THANKS ERIC, I NEEDED THAT
27/07/05 07:45 PM
It's been quite some time since I last sat down and chatted with you lovely people out there. I believe my last post was on the 8th of July. I have been really busy with our war memorial project and have not paid much attention to my computer.
About three weeks ago the Oneida Daily Dispatch was kind enough to publish the complete list of 700 names that will be inscribed on the monument.
It didn't take too long and the phone started jumping off the wall. We have picked up approximate 16 more names and corrected numerous spelling of names. I have talked with folks from Oklahoma, North Carolina and several other out of the way places. Believe me when I say it pays to advertise.
The committee will be meeting this Friday evening in the Town Supervisor's office at 1900 hours. Hopefully we will be resolving a lot of loose ends, and begin the process of laying the foundation for the monument.
The sub-committees have been formed, and it is my hope that they will begin functioning on their particular responsibilities.
We will also be reviewing the discharge papers of everyone that wants to have their names added to the list. I have reviewed them and they all look qualified with the exception of two. I believe that the committee will approve the names that I will be submitting.
If we are to error on approving, or disapproving someone, I would rather error on the side of caution. I would hate to leave a name off, and find out later that it should have been accepted. Hopefully the committee will feel as I do, but that is their decision.
We have been under some stress of late due to family illness. Our youngest daughter's husband has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. They will be leaving for Boston tonight, or early in the morning for Dana Farber Hospital where he will be examined and hopefully treated.
Our second oldest daughter's brother-in-law was killed in an automobile accident the same week we received news about our son-in-law's cancer. It doesn't rain, but pours, when bad news does strikes.
That's another reason I have stayed away for a couple of weeks. I have done a lot meditating lately, and I know in my heart that all will go well for my son-in-law. He is a fighter, and a strong willed man, and he has indicated to members of the family that he will beat this disease. He is constantly in my thoughts and my prayers.
Our youngest son, Eric, called a few minutes ago from Alabama, and mentioned to me that I was being neglectful with my web page. It didn't take much to get me to sit down and write whatever it was that I wrote about, in the above paragraphs. That's what it takes sometimes to get me off my butt, and set me on a steady course. I apologize for my neglect.
All hands on deck! Single up all lines. Hoist the rudder lads, we're going out to sea.
I love that kind of talk.
By the way, Eric, a young man called me a few days ago, and wanted to know if he could join our committee for the war memorial. He informed me that he went to school with you. His name is Brian Tornatore. Seems like a very nice young man. He is an aspiring young author and has one book under his belt. He is contracted with a publisher for the next 7 years. He informed me that he is on the waiting list for a lung transplant, and must use oxygen to help him in breathing.
I welcomed him to our committee and I am sure we will find some need of his talents along the way.
Commander Dave just gave us a ring on I chat, and we had a nice talk for about a half hour or so. Dave's son, Chris, has finally passed his driver's test in the State of Florida. Congratulations to you Chris, I knew you could do it. Promise your ole grand dad that you will drive with care. Speed kills, always remember that. Besides, it costs a lot of money if you get yourself a ticket.
Well I'm back folks, fit as a fiddle, and ready to go. Sorry for the long intermission. It won't happen again. I hope not anyway. It's getting late, so I am going to sit back and watch a little TV before hitting the sack. Keep the Faith good people, you are always in my thoughts. -- Sailor Jack