Wisdom Please!

by   December 21, 2021 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

A few years back, David decided to sell his motorcycle. It just seemed like time. I knew he was sad about it. Except for it, the man’s never had a toy so to speak. Poor guy hardly had Pepsi money for years. Though it was a wise decision, it didn’t feel good.


We decided together that a different “toy” might be a good solution. So he picked out a nice camera in order to take up a different hobby. One of our daughters bought him a book to go with it; Nikon D3400 for Dummies. He was not offended. In fact, one look at the camera told him he needed help.


Quickly he was able to set up his new toy for easy shots. But he knew there was so much more to the camera than that. So he hunkered down for several days in his spare time to study the book. When I asked how it was going he sighed. “I guess I should have gotten the Nikon book for Morons.”


Of course the word moron is pronounced “MO-ron” here in the south. I couldn’t help but laugh.


Like a lot of folks, the older we get the more we realize how little we know. Like why in the world would our bank change the way our online statement and bill-pay looks. Don’t they understand that if it is not broken, they don’t need to fix it? I just now got used to how things work. Then my phone updated and installed a different calculator. I know it sounds small, but I like a running total. I do not want to have to hit equal after every entry. Dang stupid update. Then I got my laptop repaired and that guy installed a different document program. Now spellcheck is gone. Word look up is not there. No dictionary or thesarasus is built in. I probably didn’t even spell thesarasus right. I had no idea how much I used those things until I couldn’t.


Aggravation!


I really don’t mind learning things unless it’s forced on me. Maybe that’s why trials are so hard. It feels a bit like being hoisted onto a 3000 pound bull and being told, “All you have to do is stay on.”
Okay…


So my prayer for today is from Psalm 90:12 and 17:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” And while You’re at it Lord, please “make our efforts successful.”


That’s probably enough to ask for one day… especially when dealing with a couple MOrons.

Barefoot Running

by   December 21, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Last week’s barefoot running column was a discussion starter. Those who haven’t been running 10 years or more were surprised that there was such a concept. The long-time runners of course knew about the idea, and a few had tried it, just as I had. For final thoughts, I asked Ralph Baker Jr. of Ralph Baker Shoes to chime in. As a seasoned runner and the nearest quality retailer of running shoes, I always value his opinion.

Ralph said, “In theory I think barefoot running makes perfect sense. It allows the foot ‘machine’ to move exactly as nature intended. It naturally causes you to run better. You will not overstride and heel strike when running barefoot because it will hurt. You’ll naturally shorten your stride and land mid-foot while allowing your foot to work as a shock absorber. However, I could not condone running barefoot because we simply need protection between our feet and the ground. If we lived in the Garden of Eden, it would be a different story but all the debris that could become embedded in our feet in the modern world make running barefoot a complete deal breaker for me. There is also the fact that roughly two-thirds of the population have arches that just aren’t optimal for running without some kind of structure on their feet.”

Ralph likes a “less is more” approach in his shoes, and currently runs in Altra or Topo which give many of the advantages of running barefoot while providing necessary protection. The broad toe boxes of these two brands allow the big toe to work as more of a lever during the toe-off gait phase. The big toe is actually connected to the medial arch so allowing that toe to move medially and propel you just makes the foot move more efficiently.

I started my run across the state a few years ago in another brand and a pair of Altras. I dropped the other pair pretty quickly because my feet began to hurt with the high mileage. I ended up using two pair of Altras for about 600 miles of the trip. I learned to appreciate the roomy toebox while averaging over 28 miles a day.

So what to do? Ralph continued, “Everybody wants to say this way or that way is correct in running but Brooks funded the biggest study of its kind on elite runners some years ago and found conclusively that there is no ‘one right way’ to run.”

With Ralph’s final thoughts on barefoot running, I will close out this subject. He said, “Vibram 5 Fingers took the running world by storm about 10 years ago by providing an option to run basically barefoot but still have some protection against rocks, thorns, glass and other assorted debris. In theory it was great, and they sold like crazy, but the reality is that after the dust settled it only worked for a small number of runners and there were a lot of injuries along the way. Most people don’t have the optimum foot structure to run barefoot and/or they weren’t willing to slowly retrain their feet. Either way, Vibram 5 Fingers is barely even a blip on the radar now.”

One of our annual races is the Bradshaw Financial Planning Resolution Run/Walk 5K and the newest edition will happen on Saturday, Jan. 1, at The Forum. Different from other events, this event offers runners and walkers a chance to start or continue a commitment to good cardiovascular health for 2022. Cost is minimal at $10 for those who register early and $15 for race day. Participants get an accurate course and timing with results posted later in the day.

Race director Rayna Gardner said, “We’re excited to have the 2022 kickoff event here again this year and The Forum is offering the month of January free with the purchase of a membership.”

Benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries, start time is 9 a.m. There are no age groups, but the top 10 male and females will get awards. Everyone gets a leftover new race shirt and refreshments afterward. Donations of canned goods and used running shoes will be greatly appreciated.

Look for the Resolution 5K and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

The Wait

by   December 20, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

   Sometimes, a wait in the hospital ‘waiting room’ isn’t too bad – like when waiting for a new baby or for a loved one’s ‘simple’ surgery to end, but quite often the ‘waiting room’ can be a very difficult place. I have become quite the expert in this area, so here are some tips to improve your ‘waiting room’ experience:

   *Sometimes, you may have to leave your loved one’s hospital room and go to a waiting room. There, you can allow your tears to flow more freely. This is when others will hug you, comfort you, pray for you, or just know to let you have a few minutes alone.

   *Coffee and water is always available. If the coffee pot gets empty, someone will make more.

   *There are baskets filled with snacks and magazines, often brought by members of local churches. And… Bibles brought by Gideons.

   *Exhausted? Pull two chairs together. Ask someone for pillows and blankets. Voila! You have a bed. ‘Chair sleeping’ can be a bit awkward, so someone will try to convince you to go home and rest, while they take your place in the ‘waiting room’ for a few hours. Take them up on the offer.

    *If it gets cold, ask for a heated blanket. There always seems to be a compassionate person that will find you one.

    *You may notice others waiting, too. Sharing ‘waiting room’ time is precious, since you can be there for each other.

    *People on the hospital staff may stop by to update you. It makes you feel that people  care… and they do!

     Did this ‘waiting room’ sound familiar? Ever been there? It is so similar to the ‘waiting rooms’ of life – where we spend much of our time. Situations or circumstances need to change. Answers need to come. We pray. We wait.

     Matthew 25:35-40 says: “When I was hungry, you gave me meat. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

     God always puts people in our path to help in times of waiting. They may provide nourishment for us – maybe a basket with food. Maybe they nourish us by sharing God’s Word. They give us drink – like coffee or water – or  maybe they guide us to the water of life, so we will never thirst again. They clothe us – sometimes by covering us with a warm blanket – or speaking warm words to strengthen us. They know our waiting is excruciating – and they support us by their presence and prayers. Sometimes, we feel trapped – as if in prison – during that ‘waiting room’ experience – but God always sends comfort our way – often through others, wanting to help bear our burdens.

      No, the ‘waiting room’ is not always a happy place, but it does not have to be a lonely place. Sometimes, when we are in the ‘waiting room’ and are hurting, we may not even share with others that we are in that season of waiting. People cannot read our minds, so we need to ask for support. How can they know to help us, if they don’t know our need?

    Oh, what amazing things I have learned in my ‘waiting room’ experiences! Giving and receiving! Loving and being loved! Serving and being served! Trusting God! Resting in His Promises! (Just to name a few!)

   Aren’t you thankful for the ‘Matthew 25:35-40’ people in your life? They are always there when we endure difficult ‘waiting room’ experiences. They help us through what is often the hardest – but yet can be the sweetest – times of our lives. They help us to be ‘better’ instead of ‘bitter.’ Their love and guidance helps the circumstance to become one that ‘makes us’ instead of one that ‘breaks us.’

   And for those in the middle of a ‘waiting room’ experience, here is a verse to enjoy as you wait: Psalm 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

   I’m waiting, Lord. I trust You.

Christmas Joy!

by   December 18, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            By the time many of you read this, we will be about a week away from Christmas. Oh no, there is still so much to do! We have done quite a bit, but there are still some things that need to get finished up. Somehow it will all get done and we will be ready.

            I have been thinking about joy, and considering the many ways that we can experience the joy of the holiday season. For most of us, we get the most joy out of spending some time with one another. As my pastor says, it is important to gather together. Family and friends are so important to share the holiday cheer.

            There are many things that can help the holiday spirit to move within us. For many it is the music of the season that stirs us up. Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Andy Williams are among people’s favorites, but there are so many others, including the Nutcracker Suite. Music has a powerful way of touching our soul and thus stirring the spirit of Christmas.

            Some people love the decorating that goes with the holiday season. They will spend days building their magnificent light displays outside. Others love decorating the Christmas tree. Others love collecting and displaying nativity scenes. When I was growing up, we put villages and trains under the Christmas tree. Then there are all the knickknacks that we put out all over the house for the holiday season.

            For many the holiday spirit is stirred when they watch their favorite Christmas specials like Charlie Brown or the Grinch. Others long to see their favorite Christmas movies, like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” Hallmark has an endless supply of Christmas movies for those who love to watch them.

            For my mother and mother-in-law, Christmas is about the food and gathering your family around the table for some holiday treats. My mother used to make hundreds of Christmas cookies. My mother-in-law makes a coconut cake that looks about a foot tall. Both mothers make tons of special food that we enjoy. If our favorites are missing from the table, we wonder what is wrong. There are certain foods we all associate with the holidays, and we just have to have them for it to really be Christmas.

            The first people to really experience the overflowing joy of Christmas were the shepherds. They were living a normal day. They had fed and cared for their flocks and were sitting around the fire relaxing. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the fields and an angel stood in their midst. Naturally, these brave shepherds were terrified at the sight.

            The angel said, “Do NOT be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” We know what the good news is, the Messiah, Jesus, has come. Why were the shepherds the first to get the news? God chose them because the shepherds would know where all the barns and caves were around Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were probably not the only ones staying in barns or caves, because Bethlehem was packed with people from all over Israel who also had to register for the taxes.

            After the shepherds find Mary and Joseph and they see the baby Jesus, they spread the word to anyone and everyone who would listen. All those people took the renewed hope of the coming Messiah back to their homes and villages. Talk of what the shepherds heard and saw would spread like wildfire. Hope and joy over the arrival of the Prince of Peace could not be contained.

            The Bible tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart. She knew how this baby was conceived. She knew that she held the son of the living God in her arms. When she kissed the face of Jesus, she kissed the face of God. The joy in her heart exploded and was uncontainable. She knew that God keeps ALL His promises. She knew beyond a shadow of doubt that God loves all the people of the world.

            I want to encourage you to receive the awesome gift of God, His Son Jesus. He is the hope you need to carry on through the storms of life. He is the Peace that goes beyond understanding. He will bring a joy to your heart that overflows to all you meet. His love will heal your broken heart and reestablish your relationship with God. The only question that remains is will you open your heart and receive the greatest gift ever given? I hope you will.   

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Mr John

by   December 17, 2021 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Morning rides on my stationary handcycle have led to many friendships.  On one of those rides just after our move here four years ago, a man walked up and asked me, “How much of that [the riding on the handcycle] do you do?” As another friend says about our chance encounter, “A beautiful way it happened.”

Mr. John Davidson lives near us,  and after his four years of naval service during the Korean War,  he taught math in Statesville High School.  Once when I inquired if he had taught algebra or geometry or calculus, he responded, “No, math! You know, like six times six equals thirty-six.” Math! A discipline too often ignored in today’s educational world. His wife also taught, and they moved to the lake in the early 1980’s  and reared three children. Their home and yard reflects the disciplined order of his appreciation for math. While not stuffy or overly ordered, the yard, home, and outbuildings reflect attention to detail, such as the many stones carefully placed around trees, plantings, and the driveway. All is ordered but not rigid. You know! Six times six.

Mr. John, as I know him, recently sold his last sailboat. He first sailed on a Japanese lake while on R&R during the Korean War. His joy of sailing grew from that brief experience, and he was, until recently, an active sailor on Lake Norman. However, that great equalizer–age– made it necessary to sell his last sailboat, but his passion for the simple beauty of sailing still lives, and he is fond of telling stories of his sailing adventures. During one of my morning rides he walked by and upon meeting Ken, another neighbor who moved here from Rhode Island, he discovered their shared love for boating and that they had boated on the same New England lakes. The chatter that morning around the stationary bike was more than I could compete with, so I listened and enjoyed their talk.

While age has curbed his sailing, Mr. John’s age has not affected his operation of the ham radio, and each morning, very early, he is busy talking with his many friends across the globe. More than once he has tried to get me involved in this hobby by joyfully sharing the fun he gains from it. But that is what Mr. John does: He shares the joy he has gained from life.

So many events and encounters in life happen by chance. And as I age, I realize more and more how often we come to understand that whatever happens by chance is often a “beautiful thing.” At the moment whatever “it” was probably did not appear special, but as “it”  moved with that great equalizer time, the beauty of “it” blossomed like a Christmas cactus that we can hold dear and, like young Mary, ponder in our hearts.

So, Mr. John, on your 92 birthday, know that I hold your friendship, wisdom, and keen sense of humor close. Your walking by that morning years ago did happen in a beautiful way.

Some Gift Ideas for Runners

by   December 14, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Have you heard before that it only takes a quality pair of running shoes to get started? That statement is correct, but almost every runner I know keeps an eye open for extras that might enhance the whole experience.

Here are a few things that Santa just might have in his bag for that special morning around the tree.

Beginning with shoes, Ralph Jr. at Ralph Baker Shoes has been supplying my footwear for a decade now because he knows shoe technology and what makes the best shoe. He said, “Brooks still dominates what I would call ‘hobbyist runners.’ Ghost, Adrenaline and Glycerin are going to cover most runners’ needs and then of course, Hoka is still hot. We’ve added a new brand, Topo Athletic, that should be in store within a couple of weeks.  It is owned by the inventor of Vibram 5 Fingers and looks very similar to Altra with a foot shaped toe box but most of the styles have a little heel drop instead of Altra’s zero drop.  I’m impressed with them.”

The shoe market has been stressed with the recent supply chain issues. I asked Ralph what to expect going forward. He said, “As for ‘back to normal,’ industry analysts are saying fall of 2022 before we’re back … hard to believe, I know.  The supply chain has been disrupted and just like a ship at sea, you can’t start, stop, and turn on a dime.  It will take time to get things regulated. I’m in a great position for now because I bought well ahead while I could still get them. Filling in or special ordering is almost non-existent now.  If I didn’t pre-book, I’m not going to get it.  That said, I check inventory status daily for all our major brands to scarf up inventory when or if other dealers have canceled orders.  Sometimes we can’t get a customer’s first choice, but we can almost always get them a great option without compromising their needs.  Maybe not the first color choice, but no compromises on function.”

Ralph had good stock on one of my two favorite models, and I’m set for five months. I suggest stopping by as soon as you can to fill your runner’s shoe needs because selection will continue to diminish. One other thought is recovery shoes. Ralph added, “They’re a little expensive for stocking stuffers but very popular for soothing tired feet after a run. We have shoes and sandals from Oofos, Hoka, and Topo, as well as the very popular Feetures socks.”

Back Country and Beyond has a ribbon cutting coming up on Dec. 10 and grand opening the next day. Dewitt reports specials on almost everything in the store next weekend including the complete line of Garmin watches. I’ve been running for over 40 years, and nothing has convinced me that any brand of fitness watch is more accurate than Garmin. There are styles for every type of runner, triathlete and outdoor fitness enthusiast. Solar technology in their watches seems an intriguing option.

Back Country also has Fits socks and bow Stance socks as well. Fits are the longest wearing performance sock I have worn. Stance socks are touted for every personality, even the weird ones. Dewitt added, “We also have Honey Stinger, an energy supplement, and Body Glide, for abrasion relief. For our weekend event, Traeger will be at the store demonstrating and cooking with their grills while live music will be available.

  The best full service running store nearby is Vac and Dash in Albemarle. Owner Peter Asciutto suggests checking out the Goodr sunglasses, stylish and affordable, and Turtle Towels, used for auto seat covers for sweaty athletes. He also has varied options on Dri-fit and safety clothing for any weather conditions.

  Books on running and adventure are always big hits. Check out Father and Sons Produce, Patterson Farm Market and Rowan Public Library.

  In addition, some personal choices include a race or beginning runners class entry, always available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Nothing tops a destination weekend trip, planned around a race or running venue.

The next race locally is the 30th Annual Santa Run 5K and Bigfoot Reunion, set for Saturday at the Millbridge Ruritan building.

Buttered Cats

by   December 13, 2021 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

David opened the can and put it on the seat between us. His reward for going grocery shopping was a tiny splurge on cashews. We headed home when suddenly a little dog ran out into the road. David hit the brakes and screeched to a stop. Someone’s pet was spared that day, but the cashews slid forward and dumped head first, scattering across the floorboard. He looked at me and said, “Next time the dog dies.”


It’s like dropping toast. It will always land butter side down. I heard that if one were to strap buttered bread to the back of a cat they would spin indefinitely because cats always land on their feet. Could this perhaps be a source of alternative energy?


Why not? Who would’ve thought we’d use left-over French fry oil for fuel? Maybe someone should try buttered cats.


My apologies to animal lovers everywhere. I’ve just confessed that my husband loves cashews more than dogs and I would butter a cat to propel an engine if it would save me a buck.


Sorry.


Have you noticed when watching a movie like Quigley Down Under [which is one of my favorites] that the disclaimer at the end says “No animals were harmed in the making of this movie.” Never mind the poor guy being dragged behind the horse… or the Aborigines being pushed off the cliff. Just so you know the horse is okay.


I may sound mean and uncaring about animals, but I’ve been known to set a dish of milk out for a stray kitty meowing at my back door.


I wonder if she’d like a piece of buttered toast to go with that.

Our Greatest Weapon

by   December 13, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

     Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for us. Thank You for conquering death. Thank You for our salvation.

     You have everything under control. Nothing that happens surprises You. You are all-powerful. You are all-knowing. Thank You for choosing to allow us to pray and make our requests known.

     Lord, You said for us to pray in all things, to pray without ceasing, and to ask in faith believing. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are told that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made for all men, for kings, and for all who are in authority, so we may live a quiet and peaceful life in godliness and honesty.

     What a beautiful promise! A quiet and peaceful life in godliness and honesty.

So… we pray.

     Our Heavenly Father, we pray for the United States of America – a land that we love. Help our nation. We pray for our leaders, our government, our military, our citizens, our homes, our children, our families, our workers, our schools, our churches, our spiritual leaders, our missionaries, unity, safety, and so much more! Help us, Lord, to remember the four words inscribed on our money – In God We Trust!

     We pray for those who are living in situations they need deliverance from – whether it be sickness, addiction, trapped in sin, abuse, depression, discouragement, wayward children, homelessness, hunger, poverty, grief, imprisonment, family concerns, and other difficulties – many of which we cannot verbalize to others – because the pain may be too overwhelming.

     Lord, be at work in every heart and heal in every circumstance. Hold us, Jesus. Give us strength. Give us peace. Give us hope. Give us comfort.

     Raise us up, Lord. Help us to proclaim boldly the Gospel to the world, knowing that time is short. Help us to love one another, as You love us.

     Thank You, Lord, for 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, that tells us that You will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ will rise first, and then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet You, Lord, in the air, and we will forever be with You! What comfort those words bring to our hearts!

     We pray that You convict and speak to the hearts of those who need to accept You as their personal Savior. Help them to realize they cannot delay, because You spoke these words – written in red – in Revelation 22:20, “Surely I come quickly.”

      Even so, come, Lord Jesus. May Your grace – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.

  *** Prayer may very well be the greatest weapon in our arsenal! We need to use it!

Peace for Christmas

by   December 11, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I love to walk through my neighborhood. Almost every house has some kind of decorations out for Christmas. Some have more than others. Each home is welcoming the holiday season in its own unique way. Some people have their Christmas tree near the front window so I can see it when I walk by. Cheer is in the air even though the weather seems to be a little confused about the season.

            I went outside late the other evening. It was nice out and I stood looking at the beautiful Christmas lights. We have four nativity scenes on my little street. The real message of Christmas is certainly declared as you take a drive down here.

            I stood out there quite a while, enjoying the quiet and serenity. I realized I was hearing crickets chirping, a sound one does not associate with Christmas. There was a slight breeze and I heard the rustling of the last leaves hanging on the trees. I looked up and saw that the stars were brightly shining. I was enveloped in a deep sense of peace.

            It was a dark and quiet night when the shepherds were surprised by the sight and sound of angels as they declared, “Glory to God in the Highest! Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Their quiet little world had been shattered by the Light of the World. The announcement of the birth of the Messiah was anything but quiet. The angels shared their message of joy, hope, and peace.

            Have you noticed that there seems to be a lack of peace in our world today? Turn on the evening news and listen to all the bad things happening in our world today. Turn on one of the 24-hour news channels and prepare to be depressed. They spend hour after hour telling us how bad our world is and showing us images of everything falling apart. Where is the peace on earth?

            If you haven’t spent some time in the last couple of years thinking and being worried about COVID, then you are a unicorn of an individual. People have divided themselves into camps over the solution to COVID. There are the maskers and anti-maskers. There are those who believe in vaccines and those who are anti-vaccine. Extremists in each camp mock the members of the other camps. Where is the peace on earth?

            Last year we were unable to visit with family and friends because we were on lockdown. This year the news is warning us of possible shortages. Please, don’t let it be the toilet paper again! The world wonders whether Iran will develop a nuclear weapon and what will Israel do in response. China looks to expand its empire into Taiwan. Where is this illusive peace on earth the angels declared?

            I can walk on the beach or through a snowstorm and find a snippet of peace. But it doesn’t take long for the world to creep in and to steal that peace. How do we find the peace that the angels declared to the shepherds? That kind of peace is only found in and through Jesus.

            Why did Jesus have to come to earth? Sin had created a barrier between us and God, thus making it impossible to enter His presence. Jesus came to earth, born in a manger, knowing and understanding His destiny was the cross. It took the blood of Jesus to wash away all our sins and to re-establish our relationship with God.

            The price that Jesus paid gave us gifts that are far greater than anything you will ever discover under your Christmas tree. He revealed God’s deep love for mankind. He gave us forgiveness. There is nothing you have ever done that cannot be forgiven. There is God’s mercy, which means we are not getting what we deserve for the way we live. There is His grace, which means He gives us the power to live a better life. The most precious gift is the peace that surpasses understanding for our hearts and minds.

            I want to encourage you to accept the wonderful gifts God has for you this Christmas. His gifts come wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The important part is that you have to accept the gift God gives you. It’s free and will dramatically change your life. The world will never be a peaceful place, but you can have peace in your heart and mind if you accept Jesus as your savior. The angels were right, there really is peace; it’s the peace of Christ.

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Heroes

by   December 10, 2021 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

He was one of the many young Americans who was part of the planned invasion force of Japan in 1945. Because of the fierce defenses shown by the Japanese on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the  United States military leaders rightly anticipated a similar defense of the Japanese homeland. The young American soldiers assembled for the invading force stoically faced death. One of those young soldiers on the Liberty ships sailing across the Pacific Ocean, Mr. Graham, was all of 20 years old.

Mr. Graham and I met at a local restaurant shortly after  my wife and I moved to Mooresville. We had gone exploring for a good restaurant and found one that we liked. We had a good meal, and as I passed his table at which he was sharing dinner with his daughter, he reached out and asked me had I served in the military. Had I been in Vietnam? When I told him no, he apologized for bothering me, but explained that my wheelchair had caused him to think that I was perhaps a veteran. My wife continued her walk to our car, but I was struck by his manners and grace, so I stayed in the isle chatting with the dignified gentleman as his patient daughter looked on. Before I left to join my wife, we discovered that he lived at the end of our road. With that “sign” our friendship was born.

Because of his age, Mr. Graham has moved into an assisted living complex. But each week his caregiver Marilyn drives him to his house at the end of our road to check on it,  and he always stops to see me. If I am not outside in the yard or shop, he calls to inquire of my health and location. He never stays long, but his visits are packed with news, street chatter, and complaints of my religion and politics, all in good humor but loaded with a bit of salt. Over the four years during such visits, Mr. Graham and I have shared much. I know about his oil business here in Mooresville, how much he paid for his house in the early 1980’s, his religious beliefs, his four sons and one daughter, how he wishes he had been a better reader, and more. When he first told me about his wife of seventy years, Louise, a moist longing came to his eyes, and he grew silent after telling me her name. But my friendship with this 96-year-old man is also held close because he is one of the many, unnamed heroes of our country.

Mr. Graham, regretfully not a reader, probably has never heard of Wiglaf or the poem in which he demonstrates characteristics shared with Mr. Graham and his generation. In the epic poem Beowulf, the great king of that name grows old, and his kingdom is threatened by a fierce, fire-breathing dragon. He and his followers enter the lair of the dragon, but no longer the warrior he was, Beowulf suffers a mortal wound. All but one of his followers flee the lair, but Wiglaf remains to fight by his king’s side, and he slays the beast as Beowulf dies.

Because of President Truman, Mr. Graham and the other young men would not have to invade Japan. But all the other soldiers on Liberty ships along with him, willed themselves to do what was being asked.  They were prepared to invade Japan, but as is written in Beowulf, “Fate goes as Fate must” and they were spared that peril.

At an age in 1945 that today causes parents to worry if a child drives on an interstate, Mr. Graham and his generation walked into the lair of the enemy, just as did Wiglaf. Not because they wanted to, but because duty to a cause larger than they demanded it.

1 … 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 … 174