With special visits from other authors’ pets

Welcome to my website page dedicated to our pets – along with special visits by pets from author friends of ours!  Over the years I have gone to local animal shelters to choose our dearly loved family pets – Trooper (beagle), Cooper (orange tabby) and Sadie (Boston terrier/pug.)  I would like to encourage you to visit and support your local animal shelter or humane society.  There are so many abandoned animals out there hungry for affection and a home. Petfinder.com also provides a great resource for locating the pet you want in your area. Now, here are some photos of our precious furry "babies."  We, of course, think they’re perfect!

Meet our dog Trooper and cat Cooper.  We actually didn’t rhyme their names on purpose.  We got Trooper (now 14) from a pound in Shreveport, LA and named in honor of my husband’s days at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina in F Company (also called F-Troop.) Cooper (now was named at a no-kill pound in Dayton, OH after a local tire company.  We kept the name since there’s a Cooper River in our much loved college town of Charleston, SC.	Trooper welcomes our new puppy Sadie to the family!  While we live in Florida, we found Sadie through a rescue shelter up in Alabama.
Merry Christmas 2007 from the kids and Sadie!	Merry Christmas 2007 from Trooper! The best present ever
Pals napping!	Who says cats and dogs don’t get along?!
Yes, I’m one of those people who likes to dress up the dog!  DH even bought a Coach collar and leash for Sadie for my Valentine’s Day gift!  Isn’t he the BEST!?!	Sadie masters the puppy paddle!
Me and my puppy!	Trooper and Sadie join in the party!

Author Friends’ pets

Suzanne Brockmann
Did you know that Ed and I adopted a pair of miniature schnauzers because of Lori Foster?   She supports a local shelter, and I was checking it out online, having sent her a book for a fundraiser she was holding.  And I followed a link to a shelter in Massachusetts and we went to "take a look," and three days later we’re bringing home two elderly miniature Schnauzers whose owner had died.  They were quite old, and we only had them for one and two years, but this past fall, we got ourselves two Schnauzer pups.  (We loved adopting, but the short lifespan really hurt us.)
	C.K. Dexter-Haven.   Named after the Cary Grant character in THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, Dex is one of my two Schnauzer puppies.  Several years ago, we adopted Sugar and Spice, two elderly Schnauzers, from a shelter in Marblehead, Massachusetts (thanks to my following a dog-adoption link from fellow author Lori Foster!), and our lives changed in a wonderful way!
Lil’ Joe is Dex’s teeny little sister.  She came to us blind in one eye, but feisty!  She can take Dex down!  Too bad dogs can’t play professional hockey — she’d rock!  We got both Dex and Lil’ Joe just about a year after Sugar died.  (Spice was older — we only had her a year — but we made sure it was the best year of her life!)  Adopting elderly dogs can be incredibly rewarding — we will definitely be doing it again some day — but right now we’re celebrating life with puppies!	Suz Brockmann with Sugar and Spice after a trip to the groomer’s.  Adopted from a shelter after their owner died — they were good dogs — they were yar.
Lori Foster
These are my two Chihuahuas, Brock (smallest) and Tootsie (darkest.) Brock was a gift from my oldest son after our longtime family dog passed away from old age. Tootsie was a rescue dog, and is still very timid. She sticks close to Brock, and he is super protective of her. I love both of them and consider them my little fur babies.
Joanne Rock
Joanne Rock with Duchess, the seven-toed cat.  See how she’s showing off her monster feet for the camera?  We live in the country and our garbage cans support a wide variety of wildlife from racoons to skunks and woodchucks.  Our last cat arrived in similar fashion but wandered off again when a neighbor’s garbage proved more enticing.  Duchess came to us from a local cat’s litter, and her upscale penchant for cat food has kept her with us for years.
Holly Jacobs
"Holly Jacobs, Ethel Merman Fuhrmann and Ella Fitzgerald Fuhrmann.  Ethel was three-ish when we brought her home from the pound.  She’d come from an abusive home.  She’s still got a few…well, let’s call them quirks!  LOL  Ella’s Amish.  We got her at an Amish farm when she was six months old.  Since Ella’s come home, Ethel’s been a little less neurotic.  They’re both great writing buddies!"
Dianna Love
Brandy was a very small Black and Tan Cocker Spaniel marked like a Doberman.  I got Brandy not long after buying my first home in Stone Mountain, GA, then I met Karl in 1983 so Brandy became the center of our family.  One fond memory is how Brandy loved to open the Christmas gifts, but never touched a gift until Christmas morning when Karl would pull hers out and put it in the middle of the room.  Then Brandy would very carefully hold the wrapped box with one paw and pull the ribbons & paper loose with her teeth.  We didn’t teach her this so it was a real fun surprise.  Once she did that the first time we let her open all the gifts every year until the room was knee deep in paper (we’d intentionally wrap small items in big boxes).  I took her through leash training so she was a joy to have as a pet and traveling with us.  During the 100+ hour weeks we worked with our crews on projects leading up to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta we kept Brandy with us pretty much all the time since she was getting up in years and had heart issues.  She had a stroke right after Easter in 1996, which was still several months before the July Olympic events and I’ve always believed God chose that time so that we wouldn’t be home much following her death where it was torture not to hear her squeak toys or see her everywhere we turned.  Karl and I were responsible to so many of our employees and contractors we had to keep working those hours, but later realized we were glad not to be home much then.  We really loved Brandy and could never bring ourselves to replace her, which is why we now have a tank full of crazy saltwater fish.	Brandy loved to sit in the bass boat when Karl cleaned it up after we returned from fishing – Late 80s Brandy and me at the first house Dianna bought in Stone Mountain, GA – 1979 I painted a portrait of Brandy for Karl’s birthday a couple years before Brandy passed away
Cindy Gerard
Mr. Sly (Short for Sylvester) decided that HE needed to be the centerpiece on the table at Christmas so he nosed out the snowmen and made himself comfy.  Christmas kitty anyone??	Meet Buddy (yellow) and Sly (black and white)  These two were cats that  wandered onto our property and found their way into the house through our doggie door.  All of a sudden, we were cat owners – or they were people owners.  We love them and as you can see, they love each other.
Speaking of Christmas – this is the mantel on the fireplace in my office. Buddy – not to be outdone by Sly – decided to be a part of the decorations, too.  Have to admit – he looks pretty up there )	Little Miss Margaret became a member of our family last summer. Margaret is a Brittany Spaniel and she is the sweetest little pup we have ever owned!  She and I take walks every morning together and she curls up on the loveseat in my office every day while I’m writing.
Stephanie Newton
Love Inspired Suspense author Stephanie Newton cuddles her toy poodles Honey and Cee Cee.  She was all set to bring home one dog, but fell in love with two and the rest is history.  Stephanie could even teach the Dog Whisperer a thing or two about training pets because her little doggies are a delight to be around.  (Cathy here, writing this from first hand experience with Honey and Cee Cee!)

Click to enlarge the photos

Gracie attends my book signing at the Wright-Patterson AFB Base Exchange

WEDDING AT WHITE SANDS (Silhouette Intimate Moments 6/02) – RITA finalist!
Caramel Peanut Butter Chip Brownies
Because Allie loves chocolate, and the caramel and peanut butter chips give a sandy, beachie look!

-You can use any brownie mix, but use 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter – melted – instead of 1/2 cup oil
-Follow package directions for rest of brownie mix

Or if making brownies from scratch:
1 cup butter or margarine
4 – 1 ounce bars unsweetened chocolate, melted – OR 12 Tablespoons cocoa & 4 Tablespoons oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
-Melt butter. Add cocoa & oil. Mix well.
-Add sugar. Mix.
-Put in eggs one at a time, mixing with a whisk.
-Add vanilla
-Stir in flour.

NOW THAT THE BROWNIE MIX IS READY:
-Take 1/3 brownie mix and spread into bottom of 9 X 12 pan (pan sprayed lightly with Pam.)
-Bake for 6 minutes at 350 degrees
-Remove from oven
-Sprinkle bag of peanut butter chips over brownie mix in pan
- Oh yeah, and while the bottom layer of brownie mix was baking, you should melt 14 oz bag of unwrapped caramels. (40 caramels if you buy them in bulk.) Add 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in sauce pan over low heat. Stir frequently.
-When this mixture is melted, pour over peanut butter chips and bottom layer of brownies.
-Spoon rest of brownie mixture over top of chips and caramel layer.
-Finish baking for 25-30 minutes.
-Check doneness with cake tester until brownie mix does not show.
-Cool. Cut. Enjoy! PS Did I mention to add lots of T.L.C.?

(Note from Cathy: Yum! Yum! Yum! These make the perfect picnic treat.

GRAYSON’S SURRENDER (Silhouette Intimate Moments 9/04)
Chocolate Chip Cookies
In honor of the cookies Julia makes for the crew!

1 stick butter or margarine (1/2 cup)
1/2 stick Crisco butter flavor (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 cup flour
2 cups chocolate chips (one 12 ounce pkg.)
1 cup nuts (any kind you want, or none at all)
Lots of T.L.C.
-Cream margarine and Crisco
-Add sugars one at a time, cream together
-Add eggs, one at a time, cream well
-Add baking soda and vanilla
-Mix in flour
-Add nuts (if wanted) then chocolate chips
-Chill dough
-Form into 1 inch balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet
-Bake in a 375 oven for 8-10 minutes until golden
-Be careful not to over bake.
-Then enjoy

(Note from Cathy: Gracie was so surprised when she read UNDER SIEGE and discovered the REAL recipe for Julia’s chocolate chip cookies that Julia had been secreting away! BTW, Julia and I have the same recipe. <g>)

TAKING COVER (Silhouette Intimate Moments 11/04) – RITA winner!
Apple Cinnamon Bars
Because Tanner tasted cinnamon on Kathleen’s lips from the apple cider when they kissed at Christmas time.

3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup diced & peeled apples
1/2 bag cinnamon chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. One 9 inch square pan. 25-30 minutes until cake tester comes out clean.

Mix – vegetable shortening, sugar and eggs.
Add – dry stuff
Fold in – apples and cinnamon chips
Spread – into 9 inch greased pan
Sprinkle – with cinnamon/sugar
Bake – then drizzle with icing
ICING: About 1/2 cup powdered sugar. 1 Tablespoon water. Mix with a whisk, and add more water if needed to make it thin enough to drizzle. Oh yeah – Don’t forget the T.L.C.! Then enjoy!

(Note from Cathy: These are awesome! My family downed a pan of these in one sitting!)

UNDER SIEGE (Silhouette Intimate Moments 1/03)
Marshmallow Fudge Brownies
It’s a yummy reminder of Julia’s attempt to make marshmallow fudge with Ivy for Zach in chapter 4.

-You can use any brownie mix, but use 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter – melted – instead of 1/2 cup oil
-Follow package directions for rest of brownie mix

Or if making brownies from scratch:
1 cup butter or margarine
4 – 1 ounce bars unsweetened chocolate, melted – OR 12 Tablespoons cocoa & 4 Tablespoons oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
-Melt butter. Add cocoa & oil. Mix well.
-Add sugar. Mix.
-Put in eggs one at a time, mixing with a whisk.
-Add vanilla
-Stir in flour
NOW THAT BROWNIE MIX IS READY:
-Stir in chocolate chips and mini-marshmallows.
-Spread in 9 X 12 lightly greased pan. (Use Pam Spray)
-Bake for approx 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
-Cool, cut, and enjoy!

(Note from Cathy: It’s chocolate! Need I say more?!)

THE CINDERELLA MISSION (Silhouette Intimate Moments 2/03)
Rocky Road Fudge
It’s not Kelly’s favorite Rocky Road ice cream, but it travels better.

2 cups chocolate chips (1 – 12 ounce package.)
2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (I use the fat free kind. Hey, it tastes good with a lot less calories!)
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (I use lightly salted.)
2 cups mini-marshmallows
Again, add lots of T.L.C.
-In heavy sauce pan melt butter, chocolate chips, & sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
-Remove from hear and stir in peanuts and mini-marshmallows.
-Spread in wax paper lined 9-12 pan.
-Chill well in fridge for a couple of hours.
-Lift waxed paper out of pan and peel off candy.
-Cut into whatever size squares you want and share with a friend!

(Note from Cathy: These are so good I had to get the kids to help me eat them so I wouldn’t eat them all at once.

PRIVATE MANEUVERS (Silhouette Intimate Moments 6/03)
Snicker Doodles
Because on pg. 18, Max likens Darcy’s hair to “cinnamon, maybe?
Like the stuff a neighbor lady of his used to sprinkle on golden brown cookies warm from the oven.”

Start with lots of TLC
Mix together:
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar

Add:
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix together. Chill dough thoroughly. Roll into walnut sized balls, then roll them in 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 400 degree oven.

Note from Cathy: When Gracie gave me the package with these, she added all sorts of fun PRIVATE MANEUVERS goodies such as – sunflower seeds (because Darcy eats lots of them,) mini Snickers Bars (in honor of Crusty, who Darcy refers to as Capt. Snickers Bar,) tiny tropical drink umbrellas (in honor of the Guam setting.) As you can all likely tell by now, Gracie B. is a real treasure!

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT (Silhouette Intimate Moments 11/03) – RITA finalist!
Thanksgiving PBJs
(Because Danny loves peanut butter – and because of the special strawberry preserves in the book!)

Ingredients:
strawberry preserves
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups Biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
granulated sugar (for coating dough balls)
Lots of T.L.C.

Directions:
In large bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth. Add vanilla. Then add sugar and biscuit mix. Beat until thoroughly mixed. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and coat with sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make an indentation on top of the ball. Place cookie sheet into fridge for dough to chill for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile in small microwave safe bowl, put about 1 cup of preserves. Microwave on high about 20 seconds. Stir until smooth. (As Danny says on page 214 – “wonders of the microwave.” <g>) Take the cookie sheet from the fridge and fill each indentation with generous amount of strawberry preserves. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes before transferring them to paper towels for cooling. The preserves are bubbly hot from the oven. Be careful not to get burned. And if you have any warm strawberry preserves left in the bowl, you can spoon them back into the jar with the rest of the preserves, or….. better yet….. be creative and share them with a friend!

ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME (Silhouette Special Release 3/04):
Cereal and Marshmallow bars!
What can you do with Major Jack “Cobra” Korba’s favorite Froot Loops?
Well, here’s a simple idea.

6 cups cereal
3 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
1 – 10 ounce package of miniature marshmallows
and lots of TLC

(Faster to make in the microwave.)
-In large microwavable blow, melt butter/margarine and marshmallows. Microwave about 1 1/2 minutes on high. Then stir and microwave for another 1 1/2 minutes.
- Quickly add cereal and stir to coat.
-Have ready a 13X9 pan that has been lined with wax paper and sprayed with Pam. Spread cereal mix evenly into pan.
-Cool, take out of pan and peel back wax paper, cut and enjoy.

JOINT FORCES (Silhouette Intimate Moments 5/04)
“Sinfully-Sweet Chocolate and Nut Bars”
(full of nutty- protein, just what pregnant Rena would like)

crust:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar

topping:
3 large eggs
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup chopped cashews
1/2 cup chopped pistachios ( or you can use any combination of nuts or chips to equal 1 1/2 cups- be creative!)
1 cup heath toffee bits – don’t forget lots of T.L.C.!

preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13 by 9 inch pan with PAM

***Crust- Beat flour, butter, and brown sugar together in small bowl until crumbly ( I use the regular mixing arm it my mixer). Just be careful you don’t over-mix, or you’ll end up with a ball of dough( instead of a crumbly mix). But if you do end up with dough( I have- oh well) just go with it! Press the mixture into the sprayed pan, and bake for 12-15 minutes. until lightly browned.

*** For the topping- With a whisk, in a medium sized bowl, beat eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, butter, and vanilla, until well mixed. Stir in chocolate-chips, nuts, and heath bits. pour over crust, and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set. Cool completely or wire rack. cut into bars and enjoy!

Here’s a fun picture I received from a “Wingmen Warrior” fan that relates to STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT.
I’ll be adding even more “Wingmen Warrior” info from fans to this page in the future!
Wingmen fan Amelia sent me this photo taken on her recent cruise

because the handsome cruise ship worker pictured with her reminded her of Crusty! (I agree!)
Many thanks to Amelia’s wonderful husband for snapping the photo.

By Sandra Lee Sharp

My father is an Air Force man,
And now I’ve learned to see
How this life gives as well and takes,
And what it’s meant to me.

Yes, I have had a treasured life
That’s shown me how to grow,
I’d never change it; though before
This wasn’t always so.

Forever moving, never still
From place to different place.
Our homes have numbered many –
Each address a town or base.

I still recall my father’s way
Those times when he’d come back
To kiss my Mom, then boldly state,
“We’re transferred, start to pack…”

Sometimes this was a hateful blow!
And times my heart would cry.
My friends, I’d have to let them know,
My dearest friends, good-bye.

I used to leave a hidden thing–
A pin: a strand of hair;
For though were we forever gone,
A bit of me stayed there.

When I was small I never knew,
Or cared, just what he did;
Or why he’d sometimes hold me tight
And say, “You’re worth it kid.”

I knew of course, my Dad flew planes,
When most kids dads did not.
I also knew, with sad resign,
Planes kept him gone a lot.

I watched how Mom would worry
When his plane was overdue.
But yet each time I knew he’d come
And bring a gift or two.

And what a dazzling sight he gave
This small, adoring daughter,
Dressed tall, in blue and silver;
And I’d brag, “This is my father!”

My Air Force Dad had taught me much
His gift to me is rare;
My friends are many races,
And my home is everywhere.

I know now that our country’s great,
And that are lives are free,
Because my Dad’s an Air Force man.
And means the world to me.

I Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child, my dad’s been sent to fight.
The only place I’ll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy’s got your back.

I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war.
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Every day I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I’m terrified in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break, but I am proud.
My husband’s got your back.

I am a soldier. Serving proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I’ll come home. It’s me who’s got your back.

Author Unknown

Family Tree

How often my mother has said to me,
“Where are you planting your family tree?
Uprooting the children and moving each tour,
How can they possibly feel secure?”
But how can I explain about children’s hearts?
When love is present, fear departs.
For we love a man who flies o’er the earth,
Who visits Manila, Hong Kong and Perth.
Some day I hope to make Mother see.
We live by a star, not by a tree!

Author Unknown

High Flight

High Flight was written by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr., an American serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Magee was born in Shanghai, China in 1922, the son of missionaries; his father was an American and his mother was originally a British citizen.

He came to the U.S. in 1939 to attend Yale, but in September 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF and was graduated as a pilot. He was sent to England for combat duty in July 1941.

In August 1941, Magee composed High Flight and sent a copy to his parents. Several months later, on December 11, 1941 his Spitfire collided with another plane over England and Magee, only 19 years of age, crashed to his death.

His remains are buried in the churchyard cemetery at Scopwick, Lincolnshire.

This poem can be found hanging somewhere in every US Air Force Officer’s home

by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air . . .
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Lord’s Prayer For The Military Wife

Lord, Grant me the greatness of heart to see,
the difference in duty and his love for me.

Give me the understanding to know,
That when duty calls he must go.

Give me a task to do each day,
to fill the time when he is away,

And Lord when duty is in the field,
Please protect him and be his shield.

Author Unknown

Air Force Song

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder
At’em boys, giv’er the gun!
Down we dive spouting our flame from under
Off with one Hell-uv-a-roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame
Nothing’ll stop the US Air Force!

Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder
Sent it high into the blue;
Hands of men blasted the world asunder,
How they lived God only knew!
Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer
Gave us wings, ever to soar.
With Scouts before and bomber galore,
Nothing can stop the US Air Force!

Here’s a toast to the host of those who
love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send this message
of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old
Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s
pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast
The US Air Force!

Off we go into the wild sky yonder
Keep the wing level and true
If you’d live to be a gray haired wonder
Keep the nose out of the blue
Flying men, guarding our nation’s borders
We’ll be there followed by more
In echelon, we carry on
Nothing can stop the US Air Force!

SILVER WINGS

I’ve won the right to wear these Silver Wings
And see the many awesome sights
Of which the poet sings.

I’ve earned a place among the Gods of flight
Under the Sun’s and moon’s eternal light.

Now I can join that group so proud
Who can look down upon a cloud
And find their way across unmarked space
Where for them alone there is a place.

I can now join that honored fraternity
Whose members look into eternity
Who fly beyond the fetters of Earth
And see at once, yesterday’s death
And tomorrow’s birth.

I stand today upon duty’s threshold here
Where opportunity is shining clear
And know that what tomorrow brings
Depends on how I guide these Silver Wings.

Marvin C. Peterson

The Military Wife

The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, “Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What’s the matter with the standard model?”

The Lord replied, “Have you seen the specs on this order? She has to be completely independent, posses the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or forty with an hour’s notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she’s pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move 10 times in 17 years. And oh, yes, she must have six pairs of hands.”

The angel shook her head. “Six pairs of hands? No way!”

The Lord continued, “Don’t worry, we shall make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband’s achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it’s over-worked and tired, and be large enough to say ‘I understand,’ when she does not, and say ‘I love you,’ regardless.”

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, “It looks fine, but it’s too soft.”

“She might look soft,” replied the Lord, “but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure.”

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord’s creation. “There’s a leak,” she announced. “Something is wrong with the construction. I am not surprised that it has cracked. You are trying to put too much into this model.”

The Lord appeared offended at the angel’s lack of confidence. What you see is not a leak,” he said. “It’s a tear.”

“A tear? What is it there for?” asked the angel.

The Lord replied, “It’s for joy sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear.”

“You are a genius!” exclaimed the angel.

The Lord looked puzzled and replied, “I didn’t put it there.”

author unknown

Remembering the Forgotten Mechanic

Through the history of world aviation
Many names have come to the fore~
Great deeds of the past in our memory will last,
As they’re joined by more and more~

When man first started his labor in his quest to
Conquer the sky
He was designer, mechanic and pilot,
And he built a machine that would fly~
But somehow the order got twisted,
And then in the public’s eye
The only man that could be seen
Was the man who knew how to fly~

He was everyone’s hero,
He was brave, he was bold, he was grand,
As he stood by his battered old biplane
With his goggles and helmet in hand~
To be sure, these pilots all earned it,
To fly you have to have guts~
And they blazed their names in the hall of fame
On wings with bailing wire struts~

But for each of the flying heroes
There were thousands of little known,
And these were the men who worked on the planes
But kept their feet on the ground~
We all know the name of Lindbergh,
And we’ve read of his flight to fame~
But think if you can, of his maintenance man,
Can you remember his name?

And think of our wartime heroes, Gabreski,
Jabara, and Scott~
Can you tell me the names of their crew chiefs?
A thousand to one you cannot~

Now pilots are highly trained people,
And wings are not easily won~
But without the work of the maintenance man
Our pilots would march with a gun~
So when you see mighty jet aircraft
As they mark their way through the air;
The grease stained man with the wrench in his hand
Is the man who put them there~

Anonymous

A Simple Life

“Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, peace and joy.” (Pope Paul VI)