A Second Generation of Cabala and Bates

Way back in 1977, I attended St. Hyacinth Parochial School in Bay City, Michigan. This was the second new school for me in a few short years, so I was somewhat nervous at the change. I knew nobody.....I was utterly alone in my new surroundings.....and then I met Andy.

Andy was (and still is) a one of a kind type of guy. I should have known that he was trouble from the start, but hey, I needed friends and he was willing to be one of them-so I took a shot and I am so glad I did! Through these 31+ years, Andy has become my very best friend....a friend I could call at any hour of the day and night and know that after he chided me for calling him at that hour, he would be there to help. Everyone should have a friend like Andy!

Through the years, Andy and I have laughed together, mourned together, and celebrated together as only best friends can. Usually with him telling me how much I 'owe him' for his friendship since 1977. So when I called his home a couple weeks ago and got an invitation to his daughter's birthday party (FROM HIS DAUGHTER NO LESS!), I had to be there.

Some day, I should write some of our stories down, because I am convinced that they would become a New York Times bestseller. Stories like making me dive into his slowly rolling car, then having him stomp on the brakes, causing me to end up under his dash! Yep, he is 'that type of friend'. HAHA

Anyhow, I was glad to make the 2 hour journey to his hometown, just north of Bay City and attend Ashley's celebration. As you can imagine, since I was friends with Andy, I became part of the extended Cabala Family-but that is a story unto itself and I assure you it will be good reading. So we drove up, arriving about 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled 4pm start time and Andy just had to start on me. He began by welcoming me with a smile and a hearty handshake, so I knew something was wrong immediately. Finally, after about 30 seconds, he hollered that he just couldn't do this.....and asked me what I was there for. Yep, that's my friend, Andy!

So, here are some photos from the party. It was great fun and I got to see everyone from the Family and even some folks I hadn't seen since Andy and Deb were married! We greatly enjoyed the time up there.

'Thank You For Your Service To OUR Country!'

Independence Day is now behind us, but I wanted to write this morning to share a thought with those that might stumble upon my little blog. If everyone who reads this takes action, this country would be better off in a matter of days. Are you up for a challenge? Ok, then here we go...

Back in the early 1990's, Patriotism was at its peak (at least in my lifetime). We had soundly defeated Saddam Hussein's 'army' and sent them scurrying across the desert and few lives were lost. It was a glorious time in the United States. But, as the soldiers came home, I determined in my own mind that they would NOT face the same treatment our Vietnam Vets came home to. In my mind, those boys did what they were ordered to do and they deserved a hero's welcome.

At that time, I was working with a local cable access TV station, based out of Perry. My supervisor decided to hold a 12 hour welcome home fundraiser for the soldiers in our area. All proceeds would be divided equally among them, to help with the financial burden they faced during their deployment to Iraq and Kuwait.

It was a long day, but I had the privilege of meeting several Desert Storm soldiers...and many Vietnam Vets. The highlight of my day, serving as emcee of the event, was when we stopped the show and invited every Vietnam Vet to the stage for special recognition. It was a heart-rending moment, as these men....still feeling the sting of the cries of 'baby killer' and such....came to the stage. Some spoke of Honor, God and Country, but all of them just wanted to be accepted for the work they had done.

They got their moment that Sunday afternoon and I had the good fortune of thanking them, one by one, with a firm handshake and the phrase, "Thank you for your service to our country". From that day forward, it became my mission to thank our soldiers....wherever I might find them. I am not one bit shy about walking up to a young soldier-or an old one, no matter what the setting, to offer my thanks. And I am teaching my kids the same thing.

When you see a soldier, no matter WHERE or WHEN they served, please take a moment to say THANK YOU. They are doing the work that must be done to preserve democracy and freedom in this country and abroad. They are offering their lives, so that we can have the right to disagree with each other and we OWE them that much.

On Sunday, July 5th, I had a chance to attend a 100th birthday for a good friend of mine. In attendance at that grand event were three Veterans. One, from WW2, wore his hat proudly and it gave me great pleasure to offer my thanks to him. We spoke for a few minutes and I helped get his drinks to the table for he and his wife. A short while later, I met two Vets from the Korean War and we visited, as well.

I am thankful that our men and women stand guard for us. I know this is a couple of days late, but please keep this thought in mind....we owe them our thanks. I don't care if you agree with the mission! You should not mistreat the messengers who carried out the orders. God Bless our Men and Women of the Armed Forces-and may God continue to Bless America!

Lots to Talk About

A parent's worst nightmare is the knock on the door by a local police agency, informing you that something drastically wrong has occurred with a Family member. Well, it wasn't a local police agency doing the knocking, but my Mom was summoned to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA last evening. My brother, the 'baby of the family' was badly burned in an accidental flashpoint fire, at his home in Elk Grove. His injuries are severe and he is in Critical condition at the hospital as of this writing. We are told that his vitals (for now) are good-so we're thankful.

The phone call to my home came at 4am (edt), informing me of the accident. Upon waking this morning (not that I slept much after the call), I began the task of contacting some Family members and friends, asking for prayer for Dan and the Family as a whole. He's only 32, in relatively good shape and he has a very good chance of getting through this, so that part is good....but he has 3rd degree burns on his right arm and leg, neck, chest and stomach. There are also some 2nd degree burns on his face, but doctors are more concerned with the deeper areas; primarily his neck.

We are told it will take weeks and even months to get the skin grafts completed, before beginning the brutal process of rehabilitating the body as fully as it can be after something this devastating. I pray not only for God's Will to be done in Dan, but also for strength for my Mother and Dan's wife, Shannon. His son, Tristen and step-daughter, Brianna, are in Michigan visiting Grandparents....but the hero of this near-tragedy is my nephew, Jeffery.

The flashpoint occurred as he was walking out of the house and Jeffery saw Dan, standing there in apparent shock. Acting purely out of instinct, I am sure, Jeffery took Dan to the ground and rolled him, putting the fire out. He then used a sprinkler to cool Dan's burns, while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. The paramedics informed Jeffery and Shannon that his quick actions were precisely what was called for at that moment.

Jeff, my hat is off to you, bud. We Love you very much and yes, you ARE a hero! Remember what I told you on the phone earlier today...and go talk to 'Papa Sarge!'

At times like these 2500 miles seems like a million! Thankfully, there is a strong support network, via The Rock Church, in Sacramento. What a great group and believe me, they know how to 'touch the throne of God'. There are some real prayer warriors in that congregation, but your prayers are equally important.

More updates later...