A Gesture Of Thanks And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super sonic hot new page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. If you ever wondered what you might be cruising around in 100 or so years ago, this will give you a good idea. At least you'll know what the elite of the day were riding in! Be sure to check out the video here. Pretty amazing! ________ /.--..--,\ //___||___\\___, #% / ,_, - ,_, \ jgs #%@# =(_/(_)\_____/(_)\__) Antique Automobiles! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/antiquecars.html --- ...Wow! Hard to imagine our cars of today had their beginnings from these! Thanks Ladies! -<>- *~* We Had Another Tremendous Month Of Caring And Sharing! .--.-. ( ( )__ (_, \ ) ,_) | '-'--`--' ~~| , \ _ / ,|`-._/| -== (_) ==- ^^ .' | /||\ / \ ^^ .' | ./ ||`\ | / `-. |/._ || \ / `|| `|;-._\ | || || \ ~^~_~^~_-~^~=~^~~^= / || ||__ \~^=~^~-~^~_~^~=~^~-~^~ ~^~ ~=~^~ _~^~ =~ `--------|`---|| `"-`___~~^~ =_~^=~~^~=`~^ jgs ~^~=~^_~^~ =~ \~~~~~~~'~~~~'~~~~/~~`` ~=~^~ ~^=_~^~ ~~^ ~^~ ~^=~^~_~-=~^~ ^ `--------------'~^~=~^~_~^=~^~=~ ~^~-~^= ~^~=~ ~^=~^~ ~^~^=~^~-~^~ ~^~=~^~^~ =~^~^=~^~^=~^~^ =~~`~^ ~^~= ~^~= ~~^~~`=~``^~^^~= ~^=~^~^~^ =`^~^`^~^=~^~-~~^ ~ Be Sure To Check Out And Share These Great New Pages: Underwater Life Of Eilat! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/underwater.html WWI River Of Blood Tribute! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/riverofblood.html Animal Moms 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalmoms3.html Amazing Trivia Facts UK! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafactsuk.html Humor In Religion 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion4.html Humorous Signs 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns3.html Short Life Stories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifestories.html The Mighty Bison! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bison.html Our Amazing World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingworld.html Rarely Seen Critters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rarecritters.html Super Rare Muscle Cars! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/musclecars.html Hand-Sized Baby Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyanimals2.html Bizarre Nature! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bizarrenature.html Bizarre Nature 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bizarrenature2.html Jacob's US Flag! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jacobsflag.html Kids Being Kids 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kids4.html American Heroes Abroad! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/americanheroes.html .--'} _ , ,<{.-'{:} -====;o`\/ } __ (( '--.} \-`\-'----. \_\ \\ __ \ |-..-'` ___\_))_/_/ /\/\ /_/ (( `--` jgs \\ ~*~ May God Super Bless Our Wonderful Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Your morning thought for the day: You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. -- Dale Carnegie _ /_) (8_))}- . \_) '. .--. . , .-.-,_, : '. .' )`-.>'` ( '---'`; / `\ | . | | | _.' \ / / .' `=(\ /.=` ' `-;`.-' '._ `)| , ` ' ' ' ' ' || .-'| ,_|| \_,/ , \|| .' |\|\ , ||/ ,_\` |/| |Y_, '-.'-._\||/ >_.-`Y| ` ,_|| \|| || jgs || |/ >COLOR ME CONFUSED Little Cindi graced me with a gap-toothed grin as she squirted catsup on her plump, juicy, hotdog. Her sweet, squeaky, "Here Auntie have a bite," was drowned out by my tomato-curdling scream. "Ewwwww! What's that?" I stared in horror as a big, PURPLE glop soaked into the bun. "It's our new cool catsup. We have purple and green in the cupboard," Cindi smiled. Color me confused, but the thought of purple catsup made my brow wrinkle almost as much as Granny Clampett's face. Believe me, I am not a catsup snob. In fact, I consider it one of the major food groups and think nothing of dousing fries, potato chips, hamburgers and fish sandwiches in rich, red, catsup. The problem arises when the catsup is not bright red, but Grinch Green or Passion Purple. I know color shouldn't affect the taste, but the thought of purple catsup is enough to give me sweaty palms, dry mouth, and heart palpitations (similar to seeing Brad Pitt on the movie screen). So what's the deal with all these food companies trying to "new and improve" their products? It's getting to the point that I'm afraid to put anything into my grocery cart these days. For instance, I recently stood in the garbage bag aisle and my brain turned to compost as I stared at the brands, sizes, and colors of bags that just get thrown out anyhow. Whatever happened to black cinch sacks for garbage, and clear plastic bags for recyclables? Scented bags, that's what! I actually saw "French Vanilla" scented garbage bags on sale. For only three times the cost of plain old "plastic scented" bags, I could buy a garbage bag that would "soar my senses" with aromatherapy. Somehow the thought of my garbage smelling better than me made me want to yank out my hair, but not my checkbook. So, besides sweet Cindi, who buys this supply of purple catsup and vanilla garbage bags? Probably the same try-anything-once folks who throw a vertically striped jar of peanut butter and jelly into their grocery baskets. Frankly, I find that concept as un-American as a kid who won't eat PB&Js at all. Everyone knows you have to slather creamy, gooey, peanut butter on one slice of Wonder Bread and then spread sweet, sticky, grape jelly on another piece before doing the old "slap and squish". You know, slap the bread together and the squish to join the flavors. The thought of calmly spreading PB&J at the same time should be grounds for court marshal! With all of these bizarre foodstuffs, it scares me to think what the world will be like when my kids (now in their terrible teens) go forth and multiply (after college and marriage) and take their kids to the grocery store. Will the little tykes beg for pink mac-and-cheese? Will the lime-green mustard clash with the purple hot dog nestled in its navy-striped bun? Color me old-fashioned, but no grandkid of mine is going to be served purple oatmeal or green spaghettios. Even if I have to stockpile "normal" foods, I will serve the little sweethearts food that is good, nutritious, and THE RIGHT COLOR. Now, all this talk about food is making me thirsty. Excuse me while I pop the top of a Code Red Mountain Dew. I know this soda "should" be green, but I broke down and tried a free sample the other day and its sparkly cherry taste is just like a kiddie cocktail. See, I'm not so set in my ways. I may never dunk my fries in green catsup, but color me courageous, there may be hope for me yet. -- Darlene A. Buechel ___________________________________________ We congratulate Darlene, as we proudly bestow upon her the title of Heartwarmer Gem. We reserve this honor for our most beloved writers who have consistently contributed outstanding and memorable works that have captured the hearts and minds of our members around the world. Darlene is well known for her humorous and light hearted stories that bring a smile to readers everywhere. And make no mistake. She has her opinions about colors too! She eats her RED catsup on GOLDEN french fries and throws her garbage in BLACK cinch sacks. She hails from Wisconsin. =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) _ / ) / / .-""-.//' /_____C\___ /// 6 6~\~~` ( 7 ) \ '='/ _//'---'\ _ ( \ `\ (_) == = - jgs (\/`-.__/ / "`-._ _.' `` >THE LORD'S BASEBALL GAME Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate named 'Love.' Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because 'Love never fails.' The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked because he never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, 'He sure doesn't look like much!' Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen! But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; the roaring crowds went wild as the ball continued over the fence . . for a Home Run! The Lord's team won! .---. /_____\__ `\/6.6\/--` ( _ ) ,'---', / _ \ /\/ (_) \/\ \ | (_) | / \| |/ |_____| | | | | | | \__|__/ |_|_| jgs _|_|_|_ (___|___) The Lord then asked Freddy if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but couldn't win the game. Freddy answered that he didn't know why. The Lord explained, 'If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base but only My Grace can get you Home: 'For by Grace are you saved, it is a gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.' - Ephesians 2:8-9 Psalm 84:11, 'For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.' --- ...Awww, yes, baseball season again! Love this classic Lesson! Thanks LouiseAU! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: . . - _ . . ~ . ~ - ~ . = . ~ ~ ~ __.---~~_~~_~~_~~_~ ~ ~~_~~~ . . .-' ` . ~_ = ~ _ = . ~ . ~ .' `. ~ - = ~ - _ ~ ` ~ . }` = - _ ~ - . ~ ` = ~ _ . ~ }` . ~ = ~ = ~ - ~ - _ . } ~ .__,_O ` ~ _ ~ ^ ~ - `}` - = /#/`-' - ~ = ~ _ ~ ~ . } ~ - |^\ _ ~ _ - ~ -_ = _ }` _____ /_ /____ - ~ _ ~ _ jgs }` `~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`_ = _ ~ - _ _ _ }` `. ~ . - _ = ~. ~ = . - = >Today I Will 1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK: If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind... I will not respond in a like manner. 2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY": If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or a stranger. 3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY: I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. 4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE: I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. 5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE: I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. 6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, AND I WILL DO IT SECRETLY: I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another. 7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED: I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter. 8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE I DISCOURAGED: My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling life. 9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY: I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body. 10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY: I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during the day) and listen to God's voice! -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >The Crisis of a Closing Heart (By Ron Hutchcraft) Fettuccini Alfredo! It's that great Italian dish that has buttered noodles served in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Unfortunately, one news magazine in an article on nutrition and our health called it a "heart attack on a plate." That may be a bit of an overstatement, but the fact is that a lot of foods do contribute to the slow shutdown of the valves that happen to carry the blood and oxygen into your heart. I love what one commercial calls it -- blood sludge. Medical people refer to the hardening of the arteries -- the process in which foods that are high in cholesterol and fat start building up hard deposits in your arteries. If this hardening in your heart is allowed to continue long enough, it is not a laughing matter. It really can threaten your life. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Crisis of a Closing Heart." Hearts can harden physically and spiritually. It can become really dangerous in the heart of any man or woman who is trying to make a difference for Jesus Christ. It was Jesus' heart that motivated all He did -- a heart that the Bible says was "moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes." He was deeply moved. He saw them the Bible says, as "threatened and helpless sheep without a shepherd." He wept over His city Jerusalem because they wouldn't come to Him and the life He wanted to give them. Paul was a model for all of us who want to serve Christ when he revealed what drove him to suffer incredible pain and sacrifice to tell people about Jesus. Our word for today from the Word of God is 2 Corinthians 5:14, "Christ's love compels us." Not long ago I was told about a Rev. Gomez who is a pastor in one of America's major cities. Often, he wouldn't come into the service until a few minutes before his message. But this one particular Sunday, it came time for the sermon and Rev. Gomez was not on the platform. A couple of church leaders went to check his office, and there he was looking out over the endless rows of apartments and houses that jammed their depressed neighborhood. And he was weeping. One of the men who had come looking for him said gently, "Pastor, I understand, you're weeping because of the great needs all around us, aren't you?" "No," the pastor told him, "I'm weeping because it doesn't move me like it used to." That is cause for weeping. This servant of God realized that something had happened to his heart. Like a person with hardening of the arteries, his heart had started to close up -- to harden. Maybe yours is, too. Like that physical hardening, it happens slowly and imperceptibly, but the longer it goes unchecked, the more dangerous it becomes. Most of us start serving the Lord with a healthy heart. We're moved by the lostness of people who don't have a Savior. We realize the life-or-death importance of getting to them with the message of Jesus. Heaven and hell are at stake. And we come into the Lord's work with a heart that's soft toward the pain and suffering and dysfunction that sin is causing in lives all around us. We ask the Lord to use us to make a difference, whatever it takes. But for some of us, that healthy heart started to harden somewhere along the way. With all the pressures, the politics, the disillusionments, the programs, the conflicts, we can no longer say that it is this burning love of Christ for the lost and hurting that drives us. What once was passion has become profession. What once was a deep affair of the heart has become an exercise of our head and our busy hands. And the joy, the fire is going out -- or gone. But the One who gave you that original piece of His heart wants to give it to you again if you'll recognize the crisis of your closing heart and tell your Master that you want His life-changing heart surgery -- to open up what the deposits of the years have closed, and to give you a new heart, throbbing with His love and His passion and His tears for the lost. Without that, there ultimately is no life. Go to the Master Heart Surgeon today and tell Him you want a heart like His. [Copyright (c) 2005, Ron Hutchcraft. Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, and will not be sold. To reproduce "A Word With You" transcripts in any other format, including Internet websites, written permission is needed from Ron Hutchcraft.] -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Aww Animals #2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals2.html Giant Panda Bears http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pandabear.html Whale Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whalerescue.html Baby Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babythoughts.html Red Hat!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redhat.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Top Reasons To Smile!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Ricochet The Surf Dog!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochet.html Miracle Baby!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smellofrain.html Stuck Animals!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stuck.html Identity Theft 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/identitytheft3.html Did You See That?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seethat.html Dominic And Jobe!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) What if telekinesis was real? How would you react? Our hidden camera experiment captures the reactions of unsuspecting customers at a New York City coffee shop as they witness a telekinetic event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlOxlSOr3_M The Human Chair Prank strikes again, Halloween style https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xrQaRQyjQxg HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATS FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE !!(Unbelievable) This is why Russians use dash cams, (dashboard cameras) - amazing! http://tinyurl.com/zrgcwh3 --- ...WOWSERS! AAAA!! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) Help Obama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-sdO6pwVHQ&sns=em --- ...OH MY! Thanks Geniann! My Way Andre Rieu on his violin in New York https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-y581HdWfY --- ...Cool! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup for the wife. They had spotted a piano in the lobby and thought, why not! They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance. It's all in attitude to enjoy life. Enjoy the show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI-l0tK8Ok0 --- ...Love it! Fun! Thanks Linda! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) [POLITICS] >To Understand the new Socialist Democrats Great summary by a Notre Dame University engineer... Here are the 10,535 pages of ObamaCare condensed to 4 simple sentences. As humorous as it sounds... every last word is absolutely TRUE! 1. In order to insure the uninsured, we first have to uninsure the insured. 2. Next, we require the newly uninsured to be re-insured. 3. To re-insure the newly uninsured, they are required to pay extra charges to be re-insured. 4. The extra charges are required so that the original insured, who became uninsured, and then became re-insured, can pay enough extra so that the original uninsured can be insured, so it will be ‘free-of-charge’ to them. This, ladies and gentlemen, is called "redistribution of wealth" ... or, by its more common name, SOCIALISM, the politically correct name for COMMUNISM! --- ...Thanks Geniann! >My Take - The trouble with Bernie and Socialism: .--,.-, /.-',\:.\ .===. ,;;,;;, /; \\:.\/ _) ;;;;;;;;; |' \\:( _,`'> ';;;;;' |; \\(_/ ._= ';' |; ;/ /`|\ /, _/ |-' `\ Socialist Democrats Seem To Mean Well /; __//( \_,;;,;;, |; __/ / \ /);;;;;;) | _/|/ / \/`';;;;;' ,;;,;;, |/ / ( ';' ;;;;;;;;; ( .-, \ ';;;;;' ) /`\ ) \ ';' '._/|/| |.' jgs _// \| | / || |/ / | `\| ' The trouble with socialism and communism is like they say - Eventually you run out of other people's money to give out. Obamacare is already imploding as more and more low income are signing up for it and less and less middle to upper class do. That causes the prices for the middle to upper class to grow - causing the deductibles and co-pays to be very high. This in turn leads to less and less paying customers being able to afford to get any use out of the health care they are required by the government to pay in to. The domino effect continues as these higher costs makes for many disgruntled participants. Having to also pay for things such as child care, abortion, birth control, to mention a few, that most will never use is also upsetting to many participants. They choose to opt out causing the 'domino effect' to continue with even higher prices and co-pays and deductibles until the whole system crashes and burns in its own folly. This the problem with all socialist countries. Venezuela is experiencing it's own implosion - crash and burn - right now: 'Venezuela is in the midst of a stunning social, political, and economic collapse. The country of 30 million people is facing dire food and medicine shortages, frequent power outages, serious political unrest, the world’s highest inflation rate, rampant violent crime, and one of the world’s highest murder rates. Earlier this month, Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, declared a state of emergency. In short, Venezuela has become the world’s most visibly failing state. http://money.cnn.com/2016/05/31/news/economy/venezuela-shortage/ Socialism or communism never works. Why? Because It is against what the bible teaches... 2 Thes.3: [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. [11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies [trouble makers]. [12] Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. Here the bible teaches that if able bodied people choose not to work, they in turn should not eat - Not be given hand outs from those that are working hard for the money to achieve things. These people should 'eat their own bread' meaning work to buy their own needs for themselves and their family. 2 Thes.3: [13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. At the same time, the bible clearly tells us to continue to help the less fortunate - those who are unable to help themselves. History shows Socialism always ends badly for the people. When we go against God's Word, we eventually suffer the consequences - sooner or later. ============================================================== .---. /==()=\ #_ _# ( e` `e ) | U | \ = / |\___/| ___/: :\___ /` < `\ /` > `\ / `\ |_| /` \ ; [MD] \| |/ |I! ; jgs | | | |"""| | | | \ / \___/ | | | Y | | >With Her Help Story Editor: by Mark J. Mitchell Joyce Schowalter California, USA Dad was diagnosed with small-cell cancer, terminal. "Enjoy what life I have left," he said. He had three good years before his downhill slide. Then a family call said it was time to head north to see Dad as his time drew near. I booked a flight as soon as possible to meet my brother Paul and my sister Claudia in Sacramento. One can imagine my mood as the plane cut through the air. No smiles for anyone on this "bummer trip". I sourly walked through the Sacramento terminal, in no hurry to get anywhere -- especially the hospital. Ahead was a woman with a little girl on her shoulder looking backwards at me. Out of nowhere this girl's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Out of her mouth came one word: "Santa!" Now, I've got long silver white hair, a full beard and mustache, and while I'm not the fat man always depicted, I fit this little girl's vision of Santa Claus. Stopping dead in her tracks, her mother spun around. As she started to apologize for her daughter's outburst, I put my finger to my lips and said, "Sshh! I'm on vacation!" The little girl broke out into a great big smile and shook her head yes. Her mother only smiled and walked away. Her daughter gazed back with her big smile shining. Her smile changed my mood -- and my life. I put it in mind that I wouldn't show Dad anything but a smiling face. At the hospital, I found myself needing the facilities. While washing up, I thought of a way to lighten up the situation. Taking ten feet of toilet paper, I stuffed one end into my pants. I had a tail. Out the door I went -- much to Paul and Claudia's astonishment. Claudia piped up, "Mark, do you know what you have following you?" "Yep," I said. "That I do." "Oh, jeez," said Paul. Arrows painted on walls led to the ICU. All along the way people pointed and laughed. I continued on my way like there was nothing wrong with this world. A glance over my shoulder showed Paul and Claudia following quite distantly. The ICU nurses nearly busted a gut laughing. They pointed at Dad's room, and off I went. Howls of laughter followed me. Dad was sitting up, trying to see what all the commotion was. Taking one look at me standing in the doorway, he said, "I should have known it was you!" I walked to his bedside, gave him a big hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him. Later, Dad called Mom over for a kiss. He said, "See you in Paradise, honey," and away he went. I wish I could thank that little girl. Without her help, I would have been in tears and not much good to Dad. Because of her, Christmas took on a new meaning, which I try to keep alive throughout the year. "Peace on Earth, good will to all." =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Fran :) _..._ (,-'-,) / `"""` \ | /_ _\ | .--.\( _ )/.--. / .' '-...-' '. \ | / _/|\_ \ | / | -' \|/ '- | \ / \__..-'-..__/ \ ( / \ ) '-'._/ \_.'-' / \ ( ) jgs \ / `'-._____.-'` >A Gesture Of Thanks My dad and I were hunting in the mountains surrounding Gunnison, Colorado. It was September 1988, we were on a dirt access road to the wilderness area. Few people knew of this road. As my dad and I drove to our drop-off location, we saw an older hunter with vehicle trouble. We stopped, and from the look on his face I knew there was serious trouble. He tried to cross a ditch-like road depression, his radiator had flexed in its mounting brackets, and its top had popped off. All we could offer was a ride out to get a new radiator in town, 30 miles each way. We thought of getting a tow truck, but the man mentioned he probably didn't have enough money for that. My dad had an idea, though. I would continue to hunt from our drop-off point and he'd take the man and the broken radiator to town for repair. My dad didn't mind helping the elderly man. I hunted the rest of the day, but a hitch developed in town. All the parts stores were closed; it was Sunday and hunting season. My dad took the man and the damaged radiator to a friend who had a garage. Dad thought he could solder a temporary patch on the radiator and get the truck to town for a more lasting repair. The repair was made, the truck was fixed, the man drove off to town, and my dad returned to the pick-up point for me. When I arrived he told me what had happened, and we planned for tomorrow's hunt as we drove back to town. As we approached the outskirts of town, there along side the road was the old man's pickup. We guessed the repair hadn't worked, we slowed down as we came closer. The old man stepped out of the truck and waved us down. I rolled down my window and my dad asked if the repair had failed. "Nope", the old man said. "I just got to thinking while I drove that I really hadn't thanked you for all you've done for me. So I just pulled over and waited for you to come by. Boys, I'm buying you dinner tonight." We followed him to his favorite cafe. As we drove behind him, my dad and I had to think on this. That old man must've waited beside the road for over three hours to catch us coming back to town so he could buy us dinner. It was that important to him to express his gratitude for what my dad had done. If you really are committed to making a gesture of thanks, nothing will stop you. - by R. Thompson --- ...A good one! Thanks Fran! ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: ,_ _ \`\ )\ , \`\| \/ |_/\ .-. , _/ ` ' |/\ _> \|\,_'> <__, `\ ,/\/\ /__ , / _ / `/) >_,/\ <_/| * _____\/_\._\' , '-\ /\ /_, `-.\\_\\_\\} /| | >/ |