The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor
Yes, Dessa, I agree with you, we still have a wonderful small town.
Visitors who stop by for a cup of coffee as they pass through town may notice a few vacant buildings and overhear some chatter that gives them the wrong impression of the area.
Buildings do not make a town, the people do. Through the years, whenever problems arose, community minded people have stepped forward to help with a solution.
I worked 23 years for the Bank of Stronghurst and several years before that for the Soil Conservation District.
I enjoyed the association of many fine people in Henderson County and do not believe it has changed that much.
Since retirement, my contacts with people have become more centered around my church, visiting friends in the nursing home, chatting as we pick up the mail or walk the dog.
Our daughter, Carol, and grandson, Sean Webb, live 3 houses away.
Our daughter, Janet, lives in Austin, Tx. Corresponding with her by E-mail brings added joy in our lives.
This past week, my computer locked up. I thought I would have to call someone from "out of town" to solve the problem. A friend asked, "Why not call Mark Burgus?" (They live near the driveway entry to the nursing home)
Mark had spent the day with his son and other boyscouts. In the evening, they came to my home and soon had everything running again.
He told me he has been working with computers for twenty years and has a workshop area in his garage. I will no longer refer to him as Lisa's husband but as Mark, the computer whiz.
Many of the greatest neighbors live in our corner of town. It is not surprising to hear this same comment made up and down most streets.
Look around, how well do you know your neighbors? What untapped talents do they possess? What great ideas unexpressed?
A poem written by Edgar A. Guest, is a favorite of mine:
THE MAKING OF A FRIEND
We nodded as we passed each day
And smiled and went along our way;
I knew his name, and he knew mine,
But neither of us made a sign
That we possessed a common tie;
We barely spoke as we passed by.
How fine he was I never guessed.
The splendid soul within his breast
I never saw. From me were hid
The many kindly deeds he did.
His gentle ways I didn't know,
Or I'd have claimed him long ago.
Then trouble came to me one day,
And he was first to come and say
The cheering words I longed to hear.
He offered help, and standing near
I felt our lives in sorrow blend--
My neighbor had become my friend.
How many smiles from day to day
I've missed along my narrow way;
How many kindly words I've lost,
What joy has my indifference cost?
This glorious friend that now I know,
Would have been friendly years ago.
We have so much to be thankful for. Neighbors, working side by side, can keep our towns more than a good place to retire.
Orma Bjork
Stronghurst
Dear Editor,
Key Factors In
Developing Unity
When it is too hot and humid to do much during the dog days of summer, it is interesting to reflect a little (some would say very little).
Don't you admire young people who have the will power to de-tassel corn and other such jobs as construction work (and especially the young protecting our country) during these days?
Whether they know it or not, they are learning a very valuable life lesson in putting in a honest, hard day's work.
When you are addicted to writing, it is not wise to write too many letters about politics.
However, people should be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
Unfortunately, it does seem like we have become a polarized nation which amounts to considerable hatred on both sides.
As John Kerry said in his acceptance speech, hopefully we as a nation can unite and we can be on God's side.
Pat Robertson said that in a previous speech and President Bush had said the same thing. Maybe that is something which most of us can come to an agreement.
As my bumper sticker says, besides having millions of signs which say God Bless America (which of course He does in many ways each day), we should have many more signs which say America bless God.
If we would put him as Number 1 in our lives, there would be much less hatred and much more unity in our nation.
This is not intended to be a sermon, but there are some sayings which stick in people's minds. It seems like these days many people want a handout.
As John F. Kennedy said, instead of seeking that, we should be asking what can we do for our country.
The best thing we can do for our country is to be united as possible, regardless of who wins the election.
There is no doubt there is a lot of suffering in our country. When the huge economic bubble burst, we had about 3 bad years of recession.
The main thing we need in our country is to have a decent paying job for every American who can work. This is what both presidential candidates want.
We do live in a global economy and therefore, it is essential to also develop more unity throughout the world, and this necessitates trade agreements.
There are some things which some of us feel very strongly about, such as pro-life vs. pro-choice, marriage of one man - woman vs. homosexual lifestyle issue.
However, the key is to look at each other's viewpoints (for example watching both political conventions when and if you have time) and learning from each one.
Then, when the election is over in November, instead of holding on to such things as faulty ballots in Florida for four years, if we could emerge as united a democracy as possible, it would definitely be a severe blow to terrorism and evil in the world.
Another key factor is to continually ask for God's guidance through these very troublesome times.
Weyman George
Macomb