scooter3010's blog: "HELLO ONE AND ALL"

Raiders or the Seahawks

STORY OF A CAB RIDE Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But, I had seen too many impoverishedpeople who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drovethrough the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,"I'm tired. Let's go now." We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said. "You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. Ten things God won't ask: 1...God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation. 2.God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. 3...God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. 4...God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. 5...God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. 6..God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. 7..God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors. 8...God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character. 9...God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell. 10...God won't ask how many people you forwarded this to, He'll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on to your friends

That Gives You Goosebumps A drunk man in an Oldsmobile They said had run the light That caused the six-car pileup On 109 that night. When broken bodies lay about "And blood was everywhere," "The sirens screamed out eulogies," For death was in the air. "A mother, trapped inside her car," Was heard above the noise; Her plaintive plea near split the air: "Oh, God, please spare my boys!" She fought to loose her pinned hands; "She struggled to get free," But mangled metal held her fast In grim captivity. Her frightened eyes then focused "On where the back seat once had been," But all she saw was broken glass and Two children's seats crushed in. Her twins were nowhere to be seen; "She did not hear them cry," "And then she prayed they'd been thrown free," "Oh, God, d let them die!" "Then firemen came and cut her loose, "But when they searched the back," "They found therein no little boys," But the seat belts were intact. They thought the woman had gone mad "And was traveling alone," "But when they turned to question her," They discovered she was gone. Policemen saw her running wild And screaming above the noise "In beseeching supplication," Please help me find my boys! They're four years old and wear blue shirts; "Their jeans are blue to match." "One cop spoke up, "They're in my car," And they don't have a scratch. They said their daddy put them there "And gave them each a cone," Then told them both to wait for Mom To come and take them home. "I've searched the area high and low," But I can't find their dad "He must have fled the scene," "I guess, and that is very bad." "The mother hugged the twins and said," "While wiping at a tear," "He could not fle! e the sc ene, you see," "For he's been dead a year." "The cop just looked confused and asked," "Now , how can that be true?" "The boys said, ""Mommy, Daddy came" "And left a kiss for you." He told us not to worry "And that you would be all right," And then he put us in this car with "The pretty, flashing light." "We wanted him to stay with us," "Because we miss him so," "But Mommy, he just hugged us tight" And said he had to go. He said someday we'd understand "And told us not to fuss," "And he said to tell you, Mommy," "He's watching over us." The mother knew without a doubt "That what they spoke was true," "For she recalled their dad's last words," "I will watch over you." The firemen's notes could not explain "The twisted, mangled car," And how the three of them escaped Without a single scar. "But on the cop's report was scribed," "In print so very fine," An angel walked the beat tonight on Highway 109. "The 7 Second Prayer, Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves.. "Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless my family, my home, my friends, and me. Amen." Pass this message to 7 people {EXCEPT YOU AND ME}. You will receive a miracle tomorrow. He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare. Pass on to your friends.

Before I was a Mom Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. And before I was a Grandma, I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by "your baby"... Send this to someone who you think is a special Mom or Grandma. I just did. And remember that behind every successful mother... Is a basket of dirty laundry.

>>> > Subject: Fw: First Grader > > >>> > > >>> > > > What Starts with F and ends with K >>> > > > >>> > > >A first-grade teacher, Ms. Brooks, was having >>> > > trouble with one of her >>> > > >students. The teacher asked, "Harry, what's >>> > > your problem?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry answered, "I'm too smart for the 1st >>> > > grade. My sister is in the 3rd >>> > > >grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I >>> > > should be in the 3rd grade >>> > > >too!" >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks had had enough. She took Harry to >>> > > the principal's office. >>> > > > >>> > > >While Harry waited in the outer office, the >>> > > teacher explained to the >>> > > >principal what the situation was. The >>> > > principal told Ms. Brooks he would >>> > > >give the boy a test. If he failed to answer >>> > > any of his questions he was to >>> > > >go back to the 1st grade and behave. She >>> > > agreed. >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry was brought in and the conditions were >>> > > explained to him and he agreed >>> > > >to take the test. >>> > > > >>> > > >Principal: "What is 3 x 3?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "9." >>> > > > >>> > > > >>> > > >Principal: "What is 6 x 6?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "36." >>> > > > >>> > > >And so it went with every question the >>> > > principal thought a 3rd grader >>> > > >should know. >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal looks at Ms. Brooks and tells >>> > > her, "I think Harry can go to >>> > > >the 3rd grade." >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks says to the principal, "Let me ask >>> > > him some questions." >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal and Harry both agreed. >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks asks, "What does a cow have four of >>> > > that I have only two of?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry, after a moment: "Legs." >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: "What is in your pants that you >>> > > have but I do not have?" >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal wondered why would she ask such >>> > > a question! >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry replied: "Pockets." >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: "What does a dog do that a man >>> > > steps into?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "Pants." >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: What starts with a C, ends with a >>> > > T, is hairy, oval, delicious >>> > > >and contains thin, whitish liquid?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "Coconut." >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal sat forward with his mouth >>> > > hanging open. >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: "What goes in hard and pink then >>> > > comes out soft and sticky?" >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal's eyes opened really wide and >>> > > before he could stop the >>> > > >answer, Harry replied, "Bubble gum." >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: "What does a man do standing up, a >>> > > woman does sitting down and >>> > > >a dog does on three legs?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "Shake hands." >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal was trembling. >>> > > > >>> > > >Ms. Brooks: "What word starts with an 'F' and >>> > > ends in 'K' that means a lot >>> > > >of heat and excitement?" >>> > > > >>> > > >Harry: "Firetruck." >>> > > > >>> > > >The principal breathed a sigh of relief and >>> > > told the teacher, "Put Harry in >>> > > >the fifth-grade, I got the last seven >>> > > questions wrong......

Yes, the new one is out! Brand new edition of... "You know you're a redneck when...... 1. You take your dog for a walk and you both use the same tree. 2. You can entertain yourself for more than 15 minutes with a fly swatter. 3. Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years. 4. You burn your yard rather than mow it. 5. You think "The Nutcracker" is something you do off the high dive. 6. The Salvation Army declines your furniture. 7.You offer to give someone the shirt off your back and they don't want it. 8. You have the local taxidermist on speed dial. 9. You come back from the dump with more than you took. 10. You keep a can of Raid on the kitchen table. 11. Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat. 12. Your grandmother has "ammo" on her Christmas list. 13. You keep flea and tick soap in the shower. 14. You've been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog. 15. You go to the stock car races and don't need a program. 16. You know how many bales of hay your car will hold. 17. You have a rag for a gas cap. 18. Your house doesn't have curtains, but your truck does. 19. You wonder how service stations keep their rest-rooms so clean. 20. You can spit without opening your mouth. 21. You consider your license plate personalized because your father made it. 22. Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand. 23. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say "Cool Whip" on the side. 24. The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart. 25. Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV. 26. You've used your ironing board as a buffet table. 27. A tornado hits your neighborhood and does $100,000 worth of improvements. 28. You've used a toilet brush to scratch your back. 29. You missed your 5th grade graduation because you were on jury duty. 30. You think fast food is hitting a deer at 65.

** Tissue Alert ** > > > > Her hair up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow > > Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go > > But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home > > Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone > > > > But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say > > What to tell her classmates, on this Daddy's Day > > But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone > > And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home > > But the little girl went to school, eager to tell then all > > About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls. > > > > There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet > > Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats > > One by one the teacher called, a student from the class > > To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed > > At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare > > Each of them were searching, for a man who wasn't there > > "Where's her daddy at?" she heard a boy call out > > "She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout > > And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say > > "Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day." > > > > The words did not offend her, as she smiled at her friends > > And looked back at her teacher, who told her to begin > > And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak > > And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique > > "My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away > > But I know he wishes he could be with me on this day > > And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know > > All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so > > He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike > > He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite > > We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone > > And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing all alone > > 'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart > > I know because he told me, he'll forever be here in my heart" > > > > With that her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest > > > Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress > > And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears > > Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years > > For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life > > > > Doing what was best for her, doing what was right > > And when she dropped her hand back down, > > staring straight into the crowd > > She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud > > "I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star, > > And if he could he'd be here, but heaven's just too far, > > But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away." > > > > And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day > > And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise > > A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes > > Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside > > Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. > > > > "I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out > > And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt > > > > Not one in that room could explain it, > > for each of their eyes had been closed > > But there placed on her desktop, was a beautiful fragrant pink rose > > > > And a child was blessed, if only a moment, > > by the love of her shining bright star > > And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. > > > > > >

**If One Day..** If one day you feel like crying... Call me. I don't promise that I will make you laugh, But I can cry with you. If one day you want to run away- Don't be afraid to call me. I don't promise to ask you to stop... But I can run with you. If one day you don't want to listen to anyone... Call me. I promise to be there for you. And I promise to be very quiet. But if one day you call... And there is no answer... Come fast to see me. Maybe I need you. If I ever ignored you. I'm Sorry... If I ever made you feel bad or put you down. I'm Sorry... If I ever thought I was bigger or better than you. I Luv You... Don't ever forget that! Through bad times and good, I'll always be here for you. I am Sorry... For everything wrong I've ever done. I'm writing this because what if tomorrow never comes? What if inever get to say good-bye or give a u a BIG hug? What if i never get to say I'm sorry or I love you? Because what if tomorrow never comes? I LOVE YOU! FRIENDS ALWAYS!!!

TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN > > Two thousand one, nine eleven > Five thousand plus arrive in heaven > As they pass through the gate, > Thousands more appear in wait > A bearded man with stovepipe hat > Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat" > > They settle down in seats of clouds > A man named Martin shouts out proud > "I have a dream!" and once he did > The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives." > > Groups of soldiers in blue and gray > Others in khaki, and green then say > "We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine" > The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain." > > From a man on sticks one could hear > "The only thing we have to fear. > The Newcomer said, "We know the rest, > trust us sir, we've passed that test." > > "Courage doesn't hide in caves > You can't bury freedom, in a grave," > The Newcomers had heard this voice before > A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores > > A silence fell within the mist > Somehow the Newcomer knew that this > Meant time had come for her to say > What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day > > "Back on Earth, we wrote reports, > Watched our children play in sports > Worked our gardens, sang our songs > Went to church and clipped coupons > We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought > Unlike you, great we're not" > > The tall man in the stovepipe hat > Stood and said, "don't talk like that! > Look at your country, look and see > You died for freedom, just like me" > > Then, before them all appeared a scene > Of rubbled streets and twisted beams > Death, destruction, smoke and dust > And people working just 'cause they must > > Hauling ash, lifting stones, > Knee deep in hell, but not alone > "Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman > Side by side helping their fellow man!" > > So said Martin, as he watched the scene > "Even from nightmares, can be born a dream." > > Down below three firemen raised > The colors high into ashen haze > The soldiers above had seen it before > On Iwo Jima back in '44 > > The man on sticks studied everything closely > Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly > "I see pain, I see tears, > I see sorrow - but I don't see fear." > > "You left behind husbands and wives > Daughters and sons and so many lives > are suffering now because of this wrong > But look very closely. You're not really gone. > > All of those people, even those who've never met you > All of their lives, they'll never forget you > Don't you see what has happened? > Don't you see what you've done? > You've brought them together, together as one. > > With that the man in the stovepipe hat said > "Take my hand," and from there he led > five thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven > On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven >

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, > > > >>HE LIVED ALL ALONE, > > > >>IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF > > > >>PLASTER AND STONE. > > > >> > > > >>I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY > > > >>WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, > > > >>AND TO SEE JUST WHO > > > >>IN THIS HOME DID LIVE. > > > >> > > > >>I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, > > > >>A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, > > > >>NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, > > > >>NOT EVEN A TREE. > > > >> > > > >>NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, > > > >>JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, > > > >>AND ON THE WALL PICTURES > > > >>OF FAR DISTANT LANDS. > > > >> > > > >>WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, > > > >>AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, > > > >>A SOBERING THOUGHT > > > >>CAME TO MY MIND. > > > >> > > > >>FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, > > > >>SO DARK AND SO DREARY, > > > >>THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, > > > >>NOW I COULD SEE CLEARLY. > > > >> > > > >>THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, > > > >>SILENT, ALONE, > > > >>CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR > > > >>IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. > > > >> > > > >>THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, > > > >>THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, > > > >>NOT HOW I PICTURED > > > >>A UNITED STATES SOLDIER. > > > >> > > > >>WAS THIS THE HERO > > > >>OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? > > > >>CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, > > > >>THE FLOOR FOR A BED? > > > >> > > > >>I REALIZED THE FAMILIES > > > >>THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, > > > >>OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS > > > >>WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. > > > >> > > > >>SOON ROUND THE WORLD, > > > >>THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, > > > >>AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE > > > >>A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. > > > >> > > > >>THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM > > > >>EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, > > > >>BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, > > > >>LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. > > > >> > > > >>I COULDN'T HELP WONDER > > > >>HOW MANY LAY ALONE, > > > >>ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE > > > >>IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. > > > >> > > > >>THE VERY THOUGHT > > > >>BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, > > > >>I DROPPED TO MY KNEES > > > >>AND STARTED TO CRY. > > > >> > > > >>THE SOLDIER AWAKENED > > > >>AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, > > > >>"SANTA DON'T CRY, > > > >>THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; > > > >> > > > >>I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, > > > >>I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, > > > >>MY LIFE IS MY GOD, > > > >>MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS." > > > >> > > > >>THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER > > > >>AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP, > > > >>I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, > > > >>I CONTINUED TO WEEP. > > > >> > > > >>I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, > > > >>SO SILENT AND STILL, > > > >>AND WE BOTH SHIVERED > > > >>FROM THE COLD EVENING'S CHILL. > > > >> > > > >>I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE > > > >>ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, > > > >>THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR > > > >>SO WILLING TO FIGHT. > > > >> > > > >>THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, > > > >>WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, > > > >>WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, > > > >>IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE." > > > >> > > > >>ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, > > > >>AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. > > > >>"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, > > > >>AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT." > > > >> > > > >>This poem was written by a Marine stationed in > > > Okinawa Japan. The > > > >>following is his request. I think it is reasonable > > > Please. Would > > > >>you do > > > >>me the kind favor > > > >>of sending this to as many people as you can? > > > Christmas will be > > > >>coming > > > >>soon > > > >>and some credit is due to our U.S. servicemen and > > > women for our > > > >>being > > > >>able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in > > > this small way to > > > >>pay > > > >>a tiny bit of > > > >>what we owe. Make people stop and think of our > > > heroes, living and > > > >>dead, > > > >>who > > > >>sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your > > > small part to plant > > > >>this > > > >>small > > > >>seed.