Autumn

With respect to my daughter-in-law who loves Summer, is there really any better season than that of Autumn? The heat and humidity of summer have long since faded into the background and that same kind of uncomfortable condition will not return for months. Now is the season of quiet contemplation; of peaceful afternoons in the woods, soaking in the vibrant colors of this magnificent season.

On one such Autumnal day, we took a walk along a path that circles nearby Lake Creve Coeur. The quiet of the afternoon was stunning. The only sounds you could hear were those of a few chickadees twittering as they flew from limb to limb in the forest. Leaves of every imaginable color rustled in the treetops above us as the wind gently made its way through the tangled woods.

On the lake itself, the figure of a lone fisherman in his boat near a small cove spoke of Fall. The mists began settling in as an anticipated cold front neared. Colors were muted just enough to give the scene a dream-like quality.

We walked mainly in silence, quietly taking in the treasures of nature at this time of year. Little had to be said, really, since the beauty of the place spoke all the words necessary. It was a time to clear the mind and settle the soul. A time to contemplate the truly important things in life. It was a time to think clearly about one's present circumstances in life. A time to contemplate the spirit of God and what I have done to be a good steward of the many blessings he has bestowed upon me.

I thought especially of my granddaughters and their lives and what may be ahead for them. What excitement and anticipation their futures hold! When I think of all the things I have seen in my lifetime, the possibilities of what they may see and experience in their lives in this 21st century seem endless.

All of this because of much needed time out in nature. Amazing what a touch of nature in this wonderful season can accomplish. I feel like I have cleared my head and allowed for more energy to pour into my very being. This quiet walk with my beloved wife in the silence of a Missouri afternoon was a gift from God. I recommend a stroll in his cathedral soon!

Two Future Tax Payers!

$1.42 trillion dollars. That's $1,420,000,000,000! That is the amount currently of our Federal deficit. That is not the National Debt. The National Debt stands at $11,957,469,307,131.18!!! To make that a little more understandable, that means that all of us, men, women, AND children, each of us, owes about $38,933.73 in order to pay this debt off. Who among those of you who reads this has this on hand or will be willing to pay it off in increments? C'mon now, let me see a show of hands!! Any takers? No, I didn't think there would be!

But this is the dilemma that we're in. We have lived so high and mighty as a nation without regard to any fiscal responsibility at all, that we have managed to tie our next several generations' livelihoods up completely before they're even born. For the next several generations, our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and so on will be saddled with finding ways to pay for our excessive spending.

I put my two grandchildren at the top of this piece to illustrate just who the future tax payers of America are and how we have severely mortgaged their futures. They will be faced with taxes that we can't even imagine. Their life-styles will probably not equal ours. Fifty years after I am gone, they will still be paying for Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Wall Street, GM, AIG, and thousands of other interests that are simply too numerous to mention.

This country faces very critical times. I believe our fate as a republic hangs in the balance. Oh sure, you hear the pundits and representatives from the White House proclaim that things will get better and we'll get on with life as usual. But we cannot afford to get on with life as usual. We cannot, as a nation, continue to spend like there is no end to the money supply. We are spending money we don't have. How many of you can take your checking account balance, whatever it happens to be, and keep spending once your balance has dropped to zero like there is no tomorrow? None of us as individuals has that luxury. Banks would not allow it. Then why are we allowing our elected representatives spend money like they're on a drunken binge?

I all of our recent financial crises, not one elected official has been heard talking about sacrifice. Yet, sacrifice is what is called for if we are to avoid handing our future generations this mess. If we do nothing in a meaningful way to try to change our spending habits as a government so that those who come after us will not have to give up as much as it appears they will at this point, then we can only come to the conclusion that we, as a generation, are selfish and egotistical preferring to let the next generation clean up our mess. I am not suggesting that we have the ability ourselves alone to clean things up. What I am suggesting, however, is that we do have the power within us to begin acting more responsible where governmental spending is concerned.

We must put pressure on our elected officials by making our voices heard loudly and clearly that we will not tolerate this out of control binge we are on any longer. So what if they call us organized mobs? We are the citizens of this country and have been endowed by the constitution with the authority over those who represent us. We have to realize that government cannot possibly provide for every whim and wish we may have. Earlier generations certainly didn't depend on the government for their every need! What makes us different?

Take a long look at the picture at the top of this piece. Then take a look at your kids or grandkids and try to come up with an explanation to them as to why their lifestyles will probably be below ours because we just didn't care enough to get involved! Tough assignment, isn't it? Yet that is what we must do unless we begin to demand accountability from the government WE have elected to represent us. What will you say to the next generations?

Obama's "Compassion"

Yesterday, on his way to a multi-million dollar political fund raiser, President Obama stopped by New Orleans for a close up look at what "progress" has taken place in the city devastated by Hurricane Katrina four years ago. It would be a four hour stop to express his concern and compassion for the citizens of the city much of which still stands in ruins after all these years.

At a "Town Hall" meeting, Obama took questions from the audience. One of the citizens asked the President why, after four years, there was no rebuilt hospital in the area in which he lived. After all, the questioner posed, billions, if not trillions, of dollars had been used to bail out banks and other financial institutions who found themselves devastated by the greed of Wall Street.

Obama, in his "deeply compassionate" response, smiled, and with a laugh, responded that he couldn't just write a check. After all there were things like legislation and the constitution he informed the audience.

Now think about it! How much could a well-stocked, modern medical center cost? Certainly nowhere near the billions that Wall Street "had to have" to avoid the total destruction of western civilization as we know it! Yet the president blew off the question with that bright smile and easy cool way he has of delivering bad news.

Where is the compassion, Mr. President? Where is the change promised that would turn us around from the brazen coldness that was the hallmark of the Bush administration? And why did you only spend a few paltry hours in the city where thousands of impoverished people suffered so deeply after the violent storm destroyed their homes and the federal government, you now represent, seemed to abandon? Then you flew off to raise millions to elect more "compassionate" candidates who will come to the rescue of the poor people.

It seems to me that there is a huge disconnect between the government and the ordinary citizens of this country. When Obama was a senator he promised that there would be change and that things would be different. He was going to right all the wrongs of the last four years and people would know that there was a new man in town. It is insulting to the intelligence of the American people to have a president promote the idea that he is the vehicle of change when all of his actions point to the fact that he and his administration are just a continuation of the same. The government continues to grow larger and larger, gobbling up everything in its path. Lives that were forever changed by a long gone hurricane, languish in the inability of a federal government to change anything.

We need to begin to look to ourselves to help ourselves in this society. We cannot expect the government to fix things unless we have deep pockets that will attract every politician in the country. Obama stopped in New Orleans to show he cares! Then he winged off to California to gather in the really important thing he cares about--campaign funds! It is sheer hypocrisy in my mind to proclaim that you have feelings for the beleaguered people of New Orleans only to brush off a legitimate question about building a hospital and then jetting off to the fat cats of California. Oh yeah, and Obama is supposed to want health care reform. How about starting by building a much needed hospital in New Orleans, Mr. President!

A Gentle Change of Seasons

I love this time of year when one season slowly transforms into another. The days grow shorter and the sun sinks a little closer to the horizon with each passing day. The heat and humidity of summer begins to back off and tantalizingly cool breezes begin to make their presence known as quiet reminders that change is in the air.

Nature senses the changes, too. Birds begin gathering in flocks on power lines near sunset. Deer become more visible grazing everywhere there is an open field or a bird feeder with some seed still remaining.

Skies begin to change as well. Deep blue replaces the milky hue that summer often brings. Somehow the air seems clearer at this time of the year. Perhaps it is because after several months of searing temperatures and those milky skies we have forgotten the deep blue nature of the space above us. Sunsets seem more brilliant and are often punctuated with fair weather clouds floating on the horizon.

As night falls, the temperature falls with it. Windows that welcomed the fresh air into the house during the day quickly come down as the cool, damp air of the evening flows through the screens. Somehow, at this time of year, the nights seem a little darker, a little more mysterious. The nighttime sky becomes awash in stars. Constellations dot the firmament with a brilliance that was lost in summertime humidity. The winter blanket of stars begin to make their appearance led by the king of them all Orion.

Leaves begin to tumble from their summer homes as trees prepare for the coming cold of winter. Vibrant colors, there all along, although covered by the green of chlorophyll in the summer, are spectacularly revealed. As the breeze blows, they dance upon their branches as if to bring the world's attention to them in their last days of existence. Once freed from their lofty perches, they float innocently to the ground where squirrels and birds forage for seeds more hurriedly because the chill of Autumn is in the air.

Oh, there still are warm days ahead, but those days are fewer and farther in between. The warmth comes as a reminder that the seasons do not depart easily. But time moves on and so does human existence. The seasons present a rhythm to our lives that we barely notice. Our patterns of living change according to the season. As the year grows more into fall, we move indoors against the lower temperatures and deepening nights. Our diets change. We become reacquainted with more indoor activities as the world outside continues to evolve toward winter.

But, for now, the glory that is the season of Autumn, is on display. There is a sense of peace in this and a sense of comfort in knowing of the consistency of the seasonal changes. It is a time of year to celebrate the bounty of summer and the beauty of nature seen in momentary displays of spectacular colors that mankind could never reproduce.

Autumn. A season of change. A season of delight!

9/11

Eight years ago today, the world changed. As America was awakening on that September morning, no one could have known that an historic act of epic proportion was about to take place and change all of us forever. The photo of firemen raising the flag ((c) 2001 The Record, (Bergen County, NJ) in the midst of the rubble of the World Trade Center is burned into the memories of most Americans who witnessed the terrible events of that day unfold on television.

Thousands died on this day in New York, Washington, and on a lonely farm field in Pennsylvania. All were innocent of any crime. They were going about their business just as we all were without a thought of death in their minds.

I can remember the stunned silence when we first heard that an airliner had slammed into one of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. I thought it was rather odd that a plane of such size had crashed into the WTC because I had visited the towers on a couple of occasions and knew precisely where they were. No aircraft ever fly that low over that part of Manhattan. I found myself thinking that this was probably a terrorist act but as soon as that thought popped into my head, it left. I don't think I wanted to even entertain the possibility of such a thing happening. Yet, it did.

On September 10, 2001, the world was different in so many ways. We were not afraid in the same way we are now in light of the disaster. Our concerns seem so trivial from this vantage point. If you remember that day and were anywhere where others were such as grocery stores or buses or restaurants you will remember that almost blank look on nearly everyones face. We were all in shock. The images of those towers first being attacked by the hijacked airliners and then tumbling to the New York streets below were sered into our minds. It was hard to get the images out as you played them over and over in an attempt to make sense of the insensible.

Churches filled that night with the faithful praying, seeking Divine guidance in coming to grips with this national tragedy. People were kinder to one another as strangers struck up conversations everywhere. All airline traffic was grounded and as the skies above emptied, an eerie silence crept over the land. Flags appeared everywhere, in yards, on porches, in cars, and on subways. As the shock wore off, the demand for revenge began to grow not just in Washington but throughout the country. It was clear we were about to embark on a misguided war. The thirst for blood was palpable.

Muslims everywhere feared for their very lives. The public looked upon every member of that faith suspiciously. I remember one very educated man at worked demanded that we drop the nuclear bomb on Iraq and Iran and turn it into a "parking lot." He was not alone.

In order to cope with the underlying fear that most people felt to one degree or another. we turned to comfort foods. Remember? Stews, meat loaves, home cooked meals and family potlucks became the fashion of the time. People needed a firm foundation from which to operate so as to feel a sense of security and familiarity. It provided us with an anchor of sorts and we felt a little better about things. But it was not a permanent thing.

Now, eight years later, thousands dead both Americans and citizens of the Middle East, we are mired in a war of a different sort. It is an internal conflict but not a Civil War. It is, rather, a conflict of trying to determine just who we are as a nation and a people. It is a conflict of realizing that a vast majority of the Muslim faith are peace loving, law abiding citizens, while, at the same time, harboring an uneasy sense of suspicion against anyone who professes that faith. We seem to have lost our moral compass.

Who knows how long America's young men and women will have to stay and fight in far off places like Iraq and Afghanistan? Who knows how many American lives will be lost right along with the lives of the innocent citizens of both countries. Who knows what will become of our culture which was thrown into a chaos on that September day which still reverberates today.

The only moral compass we have is that of God. He is present in our families. He is present in the workplace in the form of others. He is present in our churches, synagogues, and mosques. He is in nature. He is in us. He is the answer. Because we have lost our way, it is important for us to remember what Christ said so long ago. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Jn 14:6) We must find our way back to Him before we can find our way back to a society grounded in confidence and freedom that 9/11 took away from us.

On this day we pause to remember those who died in the rubble of planes and buildings. We remember them with a firm resolution to restore the dignity to our society through peaceful means, with an eye to defending ourselves when justified and treating each other as our brothers and sisters. I can hear some of you moaning at this last statement, but if you think back to 9/12 and after you will realize that for one sparkling moment in the ashes of disaster, we did see each other as brothers and sisters, sharing a common destiny and hope for the future of our country and our children.

Rest in Peace all those victims who perished just eight years ago this morning. And may we never forget to treat each other with the dignity and integrity that all deserve.

A Birthday to Remember!

One of the biggest days of a young person's life is their birthday. This was no exception on Sunday, September 6, as the family gathered together to celebrate Keirah's 3rd birthday.

It was a great day filled with fun, laughter, energy, and a reminder of what is really important in life. When I look at the pictures taken and the memories stored, I find an amazing thing. In attendance were several generations of family. Keirah had two great grandmas, one great grandpa, two grandmas, and two grandpas helping her to celebrate her big day. The first picture above shows three of the four generations present with Aliyah and Keirah in front of her great-grandparents and grand parents on her mom's side. What a remarkable picture it is showing life as it naturally occurs. And, of course, the birthday girl's picture is right below.

The energy that Keirah and Aliyah displayed could be enough to run a large city for a week I think. As usual, wrapping paper went flying. Bows were quickly tossed aside. And cupcakes, fruit and other snacks eagerly consumed. Before you knew it, the afternoon had passed.

We had the great pleasure, however, of going to dinner with Keirah, Aliyah, and her mom and dad. After consuming yet another copious amount of food, we headed for some deliciously rich and creamy ice cream! By this time, I could barely waddle! Next on the agenda, although it was a surprise, was a round of miniature golf. I had not played the game in years and years but it was great fun. Watching the girls play was enough fun all by itself. Each has her own style, brimming over with enormous amounts of energy!

With the conclusion of the 18th hole, the day came to an end. It was time to bid farewell to the birthday girl and her family with a long three hour ride ahead of us. We were both very tired but filled with fond memories of a day with family. Nothing is more important than family, a lesson that is not necessarily always appreciated in our younger years. But it is in the heart of the family where we find love and acceptance unlike anywhere else. We use birthdays and holidays as excuses to get together. Maybe its time we gather together just because we want to!

A Very Special Little Girl On Her Birthday

Three years ago as the warm, moist summer breezes began to usher in the cooler, drier zephyrs of autumn, a little girl was born into our family adding more treasure to our lives than can ever be imagined.

Keirah came into a family with a loving mom and dad and eager loving sister. She could not have known in those early moments of life how much she was already loved. Now, fresh into the world, the love would grow and grow with each passing day of her young life.

Keirah, that little ball of love, has graced us all with that winsome look of hers that draws you in and invites you to take her into your arms and hug her for the rest of time. She is a wisp of smoke, a breath of air moving effortlessly from one place to another gathering her thoughts along the way.

She is all girl. Purses, necklaces, bracelets, anything feminine spells Keirah. She wouldn't be caught dead in anything but the appropriate attire for a young lady of her standing! And while bedecked in all her finery, her piercing blue eyes gaze upon a world hungering for just the sort of love this little one holds in her heart.

She loves her mommy and daddy and adores her big sister Aliyah, although from time to time, she does mother Aliyah. But Aliyah takes it in her stride because these two are not only sisters but the best of friends. They always look out for one another in a protective and embracing sort of way. No one dare step in the middle of these two!

Look into the eyes of this special birthday girl and see the love of family deeply reflected and exhibited. Here is a young lady with a wonderful start on life who is well-grounded because of a mom and dad who have their priorities firmly in place. She is being taught that the love of God for us all is shown best in the midst of family, imperfect though it may be from time to time. She is a loving child who shares the love that family has taught her. And she has been instructed well for, as those wonderful eyes bespeak, life is good when in the loving arms of the family that loves her so much.

As the years go by, I will get to know my special little granddaughter more and more. This is where the important things are. Not in jobs. Not in money. Not in possessions. But rather in the soul of our very special Keirah! Happy 3rd birthday, Keirah. We love you very much.