DnZ's Place

Family. The word evokes many images. Some full of joy; some full of sadness. Though not perfect, Family is our connection --to the past, the future, the present. Here are some thoughts on the family. In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair. Auguste Napier Home is the place where boys and girls first learn how to limit their wishes, abide by rules, and consider the rights and needs of others. Sidonie Gruenberg The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Theodore Hesburgh Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock, And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens, And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence; O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best, With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest, As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock, When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock. They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here- Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees, And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees; But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock- When ...

Two Fridays ago, I spent some time with Two of my grandkids (Nicholas and Samantha). I was on my way to see our daughter (GiGi) together with my Two sons (David and John). Although the purpose of our get-together was not pleasure, it was nonetheless, a pleasure to spend that time together. It was good for me to see the boys hug each other and talk (it had been a long time coming). John said that even though there had been "a drifting apart," we are ONE family; and coming together is what families do. Perhaps we can/should/will do this more often, under happier circumstances. It was also SO good to see our "baby", GiGi. I hope she wasn't embarrassed when I called her our " jewel ". Thank you, John, for making it possible for me. Thank you, David, for getting me where I needed to go. Thank you both for coming together; for showing your love, your concern, and your support. I love you. Dad

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas

ROAD LESS TRAVELED Two roads diverged in a yellow wood And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth Then took the other as just as fair And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet, knowing how way leads onto way I doubted if I should ever come back I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference Robert Frost