sounds like a long time.  A half century sounds even longer.  But to me, the past 50 years of married life have gone by so quickly.  And I would not trade them for anything.  

           Dianne and I were brought together by the Lord who has guided us with His faithfulness and presence.  We may be unusual because in 50 years we have never had a major disagreement or fight.  On our honeymoon the Lord gave us Psalm 92:13, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."  We have tried to follow those words for 50 years and we rejoice in God's goodness.  

          Now how do you describe 50 years?  Well let me make an attempt by listing 50 things for which I am especially thankful.  

1-3  are Craig, Ken and Tim, our three sons.  They love and serve the Lord and are great fathers.  What more could we want?   

4-6 are Kisha, Sandy and Wendy, our three daughter-in-laws.  We love them like daughters and thank God for them.  

7-13 are Zach, Josh, Taylor, Noah, Chloe, Lexie and Brodie, our seven grandchildren.  All have asked the Lord to be their Savior.  

14 -17 would be our parents.  All four loved the Lord and modeled Him to us.  All four are now with Him in heaven. 

18 would be our extended family.  We have been blessed with grandparents, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, in-laws, cousins and nephews and nieces who love the Lord.  

19.  Friends - we have been blessed with numerous friends who have enriched our married life over 50 years.  Many of them are now in heaven.  

20-23 would by the four homes that we have lived in.  Each were special provisions with special stories about them. The present one has now been our home for almost 42 years.  

24-25 Two estates settled, at the same time.  I'm not sure that I ever want to be an executor again but we learned much and saw so many special answers to prayer during that time.  

26 - My special job as a teacher/administrator for 39 years.  Few people can stay that long at one place and say that they enjoyed it all.  It was God's special provision to us and a definite answer to prayer when I had to choose from four job offers nearly 50 years ago. 

27 - Many part-time jobs over the years that supplemented a teacher's salary and enabled Dianne to stay at home and be a full-time mother.  These included writing questions for Educational Testing Service, teaching adult ed, doing homebound instruction, coaching, working for the Sunday News for 25 years, Books In Print editorial staff. chief statistician for PIAA basketball play-offs for 25 years, Cherry Hill Orchards, software prep for ISC, consultant for an Addison Wesley geometry textbook and working with my wife for the Lancaster County Election Bureau for ten years.  

28 - The opportunity for us to travel and visit 25 major cities in the U.S. and Canada as part of my job responsibilities.  This included speaking at five major national conventions.  

29 - Having a family ministry for 25 years including and presenting almost 100 programs a year.  We won't know until heaven how many families were touched by the Lord, but we do know that it taught our boys many lessons and developed in them special strengths and skills which they use today.  

30 - Over 40 years of ministry at Pinebrook working with children and music.  For most of those years it was a ministry in the summer but for the last ten it has been with hymn sings and retreats throughout the year. 

 31 - Multiple opportunities to serve, often side-by-side, for 50 years in our church.  This has included Sunday School (teachers, department leader, superintendent), music (piano, organ, solos, duets, choir, administration, Christmas Eve program leadership), adult Bible studies, elder and committees, prayer chain coordinators. 

 32 - Awana.  What can I say about the opportunity to lead for 30 years, to minister to children, and to provide training for adults.  Together we have now completed all three levels of Awana college training in Hershey, Pittsburgh and Chicago.  These years with this great program have been very special. 

 33 - 50 represent 18 operations and procedures under anesthesia.  They include numerous biopsies, only one of which has shown cancer.  In addition there have been many dozens of other tests.  But through all of this we thank God for the health and life that He has given us.  

          We don't know what lies ahead, but God is faithful and He goes before us.  So there are 50.  I could easily list another 50.  We just say, thank you Lord for 50 great years together.  Our desire is to continue to live for Him and to serve Him here on earth as long as He gives us the health and strength to do so.  And, by the way, 50 years goes faster than you can imagine.  So use your today to live for Him.

            Well 10 years have passed since this list was written and published, so I should try to add to it.

51 - 53  Three new additions to the family - Daniel, husband of granddaughter Taylor; Baby Cetnar, son of the Cetnars scheduled to join us in October; Corrine, wife of Joshua.

54 - 55  Two doctorates.  Daniel, chemical engineering; Joshua, chemistry.  Both at Penn State.

56 - 57  Two working on doctorates.  Noah at Salus University (eyes), and Chloe at the University of Maryland (English).

58 - 60 Replacement of three doctors that served us so well.  One was our outstanding dentist who cared for us for decades, another was Dianne's pacemaker surgeon, and the third is Dianne's family doctor, replacement yet to be named.  Actually, over the years there have been several other doctors and specialists - that happens when you live this long.

          Will there be another list ten years from now?  If there is it might begin with:    61 - 62 Enjoying a spectacular home here in heaven.

The News

         If you want to have a discouraging day, start it by listening to or watching the news.  If you do, then be prepared for the worst.

          First, you will see the tragedy in Ukrane.  I am convinced that this is led by Satan, controlled by Puten.  Devastation, death and war crimes bring tears to your eyes and it is all senseless. And it appears that nothing can be done to stop this other than a much wider war.

          Or if that doesn't make your blood boil, then what about the shortage of baby formula, or the increase in gas prices, or the cost of groceries?  Inflation increases while the stock market is like a rollercoaster.  And there are random shootings everywhere even locally.  Our neighboring city of York now has a murder almost daily.  You are no longer safe anywhere – shopping, working, going to school or to church.

          Then there are the mass murders.  The are all sad, but the school shooting in Texas tops the list.  As a grandparent I just can't imagine what those folks are going through.  As a retired educator I have so many questions about the whole situation.

          For example, why was the outside door left open and blocked open? Did some employee want to make an exit and a quick return?  Even twenty years ago when I was still teaching that was a serious offense.  All doors were locked and there was only one permissible entrance and usually each person had to sign in during the day and only an authorized person would allow them to enter.  It appears that no such safety regulation was followed here.  Did some employee feel that regulations weren't for them?

          Then where was the safety resource officer?  So far reports haven't placed him on duty.  Why?  That was his job.

          Then there are the questions about the classroom doors.  Some say they were unlocked which would be a definite safety violation.  But there are others that say they couldn't get into the rooms until they finally found a janitor with the master key.  Didn't the office have one?  Cops on television have ways to break through a door.  Didn't these lawmen have the same training?

          Then there appear to be many mistakes over a long period of time when kids were even sending requests to 911 for police help.  What in the world were they all doing while students and teachers were being killed?

          It is hard to listen to the experiences of parents and students.  They are heartbreaking.  However, I was thrilled to hear the one young girl who said that when Jesus is in your heart, if you die you go to him in heaven. Thank you, Lord, for one faithful parent or teacher who taught this child the truth.  This is the solution to this world's growing problem.

           So, what comes next?  The country is now divided over gun laws, but would more laws have prevented this tragedy? Personally, I don't think so.  Criminals and mass killers will always find ways to get guns.

          The source of this evil is sin.  The Bible reminds us that the heart is desperately wicked.  So, we shouldn't be surprised.  We better get used to it.

          But a better way to start the day would be to spend the early morning with the Lord.

          P.S. – It is amazing how the world protests mass shootings while at the same time they promote the killing of children through abortion.  My how Satan has blinded this world.  But a better day is coming … hopefully soon!

A Walk

          What is your favorite physical activity?  For most of my life mine has been walking.

          In my elementary years I had no choice.  Not only did I need to walk to and from school, but in those days we also had to walk home for lunch.  School cafeterias were unusual in those days, so we had to go home and then walk back.

          In the days when we lived in Lancaster and Lititz there were so many interesting places to visit, beside school.  And walking was safe, so I walked all over the place.  I didn't walk for exercise, just to visit friends and even to shop.
          Then when I hit my twenties I hit a roadblock – my first bad back experience.  I was diagnosed as having ankylosing spondylitis.  It was painful and very limiting. Powerful medicines were required and exercise was suggested.  So slowly it was back to walking each day.

          For many years I walked about an hour each day.  During school days I would usually walk early in the morning before going to teach.  I enjoyed this time when I could pray and reflect upon things I needed to do.  Usually I would listen to Christian radio as I walked.  But I learned to be careful after having a skunk suddenly cross my path in the darkness of the early morning.

          When the days were hot during the summer or when the weather was bad, I would usually drive to Park City where I would walk in the mall.  That was fun but the hard floors were hard on my feet and back. Even so I was still able to earn numerous honors (shirts) from a Penn Manor Wellness committee for my walking records. Dianne often walked with me there.

          But over the years three neck and back surgeries made walking much more difficult.  But a program for Pulmonary Rehab kept me going.  I enjoyed using a variety of machines to keep walking and staying in shape. I also met a number of nice people during my months there.  And I felt much better.

          Then I hit another roadblock.  Covid forced the sudden closure of rehab and suddenly my walking was curtailed.  I really miss rehab.

          Then came the cane.  Then a walker.  Next came a rollater.  Before I knew it, I was dependent on each of these. Now I am in physical therapy where they are trying to teach me to walk once again.  The process is slow and discouraging. 

          It is hard to become handicapped.  It is hard not to be able to do the many things that you have been always able to do all of your life.  You never see these changes happening to you.  But, they do, too suddenly.

          However, I have been trying to learn a few lessons. Be thankful today for the many normal things you can still do.  You may not be able to do those things tomorrow, so don't take them for granted today.

          Be willing to find ways to help others who are slowing down or are becoming handicapped. In the near future you might need someone who is willing to help you. It happens.  Becoming handicapped makes one lonely, needy and discouraged.

          Appreciate what you have today and what you can still do.  Be thankful each day for what abilities the Lord still has allowed you to have.  Trust Him for tomorrow.

          "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."  Psalm 119:1

          If you can walk, be thankful.  If you can't, then continue a caring spiritual walk with Jesus.  He will never leave you no matter how handicapped you may become.

Helping The Handicapped (LB)

Looking Back - The feature in which I repeat a blog that I have shared in the past.  This blog from 2019 is even more timely since today I use a cane or a walker and my wife uses a cane.  And things haven't gotten any better in ten years.

           Have you ever really thought about the problems that even moderately handicapped people face? I doubt that most of us do until we are faced with the problem ourselves. I imagine that probably was true even with me until my wife began using a cane.  

          It has been interesting to see how folks interact with you when you are forced to use something like a cane. Now in all fairness, there are some people who are very considerate. They let you go ahead. They ask if they can help. They hold doors for you. Fortunately there are still some people with manners who are considerate of those with special needs. 

          Now as you might expect, children are the worst problem. They run, they bump into you, they rush ahead, and they cut right in front of you. But they do that even to older folks who aren't handicapped. On a Sunday morning I have often been bumped by running children while I am trying to carry my coffee. At times that can almost be an adventure and even a little dangerous. 

          But teens and young adults usually aren't much better. In the malls they don't get out of your way. You need to move for them. And they rush to beat you in and out of the doors, especially those which open automatically. But many adults act the same. It is common when we walk at Park City to have folks cut right in front of us or stop suddenly right in front of us. And many of them also like to beat you through the automatic doors. 

          Then there are those who park in the striped areas between handicapped parking slots which are designed for vans and room for the handicapped to exit or enter their vehicles. As I said, I guess we just don't think much about those things until we have a handicap or we spend time with somebody who does. 

          Maybe all students should be required to spend a day or two as a "handicapped person" to experience these problems. And we have also become more aware of the problems handicapped have with access to facilities. We have been learning the problems of dealing with steps when ramps and elevators are not available. 

          On our trip to Commanders College last week, we visited the church where Awana really developed sixty years ago. Surprisingly it was not the least bit handicapped accessible. There were steep steps everywhere to get into the building and then again into the sanctuary. No ramps or elevators were provided. At one point my wife had to wait until everybody in our group had passed before she could begin difficult task of using the steps. She had struggled halfway when somebody from the church suddenly appeared and told her to be careful because they didn't have any insurance if she should hurt herself. We weren't sure whether to laugh or cry about his warning.

           But, unfortunately, that is often the attitude of people who aren't handicapped themselves - at least physically handicapped. And maybe that comment also tells you why this formerly thriving church, with an auditorium that seats about 400, now only averages 30 to 40 each Sunday. I sure hope this guy wasn't the church greeter!

Mother's Dictionary

Mother's Dictionary
A blog dedicated to all mothers

Bottle feeding: An opportunity for Dad to get up at 2 a.m. also.

Defense: What you'd better have around de yard if you're going to let the children play outside.

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

Family planning: The art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster.

Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.

Full name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.

Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.

Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

Impregnable: A woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.

Independent: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

Look out: What it's too late for your child to do by the time you scream it.

Prenatal: When your life was still somewhat your own.

Prepared childbirth: A contradiction in terms.

Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

Show off: A child who is more talented than yours.

Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.

Storeroom: The distance required between the supermarket aisles so that children in shopping carts can't quite reach anything.

Temper tantrums: What you should keep to a minimum so as to not upset the children.

Top bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

Two-minute warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

Verbal: Able to whine in words.

Whoops: An exclamation that translates roughly into "get a sponge."