Frank

One of my other sisters called me last night and told me some potentially devastating news. Devastating you say? Yes, very much so. The news concerns our other sisters boyfriend. He's very sick, to the point where they do not expect him to live much longer. She calls and ask that I pray for him. How? What do I want? What does he want? Can I do anything? Can I make a difference? If so, what kind of a difference can I make?

These are the questions that I asked myself. To compound matters, our other sister has had some hard times and has checked herself into a facility to get some help. She doesn't know that her boyfriend is gravely ill. Does someone tell her and risk her coming out of the facility and spiraling down that path again? It's way too complicated for one person to fathom. I can't solve this with anything I say to anyone, I can't make people change, nor can I force my beliefs on anyone. I wish that I could though. What would I tell them?

I would tell them that there is a better way. Jesus offers that better way. It's not a joke or the opiate of the masses. We hear that and people call Christians freaks because they don't understand the realness of being close to Jesus. I can't explain it. The only thing I can ever suggest is to try it. Why all this? I'm scared, I don't know if Frank has ever accepted Jesus into his life. What if he hasn't? What if, what if, what if? Is it too late? From what I understand, Frank is delusional and out of his right mind right now. What do I pray for? What can I do all these miles away?

I'm torn, they gave him a pretty raw dianosis. When someone says that three quarters of your heart is not functioning and the persons body begins to fill up with fluid there doesn't seem to be much hope. I want him to be completely healed. I want Frank to live. But, is that what concerns me the most? No! What concerns me the most is his spiritual health. Call me freak then, I don't care anymore. What if this man dies and there is something else that I could have done to 'preach' to him and I didn't. I recall him sitting in my house about a year and a half ago and I preached at him a little and told him that it is through the power of God that changes lives. I didn't just put it all out there on the line though and ask him if he had ever accepted Christ. Do you think I did the wrong thing by not just asking him? It's these tragedies that always put me back to this place of wondering if I've done enough.

I am not ashamed of Christ but I am so not eloquent when it comes to face to face talks with people about the saving, healing, loving, forgiving, and on and on and on power of the Lord. I can write it like a big dog though. It's real, I know this and nothing can ever change my opinion regarding that. I've experienced it and also I watch and wonder after all of my many, many screw ups why the Lord continues to put up with me. I know that there is hope for anyone.

This is not about me though, this is about Frank. This is about what to pray and what to say. I told my sister when she called to pray for peace. Peace for Frank's mind and his family and friends. Peace for his very soul to let the spirit do what needs to be done. I'd hate to be in that place and not know for sure that the Lord will never leave me or forsake me. I'd hate to not have the comforting joy that no matter what, my family would understand and know for sure that even if I passed I would be going to a better place.

So, I pray for Frank today. I pray for his peace and healing in his body but most of all I pray that if he's never been given a chance or even if he has that he gets the clear message of the gospel. Frank's had some issues but what has he done that is so terrible in comparison to the rest of us? Though we do not want to hear it, sin is sin. The point is that no one is perfect or better than anyone else. We are all the same which puts us all in the same boat and it gives us all the same opportunities. An equal opportunity God!

Pray for Frank and his family, pray for my sister's wellbeing.

God Bless. If you haven't experienced the love of Christ I suggest you ask and seek Jesus. He changes lives.

Just when you think things are going good

From time to time, just when you think things are going good there is a little roadblock. It's days like this that we hate at the time. Always remember it is those roadblocks though that stand out in our mind. They create memories of their own. Memories of...I was tootling along and then IT happened!


I know, blah, blah, blah, what's the point. Well, I had a roadblock this week. Now though, it's Friday and life is sweet again, like chocolate covered strawberries. I can face the weekend feeling like something actually happened in my life and it sure wasn't the same ole' boring week that is for sure. Roadblock vs. opportunity not to have the same ole boring week? You decide.

My little sister got married

They did it! They tied the knot or any other thing you want to call it. What do I call it? I call it a fabulous event. I am so happy that my little sister finally got married. She didn't just marry any ole' guy either. She actually married a really nice guy with an equally loving family. It's hard when you release someone you love into the care of someone else. There is a certain amount of uneasiness that comes. Fortunately, she made an outstanding choice and in my opinion, so did he.

I could go on and on with numerous accolades about my little sister. She is a wonderful person who has a strong family base. What I mean by that is that she cares about everyone and from watching her over the years one thing that I've learned is that she will make the hard choices and the sacrifices for her family. My only hope is that she will continue to do the same with her new husband. Just support whatever he's doing and things will always work out. It is her genuine kindness and honesty as a person that draws family and friends to her.

The only thing I really want to say is that it was a beautiful wedding and I am thankful that I was invited to their nuptials. It was good stuff. Of course I have to say, that when they move out of state that I do pray that they find a local church to attend. That's just me! I want them to not only be grounded in each other but also grounded to a local church that feeds them spiritually also. It's important for people to be connected--to meet new people. DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN RELIGION! Religion is rigorous and cumbersome and personally, I don't think things were meant to be that way. But! get connected somewhere and enjoy life.

I love you baby girl. With all my heart I love you and I as I come to know your husband I am sure I will love him too. You made an excellent choice. Always speak your mind but also know when to be silent, things just have a way of working themselves out sometimes. I entrust you, make that we, me and your brother, entrust you with confidence into the hands of someone else. I never thought that day would come but it has. Remember always, we love you very, very much and so do the boys. Gosh, I forgot to mention something about the boys. Dude! You have totally watched them grow up. Don't forget about them in your future travels. They love you very much and have said excellent things about you. You inspired them. I will quote from what the baby said, "She didn't date a whole bunch of people, she waited for the right one to come along and she got married to him." Good stuff my friend.

Let's see, I think that's it. I preached a little because I care about you, if not, I wouldn't put myself out on the line. Look at me, I am so not perfect. I still struggle in so many ways but we are all imperfect people who live in an imperfect world. The best we can do is the best we can do.

Always do the best you can for yourself, I could not ask for more. You both are wonderful people and you know we are always here for you, whatever you need. Okay this is my very last thing. Try to make-up with your friend before you leave. I was in a similar situation when I married your brother. Eventually, I made-up with my friend but it took 10 years. Learn from one of my many mistakes. True friendship is forever no matter what.

Look who's back

Today marks the beginning of something good I hope. I helped someone set up a new BLOG this weekend and realized what a fool I've been for not maintaining my own site. Silly me. I've had a ton to say but have chosen to keep it all in.

No more! There is one particular person who will stay unnamed that I have a very serious issue with. This person is a total and complete racist jerk. It challenges my Americanized brain to see how people who are racist operate. An incident or two concerning my kids took place and I had to do the 'smoke this sucker out' thing. He rang true to his true colors. For those of you who are non-ethnic, unfortunately I can't give away trade secrets so you'll have to ask someone else how to expose the racist.

I was shocked when the exposure took place but generally, we already have a clue but I think we use it as the final evidence to convict. It would be much easier, I think if a racist person just came out and said they were racist. If people would just have enough nerve to come out and admit it it would be so less time consuming.

Anyway, it is unfortunate that these types of people are elevated in Idaho to positions of authority without being kept in-check. This frightens me. It is amazing how this happens right under our very noses. Look at all of the fallout over comments made by our new State Leader. He created a storm of trouble this last week. He got blasted in the newspaper in New Orleans and they accused him of being racist based on comments he made to a European newspaper.

Initially my reaction was to defend Jim Risch but then when I started thinking about it I had to come to the realization that yeah, there are a ton of racist, narrowminded bigots in my state. Some hidden, some right out there on front street. What do we do? At least the ones that are right out on front street are visible and it does not require the 'smoke them out' dance to expose them. Instead at least I know what I am working with. It is the hidden racists that I am most threatened by. The ones that have no interest in you as a person except to dominate you secretly. It sounds outlandish and 'overly sensitive' on my part but it's not. It is the full on truth.

My latest dealings with this last person was odd. This butthead won in some ways in the end. But, he does not understand that it is not up to me to have the last laugh. As hard as it is to do, I must turn his backwards butt over to the Lord. I must let Him, who can do so much more than I, take care of this battle. I started thinking about slavery. Why as a culture did we endure for hundreds of years? I think it was our faith in the Lord. He gave us as a people the strength to endure the hardships we faced. In the end many lives were lost. Why? Those lives were lost so I could have the freedom today to continue to confront the racism that exists in my world. I can freely express and expose the oppression faced by minorities in Idaho.

And for that, I am thankful for a people who persevered until the end and gave up their lives for me to freely expose those who still try to oppress us in large and small ways.

Pray for your enemies and those who despitefully use you.


Dawn

Remember Me?

Wow it's been forever since I have been on my own BLOG to check things out. I will have to send out an email to everyone telling them that things are good again. I hope everyone is doing well. My life is slightly out of control but guess what? School is almost out for the semester. How cool is that?

Take care and I will try to post more often.

Lazy Days Of Summer Are Over

The lazy days of summer are over. What can I say about us? Not too much. Things have been good. School will start again soon for all of us. Oh but a wonderful, restful summer we had. It wasn't bad at all. Here's a picture to enjoy that depicts how I feel now. Rested, refreshed and calm. Summer breaks are not too bad. Everyone needs one. I am really quite happy that school is starting. I've been a little lazy and crazy these days. For some reason I am having some difficulty getting this to operate for me today so I must make this short. I hope you enjoyed your summer and I'll write to you soon.

I've been silent long enough

I've been silent for way too long. I've been relaxing in a fog of nothingness. You know how every once in awhile you just want to take a break from everything. I did it but how selfish of me to do so.

That's the perfect lead right into something important to say. I put a link to a BLOG you may want to check out. It's to 'body on the line'. One of my professors is turning out some unbelievable posts. It is something else because no one necessarily agrees with everything that another person says or does. With that in mind I think you should check it out what she has to say. She is really turning up my moral heat.

I wonder how anyone can condone human suffering and oppression and still call ourselves Christian or civilized. Many of us seem to forget the love verses in the Bible. With that said check out her BLOG. She is not a Christian person just an ordinary citizen of this planet like us all but her points are eye opening and moving. I think there is something everyone with any working compass can see something of value in what she says.

You know this won't really be a post all about my professor but take this one last thought before I move on to another point. How many of us are willing to go as far as she has for anything we passionately believe? It is a lesson for us all to take the time to put ourselves on the line for others and the sake of what's right. We get so wrapped up in impressions that we forget that THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND US. Check it out. She seems to post a few times a week. If you miss getting there once a week at least you will really miss out!

So, with that said...I need to be more diligent with my posts as before. Things as you know are changing for us left and right. With all of the changes though we still manage to stay sane. I invite you to keep coming back. I am back in reality and look forward to returning from the outer reaches to say something worth listening to. So, keep the picture I posted in mind and come back later to sit awhile with us, we have your chair and your pole ready.

So Much Goin' On

There has been so much going on with us. We keep busy you know with school and kids, family and all of those things just like everyone else. We don't look at ourselves as anything overly special. Mostly we are thankful for the life that we have.

Each of us knows that things could be worse or better. We just got back from our much needed vacation to Washington. It was good times. The boys enjoyed meeting and seeing relatives that they had never met or hadn't seen in years. You know how kids can be, they may not admit to themselves right now that they genuinely had a great time per se but they did.

The most inspirational part of our trip was meeting Uncle Simon and Aunt Bonnie. They along with everyone else showed us such a wonderful time. Grandma Barret was so very kind to us to let us stay with her. We all felt more blessed from the trip than anything else. It was nice on the one hand to be away from our busy lives and doing something as a family but it was also nice to be a part of the lives of others.

So often all of us get so wrapped up in what we are doing that we forget about others on some level. We forget about what it is like to relish in the richness that being around kind and generous people can do to the human soul. Kindness is more refreshing than anything in life. It's love really. We call it kindness because we do not know its real name. Simply put it's love.

Jesus said to love one another the way that He's loved us. Those words have meaning to me more this week. So do all of those other cheesy sayings like love conquers all. It's true though. Evaluate your life for a minute. Think about how your kindness (aka love) has changed others in some small or large way. Are you getting the picture? I hope so. Life goes beyond our day to day titles of wife, mother, sister, husband, brother, father, child, niece, nephew, uncle, aunt, co-worker, friend, etc. We experience life in sections of relationships. Each with its own set of norms and boundaries. But with another cheesy statement, love has no bounds.

Love moves freely in each relationship that we allow it to. To put us next to one another in special kinds of ways. It captures things that we can't see on the surface and draws it to a place so near to us that we feel and experience it in a way that produces things like thoughtful stares and radiant smiles. It takes the human spirit and refreshes us more than I can describe.

Love has been given a bad wrap; Lovesick puppy...and a ton of other things I can't get to come to mind right now. Don't be tripped up by these uniformed sayings that are just cliche's in the end. They are just goofy ways to say more nonsense than anything.

Love and kindness are not interchangeable really. kindness is something we might do out of obligation. Love is something we do for no other reason but for the sake of love itself. Nobody seems to have a definitive answer on love. It is because it is. I sound like an overly sappy fool but I'm not. I just arrived back from a journey, a vacation that changed my life is all. I have a deeper understanding of why each and every one of us is here. We are here to get by and do the everyday mundane. We are here to hold jobs and be too busy to call someone or write them a letter. We are here to make friends and stab them in the back as soon as they turn on you. We are here to build people up and them shatter them like glass hitting the floor. OF COURSE NOT!

Maybe you are a person who has stumbled on my BLOG and are thinking this girl is absolutely crazy. Not any crazier than everyone else. We all do things that other people think is wired and wacky. No worries. The real question though is who do you love? Do you love your family, do you have that feeling inside that you can't describe either when you think of people that you love and they love you back? Have you been touched by their suedo kindness which is only love in hiding? I bet you have.

It feels pretty darn good doesn't it? To think of the peace and comfort that one of those loving relationships you have and share with at least one other person. Pass it on. Don't bottle it up inside and hold it so tightly that you fear if some of it oozes out that it can't be replaced. Love is the strangest thing on the planet because the more of it you give away, the more you get back.

I've taken it a bit too far but it's fun to let yourself go for a minute or two. We had a super vacation. I love more people in my life. I got an opportunity to add to my love list. It felt good for us all to recharge and replenish, to refresh ourselves outside of our daily, weekly, monthly, same ole same ole. Even if I barely have time to sleep these days I feel better for who I am because I've had an experience with husband, children....all of those other people that are a part of our interconnected fabric of family.

Pick up a phone, write a letter, an email, or simply say a loving pray to the one who listens about the one(s) you love today. Get refreshed in yet another day of So Much Goin' On.

Dawn E Pooh

Seattle Washington Pikes Market 

Tribute

This is an great tribute to the troops. I don't normally do things like this but click on the word Tribute above and it will take you to the website. Enjoy.

Dawn E Pooh

Skating Motion

Here is a link to Boo's BLOG. You should really check it out. He spent a lot of time working on it and I am very proud of it. Tell your friends. Just clik on the title.

Dawn E Pooh

This book is a must have if you would like to get more information about Denver. It is full of pictures some pictures that I have been able to use as references to pictures we have in our family picture collection.  

Email to Junior High Principal, Vice-Principal, 8th Grade Counselor and Teacher

Here is a copy of the email I sent to the school. It's all pretty easy to read. I just encourage everyone to always stand up for your children no matter what age they are.


Hello,
For those who do not know me, I am Dawn E Pooh and my student is Son of Dawn E Pooh. Here’s a brief rundown of the situation. I just so happen to be doing some research for a course I am taking and the subject matter is African American Mathematicians.

Son of Dawn E Pooh had a little situation in class with Mr. Junior High Teacher yesterday and was told, (paraphrasing of course), "there are no black mathematicians." Initially, I was shocked that Mr. Junior High Teacher would say such a thing. The remark itself is factually inaccurate. Then the real me that’s lived in Idaho for 12 years kicked in and I chalked the statement into a mental category that I call, "figures." "Figures," simply means that it figures that my son would get an answer like that because we live in Idaho and unfortunately, characteristically, diversity takes a back burner in this state often times. I want you all to know that I hold absolutely nothing against Mr. Junior High Teacher because Son of Dawn E Pooh adores mathematics and Mr. Junior High Teacher as well by nature of the subject that he teaches.

But why the email then? I want to bring this to your attention so that you can evaluate what kind of harm offhand remarks can bring in education. I know that my son has ALWAYS enjoyed mathematics. Part of the original reason that I wanted to do research on the subject was to show him that his love for mathematics is not unattainable if he chooses to seriously pursue the subject. My husband and I are rare cases. Not all parents of color in Idaho have the same access to higher education and/or opportunity that we do.

This presents the obvious problem of the offhand remark that was made by Mr. Junior High Teacher. Such a comment could have been devastating to a child whose parents do not constantly highlight the accomplishments of people of color as a household practice.

What are we going to do about this as a group? My husband and I of course are going to continue to pump as much information into our kids that we can about their heritage and the richness that diversity brings to all communities. For you, "the professional educators," I don’t know what you are going to do about it but take a word of advise from me…

Remember that you hold a special authority and responsibility to a child who believes so much of what you teach them in your classrooms. This is a huge responsibility that makes you accountable to that child to not make potentially devastating and factually inaccurate remarks when dealing specifically with race and ethnicity.

My very last request is that you do not mention this email to Son of Dawn E Pooh. Son of Dawn E Pooh asked for some of my African American Mathematician information so that he can confront Mr. Junior High Teacher on his own. I want you to allow him to have that opportunity to stand up without fear as long as he is respectful about it of course and is not disruptive to the rest of the class.

Respectfully,
Dawn E Pooh

Another Round of Welcome

Hello to everyone else who is now reading this BLOG. We are so happy to have new family and friends checking out what we/I have to say about the world around us.

It has been a long sad couple of weeks. We recently lost Grandpa. It was a sad time but a joyous one too. It is comforting to know that he no longer has to suffer from his cancer. It is always hard to say goodbye to someone you love due to death but to see or know that someone is suffering and in pain is even more tragically horrible. I will not publish a long BLOG this time around. I need to give everyone else a chance to catch up on some reading. I encourage all of our new folks to take a look at what has already been posted.

Only one other food for thought...please everyone have a very Blessed New Year.

Gods love,

Dawn

Be yourself

I only have one statement to make today. Just be yourself. People are so pretentious trying to be something or someone other than they are. It makes me sick. Why is it that way though? Culture breeds it. People wear so many masks that after awhile I think even they don't know who they are anymore.

The good side is all anyone wants you to see. They want you to see all of the super fantabulous things about them but they are unwilling to expose the lies they live behind. I can prove the truth of that statement. Spend a day in a public place listening to the conversations of others. I walked by a conversation yesterday and a group of guys said terrible things about a certain group of people. I was repulsed and thought to myself, "are you not learning anything in college?" The truth of it is....they probably learned it from home as a child.

It's all good though. They were just idiots. I like to think one of them did not feel that way and maybe he was just too afraid to speak up. To him I say...just be yourself and stop pretending with your so called friends. Stay true to who you are and what you believe. You might just change the heart of others in the process.