A proud shout out

Obligatorily photo plug of the boys:

Top L to Bottom R: Our oldest, our married 2nd oldest,
our youngest, the adorable baby, our third oldest.

And here's one of the young family:

And just because:

Always ready to embrace the coolness

I love my boys and have been proud of them for a host of reasons through the years.  Not that I would ever pretend they are angels or don't have any rough spots that tarnish their perfection.  Of course not.  But on the overall measure in this present era, they are pretty good.  So good I sometimes take it for granted that if I call on them to step up to the plate in a moment of need, I just assume they will. 

Add to that my daughter-in-law, who is about as good as one could hope for in the 'first daughter-in-law department', and that's not bad.  My son and daughter-in-law have had it particularly rough. They broke with modern trends and didn't wait until their late 20s to marry.  Then, to add to the fun of starting a new life together, they opened their own book store with not much more to go on than hard work and prayer.  Then they discovered, barely a year into the new life, that they would be parents.  Even if things were at times up to their ears with stress, it was baby fore!  

Then so excited was the baby to join us, she showed up several weeks early.  Now that was rough. I know what it was being a first time dad, and I can't imagine what it would have been spending the first weeks in an ICU with our baby hooked up like that.  When my son sat in the ICU and told me all he could do was watch the other new parents leave the hospital with their babies and all the balloons and flowers, it was all I could do to keep a grip on myself.

Yet they have shown, like my sons in general, a stunning resiliency that is to be admired.  They've certainly done better than I ever would. I know they've had help, and her family is nearby and is every bit as good and grounded as one could hope a child's new in-laws and family would be.  And, again, a shout out to our sons who have time and again dropped everything to be there when they've needed them.

But on the whole, I have to say my son and daughter-in-law have been splendid through the maelstrom.  I remember being married, being a new dad, and just getting on in life and how crazy things could be.  Multiply it a thousand times over and that's been their lives.  And yet, this:

I adore their wit and whimsy when it comes to how they've promoted their store over the years.  Yes, it's tough because they miss the extra time with the baby due to the pile of obligations that come with being entrepreneurs.  But they've been troopers all the way, and I have to say that's a blessing from God I'm willing to trade many a trivial request for.   

One of many skills our daughter-in-law has learned. That's a beat up old copy
of LoTR fixed with her new custom designed, hand crafted cover 

Oh, and as if all that wasn't enough, they decided to broaden their to-do list by embarking on writing a novel trilogy that's right up their ally.  It's still in the editing stage, but I have to say their vision for the story has even this non-fan of the fantasy/sci-fi world curious.  So we'll see. 

Finally, for the shameless proud grandpa of it, I can't deny that the cuteness is definitely strong with this one: 

An open call for Beta Readers

In order to add to what must be a deficient list of obligations in life, my son and daughter-in-law have embarked on writing a novel.  

They've finished the first round, and are looking for anyone who would like to step in and read through their manuscript and offer anything that might help.  If you are interested, here is the link.   I know they would appreciate it.  With the bookstore, the baby just weeks away, and all the fun life has to offer, a couple kids continuing to exceed expectations and step out in faith could use a hand or two. 

Thanks in advance.  If you have any questions or need more information first, don't hesitate to let me know via email or the comments below.  

Sometimes the Internet is almost worth it

As in this link.  Follow it and see what I mean.  It's a cutaway of a Boeing  B-17 showing particular areas within the plane.  Click on one of the circles, and a new page opens.  The page is a 360 degree photo layout that lets you see what that area of the plane would look like if you were in it. 

For the record, my uncle who flew in one in the war was a radio-gunner.  This model B-17, however, is before they added an extra machine gun to the window over his station.  It's odd how Spartan the interior was.  Not made for luxury flying.  It was freezing cold up there.   And the only thing to break the miserable conditions was antiaircraft fire and enemy planes.  

A sort of grit some have today, but so many more had back then. 

As a bonus, here is another site that walks you through what the duties of each station in the plane were and a little about the part each played in the overall mission.  Sort of a 'what to look for in your crew' spin.  I wonder if my uncle was a talented photographer. 

The crews loved their planes, partly because the planes could take a horrific beating and still make it home

Stories like this make me smile

Johnny Depp dons his Jack Sparrow alter ego to honor the memory of a 11 year old child who was a fan.  I recall ages ago, in the early years of St. Blogs, over at the old Catholic and Enjoying It, there was a bit of a row when some commenters mocked and ridiculed the Make a Wish Foundation.  I'm not sure why.  I mused then that of all the things in the world to belittle, are we sure we want to target an organization that tries to give a little happiness to terminally ill children and their loved ones?   Ah, such is the world of the Internet, even back then.

Yes, the cynic in me says this is Depp pulling a publicity stunt.  Or Depp trying to rebuild his reputation after what appeared to be a pretty nasty court case with his ex.  Perhaps.  But I still like it.  And the better side of my nature, which often resides in deep recesses in my darker moments, likes to think it's because Depp is simply a human being who, when given the chance, wanted to do something nice for a young child in an otherwise naughty world.  

A chance to help a young couple live the American dream

How's that for a lead in?  So my second oldest, in addition to getting married, is pursuing that ultimate dream of being his own boss.  His fiancée's love of reading, mixed with his own literary tastes, has led them to plan a used book store in our home city, which has been without such a store for years.  

They've also discovered that Elon Musk is correct.  My son could walk into almost any door in America and walk away with a 50K dollar student loan for college, no questions asked.  But go and beg for a 15K loan to start a business and it's 'here's your hat, what's your hurry?'.   Sometimes I wonder if such  modern disparities are altogether accidental. 

Anyway, my oldest son has posted a gofundme to help them out.  We're beginning to promote it this week. I understand this is a little different than other such requests.  I also realize that unless you're in our town, you probably won't be perusing the bookshelves you help them obtain.  Though I'm sure they will have an online option when things are up and running.

But for them to be up and running, they need help beyond the structures and financial SOP of our modern society.  If you would like to help, click on the link above and I'm sure anything of any amount would thrill them, and more than help them on their path toward living the dream. 

BTW, below are some pictures of one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.  It's a scale model of their bookstore built by his fiancée's aunt.  On the whole, it isn't too far off from how they envision it when it's finally opened.  So put your envy for such phenomenal craftsmanship aside, and take a look at what would be nice for our town to have, and not bad for my son and his fiancée either.  

The actual model on a shelf

 

(FWIW, the books are actual copies, and can be opened to see both writing and illustrations - they're actually miniatures of the books in question!  Oh, and the record player actually spins.  It's that breathtakingly awesome). 

Rod Dreher responds to the Roe decision

I must say, this is probably the best way to respond.  Would that I have taken time out of my schedule to do the same:

Rod has his issues.  I think of Rod as a sort of Thomas Paine figure. He may see the light in many ways, but he isn't who I want for president.  Rod sees some matters clearly, more clearly than many Christians have wanted to admit.  That's not to say I want Rod leading the pack.  For reasons, he isn't reliable or trustworthy enough to do that.  

But he gets it right too often to ignore. And in this case, he got it absolutely right.  As believers we should rush to God and praise Him for what has happened.  For it wasn't just Trump or the GOP or pro-life Christians who aligned the stars for this strange event (how often has a one term presidents in the modern era seated three Supreme Court justices?), but the Almighty. 

The courage of our youth

When pondering the hot mess police response in Uvalde, Texas, one of my sons said something damning.  He said the kids in the school were braver than the adults in uniform.  We then discussed why.  We concluded there was a time when the natural fearlessness of children was formed and shaped into bravery, sacrifice, honor, duty and loyalty. Not always perfectly, but that was the goal.

Today, that natural fearlessness of children is formed and shaped by Wall Street, Hollywood, our schools and universities and even many of our churches into cowardliness, narcissism, nihilism, hedonism and decadence.  Had those poor children been outside their school, I feel they would have charged forth blindly to save their classmates.  It took growing up and being weaned in our post-modern nation to get the response from adults that we witnessed.  Though the bravery of those who did act shows that, like old teaching, the new hedonism doesn't always stick either. 

I thought of that when I saw the below speech. It's from a Harvard undergrad.  According to John C. Wright, it was met with stunned silence.  Because she is spot on.  And we all know it.  And those who have surrendered and consigned future generations to tyranny and oppression and squalor know it, too. 

Kudos young woman.  You are a credit to those who waded ashore at Normandy and in every other conflict that was waged to keep us free.  You're better than the schools, culture, corporations and even religious traditions that raised you. 

Laura Klassen fights fire with fire

Laura Klassen is an underappreciated gem in the fight for life.  Brash and sassy, she's willing to say what no man could say, and what few people in general are willing to say.  Thank you Christian leadership. 

Initially she made a splash with several videos mocking the pro-abortion rights talking points we've come to accept as gospel truth.  \

Ouch.  

But she's moved on by making sure time and effort goes to helping expectant mothers and new mothers and their babies.  Of course it's a lie that pro-life advocates don't care about the mom or child after birth.  Are there any stats or research to suggest this is true?  It doesn't matter.  It's something pro-abortion rights activists say as if it's a mantra. 

I don't know tech stuff, and can't link to her Facebook page but by this.  I don't  know if it will get you there or not.  But you can get to her FB page and go from there.  Click the links and you'll see a way to help these, and other, babies and moms. It's not just giving money, but purchasing needed items for the individuals in question.   From what I can tell, in this case the only thing needed that hasn't been taken care of is a small freezer.  

This isn't being done just to stick it in the eye of abortion rights allies.  After all, most post-orthodox Christians allying with pro-abortion activists thrive on simply ignoring inconvenient people like Ms. Klassen anyway.  I've gone to several New Prolife Catholic sites to see how they address Ms. Klassen's work, and have yet to find a single reference. 

This is just about helping if you can.  It's what we should do.  And that's why we do it, as well as fight for life. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the old "Three yards and a cloud of dust" approach, the press is today all turkey and gravy.  Mount Rushmore floats and pilgrim floats at the parade are celebrated.  The traditional trappings of an old American Thanksgiving, with a few embellishes and changes, are all the rage.

Since the press has set aside it's push to abolish the holiday, no doubt waiting until next year to move the ball forward another three yards, I'll post my own traditional post.  From a happier time, when a liberal vehicle meant to extol liberalism still reminded us that there is a world of difference between fundamentalism and terrorism.  

Enjoy, and have a blessed and thanks laden holiday as we remember the story of people whose grit and devotion might do us some good to remember. 

A nice story

Really.  Just a nice story.  No commentary needed, except a reminder that for all the bad in the world, there are still those little Christian soldiers out there worth remembering.  

HT: Nate Winchester

An update on our medical Go Fund Me

First of all, thanks and blessings for all who have so generously contributed to the Go Fund Me for my son.  We've had to increase the amount because it looks like it's going to be a more extensive period of therapy and treatment than we thought.  While it's good news that it looks like there shouldn't be a need for surgery, the treatment and therapy, plus the medical equipment, will likely put the total well beyond the amount we initially imagined.

So please if you've given, spread the word.  Share the link to this or the Go Fund Me page here.  Thanks again so much, you can't know how much each display of generosity has  not only helped our family, but brought encouragement after such a long string of unfortunate occurrences in our life.  Your help and prayers will always be appreciated.

Catholic Mass Times.org

I was asked to put this on my blog, and seems a worthy cause.  Yes, I know.   But I'm convinced that in the coming days, orthodox Christians must unite.  Plus my oldest is still Catholic, and I support (though deeply lament) the Church in its modern struggles.  To me, we are all brothers in the Faith and I pray for the eventual reconciliation between the great orthodox, historical traditions. 

The link is on the sidebar:

So there you go. Hope this helps.

It looks like Peter Jackson has done a wonderful thing

He has produced a film that colorizing old footage from the First World War.  In addition, he has slowed it down.  That is, if you've seen film footage from the early 20th Century, you'll notice it is always fast, as if it's been sped up.  That's because of the development of technology in moving pictures from when it was filmed to later playback.  He has fixed that, and added realistic color so that we can see the veterans and the action as it would have looked to the real people.

Sometimes it's difficult to look at old black and white and remember that the world was as much color for them as color for us.  This could help bring back some of the humanity for that forgotten, but all important, period in our modern history.  This is the 100th anniversary of the war, and has received scant little media or popular coverage.  As we approach the 100th anniversary of when the guns fell silent, perhaps this will instill a little curiosity on the part of moderns to look back and remember, and learn, from that period in history.

Modern discourse got you down?

I give you the Bob Ross channel.  I defy you to watch two episodes and still be mad  - at anything.  The world was a happier place with Bob.  He is sorely missed.  

Good for them

The five former presidents join to do what Americans should be doing as a matter of course: Come together for our fellow Americans:

This attitude should be everywhere, during National Anthems and in the face of external threats to our fellow citizens at home and abroad.  Then it becomes easier to bring everyone together for yet another common cause. 

As it is, at least this is a first step.  Now if they could join with the current president to bring us all together now. 

God bless Chick Fil A

For demonstrating that the Sabbath was made for Man, not Man for the Sabbath. The restaurant that has stood firm on its understanding of not working on Sunday, and has incurred the unbridled merciless wrath of the Left for failing to apostatize and convert to the Left's dogmas, opened its doors on Sunday to serve free food and tea to people in line to give blood to help those victimized by Sunday's horrific attack.  Well done.  You honor the Gospel and the Faithful.

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.  Matthew 10.42.

Just because all societies are destined to change

Does not - repeat, does not - mean that the changes will be for the better:



As I watched this, I wondered how many Christians like me are complicit in allowing the changes.  That's long been a theory of mine, that liberalism thrives because there are no conservatives who completely agree on what should be rejected, and what should be sustained.  And, of course, changes aren't always bad, and liberalism is not always wrong.  That's obvious.  So you end up with very few things that all non-progressives actually agree should be resisted.  Most progressives, and the rest of non-progressives, are willing to embrace the next new thing, and viola!  It's change that lasts. Until the next change builds on it.  I watched this and I couldn't help wonder how much I'm to blame.

A good news story if there ever was one

Is found in this story about a five year old boy who wanted to be Batman.  Read and enjoy.  If people were like this more of the time, imagine what the world would be.

Atheists doing good things

Over at Friendly Atheist, there are links in order to help raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.  If you're like me, you're sick to death of cancer and every related disease that ravages so many lives around the world.  One in two men and one in three women will be stricken by this disease.  I know there are many charities to give to in order to help with this, and there are many foundations set up to aid in finding a cure.  But I thought since I do give modern atheism quite a bit of grief on this blog, it was only fair to show that atheists are, in the end, human beings.  And when they lose loved ones to something as horrific as cancer, they weep and mourn just like anyone else.  And likewise, they can come together proudly as atheists and in the name of atheism and attempt to do a good thing.  So here's the link.  Believers are welcome.  Lend a hand or a dollar if you've got one to spare.

A beautiful story of courage, kindness, and love

Here is a touching story of a young boy, Brennan Daigle, who got his wish.  He wanted to be in the army.  Sadly, he is suffering from a rare form of cancer.  So rare is it, his doctors believe he has only weeks to live.  When a local chapter of Dreams Come True got in touch with the local army base, a call was put out for soldiers to come to his tenth birthday party.  You'll need to read the full story here to see what happened next.  Death comes to us all.  But the greatest thing we can do in the meantime is reach out and demonstrate the love that God gives us to those around.  Well done everyone.  And God's blessings and grace be upon Brennan and his family.