A Tribute to Diane

By Terry Orr

Image from Google Search

Today my heart is heavier than normal. Last night, I received shocking news that my dear friend Diane Forrest has passed. Her Mother replied to my text to Diane, stating,“This is Diane(s) Mother, I just found (out) Diane has passed away.”

Over the next few days, hopefully we will learn more. 

I met Diane on the Internet twenty-four years ago and we have been good friends since then. She also was my partner in developing, writing and maintaining this Blog. Diane wrote more than three hundred and helped on countless more articles on a very wide range of topics.

I am going to share a poem she forwarded to me after her birthday in May 2013 that her Uncle Jack had written for her.

Diane

How wonderful it is to know those who thrive

Happily bringing joy while living their lives

With a wonderful smile you carry each day

The world is made better as you go your way

We know that a Taurus is embedded with traits

Live Love and giving plus remember special dates

You are faithful to your passion of sending cards to friends

It reflects who you are, the perfect means to an end

Twas warm on the fiday when you came into the world

The family was blessed with a beautiful baby girl

Your professional vocation is a mission of love

And your caring heart fits like a glove

You take everyday events all in stride

While staying the course is your mark of pride

Then there’s the picture Perfect Love

Your caring for Dave until he was called above

As a daughter and sister and daughter and a son

You reflect all that’s good when all is said and done

Routines become habits and some make you glad

Like watching judge judy each day with dad

And snoopy, yes snoop

Is you live in king

While enjoying attention he does his own thing

As an excellent chef, cooking is your flair

Your uncle jack’s favorite is chocolate eclairs

So congratulations is now offered on this 3^rdof may

Reaching a high mark on your special birthday

PARENTS DAY

By Diane Forrest

This has been a very family oriented month...this past week especially.  We had cousin's day, aunt and uncle day, Family reunion Month, and today is Parent's Day.  Now you are probably wondering why parent's day?  We have a Mother's Day and a Father's Day aren’t they getting enough recognition?

According to Wikipedia, In the United States, Parents' Day is held on the fourth Sunday of every July. This was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law (36 U.S.C. § 135) for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children. “The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Trent Lott. It was supported by members of the Unification Church, which also celebrates a holiday called Parents' Day, although on a different date. United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said: "Replacing Mother's Day and Father's Day with a Parents' Day should be considered, as an observance more consistent with a policy of minimizing traditional sex-based differences in parental roles."  Leave it to a senator from Mississippi to come up with yet another holiday to honor our family members.

According to dateandtime.com, Parents’ Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday each year. Citizens, organizations, and federal, state, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Parents’ Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts to recognize, uplift and support the role of parents in bringing up their children.

The Parents’ Day Council plays an active role in celebrating and promoting Parents’ Day through a range of events and activities.  For example, the council honors “Parents of the Year” at local, state and national levels. Those who have been nominated or selected are people who exemplify the standard and ideal of positive parenthood. Exemplary parents from each state are nominated for “National Parents of the Year”.

Parents’ Day is a popular time for people to send cards and gifts, including flowers, cakes and food hampers, to those who play an important role as a positive parental figure in their lives. It is also a time for families to come together for lunches or dinners. Special tributes to parental figures that are seen as role models are made through local announcements, at church services, or at local community events. Parents’ Day proclamations and rallies have been held in recent times and involved organizations such as the United Civil Rights Councils of America.

How will you be celebrating Parent's Day?

A Tribute to Christopher Scott Kyle

By Terry Orr

Thank you Chris for your service to country in and out of uniform – helping others came naturally to you and we are all better because you care for your follow man.

Last night, while relaxing in my recliner, I watched the video of Chris Kyle service in Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, Texas.  Four tissues, two hours and with a heavy heart later – my wife and I talked about just how special Chief (Seal) Chris Kyle life was to so many.

Kyle paired with FITCO Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization which created the Heroes Project to provide free in-home fitness equipment, individualized programs, personal training, and life-coaching to in-need veterans with disabilities, Gold Star families, or those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

His book – “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” is available at Amazon and other book stores. 

Farewell shipmate and may God watch over you and your family.