Sometimes By Step

"He lived much of his life on an Indian reservation. He was largely unaware of his own success. One of the few old souls who kept their innocence. . . a lost treasure-- some people leave this planet way too early." -Randall L. Taylor on the untimely passing of Rich Mullins. Well stated friend. Hope revisiting this timeless treasure encourages you on this friday morning.

Restoration

He renews my soul...
Psalm 23:3 GWT











Pictured: Drift wood I came across one late afternoon on Galveston, Island, TX in summer of 2009.

Westward Move

Greetings, Salutations yadi-yadi-yaduh.

I feel it necessary to open this highly anticipated blog entry with a quote from Samuel Langhorne Clemens, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." ;0)

Well my friends, it would appear Blue skies are upon us once again. The hours of daylight are decidedly longer here. A crystal clear Big Dipper silently hangs above my roof each evening. In the wee small hours of the morning it's actually (dare I say it?) a tad nippy at times.

What else?

What else?

Oh yes... a trampoline has invaded my backyard much to the delight of three squeedunks. The entire staff at the local Chick-fil-A blanketed my family with excessive suh-thun' hospitali-tay. A Cessna could probably safely land in my incredibly elongated driveway (thinkin' ten cars could fit in it. Too bad I don't live near a stadium or I could turn a buck for parking). There are multiple undeveloped acres of land within our city limits containing miles upon miles of...nutin'.

Lessons I have learned during my time away: The internet changes rapidly. A cool summer breeze is something no amount of money can purchase & should never be taken for granted. The panhandle sky really is bigger & bluer perhaps giving the state of Montana a run for its money. It's "cacti" not "cactuses". A Tropical depression sitting in the Gulf of Mexico is no longer a concern to me. And finally, Valgal is the only human on the face of this planet reading my blog. That's okay. 'ts cool. As they say in the music world, "Live for an audience of one!"

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Farewell Forest Bend

June 28, 2006 - June 14, 2010

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Our pens are at the end of the page, but our story's just beginning.

Something About Mary

The year was 2006 & I had just landed in my new tropical home not knowing a single solitary soul in this overgrown metropolitan jungle called "Houston".

In those early days, I walked my children to school, because my wife needed our only working vehicle to get her to her necessary classes. It was this less than ideal situation that led to the meeting of one of our children's elementary school cross guards along our new awkward & unfamiliar morning path.

For the sake of anonymity, we'll call her "Mary". ;o)

From our first encounter (crossing), I learned very quickly that she was excellent at her work, possessing the delicate balance of precision in her traffic directing, while simultaneously connecting with each of her passing pedestrians...in a single bound!

Recognizing that we were newcomers, she made it a point to learn my children's names that first day, which is always a quick way to win over a dad like me. She even learned my son's stuffed animal's name..."Aurora". Now that's dedication you can't buy folks!

I was curious what the next day/crossing would bring. I was not disappointed. Only this time she added the role of encourager/cheerleader to her job description. I will never forget her jubilantly barking out warm wishes that second day like "Happy Tuesday everybody! Have a wonderful second day of school!" while carefully guiding that anxious/late for work Dodge Dakota out of the school premises & safely onto the street.

As the years passed our family grew to know & love Mary all the more. We talked most every week & even prayed for each other & our respective families during times of need.

Sadly, our time together has concluded as our family begins a new chapter many miles away.

The whistle you see pictured, is something she gave me on the last day of school to remember her by.

Without question, our family was beyond blessed to know Mary these past four years. She redefined her position & raised the bar exceedingly high for all future cross guards.

We all know the professional work place can be an all too often cold & cruel environment. So consider yourself highly fortunate if you come across a "Mary" in your daily routine. For I assure you, they are the exception, not the norm.

Saying Goodbye

Slipped away this late afternoon with the fam for one last promised trip to Galveston Island, before our final departure. While walking the shoreline in the radiant sunset, I found myself surprisingly overcome with emotion. Glad I was wearing the ol' dark protective eye wear. ;0)

For all the natural beauty on this island that I never tire of experiencing, these were certainly lean years, full of monumental trials & great unknowns.

Could have been worse.

I suspect however, even the most battle hardened journeyman would eventually tire after four years of gruelling tests & great uncertainty.

I won't miss those days. But I will miss the simple joy of holding my wife's hand while gazing at our children being thoroughly satisifed by relentless waves, wet sand, washed up treasures, & fearless birds demanding our leftovers.

Saying goodbye to familiar backdrops & close friends is never easy. Nevertheless, time stops for no one. Almost time to begin a new chapter. Almost time indeed.

Graduation Day

When words fail me on the rarest of mornings such as today, I am thankful to be a musician (see new tune entitled "Graduation Day" in music player to the right written & recorded in celebration of this morning's commencement ceremony). Congratulations Dr. Ward!