Saturday, October 15, 2005 

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is it really possible to sleep for only 5 dollar/night in saigon? greets from europe. steve

I've been thinking about you a lot for the past two weeks (here in Vietnam), Rick, remembering your stories from Vietnam. I'm in an internet cafe in Saigon, can you believe it? I'll hold my comments about the trip for now, and just wish you continuing recovery! Love, Edna

Sorry for the messed up ending on that last posting. It's been a rough day at school...Chuck S. is the author of Attitude...then, I added: I keep a copy handy for the rough times, because sometimes attitude is truly all we have. Hang in there and keep your ATTITUDE!

Guten Tag, Sharon & Rick...and I do hope it IS a guten Tag fur Sie! I was thinking about your situation and recently I sent my mom (who is dealing day to day with my Dad's poor condition) a copy of this piece... ATTITUDE The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our ATTITUDES. Author of “Attitude” I keep a copy handy for the rough times, because sometimes ottitude is truly all we have. Hang in ther and keep your ATTITUDE! -Chuck Swindol

Well yeah, if it was easy, anyone could do it. Hang in there Rick, we're thinking of you. We'll be heading to Mountain Home in the next month or so. Sandy's Dad is into hospice care for his Parkinson's and our humanitarian came through.

Hi Rick and Sharon, Sorry about the new diffculties you are having to go through, I'll do some extra knee time for you. I saw a sign outside a church one time that said: "God excepts knee mail". I thought that was clever. I can't believe Erica is with you, I am jealous. I miss her so much and please give her some huggs from me, I am coming over to Germany in July for my niece's wedding, and I am going to stop in K-Town for a meeting and a Pizza, hope I will see her then. I remember when we thought we would move to Dubai, because it is the city of the future, now I actually do have business contacts in Dubai. I kow that Rick will get through this phase with flying colors, but just in case, I'll send some special prayers your way. I love you both, and Erica too! Gerdy

Hello from Kansas City Rick and Sharon. I'm sorry to hear the struggle has been particularly challenging this past week. Extra prayers have been offered up, and extra hugs and smiles are on their way. I wish there was more I could offer from here. I can't even imagine what strength and faith it must be taking to just get through one day at a time. I'm so glad you have such a strong support system. Rick, you have always been such a strong person. It is a true sign of that inner strengh when you readily recognize and accept that everyone has limits, and that you are willing to lean a little on thsoe who love you. During this trying period, please lean a little more heavily on that amazing support system. You will soon begin springing back and you'll be heading for the golf course again. Just hang in there and stay positive. My sister, Jane, and her husband Bob had a really nice time in Vegas with Curtis & family and with Larry (who really surprised them by showing up there). I haven't seen any pictures, but I've talked with Jane twice since their return; and she was so happy to be reunited with two of our cousins. I correspond regularly with Larry by e-mail and with Curt almost as often, though he has less time available to write. I was so envious. I wanted to be there with them also; but I just couldn't get time off work. Being on this job only about 16 months, I only get 10 vacation days per year----and they are all used for this year. However, next April Steve and I hope to go to Vegas for a few days. Hopefully we will be able to connect up with Curt and family and possibly Larry. He said he would do his best to be there, if he doesn't see us before. I get excited and happy just thinking about seeing my cousins after so many years. The only thing that would make it more wonderful would be if you two were there as well. This past weekend Kelly (our daughter), Linda Ellis (a friend who flew into KC from Calif.) and I drove to Brighton, IL to visit Kelly's twin sister, Shelly. It was a last minute decision. We usually go to Arkansas this time each year to attend some really large craft fairs. When we found out that Shelly couldn't go and how bummed out she was, we decided to surprise Shelly and go to her house instead of to Arkansas. She was so pleased and surprised. We packed a lot of fun into that short weekend. We picked apples and baked apple crisp, went to a movie and ate at a great Italian restaurant, went to garage sales and a craft fair, and visited an Amish Country Store. We certainly cheered up Shelly and we all had a great time. The only down side, of course, is the 4-hour drive each way. Linda will be here in K.C. all week; so we still have fun times in store. Saturday we will celebrate Kelly's husband, Gary's birthday at our house. He has chosen roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, and green bean cassarole for his dinner menu. His dessert choice is lemon meringue pie. All of the family will be at our place, including Linda. There will be 14 of us. I'll have to make lots of gravy! I also will need two pies at least and another dessert for those who don't like lemon pie. We will play games and also have a cookie jar contest (I will explain that at another time.). Anyway, I'm sure we will have fun. On Sunday we will go to the 6th birthday celebration for our twin grandchildren (Cassidy & Jack). We don't know exactly what to expect, but the invitation did say dinner will be served. I still need to shop for presents for them. Kelly and Shelly turn 27 on Nov. 7th. That means another birthday dinner at our place. Kelly has chosen meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans and corn bread. She wants apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Our little grandson, Jason turns 3 on Nov. 19th ----- yet another birthday party to attend. Then Thanksgiving will be here and the whole gang will congregate at our house again for the old traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Dec. 6th is our youngest granddaughter, Victoria's first birthday. Her mother, Kelly, is planning a very special celebration for her. Tori has 4 teeth now and is trying so hard to walk. She has taken a couple of steps; but is still not confident enough to take off on her own. I think she will do so before her first birthday. Before we know it Christmas will be here. As you can see, we have a very busy fall and winter ahead. Life is good! We count our blessings often and try never to take a single day for granted. Enough rambling for today. I hope you don't mind my sharing stuff about our ordinary, yet wonderful life. Take care of each other and try to smile often---even when it's a very hard thing to do. I'm sending lots and lots of love from Steve and me. You both will be in our prayers every day. Judi

Hello Rick and Sharon........ We enjoyed Rick's long message very much....sure can tell it is Rick!!!! Hang in there, Bud!!! Just to let you know, I played 18 at Ramstein last week, so I should be ready for you soon!!haha Sharon, your message is one of reality but also of hope....... How much in our lives is both positive and negative at the same time????? The good thing is when we keep them both in perspective, realizing that the positive is what keeps us going!!!!! Again, we continue to be amazed at the way you two are handling everything and of course all the comments from around the world....... We miss seeing you all around the Community, wheather at LRMC, the ATF or even the PX....... Tschus for now, our love and prayers continue, Frank and Ute

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