The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to everyone in western Illinois.
I'm a hope'n this column finds everyone in good spirits and enjoy'n life as it comes your way.
My friend, Fess McGee, gave me the follow'n information in honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck, who lost her fight with cancer. It was written after she found out she was dyin' from the infirmity. The thoughts are good enough, I felt I wants to share them with you in this column:
If I Had My Life To Live Over by Erma Bombeck
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle...
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later...now go get washed up for dinner'.
There would have been more "I love you's , more I'm sorry's'!
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute; look at it and really see it; live it and never give it back...Stop Sweating The Small Stuff!
I wouldn't worry about who doesn't like me, who has more or who's doing what. Instead, I would cherish relationships I had with those who do love me...
Well, I'll be jiggered Bess, your information on Erma Bombeck is shore enough "food for thought" and timeless. It helps a feller realize, "Life is short, shorter for some than 'tis for others.
Why not make the most of it whilst ya kin. All the neighborhood boys agreed!
Stan's my man, from Peoria, shared the following story with the boys, a while back, which pretty much sums up the liberal media's approach to news these days.
A Harley biker was ride'n by the zoo in Washington D.C. when he sees a little girl a lean'n into a lions cage.
Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside the bars to slaughter her, under the eyes of her scream'n parents.
The biker leaps off his Harley allow'n it to crash into a retain'n wall, to distract the lions attention, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with one powerful adrenalin filled punch.
Whimper'n from pain, the lion thrusts back, let'n go of the girl and the biker feller captures the moment to bring the little tyke to her terrified but grateful parents, who thanked him endlessly.
A pass'n reporter, for a well-known Washington newspaper, happened to observe the whole event.
The reporter address'n the Harley rider sez, "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I've ever seen a man do in my whole life. You even sacrificed your once beautiful bike to the point of demolition, to accomplish the unselfish deed".
The Harley rider replies, "Why it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger and acted accordingly as I felt was right'.
The reporter sez, "Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page...
So, what do you do for a living, the reporter asked the biker, and what is your political affiliation?'
The biker replied,"I'm a U.S. Marine and a Republican.
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys the paper to see news of his actions, and reads on the front page in bold print:
"Partisan Republican Militarist Recklessly Crashes His Motorcycle Intentionally Assaults African Immigrant and Steals His Lunch!"
Thank goodness the Quill does a better job than that in report'n the news. Keep up the good work, Dessa, Shirley, and the whole crew.
And by the way, speak'n of the Quill, Dessa R. had knee surgery last Friday and is get'n along quite well thus far. A card shower for her would perk her up right properly whilst she rests that knee.
A card shower would also be quite appropriate for Rick Link, as well.
It sure enough helps when one is let known they are be'n thought of and cared for.
The rain we had over the weekend calmed a lot of feller's nerves.
Some folks claim their rain gauges showed over two inches. Others, not too far away, claim they had somewhat less (.4").
Whatever the amount, it was most welcome and helpful. Shore enough was windy around these parts fer a spell.
April is a busy month on the calendar fer Civil War enthusiasts.
Noted are the follow'n dates:
April 3, 1865 - Richmond surrenders
April 6 and 7, 1862 - Battle of Shiloh
April 9, 1865 - Lee surrenders Appomattox Courthouse
April 10, 1806 - General Leonidas Polk was born
April 12, 1861 - Confederates fire on Fort Sumpter
April 14, 1865 - President Lincoln assassinated
April 19, 1862 - Battle of South Mills
April 27, 1822 - General Ulysses S. Grant was born
Those were important dates fer a lot of folks not too long ago.
Now, they are but little notes on a historic calendar with little significance fer many live'n today. One has to wonder how our days will be thought of, if'n at all, say in one hundred years or so.
Will they historically try to emulate us on special days with their caps on backwards, and short britches sagg'n below unmentionable parts of their bodies?
Don't take yourselves too seriously, enjoy life, and your family, and see ya in church come Sunday morn'n. Give somebody an undeserved hug this week. You'll pleasantly surprise the daylights out of them! Spread the good cheer.
I'm a hope'n this column has brightened your day up a bit, which is its intent.
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya Later
Barnyard Bruke