Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Sower of Seed's?

 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” 
― Marcel Proust
Thank you all for the support over the past month during all of these travels. Mike and I have put on over 3,000 miles worth of miles since we last wrote anything. At some points, it seemed as if we were stuck in the truck more than out spreading good tidings.  That is just perception though because the month of June has been so filled with great people and amazing opportunities to share how God has been working in my life.

For a quick recap of some of the events that we have been honored to be able to be present at, Post 65 American Legion and the Iredale County Veterans Council, participated in many Memorial Day Events over the Memorial Day weekend. It was an honor to partake in those events and share the pride and commitment with our local communities. Giving back to the towns we live in so our youth can understand why we have these special holidays is so important. 

A few days later, Mike and I were blessed with a Senior H.S. Project in Mechanicsville, VA where these young adults took it upon themselves to go out and raise awareness and understanding in their town. They planned and pulled off a grand day that raised over $2,500.00 in donations for America's VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation. Both Service and Guide Dogs were represented at the presentation through Brian's Guide Dog "Ralph" & Mike. Mike even wowed the group present with a tug on the alarm and showing a few of his other skills. (Of course, if he could get me to shut up some it would probably have been even better.)   

One of the major local sponsors for this event was Chic Filet which should show everyone that when you are committed to making something work and are willing to put your nose to the grindstone anything is possible. Thank you Chic Filet and everyone else who came out for this great time.


It was of course, awesome to see a healthy and active Brian and family doing great things out and about. Just goes to show you can not keep an old warhorse down for very long that is for sure. Thank you, Lord, for bringing my brother from a different mother through all the trials and allowing him to now share his story to help others.



This was Mike pulling the Alarm during the presentations we gave.





What seemed like hours after returning from VA, I was packed and heading north to meet up with the newest Phyfe. Yes, there is a new Blessing in the Phyfe Clan, Master Clark William Phyfe. My Son and his Bride, have made me into a grandfather. So with my old man wings on I hooked up the horse and buggy and began a northerly trek. Enroute We stopped in Amish lands, Bird in Hand, and got to spread some information and ate some great food. What a wonderful step back in time. Hard to believe that in today's modern society such a simple style of living can be preserved not just for display but truly embraced. (Other than the heat, which last time I checked they had no control over, the day spent there was wonderful.) I am looking forward to a longer visit to this area.



So here is my Son and Grandson! What a blessing and a beauty. He's a baby so I doubt he minds if I call him a beauty at this point. I am sure that in time he will grow to be an Ox like his father. Many prayers and blessing to the entire family in their new home. For those that have been following for years, Yes, Iris is on duty watching out for young Clark and family. It was so great to spend time with her also.

My Daughter, who just purchased a house of her own out near the Cape Cod area was able to spend a day with her family also at Dan's. I was also able to get out and visit Mel's New Home by the Cape. Are you getting tired thinking of all these miles I'm driving? (I've been back in NC for over a week and still feeling the tired from so many miles.)

Before I get you back on the road and out of CT I want to mention Aaron, a young man doing his Bar Mitzvah project where he decided he wanted to help raise awareness and money to help Veterans. His father is a partially disabled veteran and they have known me for some time. So since they knew I was going to be coming north Aaron set up this talk in his synagog and now has a donation page set up. Please take a moment and support his goal of raising $6,000 for America's VetDogs.The link to his donation page is Bar Mitzvah project  Unfortunately, there have been a couple technical issues with the web give page so after a few restarts the new one is up and accepting donations. Do not worry if you gave on the old page the totals will be carried forward. Also if you mail a donation into Vetdogs or to Randy directly those funds will all get totaled and go toward his goal of $6,000.  His wish is to be able to name a Service Dog with the money raised.

Once Mike & I returned we have not let much grass grow under our paws. We have taken part in a Purple Heart Homes ceremony where they officially gave a home to a veteran. It was such an honor to be there to see the flag being raised and the community coming together to support our nation's heroes.



“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” 
― Gustave Flaubert

Yes, I have finally shaved the facial hair away!

Thank you all for blessing me and allowing me to share my experience strength and hopes with all of you. I have been blessed so many times over that my cup overflows.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” 
― Roy T. Bennett