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Steve Keene

Hull,

Texas Tech just beat Texas in Austin in men's basketball!

Jerry May

Hi Sandra,
So kind of you to help out getting the dog to come back. You took the time, because you care!

Course those were unusual conditions to meet a neighbor! (we never know what a person is privately going through)

This one is about my Dad, when he was a resident at an assisted living facility in Richardson. On those occasions I would have lunch witb him, there were usually 4 or 5 of us at one table. Many times I would tease him about the ladies who ate with him; sometimes four to one. 
On a couple of visits..... we dined with two ladies and sometimes a male resident. Usually ALL wore some type of hearing device; except one......who actually NEEDED a hearing aid! When he would come over....one could almost hear a collective sigh.......when "Al" would say; " CAN I SIT WITH YA'LL?" (In caps because he never wore one, though he could definitely afford one!) 
So, the conversations were mostly limited to Al's story telling!

One day, my Father amped up, " You know Al you have us at a distinct disadvantage! We all have on hearing aids.....but you never wear one, so YOU get to do all the talking!"

The response was something like, "Well I just....er uhm never do cause I hate em." So his visits to Dads table became less and less.

It must have affected his guilt.....because he asked me about it a couple of times. I said, "Pop, you said what was on your mind....and I know those ladies thought you were in line.... as well as me!"

One day.....I met him at the facility and he asked that I take him to Richardson Baylor to visit someone. Relieved HE was okay! I then asked...."Dad, who are we seeing?" He then told me it was Al. "Huh?" 
I said, "Dad why are you seeing him?" He indicated he had had a heart attack....and felt like he should go. 
He said "Because I feel like he doesn't have that many friends.....and I should just see him." I wasn't going to grill him about his conscience, so we went and I sat in the 1st floor waiting room. My Father was gone about an hour, and thanked me. I said, "Did he have family or friends up there?" "No one. The entire hour I was there NO 
ONE came in, save staff. But I felt good about seeing him."
Months later when my Farher had passed away, Al was at the Tom Thumb on Arapaho along with other residents who were bused over.
He saw me, and walked up as I finished my transaction at the small inside bank.  He WAS wearing a hearing aid! He expressed his condolences and with tears in his eyes.... he said; "Jerry you had a great Father. Why he was only one to come visit me at the hospital....when I had a heart attack." 
I said, "He is missed by our family and many.....and I'm glad you got to know him."

We both shook hands and walked away. So much we learn from our parents.....

Wayne Gary

Lance,

The on air names were owned by KLIF. The name on the card was probably his on air name not heis real nane.  I you remember there was Charlie Harrington.  The one was actually Ron Chapman.  He could not use his real name on air nor could he use his OnAir name off the air.  He used his real name when he was on WFAA doing their local version of American Band Stand. Ron Champman used his real nave at KVIL and lager KLUV.

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Jerry,

That was a lovely story about your father and his friend Al.  Lovely.  Made my day. Thank you.

David Cordell

Jerry,

When my son Rob died in Lubbock, Hull Barbee and his father, and separately Lance Cantor, made the long trek to attend Rob's funeral. I was very appreciative of that. After the reception at the church, people came over to our house. Martha says she will never forget glancing out the front window and seeing Hull and his father walking up the sidewalk.

Three of Martha's sorority sisters attended Rob's funeral, also. They came from Fort Worth, Houston, and Chicago. Another friend came from Bay City and brought Martha's family's housekeeper, with whom Rob had spent lots of time as a little boy. Two of Rob's friends drove through the night all the way from Philadelphia. My sister had to force them to accept gas money. This doesn't even include family members who traveled long distances.

I try to attend every funeral of friends and their family members, including Hull's dad and Lance's mom,  because I know how much we appreciated support when Rob died.

Steve Keene

Note to self.  

Leave gas money in my will.

Still working on my diet.

Jerry May

David,

Very touching David. You find out very quickly who the REAL friends are in those sad.....dark times.

This made me think of one which occured by a person I DID NOT know.

When my Mom passed away......I recall some of the friends and extended family who walked up to me after the service.

This is terrible thinking on my part but......I just grew weary of people coming up and saying the same words: "So sorry for your loss." In reality.....they mean well.....but don't know what to say....since it is a loss. 

And I realize now......I was wrong.

But one gentleman.....whom I did not know, approached me.....and could have read my mind!

He said, " I know Jerry there are no words to describe the loss and folks are saying the same things.....so here." (and this man hugged me!)

I thought.....what a kind gesture coming from someone who was a stranger!

That spring when went to "The Arboretum" for an event......I met him. He and his wife were friends with my brother's wife.....so the six of us went to that concert and several more!

And, I found out that Richard.....had just lost his Father only a month prior to my Mom's passing~

David Cordell

Great story, Jerry.

Lance and Steve, I will attend your funerals, and will not require gas money. And I promise not to tell any stories about you unless they are absolutely true.

Steve Keene

Note to self.

Leave money for muzzles in my will.

Steve Keene

Sandra,

Jerry May

I was talking earlier about having a "general awareness" of what is going on. I walk into the same convenience store every day......and pick up a tall cup of pecan flavored coffee for Ellen. She loves it!

But I notice that people......no matter sex, race.....whatever hold the door open for others....men for men, women for men....just general courtesies. No one of course has to do that......but it happens a lot more than one thinks.

However, (and I may have mentioned this before) there are those who are so unused to it.....perhaps they are annoyed. 

I opened the door for one lady......maybe a little older than us....and she quickly said, "Oh hon.....nobody does that anymore" (this was in a commanding voice and not....a thankful one!) My response was "You are welcome anyway" I then received a slight.....barely audible "thank you"

Perhaps....like Sandra's neighbor.....there were other issues with this lady.

One time the clerk at this store was extremely busy at the register....when a little old lady came in and said, "This pump won't work out there......or I'm doing something wrong!" So I nodded to him and accompanied this lady back to her vehicle. "So nice of you to help me" she said. My response was...."Well, Im going to try" At any rate, she had the card in upside down.....and it was not a credit card honored by this station! I said, "Do you have a bank or visa or mastercard.....because this one is not going to work?" She said "OMG, I can't believe it didnt take my gas card! But yes I do have a Visa card." So I showed her how to put it in (right this time)and asked what type of fuel? She said " I usually get the middle one." I indicated her car did not need that....and she'd save a little money.

She was elated! And thanked me....and said, "I should give you some money young man" I said, No Ma'mm.....you just made my day with the "young man" part!

Maybe she remembered how....the next time.....or, maybe not. But some people are so thankful for the slightest kindness!~j

Wayne Gary

Jerry.

One of the things we as leaders in Boy Scouts instill in our Scouts is to always be courteous and helpful.   This is part of the Scout Law and is at the heart of Scouting. 

The story of how Scouting came to America is an American was lost in the London Fog one night and came across a young man whom he asked for help.  The young man helped the American to his destination. The American offered him money for helping him.  The youth replied he could not accept the money as he was a Scout and they are helpful and do not take money.  The American wanted to know more about Scouting and met Lord Bayden Powell the founder of Scouting.  He was very impressed. When he came back to America he started Scouts and on Feb 9, 1910 Boy Scouts of America was chartered,

Jerry May

Wayne,

Didn't know all that history of the Boy Scouts! Thank you!

Okay , I have not been to the internet.....and calling this up from memory (what little I have)

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and

Reverant.

How's that?

Steve Keene

Jerry

Perfect.  Thanks for helping the little old lady.!

David Cordell

Do any of you guys feel a bit awkward when someone calls you sir? I feel like I am too young to be called sir.

Jerry May

David,

Sometimes I do, especially if the guy looks older than me! The one that really kind of bugs me is....."Mister"

Almost sounds as though they are about to get mad!

Okay, it has taken me this long to address the "DJ" thing. I do not remember what station he was on.....but one I listened to was Michael OShea. His self-appointed title was "Reverend" Michael O'Shea.

In fact, (funny how one remembers some things) he used to open with: "This is Reverend Michael O'Shea......highly controversial......yet very non-offensive!"

Help me out guys.....do you remember?

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

I studied Karate for many years, beginning at the age of 40 and continuing until my early sixties.  There is a protocol in good schools that teach martial arts.  It does not matter what rank you are if you are an adult.  All adults are not addressed by their first names, but either a title, or Mr., Mrs. or Miss and your last name.  If you gain a title rank then you are always addressed as that title.  Along with bowing to show respect.  To this day if someone addresses me in this way, or by a yes Ma'am, I smile and acknowledge the respect bestowed me.  It is rare, enjoy it.  I wouldn't knock it.

Jerry May

Finally one about My Mom.

Mom was a lady of tremendous Faith. And prayed/meditated almost daily. 

When we were young (six of us at that time) and living in Oak Cliff.....Mom decided we should have a piano. This was for any of us who would show musical talent or inspiration.  I'm quite sure after many discussions with my Father it was decided they should put some money aside.....so we might be able to get one. Months went by....and between school needs, visits to the Dr and other unforeseens....it was impossible to get one. She was not discouraged however.....and ratcheted up her prayers. Finally she stopped.....thinking...."I'm just going to turn this over to the Lord."

One day a pastor my parents knew very well called from his West Dallas residence. He let them know.....he had a family in his parish who was very poor and had maybe eight family members living in a very small three room house.

He asked......that since Thanksgiving was coming up.... could they now spare some canned goods or childrens clothing......anything which would help these people. My parents agreed to bring a Turkey....with all the trimmings, canned goods, clothing. some of our toys etc. This was a stretch for them since we were sort of poor too!

They wanted all of us to see how other people lived.....and what giving was all about. So we loaded up in our family station wagon. (all I know is that Turkey sure smelled good......all the way there!)

When Father had introduced us to them.....WE were all shocked! These poor folks had nothing to speak of.....and the home had a DIRT floor.

When Mom & Dad were introduced in Spanish.....the Father of this family said "Christmas in November" (I'll never forget this!) They thanked us profusely and even asked if we wanted to stay and have dinner. My parents politely declined.

It was quite an experience!

And not two weeks later Mom received a phone call from our music teacher....who said, "Mrs May.....I knew you were looking for a piano...and I just bought one.....and wanted to see if you wanted my upright?"

My Mom was just floored!! 

Anyway, her prayers were answered and most of us played on that Kimball for years. However....it was my oldest sister and youngest brother who became the piano players!

Wayne Gary

Jerry,

You are halfway through.  You got the 12 points of the Scout Law.   Now what is the Oath and Moto?

Wayne
 

Steve Keene

Jerry

Don't forget to demonstrate how to tie at Square Knot, a Half Hitch, a Bowline, and a Sheepshank.

Did you know there is a Zeppelin knot that mountain climbers use?

David Cordell

Wayne, On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. And there's something about being physically fit, mentally alert, and morally straight, and doing good deeds.

Be prepared.

Sandra, you're  right. "Excuse me, sir," is better than "Hey, old man!"

Wayne Gary

David

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. To help others at all times . To keep myself physically fit, mentally awake and morally straight.

You were close and Be prepared is motto.

I just back from me weekly meeting .

Reminded the Scouts that our main purpose is to guide them to being a good citizen as an adult. If they take the Oath , Law and Motto to heart and make it a guide to living life as an adult they will be an honorable person.

Steve Keene

Wayne

I kind of lost faith in the Boy Scouts when they began admitting women and unashamed effeminate scout masters.  We had one those in an Amarillo troup and there were more than rumours of the campouts with the "mal in tents."

It also seems very sexist to me, ie I doubt I would be welcomed on campouts with the Girl Scouts especially if I looked to get my cookies by going.

Steve Keene

For the anti fossil fuel crowd,

And you thought smoking at the gas pump was risky!

"Singeing in the Rain"

Hope you enjoy my sharp coruscation.

Jerry May

Okay Wayne,

I knew "Be Prepared" was the motto. The other David answered.

Without getting it out......or looking at it......or better yet....if you don't have it; tell me from memory how many instruments are inside the Boy Scout knife........and what they are used for?