May 12th

Today is my father's birthday. He was 4 days younger than my mother and never let her forget it. It is also their wedding anniversary. The day they got married was Mother's Day, too. That was alot of cards in 1 week!
Pop died June 10th, 1983. Hard living took a toll on him. At 65 he was an old man. My fondest memories are of the two of us working together on a well drilling rig. He taught me how to work hard and enjoy it. He also taught me how to install and service hangovers. Although I swore I'd never be like him, it's obvious that we were cut from the same cloth. Today I don't think that's a bad thing. He had his faults but I know how hard he tried. Love you, Pop, happy birthday.

Signs of spring and Mama

My mother would have been 91 today. She died just over 2 years ago. She was always thrilled, even giddy, about springtime. I am remembering her as I admire the beautiful activity in my yard. Everything is turning green. The apple and pear trees are in full bloom. The bluebird I mentioned in an earlier post has found his mate. Yesterday I peeked into their house and they have 2 babies! The oriole is not around today but I saw him both Wednesday and Thursday. We also have several mockingbirds, which I had never seen before this year. The hummingbirds are back, too. Mom got so excited over this stuff. She loved the lilacs, forget-me-nots, violets, even the dandelions. Lindsey and I were bird watching this morning and it felt like we weren't alone. Miss you, Mama, Happy birthday!

Four dead in Ohio

I have never forgotten this date. When I was 15, four students were shot and killed by National Guard troops at an anti-war protest at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Nine others were wounded.
I remember wondering who's army I should be more afraid of.
Don't get me wrong, I'm as patriotic as they come. But this was senseless. The guardsmen (who joined to keep from being drafted and sent to VietNam themselves) were more scared than the protesters. No one in the crowd even thought the guns were loaded. Just a terrible tragedy.
Every year I remember the dead and pray something like this never happens again.