A year of disasters: Are you Ready?

I don't believe there is a person reading this blog that has not viewed the tornadoes on TV that have totally devastated complete neighborhoods and communities throughout the Southern Belt, the Midwest, and into the Mid Atlantic states.  It is only April, which should be a clue to all of us of the potentially long year ahead of us - fearful of storm after storm.

Perhaps we should start considering and accepting the fact that Armageddon may be closer than we think.  We have already witnessed countless wraths of storms all over the world, including most recently in Japan.  The fact that we most recently saw hundreds of tornadoes racing across several states in the past few days, bringing with it flooding and totally demolished buildings in their paths, can only  make us think that more deadly storms are on the way in the coming months.  Those of us here in Minnesota know we face both flooding and tornado damage if hit, and those along the coasts face the wrath of hurricanes.  And, although many states have not experienced earthquakes, the threat of such disaster has become a greater concern of almost every state.

I know I am ready to accept I am living in a world of turmoil, ever closer to coming to an end in due time.  In the meantime, I plan on becoming trained as a Red Cross Volunteer so that I can help out in times of disasters in this great nation of ours.  I feel we all live only once, and I want to make the most of every minute of what I have left - by helping others.

And that's......the way it is.

Birthers vs. Obama

For the past three years we have witnessed and heard countless numbers of protests by American citizens on the validity of President Barack Obama's U.S. Citizenship.  In 2008 he released the short form which was provided to him by the State of Hawaii, but in the past few days, the White House was able to receive the long-form copy of his original birth certificate from Hawaii.

It amazes me to think how a nation that, in 2007, pushed for change in politics, to deal with the issues that were casting such a dark shadow over us, including unemployment, social chaos, poor economy, and the largest domestic debt ever held in this nation.  The majority of people voted for a change, to put Obama in as president, and here, three years later, we are a nation doubting our own leader's birth certificate.  What happened to a nation that loved and respected our government leaders, no matter what race or creed they are?  Have we now lost faith in the one man that oversees our nation for four years?  We have to realize Obama's term will soon be up, and we will have the opportunity to vote for a new change - whether it will be better or worse than 2008, we will have to wait to see.  But the fact remains, we have more critical issues at hand to deal with than a birth certificate if we want to pull our nation out of turmoil, and get back on our feet, to work as one nation, under God.....with Liberty, and Justice, for All.....


And that, my friends, is.......the way it is.

Remember the Civil War

It is hard to believe that 150 years have past since the Civil War started.  What is harder to believe is the fact that the war began due to the issue of slavery.  As we look back at the mid 1800s, we see a period of people trying to survive in a period of constant migrations - people moving from the East to new unsettled lands west of the Mississippi River.  This was a time of new changes, as well as old habits.  The Colonists, as were known since the first English settlers arrived from England, used Black Slaves, brought to America from Africa, to help farm their plantations, from the New England States, all the way down the Atlantic coast, inland to the Southern Belt states west to the Great River.  Plantation owners relied on their slaves, and most would usually provide them sufficiently with food and shelter, but there were many others who constantly abused their slaves.

President Lincoln prepared and presented the Emancipation of Proclamation, proclaiming an end to slavery.  But what many people do not realize, is that Lincoln, personally, was not totally against slavery.  But, as President of the United States, he felt there were a majority of states that felt slavery should be abolished, and slaves become free citizens.  As a result, several Southern states seceded, and eventually the first shot of the Civil War occurred on April 12, 1861 on Fort Sumter.

We cannot turn back time on those four fateful years of the war, but we now know that civil disputes between individuals, groups, and states can create a large enough mountain to start a war.  If is unfortunate in the thousands of lives lost over the issue of slavery, but now, we can see that we are all created equal, no matter what our color.

The most significant insight of the Civil War is that we learn from previous mistakes, and work together as one nation to resolve issues.  Politics will always play a major role in conflicts between political parties and groups, but if we learn to resolve issues before they get out of proportion, we can maybe avoid another Civil War.  And that.....is the way it is.

What Happened to Jodi Huisentruit?

On June 27, 1995, KIMT's morning news anchor, Jodi Huisentruit did not show up to work, allegedly abducted outside her apartment at approximately 4:30 a.m. that morning.  Since the case is still open after 16 years, the Mason City Police Department is still conducting an "on-going" investigation, hoping for more new leads to help solve this case.  Not much is known yet at this time as to what may have lead to her abduction, which is the subject of my current research on the case.  I believe there may be hidden clues still lurking in the darkness, of some particular individual she may have known or befriended at some point prior to her disappearance that may shed light on who the suspect may be.

This is definitely a difficult case to solve, and may be years yet before evidence or witnesses come forward, perhaps fearful of their own lives.  But the fact remains that if I can dig deep enough into her past, I may find some shred of information to help bring closure to the case.  And that's....the way it is.

The Gulf Oil Spill: One Year Later

If you watched or listened to the news today, you are quite aware that today marks the First Anniversary of the worst offshore oil spill in the history of the United States, following the tragic oil rig explosion on April 20, 2010.  It took scientists and technical advisors over 80 days to come up with a solution to tap the oil leak deep in the Gulf water approximately 40 miles from New Orleans.  Within days, oil began to appear on the water surface, prompting FEMA and other federal and state agencies to swing into action to try to prevent the oil residue and chunks from reaching the shorelines of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  But to no avail, many outer land segments did, in fact, become the target of the oil, and closed off the fishing season for thousands of Gulf fishermen who relied on fishing for shrimp and oysters for a living.

Now, a year later, many tourist sites along the Gulf are still struggling to attract visitors back; the fishermen and other local businesses are fighting to survive the tragic ordeal -- trying to make a living -- because that's....the way it is.

My Three Parents

Remember the show, My Three Sons?  That was a great family show, probably over forty years ago (giving away my age...lol).  I can't but help think of that show when I think about how lucky I am to have had three sets of parents over the years.  I was born in 1960 in Rochester, MN, and was placed in a foster home around the age of three.  Clifford and Verna Boyum were such an amazing couple, raising dozens of foster children over the years, plus raising their own three children.  When I was adopted at the age of 7, I gained new parents, Gilbert and Hilda Sabin.  I moved from Kasson, MN to Bricelyn, MN, a distance of only about 80 miles, but to a young child, it seemed like a different world.  I never forgot the Boyums, but never had the opportunity to locate them again until one day in 1982 I took my adoptive parents to visit the Boyums.  It was quite a reunion, especially since it was the Boyums' 50th wedding anniversary.  I remember standing in front of the group at the church, talking about my experience as a young child living with them.  I was so excited!

In 1990, I decided it was time to locate my birth mother.  The ironic thing about it is that I remembered being called "Billy Barnes" at the Boyums, and so I figured I would start by going through the agency in Rochester to locate my birth mother.  As it happened, I found the right agency on the first try, and received info on her.  I then debated for two years whether to go through with contacting her or not, unsure how she would respond to my search.  After my son was born with major medical problems, I decided it was time.  I began the process of contacting my mother through the agency, and eventually we met up in Austin that same year.  We have since been in constant contact, in fact, I have stayed with her and her husband Clarence for over a year during personal issues.  Clarence is like a father to me, especially after learning my biological father refused to acknowledge me as his son before he died in 1998. It has been such an honor to have my birth mother Sharon and Clarence in my life now.

And so, as you see, it is possible to have three sets of parents in your lifetime.  They all played significant roles in my years growing up, and will always be cherished in my heart.  But hey, what can I say, life is what you make it, but the more family you have to support you, the easier it is.  After all, that is.....the way it is.

Bike Trails

I remember the first bike trail I rode back in 1988.  I went to Scheel's Sporting Goods in Mankato and bought a brand new 18-speed Trek,put it in my truck, and drove out to Sakatah State Park.  I found the Trail Head and got on my bike.  Having never rode a bike for who knows how many years, I decided to head towards Faribault.  What was I thinking?!  Well, brave as I was, I went for it, and eventually made it.......about 15 miles one way!  Boy, was I glad Dairy Queen was at the end of the trail, enticing me for a meal.

The experience was awesome, and one of the most rewarding bike trail experiences I have ever had.  I have walked portions of the Douglas Trail between Rochester and Douglas, both from each trail head, but have not pursued north, between Douglas and Pine Island yet......that will be another adventure.

Walking or biking trails are such a great way to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and appreciate the beauty.  More and more people are beginning to realize the benefits of trails and are making it a family activity.  It is such a pleasure being on the trail, watching children having a great time running or biking, excited about the wildlife and birds they see, and taking pictures of the outdoor wonders.

I think I am going to start walking more trails around Rochester this year.  Nancy and I love taking photos, so this will provide us the opportunity to share photos of some of the scenery we enjoy with others on Facebook.  I hope all of you will get out and enjoy life on trails this year as well, because that, my friend, is.......the way it is.

Funerals Create Reunions

Last week I attended a funeral at my old church where I grew up after adoption.  In 1975 there were eight of us confirmed together.  Five of us were brought together last Wednesday to pay our respects to our lost friend, Darlene, and were pallbearers for her.  Darlene passed several days earlier in California after fighting cancer for the past six years.  I have lost several family members, relatives and friends to various types of cancers.  It is a tragic death, and very traumatic on those left behind.  I always hope and pray I never have to go through the pain and endless suffering cancer victims face.

The most significant thing about last Wednesday was that it took the loss of a fellow classmate and funeral to bring several of us together.  Why is it that it always takes funerals to bring distant friends and family members together?  Is it always that hard to stay in touch on a more frequent basis?  Why does it take a death to bring people together and appreciate life more, to plan future get-togethers before another friend or loved one dies?

As with other past reunions, the five of us wished each other well and hoped to see each other again soon - not at a funeral.

I do not want to wait another thirty six years before I see the five of us together at a funeral.  I am hoping we will begin holding an annual Confirmation class reunion, starting next year.  Life is too short, no need to wait until I am dead........and that's the way it is.

College Days Are Past.......Finally

Yep, after spending the past six years of online classes in between breaks, I can finally say I am done with college.  I must say the past two years were the hardest, once I decided to pursue a Masters Degree in Administration of Justice and Security, rather than a Bachelors in Administration of Criminal Justice.  University of Phoenix has been a excellent university, and had a lot of very competent instructors.  It is not easy to pursue a Masters after hitting 50, but you know what?  You only live once, and you might as well make the most of it.  The worst part of it is knowing I have thousands of dollars worth of student loans to pay off now, so I guess I better start making money writing.  I am so excited about my new research business, and am looking forward to many great challenges, writing about Missing Persons and community issues that need to be addressed.

So that's my starting blog story, and I am going to stick to it because that's....... the way it is.