Parents Prayers

Prayers of My Parents Written on Index Cards

Norwood high school

Still mindful of a day of infamy

12/7/04 Our Father, we are mindful of this day in our nations’ history and offer our prayers of thanks to all who served on our behalf. We pray too for our troubled world and those who continue to pursue Peace. Remind us that peace is not possible without each of us being willing to forgive and live with one another. Amen

Today’s prop is Dad’s 1944 Senior Book, from Norwood High School. He is the one peeping over the middle of the card, with a cryptic “Where you going boy?” written across the top margins. Others just signed their names. Is this Dad’s handwriting? I don’t know. I know he was anxious to serve. So much so that he signed up against his parents wishes.

How many of these faces perished in WWII? Again, I have no clue. But my father probably knew.

He went on one of the last Honor Flights for WWII veterans. When I find the photos, I will share. He literally beams.

Having the hospice team bring in their veterans service to his bedside was a day I will cherish.

Days of infamy, days of joy…who knew that the original text was something far less pointed and far more trite.

We all edit our work.

As Dad would close all his letters,

“Peace!”

https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/PTO/Dip/Infamy.html

An annotated version of the speech, showing the original wording “a date which will live in world history”

Journeys through life

8/3/04 Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the happenings of life – for new tasks and opportunities – for the chance to amend our ways & to set a new course for our lives. Be with those in need of your Grace this day and continue to guide each of us in our journey thru life.  Amen

A young woman in Chicago had an accomplished career in high school. Before it was a thing, she was editor, sports editor, of her high school paper. She was a woman before her time. Her journey brought her to a “dude ranch” in Michigan, for a summer vacation. She met my dad there, and as they say, the rest is history.

She thought her journey would take her to be a cartoonist/journalist in Chicago. She changed her course of direction, but she still kept all the pins. Today’s young women may not understand, but I certainly see what they represented.

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