Pope Benedict's Farewell

I just watched on the news the pope's farewell speech. How amazing to see thousands of people in such a beautiful setting. It is truly remarkable to see so many believers gathered in one place from all over the world.

Do I believe the pope made a good decision? Absolutely! We all know he could have sat back as pope and slid through the rest of his life doing the best he could. Traditionally, everyone would expect that. But Pope Benedict chose a much harder path. To resign took courage and above all faith, knowing the church would successfully move forward. His farewell speech, the little I was honored to watch, was a graceful and prayerful ending. He seemed sure of his decision and sure we Catholics, as always, will survive this and any other storm we encounter. The church can and will withstand change, and Pope Benedict is an obvious supporter in change when it is for the good of the church and its followers!

Christmas Letter 2012

                                                                                                            Christmas 2012

     Merry Christmas everyone!  We hope all is well with you.  If you are like us, the days are

jammed packed with activities and rarely do we find time to sit.  I personally can't wait for

Christmas break to do just that.

     The year of 2012 was all about Dominica's senior year and what a great finish to a

wonderful high school career!  Her basketball team was undefeated in conference awarding them

of course with conference champs.  Dominica received the most valuable player award in the

conference.  She had a great season and continues to play basketball at William Woods

University.  After basketball at Bevier, she finished with track where once again she made it to

state in the 100 meter hurdles.  This year she captured 4th place even though most of the season

she had an injury.  It was a wonderful experience for her and she is so thankful to all her loyal

followers!  We are all anxious to watch her compete, especially in indoor track, at the college

level as well! Graduation was a bit hectic since it was on the same night as the state track meet. 

But with mom curling her hair after a quick sponge bath in the car she looked beautiful.  At the

ceremony she received the Mary Evans Rowland PEO scholarship and the John R. Amedei

scholarship to go along with her scholarships from William Woods.  After her first semester at

Woods she is making straight A's while having two practices each day.  She is one determined

kid!

     I honestly can not keep up with Dominica's pace, nor do I want to do so.  I am much

happier at home swimming, watching TV, and pondering, while sitting in my yard.  On occasion

I get the chance to write my thoughts down.  I wrote an article for the Catholic Missourian that

was published in May.  I was super excited to finally reach a personal goal of mine. 

Unfortunately, due to the loss of two historical buildings in Bevier, I had a second article

published in the Macon Chronicle Herald.  I of course also have a support group who have

helped me along the way.  Hopefully we will continue to work together.  I really want to write

professionally one day.  In the meantime I'm a junior at BHS and manage to make A's as

well.  I love learning and being in the school setting!  Writing is my lifeline to the world so I will

continue to improve and maybe dreams will come true.  If you are interested, my English teacher,

mentor, and good friend, Gayla Pappenfoht has designed a blog for me.  The address is

antoniowhoiam.blogspot.com.   Enjoy!

     My mom continues aiding for me at school but with Dominica in college she has had the

chance to participate in activities she hasn't done since we were small children.  She recently was

a part of two shows for Carousel, our local theatre group.  She enjoys that family of friends and

says she is so happy to be a part of them again.  She gave up coaching to be able to follow

Dominica's games in college.  She has only missed two games so you can imagine how much she

has been on the road, mostly by herself driving 2 to 3 hours one way.  I know she wouldn't miss

it for the world.  She is a basketball fanatic.  That obsession is one of the reasons her team,

Dominica's team, received conference champs and 2nd in district.  She was also given the honor

of being chosen conference coach of the year at the end of the season.  She was thrilled to have 

the opportunity to coach for 9 years, but now on to other loves, like the theatre.  As for what she

does for our family and me personally - we can't tell you how much she is needed and admired.    
Speaking of admiration, the word is spoken often in my head when I think of my dad.  This

past year has been very difficult for him and he seems to complain very little.  His grandparents

were both in the nursing home and daddy visited with them almost every night.  Sadly, Pa died

this last November, and my dad handled all the funeral arrangements knowing Pa would have

wanted him to take care of everything.  Noni, still in the nursing home, loves to see daddy on his

nightly visits.  He recently took a break and went to Vegas for a few days with a group of

pharmacists.  He had a great time and came home with more money than he went with.  He

didn't tell me this, but I believe Pa was with him celebrating.  I think daddy said once that he,

Noni, and Pa went to Vegas together many years ago.  So this was daddy's time of

remembrance of great times with the man that meant a great deal to him.  All this attention he

has given his grandparents has not forced him to slight on any of us.  He continues to be there for

all of his family in any capacity and I truly admire the generosity he shows, whether it be

monetary or just his time, without complaint.

     Daddy is not the only one to find time for fun this past year.  Mom, Dominica, and I went to

Chicago by train with the school art club and that was amazing!  More info on that trip on my

blog, if you are interested.  In the summer we went with the Fiquet's to the east coast.  We went

to Washington DC, the outer banks, and ended with Myrtle Beach.  It was so much fun and i

am looking forward to next summer's trip.  Maybe next summer we will go to the mountains! I

hope.

     Sorry, I didn't  mean for this letter to be so long, but remember I told you I love to write! 

However, the  word count on my iPad is at 4,350 characters and counting and I still have three

200 word count journals due in English, so I need to quit.  Until next year----

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

                                           

From the Prokups!

Jamie, Janet, Dominica, and Antonio

Our dogs-  Eddie, Sparky, Blondie, and Minga

And cat, Jeannie

Sacred Heart: I Absolutely love My Church

Sacred Heart; My Heart

I absolutely love my church.  The peace and tranquility I feel in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church fills me thoroughly.  It is like the sun flowing through a plant allowing it to grow.  This church fills me with faith and love beyond what is imaginable.  I sit in the silence wondering if God is sitting by me, touching me, and guiding me.  I look at the statues and think about the lives of the people they represent.  I gaze at Mary and am enamored by her desire to please God and protect her son.  Her faith is what drives her and this is the example I live by.  Sitting in this special church also brings the people in my heart, which has left this earth, closer to me.  I love the feeling in my heart when I sit in my Sacred Heart Church.

Miracle Worker Movies: Comparison of the New and Old Videos...

Helen Keller Movies

                I really like the black and white movie.  I like how they told the story and how I felt when they were telling the story.  It gave me the desire to fight obstacles because each of these characters was such fighters.  They showed determination and grit, which was proven to be what is necessary to win.  If I had to pick a negative, it would be that they, the production crew, were limited in their resources, so they couldn’t show the actual landscape of the plantation.
                I also liked the later movie but not as well as the first.  Even though they portrayed, possibly, a more accurate picture, I did not feel that fire in my belly after watching it.  The characters were more passive and didn’t reach me.  They didn’t show me the determination through their actions or even in their eyes.  I did like, however, the scenes around the house and garden house.  They were beautiful.

                Helen portrayed by Patty Duke was my favorite actor.  I could relate to her on so many levels.  She had great expressions and gestures that looked authentic.  I loved her feistiness and burning desire to learn.  Maybe she was mean at times, but I thought that was authentic as well.  Being trapped in dark silence would cause anyone to be less trusting and on guard and ultimately angered.  Annie Sullivan portrayed by Anne Bancroft was my second favorite actress. She too was a strong willed person who showed fire in her eyes.  Only this kind of person could have reached Helen.  She too had suffered horribly in her lifetime but was not using that as a crutch.  Instead she fed off the memories to survive.  With those feelings she knew Helen could overcome as well. The two characters were meant to find each other and survive together.  The last character I liked was Captain Keller in the first movie.  He, as an actor, portrayed what I think a hard-headed southerner would be.  He also did a good job being cold and cruel and yet loving, while showing Southerly respect to his wife.                                                                                                                                                         

                I most definitely would like to portray Helen.  First, I could feel as she feels and secondly, what an enormous challenge that would be.  Maybe someday they will make a movie about me, and I can use some of Helen’s fire to help me in that role. 

Summaries and Thoughts... A True Miracle Worker

HELEN KELLER

Date of Birth- June 27, 1880, This time period is important because Helen Keller was successful even though she did not have use of any of the technology that is available today.  However, I feel her accomplishments are monumental in any time period.

Place of Birth- Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1880

Date of death- June 1, 1968

Place of death- Easton, Connecticut

Family and Childhood Information- Arthur H. Keller (father), Kate Adams Keller (mother), Mildred Keller (sister), and Annie Sullivan (teacher, friend and mentor).

Helen Keller was struck blind and deaf at 18 months of age after a severe fever from either Scarlet Fever or Meningitis.  At the age of 5, her parents hired a teacher for her.  Annie Sullivan, from the Perkins Institute proved to be Helen’s link to the outside world.

What did this person do for a living? -  Author, Inspirational speaker, Advocate for people with disabilities

Hobbies and Interests- Reading, writing and sailing

Helen Keller was born to a regular southern family with no indication that her life would be talked about for future generations let alone a life to be admired.  Initially she was a very healthy, happy baby and her mother thought she was highly intelligent because she was able to speak at an early age.  After she experienced scarlet fever and was rendered blind and deaf, her parents now thought her life was doomed, considering an institutional living arrangement. 

This is where I believe God stepped in and her parents listened.  She was given a guardian angel, Annie Sullivan.  I personally believe that Annie Sullivan is the hero in this story and given little credit accordingly.  She came to the aid of a troubled child after having a troubled childhood herself.  The fact that she survived without anger and was able to love and care wholly is a tremendous feat.  And yet she sacrificed her entire life for Helen and she did it with love and compassion.  She took on the role of Helen’s mother, father, friend, teacher, eyes, ears and companion and did so willingly.  I find this kind of sacrifice amazing.

Through the determination of Annie, Helen broke through her wall of ignorance and thrived into a highly intelligent young lady who learned to speak well enough to speak in front of large audiences.  She learned to read lips by placing her hand lightly on people’s mouths.  She became a tremendous author and wrote several wonderful books, such as The Frost King, The World I Live In, Out of the Dark, My Religion, and this one, The Story of My Life.

This book gives insight into the trials she endured to get an education in a sighted world.  She talks of how hard she had to study to keep up with her classmates, all the time Annie is sitting right by her side signing in her hand.  She managed to graduate high school and college and with honors.  Throughout those years, because of her disability I am sure, she had the privilege of meeting many important people including Mark Twain.  She considered each of these people friends.

I have often wondered if Helen had a certain religion.  From this book I learned that she had a very strong belief in God, but not a strong belief in a religion.  When I found this quote I knew the magnitude of her disability.  “I always knew He was there, but I didn’t know his name.”  I find that amazing that she felt His presence before she ever knew he really existed.  For those people who do not believe, I say this little girl can tell you how wrong you are.

I think Helen is an inspiration for everyone, not just the hearing and sighted impaired.  Her drive, dedication and determination took her from entering the doors of an institution, to entering the doors into acceptance, admiration and fame.   She reached fame and respect not only in her life time, but forever, as long as her story is told.  Long after movie stars, athletes, musicians and even some presidents are forgotten, her story will be admired and will bring inspiration to others.

HEAL THY SELF

 a play for Mythology Unit Presentation

HEAL THY SELF

The scene- the end of the world after the Soviets and the United States bomb each other, after years of disagreeing.  The land is desolate and all humans are destroyed and the land is destroyed. 

When the skit opens the land is smoldering.

Overhead, a flying object appears in the distance.  As it gets closer, we see it is Chronos, the god of time. 

He flies into the scene and sends for Iris, the messenger goddess, and goddess of rainbows.

They are both horrified at the scene that is before their eyes.  With deep concern they consider their options. 

After discussion, they devise a plan of reconstruction.

Chronos sends Iris to summon Apollo. 

Apollo, the god of healing and the sun, gathers with Chronos and iris to discuss their next step.

It is decided.

Then Chronos starts flying spinning the world counterclockwise, spinning back in time.

As he is spinning, iris is soaking up the water from the earth, and retrieving color saved in her rainbow as the world spins and spins.

After spinning back time, Chronos stops, and the world continues its normal rotation. 

Iris empties the collected water and fills the crevices that used to be oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.  After many hours, she is extremely exhausted and is not sure she has enough energy for her next task.  But, the world is depending on her.

She gathers the strength and illuminates the world with her rainbow of colors.

Suddenly, the world is alive again with living plants, lush with color.

Apollo takes center stage and raises his hands toward the sky.

There is a flash of fire blazing through the sky and the heat of the sun is burning down on them.

He then turns to the people and raises his hands as if for a blessing and heals the years of anger between the US and the Soviets as the lights dim and the curtain closes.

For Troy Templeton, a friend of the family

Death brings sadness and joy.

Sadness because our friend and father is gone,

Joy ----because he shared his life with us.

Troy, the food lover, stays healthy always.

Riding motorcycles like the wind.

His doo-rag tightly tied on his head,

He stops only to devour a great meal.

Preferably an Italian meal!

When he needs a rest, he’ll stop and watch Samantha play ball,

Michael climbing trees,

Christina acting like only Christina can act.

The radio plays a song he knows his family would love,

Knowing at the end of his ride, Becky will always be waiting.

Riding into heaven makes this the most ultimate ride ever.

Dear David

 created for David Cheever to express gratitude for building several "Big Davids" to be installed throughout the school.  "Big David" is an assistance tool to aid Antonio with the writing/typing process.  

Dear David,

        Words cannot express my gratitude toward you and your kindness and ingenuity.  I am extremely honored to think you would want to help me become an independent citizen.  You not only cared, but used your God- given talent to produce a piece of art that will allow me to become just that. 

I realize that you are retired, so many thanks for allowing me to take up some of your precious time.  Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

                                                Truly thankful,

Christmas Letter 2011

                                                                                                                                        

Dear family and friends,

          I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of snow.  At this time last year we, in Bevier, had bunches of the white stuff, and many snow days.  To students and of course teachers, nothing is more pleasing to the ear than “No school; it’s a snow day!”  So far it feels almost like Florida weather.  I say that because I know that will be the only way my grandparents who live in The Villages, Florida will come up to visit during the winter months.

          I am a sophomore this year and absolutely love attending school.  I have great teachers and good friends.  Some of my teachers have gone beyond teaching.  Gayla Pappenfoht, my English teacher is not only a brilliant instructor but a true friend to me and my mother.  She recently researched the use of Ipads with children with autism and found out that was the technology I needed.  Once again, our superintendent Joan Patrick wrote a grant, and just today we found out it was approved.  This should make my school life so much easier especially in algebra.  Recently I was given the honor of being accepted into National Honor Society; a dream come true for me.  I continue to love swimming, being outside and traveling, however I aspire to become an author someday; one other thing Mrs. Pappenfoht is helping me pursue.

          One of the people I want to write about as soon as I have been published, is my sister Dominica Jean.  She personifies goodness in every aspect of her life.  She is a senior, president of student council, member of National Honor Society and class vice president.  She has always loved playing the French horn in Bevier’s concert band and plays beautifully.  This year I am sure she would say music has moved up on her interest scale.  For the first time in her school career, there is a jazz band class, which she loves.  She plays the trumpet and has proven to be quite the musician.  For a small school they have an amazing sound.  They have been playing for many different events and are enjoying their success.  She still loves all sports and has been honored accordingly; 3^rd in state in 100 meter hurdles; first team all conference, district, and region in basketball; and first team all conference, district and region in softball as well as second team all state.  Her team surprised everyone and made it to the quarterfinals.  She was thrilled, as was the whole town.  She has signed with William Woods University to play basketball and track.  For those of you who know, yes this is where my mom went to college.  However, there was no pressure- Dominica fell in love with the school on the first visit.  I am glad she is so close.  We will be able to see her games and meets.  More important to me, than her accomplishments, is her integrity, loyalty and compassion.  She is thinking of majoring in special education.  She has the love and compassion and strong work ethic to be a great teacher.  I hope she finds the happiness she deserves.

          Janet, my mom, is still my right-hand man.  However, following me around is not all she can do.  Always thinking of my future, she designed an apparatus that I use when taking most of my tests.  Instead of hand to hand facilitation, this apparatus was designed to eliminate the body to body facilitation, making me more independent.  So, last summer before school started, she talked over her design with Gayla Pappenfoht, Joan Patrick, and another friend and welder, David Cheever.  After a lengthy discussion, David and his friend Kyle constructed six of them that are now placed on every desk I use, in every classroom.  I affectionately named her design, “Big David”. Not only to show my gratitude toward David Cheever, but for those of you from Bevier, I’m sure you get my drift.  For those of you who are not; that was the name of the big coal shovel when Bevier was a booming, mining community.  So now my mom can add technical designer to her list of accomplishments.  She continues coaching Dominica’s basketball team.  However, she says this is her last year so we can go watch Dominica in college.  I’m sure she will miss it, since we seldom see her watch anything else on TV except women’s basketball.  She also loves the St. Louis Cardinals, with or without Albert Pujols.  She laughingly says, “I have never had a Pujols shirt, but I own a World Series, Matheny shirt!”

          Jamie, my dad, has had an extremely hard year.  I, for one, have realized the love and loyalty toward his family is immeasurable.  Operating and being the sole owner and pharmacist at Laplata Pharmacy, is now a smaller part of his day.  Last March, his grandmother was placed in Loch Haven nursing home in Macon and has remained there since that time.  We celebrated her 94^th birthday in August in her room at the nursing home.  Daddy along with Noni’s (as Dominica and I call her) husband, Pa, visit her every day.  Daddy has taken full responsibility for their care and comfort.  He provides for their needs and transportation without complaint.  Every day either Dominica or my mom takes Pa to the nursing home and every night, Daddy goes to visit and bring Pa home.  He has decorated Noni’s room with pictures and now, even a Christmas tree.  I am honored to be the son of such a person.  His time is not his own and yet he believes he is repaying his grandparents for all the time they helped him in the past.   He has very little free time, so when he has down time you can find him in his “Harley room” at home, watching TV, and rocking away his stress.

          As the year closes, I hope all is well with you.  As for the Prokups we still have our door open for anyone who may want to visit.  We all love company and have plenty of room for overnight visitors.  Don’t be bothered by the enormous lab (Sparky) outside, the yapping schnauzer (Eddie) inside, or the three-legged cat, Jeannie.  They too love the constant excitement of our revolving door bringing one party or another.  Come in and enjoy with us!

Love, Antonio

Merry Christmas From:

Jamie, Janet, Dominica, Antonio, Eddie, and Sparky

Christmas Letter 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

                Another year has gone by and we hope all is well with you.  The Prokups have had a busy 2009 and still seem to have fun enjoying the relaxing moments even if they are few in number. 

                 As a family, the Prokups traveled to Florida this past summer.  We visited my grandma and grandpa and had a great time.  We spent days swimming and riding the golf cart around the villages.  Dominica was so excited that she got to drive the golf cart with Grandpa.  We also were lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa with us at Bevier for three weeks. 

                After leaving Florida, on our way home, we stopped at Branson to visit friends.  We got to ride segways, enjoy boat riding, and see one of the Branson shows.  The Haygood show was my favorite.  They were awesome.  I love our vacations because I love camping and spending time outside cooking and just enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.

                In November Dominica and Mama went to Kansas City to the National Catholic Youth Conference.  They had a marvelous time with 20,000 other Catholics.  They are still sharing stories about their experience.  Mama said that in two years I will be able to go with them to Indianapolis.  I am looking forward to having the opportunity to enjoy my faith with so many others.

                In keeping with tradition I will tell each of you, about each of us starting with my mom.  She continues to be my personal aide, Dominica’s basketball coach, and keeps all of us going in the right direction.  Without her endless energy and guidance I shutter to think what would happen to all of us.  She still enjoys watching all sports whether it is live or on TV.   Now she is enjoying watching her huge collection of Christmas movies throughout this holiday season. 

                Daddy is the hardest worker I know.  He gets up every day at 4:30 a.m. to get to the pharmacy and gets home at 7:00 p.m., if he is lucky.  He works very hard to provide for us and asks very little of us in return.  Soon he will be opening the old pharmacy building for a bingo hall.  He named the hall Antonio’s and the profit will go to autism charities.  I am so proud of him.

                Speaking of proud. I can’t think of that word and not think of my big sister Dominica.  She has had a monster year.  First, she made it to the state track meet as a freshman in the 100 meter hurdles and finished 13^th in the state.  Also she was given the highest point girl award, in conference, in track.  She competed in triple jump, long jump, 300 and 100 hurdles.  During the summer, after playing traveling softball and basketball, she entered the Miss Bevier Homecoming queen contest.  She was awarded Miss Congeniality, the Roberta Hunter McVicker award and First Princess.  She looked lovely and beautiful.  Then, her high school softball team got 4th in state.  I got to see Dominica get one of the hits at the state level.  What an accomplishment!  Now she is in basketball and is averaging about 17 points per game.  I know this is a lot of wonderful accomplishments, but I appreciate most, that she is a kind and compassionate person to not only me, but to everyone she is around. 

                Now for me.  I am still typing my way through the communication world, but because of a new sensory diet, soon I know I will be talking to all of you.  In the meantime log on to the winter issue of the msta school and community magazine where I was the feature story.  The editor Sarah Kohnle wrote about autism and my experiences with the disability.  I was very honored to have an opportunity to tell my story in hope of helping others.

                Helping others is what Christmas is all about in my house. We help each other all through the year.  Please be safe and come see us soon.  Our door is literally opened all the time.  Friends and family seem to find their way to our home and we love it.  It is a good thing my mother loves to entertain.  So, see you soon.

                                                                                                Merry Christmas,

For Noni

Noni
So many things come to mind when I think of Noni.  She was always happy and full of
life and loved her family dearly.  This expression of love came in different fashions, but
unmistakably was her way of showing how much she cared for the people closest to her
heart!
When we visited the farm in Ladd, I would feel such excitement because I knew what
would be waiting for us there.  A fun filled weekend!  Noni would have a feast waiting for
us with each and everyone 's favorite foods represented on the table.  Noni was an
amazing cook known for her infamous ravioli she made for the entire community.  When
she moved to Bevier, my mom's family raved over Noni's talent of making such
beautifully shaped tortelinis, as they called them.  They were so perfect it appeared they
couldn't be handmade.  Noni and my grandma Adams had many discussions on Italian
cooking.
Other memories at the farm was her love for entertaining me and my cousins.  We were
allowed to do almost anything we desired with her joining in on the fun.  We colored,
helped cook, and my favorite, chasing bubbles, as she, with great enthusiasm, blew
from a bubble wand, bubbles that landed all over the kitchen floor, if we couldn't catch
them.  Never once did she scold us for making a mess!  During all this fun someone
would ask her to sing!  My dad's favorite was Fifty Cents.  After supper we would sit on
the porch just reminiscing and laughing, watching all the kittens climb all over us and of
course the dogs too!  Off to bed wrapped up in a afghan made by Noni herself.  I
personally had the pleasure of enjoying many of Noni's afghans.  Then up for breakfast
for a dippy egg!
Italian women have always been known for their cooking and love for life.  Well Noni
exhibited the typical Italian woman to a tee!  She will always be remembered for her
smile when seeing us drive up the driveway, whether it was after the long drive to the
farm or when my family ate supper with she and Pa at Bevier.  Even at the nursing
home, the nurses loved her smile!  Well I know she is smiling now!  She and Pa
together again playing a game of pinnacle, not partners of course, some things don't
even change in heaven, or playing about 15 cards all at the same time, of bingo!  Noni
has finally hit the jackpot; home in heaven and smiling that beautiful smile!

To Janice

January 7, 2013
Dear Janice,
You and I have not met personally, but I feel I know you through your beautiful work. My
aunt has given my mom two of your paintings which I have admired, but your wonderful
gift to me was beyond words.  I absolutely love the painting of the Black Diamond
building.
Christmas has always  been hard for me because of my inability to unwrap presents
while people are watching, so you can imagine how uncomfortable it is for me.  It is also
very hard for my family to find gifts that I will use, not to mention like.  So thinking this
Christmas morning, while pleasant and unusually quiet, was expected to be like all the
rest, I sat a safe distance away from everyone in my usual spot, just listening to my
family enjoying the morning.  Then, since I'm the youngest I get to unwrap first.  Each
present gets handed to me away from the group and I frantically open the present then
push it aside.  After several minutes of this procedure, my mom finally handed me my
last present.  This one I did not have to unwrap.  My aunt simply had it in a bag.  I took it
out and then quickly handed the beautiful painting to my mom.  My mom's expression
was one of awe repeating "Oh my gosh!" over and over as she brought it to me in my
safe corner of the house.  At that moment I really looked closely at the most thoughtful
gift I have ever received.  I can't tell you what your painting means to me, but I believe
you deserve to know, so I will try!
I mentioned before, that to some of us, losing that remarkable building was like losing a
friend.  Well your picture is just that, a picture of an intimate friend that only a Bevier
person had the pleasure of knowing and admiring.  You managed to take years of caring
and love and paint those feelings in each stroke of the brush.  You successfully used my
thoughts and recreated them on the canvas; not just with the Christmas decorations, but
the crack of the slightly opened front door.  This opening inviting everyone to look at her
magnificence within.  The building breathes in your painting allowing the building to
breathe forever in our memories and definitely in my heart.
To say a simple thank you seems unworthy, but know that the thank you I am extending
you is with great magnitude.  Great magnitude of heartfelt appreciation for the love and
caring you put into this amazing painting for me.  I will treasure it always.  You have
managed to keep the memory of this historical building in our hearts and minds forever!
Thank You,

Dear Aunt Brie,

January 8, 2013
Dear Aunt Brie,
Every year, I am sure, thinking of Christmas gifts for me is hard.  I do not intentionally
make it hard for everyone but I know it is difficult, especially when I appear so
unappreciative.  The truth is, I am very grateful for every present I have ever received
but sadly my actions speak just the opposite.  So this year I get the chance to express
my gratitude, thanks to an English assignment.
I've never been really sure about how you think of me as a writer.  I just always strive to
be as good as you or Grunda.  I hope I can accomplish that some day.  However, you
must have felt drawn to my article about the building to go to such lengths on my
present.  I can't tell you what the painting of the Black Diamond building means to me
and especially that you thought I was worthy of such a present.  Yes, I am honored to
have a painting from such a historical memory, but what is more important to me, is you
wanted me to have it!  The time and energy, not to mention expense, you incurred on
my behalf is greatly appreciated and will forever be remembered!
Your favorite nephew,

Thank you to "The Aunts"

January 8, 2013
Dear "The Aunts,"
What is it about Italian women that radiate love no matter where they are?  I'm not sure
about all Italian women, but you, "the aunts," exhibit love and caring with every breath,
toward me.
Unfortunately, my Grunda's arms are not here for me any longer but I still feel them
every time one of you speaks to me or touches me.  Something about being in your
presence gives me a warm, comfy, cozy, feeling; like being wrapped in an afghan  in
front of a slow burning fire in a fireplace.  When you are near me I not only feel loved,
but respected and more importantly I feel there!  Never have any of you totally ignored
my presence!  Instead you seem to genuinely like me, flaws and all.  I can't tell you what
this means to me!
I know each of you have grandchildren of your own, but sometimes I feel you make a
special point to let me in that reserved spot in your heart.  It is for all of that I would like
to take this time to thank you.  When I am in each of your houses I feel peaceful and
safe; much like I always felt at Grundas.  You always invite me, with no regret, into your
homes and lives as if I were just as important as anyone else.  You all look at me with
love and touch me with caring hands.  How I appreciate this gesture so much!
Yes, of course, you all can be loud when carrying on three conversations at once or
playing a game of cards, but for some reason I have always loved your voices and how
they blend together.  I especially love to see you in the glow of the lights of our library at
home, when you come to visit.  If I look carefully at each of you I can see Grunda.  Aunt
Marguerite reminds me of Grunda in looks.  Aunt Joanne in your seriousness of taking
care of business.  Aunt Mary Edith in your love for adventure and Aunt Janie in your
love for nature.  Blended all together makes a perfect memory for me.  So Aunts, thank
you for always being there for me and allowing me to be different and still loved!
Your great nephew and on occasion grandson,

Gratitude to Bevier, My Hometown

January 9, 2013
Dear Bevier,
I realize that no matter where a person lives, it becomes home because of comfort and
familiarity.  However, I am so glad I was given the pleasure of living in Bevier, Missouri.
It is not only my hometown, but has been my family's hometown for five generations.
What an amazing thing to be able to say!
Technically, my family  lives outside of the city of Bevier, but everything we are a part of
centers around this special town.  What makes it special?  I believe this can be
answered with one word and that would have to be "acceptance."  The people who have
lived in Bevier all of their lives have no problem opening their hearts to include the
newcomers.  I hear often from the new residents, no matter how difficult their lives were
before moving to Bevier, when living here those problems subside.  They feel a part of
the closeness almost immediately and learn to become a "Bevierite" quickly.  Why does
this happen?  Truly I don't know but for some reason Bevier has a certain amount of
magic.
This magic has allowed this small town to maintain their existence, when similar towns
are fading away.  I believe this ability to stay strong comes  from generations of families
like mine, making Bevier their home even after traveling and living elsewhere during a
portion of their lives.  My mother tells the story often of defending her choice of returning
to Bevier after college to some of her college friends.  She chose to move back home
because it was her home even though it was not a large city.  She wanted to raise her
family in the comfort and familiarity of not only relatives but the family of Bevier.  That's
the magic of Bevier - no matter where we may travel we are proud to call Bevier our
home.  This pride is shown everywhere you turn but I see it most at the Bevier
Homecoming.
This one single event, the annual Bevier Homecoming, is a great example of pride in
our small community.  Many of our residents work together for weeks to entertain
thousands of people.  That would not happen without dedicated people who not only
love their town but have a desire to keep their community healthy and strong.  And
strong are the ties I have to my home of Bevier.  So, thank you, Bevier, for your
acceptance, your pride and your determination to remain strong!  I am so honored to be
a part of something so great!  I want to keep our little town thriving for many more
generations to enjoy the magic!
A proud resident of Bevier,

Thank you to the Universe

January 9, 2013
Dear Whomever,
Thank you for cozy blankets blocking out sounds;
And trains and tracks going round and round.
Thank you technology helping me cope;
Allowing me to always have hope.
Thank you teachers who reach down deep;
Helping me learn the knowledge I'll keep.
Thank you to water flowing for me;
Your forever existence allows me to be free.
Thank you popping corn between me and mom;
This simple act has created a bond.
Thank you camping world of travel;
This form sent me way beyond gravel.
Thank you to family and loving ties;
Your persistence encourages me to fly.
Thank you for thank you's I'm able to say;
Verbally with volume, I'm hoping someday.
Thank you for patience I'm willing to own;
To reach the goals no longer on loan.
All of these thank you's are pointless indeed;
Unless the one whose responsible is given heed.
I would have nothing but empty heartache;
If not for this loving, God given faithI
Yours forever

Dear Han Nolan (Summer of Kings)

                

Dear Han Nolan,

                I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book.  The characters were exciting to read about and your description of each was so vivid I could see them in my head.  I liked the way you kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

                 I know that you were trying to show the conflict the nation was going through at that time, but you also showed conflicts between parent and child, siblings, friends and races.  Anyone reading this book should be able to relate to one or more of the conflicts.

                Even though I didn’t like the ending, I understand what you were trying to show; the ultimate conflict at that time, civil disobedience or violence.

                 I learned a lot from your book and am dying to read Gandhi now.

                                                                                                Admiringly,

Favorite Passage from Summer of Kings by Han Nolan

Favorite Passage

My favorite passage in the book was when finally her parents agreed to go to the march.

“Pip opened the front door and I heard a loud chorus of “Surprise!”

I jumped three feet in the air I was so surprised.

Mother, Dad, Monsieur Vichy, Beatrice, Auntie Pie, Stewart, and Sophia all stood before me on the porch, and they laughed and clapped when they saw how surprised I was.

                “What’s going on?” I asked, looking around at all their smiling faces and noticing they each held a homemade placard.

                Mother said, “We’re going to Washington, Esther.  We’re all going.”

                “We’re going to support the Negros and their march for freedom,” Sophia said, holding up a placard that said, END SEGREGATION NOW, and Stewart, holding a placard that read FREEDOM IN ’63, said, “And we’re going to support you.”  He stepped forward and gave me a hug, and then everyone gathered around me, placards knocking against one another, and they hugged and patted me.

                My father said, “Esther, thank you for all of your help this summer.  Your mother and I couldn’t have made it through without you.” ……..

                Mother said, “This march is important to you, and we realized last night, with Monsieur Vichy’s help, that this wasn’t just a passing whim; you were serious about this.  Your father even said you’ve been reading books about civil rights.”  Mother shook her head.  “I didn’t know.”

                Then Beatrice said, “I liked what you said, Esther, about being the change.”  She smiled.  “I like that.  This march should be important to all of us.”

I like this passage because it shows determination and hard work helps you reach your goals.  It should give hope and encouragement to anyone who has a goal to reach.  The fact that her parents finally found the good in Esther is wonderful.  Everyone has wonderful attributes and can offer so much to this world.  It only takes determination, faith and people to notice.

Emulation of Emily Dickinson

Surrounded by the Potency of Comfort

There is a certain smell of comfort

Sunday afternoons

The smell penetrates

Thoughts and feelings loom

Serenity lies there

While aproned ladies stir

The smell makes an impression

As the thoughts blur

Ageless is the smell

As its passed on

Security is its lesson

From generation to generation

The potency is offensive to some

To me- never

The smell of garlic

Brings lasting memories- forever.