September 11

I was at work when the first plane hit the tower in New York. A friend called me to see if I was watching the news; a plane had just hit the tower. What in the world was going on? Then the second plane hit... I was in New York 9 months after September 11; I saw the buildings still being repaired, the enormous hole still being cleaned out where the towers once stood. I couldn't believe the size and how deep it was, and to think how high the rubble was once piled. I saw the memorials, the pictures of lost loved ones, the fire department that wasn't very far away, that lost so many. I cried. I remember.

I received this email today and felt compelled to post it here.

Meet Me In The Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ...
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Take a moment to appreciate the gifts we recieve. And God Bless our troops for the sacrifices that make each and every day!

Taylor Whitehead Benefit

Taylor Whitehead Benefit
Saturday, August 8th
Rolling Acres Golf Course, Center Point
4 Person Best Shot Tournament starts at 12:00
$40 per player ~ Flighted Prizes
Sorry, the golf tournament filled up fast and we are no longer accepting teams.
However, please join us for other activities.

After the golf tournament, please join us for additional activities:
Silent Auction 4:00-8:00
Flat screen TV, Autographed Hawkeye and Iowa State Prints, 3 day-2 nights at Hooters hotel in Las Vegas, Hawkeye rock and many more.
Photos of several items shown below. More items to come!

BBQ pork Dinner-($6 per person) 5:00-8:00
Karaoke/DJ with Jake's Jukebox starts at 8:30

If you are unable to attend and wish to contribute in some way, we have set up an account at Center Point Bank and Trust.
Taylor Whitehead benefit fund
901 Bank Ct Center Point, IA 52213

Details of the Taylor Whitehead Benefit

Taylor Whitehead is now 10 months old. When she was 4 months old she was admitted to the hospital with labored breathing. While in father’s arms, she took her last breath. She stopped breathing for 10 minutes before the hospital was able to intubate her. Taylor now suffers severe brain damage, it is believed that she is blind, and has several other life threatening conditions. In addition, it is not known if she will ever be able to walk. Her heart has also been severely damaged and diagnosed as , she is in need of a heart transplant, but since she has brain damage she is not a candidate.

The family is now doing an experimental treatment with a hyperbaric chamber that helps get oxygen to her brain. While you cannot repair damaged brain cells, it is possible for the brain to create new neural paths for the body to operate. This treatment has shown signs of success already, but unfortunately it is not covered by insurance.

Funds raised will help pay to continue this treatment in hopes that Taylor will continue to recover. For more details about Taylor’s story, please check out her blog.

Taylorwhitehead.blogspot.com

To my beautiful bride...

Flash back... About this time, 10 years ago. Somehow catching a ride on an old school bus, stopping at the Getto Hy-Vee for some more alcohol. Stumbling back to Collins Plaza, the anticipation of wedding bells a few hours away.

I still honestly can’t believe that I have had the pleasure to call Jaime my wife for the past 10 years. Perhaps harder to believe that I found my soul mate while I was in 7th grade!

To my wife... Thank you. You continue to be my best friend, my soul, my heartbeat. You have loved me unconditionally, shown me support in every possible way, shown unbelievable tolerance for my stupidity, and brought laughter to my heart even in my darkest days. You breathe life into my spirit... and your love brings heaven to earth. I honestly do not know if there is anyone that can match the amount of love that you show not only to me, but to your children, to your family, and to your friends. You amaze me and I love you dearly.

Happy anniversary Jaime. God I love this woman... And I’m not using the Lord’s name in vain here. She was HIS gift to me. A gift from heaven.

R.I.P. Grandpa Blasi - Wednesday April 22

My Grandfather passed away Wednesday evening at the age of 81. He was by far one of the most amazing individuals I have had the pleasure to know. He will be missed dearly...

Sweet corn and more

If this doesn't make you long for summer days and the taste of fresh sweet corn, I don't know what will.


One More Bite

An oldie...

I was going through some old things and forgot how much I like this video. Unfortunately I lost the actual clip and the only place I still have it is on my old abandoned myspace page.


Rascal Rabbit