A Late Tribute to Veterans

THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..

Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military,
Please pass this on and pray for our men and women
Who have served and are currently serving our country
And pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom....

 WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
God Bless Our Military

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www.fathercorapi.com

photo credit:US Army Africa's photostream (6,288)

Ryan and a Girl Part II

"Grandma, guess which grandson asked a girl out?" I asked my mom over the phone. I could hear her think a moment. She replied, "Cody." I answered, "Nope."

Pause. "Zach?" She tried again. I answered, "Nope."

Silence. S i l e n c e.

"Ryan?????" Her tone slid up slowly as she really questioned her own answer. "Yep," I said. "Ryan!"

My mom couldn't believe her ears. "Really??" Obvious disbelief. I relayed the entire story to her. "Wow!" was all she could say. "Wow!"

Now to get to Kim's answer. On Tuesday morning, she told Ryan that she'd have to think about it. When Ryan told me that Tuesday evening, I simply said that was fine. Wednesday evening Ryan called her to ask again. She still had to think about it. I again responded, "That's o. k." Finally, on Friday morning Kim said that she could not go. Ryan called me to let me know. What else could I say, but "I'm still glad you tried."

It really frustrated me that Kim could not give Ryan an answer, be it yes or no. However, I did not know her circumstances, so I could not get angry. I only knew that my teenage son with autism could say the words AND get the courage to ask her--simultaneously.

Ryan was my son who did not talk until he was five. I remember doctors telling me, when he was diagnosed with autism, to accept it, deal with it, but there was/is no cure for autism. Without saying it, this was their message: No hope. I would love to have them see Ryan now and dare to tell me those same words. There is always hope!

Ryan And A Girl?!

"I have to talk with you." That is never a good sign, is it? Well, today is it! My husband, Mike, tells me we have to talk as he waves me into an empty room. Tons of thoughts fly through my mind as to why. Mike informs me that Ryan, our 16 year old, has been talking with a girl. My eyes perk up. Yep. We bought a calculator for him at school that he has not picked up from a certain teacher. Why not? "Well, I'm visiting too much with Kim," was Ryan's response. He stated it as simply a matter of fact. So is this reason enough to pull me into a room? No. There's more. Much more. This morning Ryan asked Kim if she was going to the Homecoming Dance on Saturday. Her response was, "No." End of conversation between Ryan and Kim. This afternoon, Ryan told Mike what happened. Perplexed? Mike asked Ryan, "Do you want to go to the Homecoming Dance?" Ryan replied, "I want to go, but only if I have a date." Mike pursued, "Have you asked anyone?" Ryan simply stated, "No." Mike inquired, "Why not ask Kim?" Ryan answered, "She said that she is not going." Most people would clue in why Kim is not going to the dance, but a teen with autism only sees and understands what was said, not the reasoning behind the statement. Ryan had a perfect opportunity to ask Kim, but she said that she wasn't going. He didn't ask why, and she didn't give the reason. SIGH. Mike asked Ryan, "Why do you think Kim is not going?" Ryan shrugged his shoulders. Mike continued, "She's not going because no one has asked her." Pause. Pause. LIGHT BULB ON! Ryan picked up his phone and called. No one answered. Ryan left a message, "Kim, do you want to go to the Homecoming Dance on Saturday with me?" Now the wait begins! I think my husband and I are more excited about this than Ryan! Even if she says no, Ryan has asked a girl out. This is a success story! photo credit:Josep Ma. Rosell's photostream (346)