Jonathan’s Journey
Monday, July 26, 2010
Back home and it is hard to find time to write…
Just an observation: you write better, more fully, and more often when in Honduras than any other spot on earth. You should ask yourself "Why". Just mull that over.
From Tommy….
I understand that! Maybe you should simplify your life!! Easy to say, but how, huh! This advice from a guy with high blood pressure due to not handling stress well! Oh well, I advise better than I carry out.
A goal: More rose smelling/less stress.
I keep this in my Blackberry:
Life's Stress-Perspective:
From a monk in a Nebraska monastery:_
If I had my life to do over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax, I would limber up, I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.
I know of few things I would take seriously.
I would take more trips. I would be crazier.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.
I would do more walking and looking.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles, and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who lives life prophylactically and sensibly hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else, just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I've been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and a parachute.
If I had to do it over again I would go places, do things and travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over I would start barefooted earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.
I would play hookey more.
I wouldn't make such good grades, except by accident.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I'd pick more daises.
Tom Clevenger,
Tommy---maybe I should move to Honduras. Then I would write a Journey everyday!
It has been super busy since we returned home. Wednesday afternoon and Thursday I was back in the office trying to catch-up….and then Michael, Katie and I spend some time Thursday cleaning our extra suitcases and moving them to storage. We also unpacked some bags…and tried to put up props, craft items, etc.
Friday---Bethany began playing the in the Brentwood High…Volleyball camp…and she had games all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was long and hard for her…and for me as I watched many of the games…and yes took a nap or two in between matches (and even during a match or two!)
Friday…during the first match of the morning…Barbara called me to tell me that Rascal was worse. He couldn’t get up…and was not able to use his front or back legs. She and Benjamin tried to move him…but he couldn’t do anything on his own.
I knew the time had come. The time that I had had hoped would come during the night naturally.
While we were in Honduras…Justin thought the time had come…but Rascal rallied.
We all got home and we thought he was making some improvements. Thursday night he got up and stumbled out to our back yard woods….and then he made his way back to his bed area in our garage.
Friday morning…Bethany and I left early without checking on him.
Bethany wouldn’t see him again.
Barbara called Justin…I called Danny Haber and we all agreed to meet at 1:30pm.
Bethany remained with the volleyball team…while the rest of us said our goodbyes…and Danny gently put Rascal to sleep.
The boys and I then began the task of digging in our ‘rocky’ back yard…in the near 100 degree temperatures….so we could bury him. In between laughs and tears…we told stories of this dog…that lived 13 years…over 90 in human years…and a dog that had had many lives…and one that had brought a lot of enjoyment to each of us.
The garage is quiet…no snoring or barking and no messes to clean up! However, he is been gone just a couple of days…and today I found a baby snake in the garage….I think he would kept the snakes out????
After the evening meal….we miss him…because no one is fighting to see who is going to go and feed him….and I keep looking out our deck door…to see his head looking back at me…asking in his special way to come in the house for a few minutes.
He was a good dog…yet a Rascal….he had a perfect name.
He will be missed…but not forgotten…and often we will be reminded of the great times we had with him.
The say the dogs are man’s best friend. This weekend we said goodbye to our friend---Rascal.
This is Bar week.
Justin is into his final days of studying. Tonight he came out to the house for dinner…and plans to do the same tomorrow night…before settling in for a good night of sleep. I will take him to Vanderbilt on Wednesday morning…and drop him off at the Law School…where he will take the test…so he doesn’t have to work about parking, etc.
He will have to be there around 8 am…to get instructions. Wednesday…is the national day of testing for all states….and then Thursday…is the Tennessee part of the test.
I know he will be relieved to get test behind him…but not totally relieved until he gets the results. Please pray that he will be at ease, that he will not panic…and that he will do his best.
I feel like I am back to the grind. Reports, meetings, emails, projects….we are wrapping up summer and we are getting ready for school to begin…for the fall and for the “new” of a new academic year. There is always some excitement in the air as we begin a new school year!
FOXFIRE…Kerry Stiles and his band…are performing this Friday night in Shelbyville…here is the information….from their PR department (Rick Tamble)….
This Friday night at 6pm, July 30th in Shelbyville, Foxfire Newgrass will perform at
Fifties and Fiddles. It's located at 203 E. Depot St. in Shelbyville. (931-684-9285)
Yes, those 4 guys who sing and play will entertain you in this wonderful 1950s soda shop atmosphere. As you well know, Foxfire sings the oldies, country, bluegrass and well as some original songs written by members of the group. The $5 cover charge is well worth the outstanding variety of hits they play. And check out the menu after you GOOGLE 50sFiddles. They have burgers, ice cream, malts, floats, even an Elvis Shake (bananas and peanut butter) and much more. Don't miss this Friday night concert with four gentleman who make the sweetest music this side of heaven. Hope to see you there.
Enjoy your Journey!
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Brentwood Hills
Church of Christ
5120 Franklin Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37220
Phone: (615) 832-2541
Fax: (615) 832-2583
church@brentwoodhills.org
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