Blessed With More Angels . . . Made It Through

The picture above is my new found angel, Amber from Al Meyer Ford. Amber is in a Non-traditional occupation (for women) as a Mechanic.

Early yesterday, the day of step-son Mark's funeral, she called that the Explorer was ready. That pretty much ran concurrent with the Overhead Garage Door people calling that they were on their way.

The only thing I actually had to do was fill the tank of the Ford Fusion rental car. By the way, that was a peppy car that was easy on the gas. Filled it up for under 14 dollars for the week. And, it has a super feature that makes it easy to fill the tank.

But, automotive-wise, the Ford Explorer is my favorite and after completing payment details, Amber brought it back to us. The picture above is Amber and me at the dining room table where we finalized all the details.

Then, Hubby and I were able to sit down to breakfast and I was off to another angel, my friend, Paula, at Bliss Hair Salon.

Paula came out, delighted to see the Explorer pull in and I actually napped while she did my hair. I should also tell you that Paula came in an hour earlier than my usual appointment.

Back home, I changed into my navy pantsuit which my neighbor, Ruby told me long ago is protocol for East Texas funerals.

I napped for eight minutes till the next ring of the doorbell which was our very special angel who doesn't want to be seen in print.

He drove us to Carroway Funeral Home so we were there nice and early.

Many of Mark's friends from old times came but also some people Mark had helped with their problems over the years were there. We were able to talk to each of them.

A lot of people made some beautiful food for after the service and people were able to mingle a while longer.

Once we were back, we were pretty much "finished".

Additionally, you did not hear but you sort of suspected that the garage door opener broke when I dropped it getting out of the Fusion earlier in the week.

Nor, have you heard that another Angel drove us to Livingston this week for Hubby's Retina check-up. He got a good one and we'll go back in about 2 weeks. His eye is healing while his heart is breaking . . .

On the way back, we stopped in at the Polk Pick It Up to hug Angel Dora and introduce her to Angel Sarah.

Our doorbell is still ringing. Yesterday, it was a Florida plant and today Buddy's best friend, David.

We have received cards and calls and hugs . . . there are more Angels out there than you ever knew.

More Angels . . .

When I catch my breath and can sit down again, I have more to tell you about. You cannot imagine how many people have helped us, including a great gal named Amber from Al Meyer Ford.

One Angel We Did Not Count On . . .

On Monday, June 11, Hubby's son, and my step-son, Mark Alan Sutton, suffered a fatal heart attack and went went up to be with his Mother, Jayne Sutton.

Today we will celebrate his life. Details are at

http://www.carrowayfuneralhome.com

Hubby's eye is on the mend and Blessings to all the other angels who continue to help us get through.

Ford Fusion In The Garage . . . Long Story Short: Angels Exist!

Ford Fusion, a photo by Crystal Clean Auto Detailing on Flickr.

So this brought us home today! I say, "Thank Goodness for Ford Fusion".

Backed our Ford Explorer out of the garage and took Hubby down to another town to have his first check up since his eye surgery last week.

I must tell you that I truly hate highway driving. So be it.

We got there early and the retina surgeon was able to see Hubby right away. His eye has not advanced quite as quickly as we might have hoped, but he is fine.

Started back up the road toward home. After a while, it was getting pretty hot in that car. Since Hubby cannot see too well, he could not tell what might be wrong from the dashboard commands.

Well, I kinda knew I should turn into the Polk Pick It Up Station when I saw smoke coming from under the hood.

It must have been pretty obvious as the car cut out halfway to the building because several people ran out of the store, one with a fire extinguisher in hand.

People were helping us out of the car and someone had the courage (or stupidity) to open the hood.

Well, not only do I not like highway driving, I really hate mechanical malfunction. All I know about that is does it run?

So, on my cell phone I have Al Meyer Ford and I dialed them to come and haul the Explorer back to their shop. Then I ask for the rental department. Yup . . . no loaners these days.

So I arrange for a Ford Fusion which scares me a little because I really like being up high in my Explorer.

Now, the Polk Pick It Up just happens to have an Angel as the Manager and she says she is driving into Lufkin to the supermarket, can she give us a lift?

New forever friend made.

And, Dora has already received a message on her Bluetooth that the Explorer has already been picked up.

So, Dora takes us to Al Meyer Ford where they are ready for us. They had called Jay Jackson Insurance to get our policy details.

She asks for my credit card and my drivers license. I am just about there . . .

"Your driver's licence is expired."

Oh, dear. I did not get a notice.

Dora drives us round the loop to the Motor License Office. We stand in line and are praying out loud as we see they have not yet taken me and there is only one minute left.

"Next!"

I ask and the clerk tells me that they only send out renewal notices randomly now.

Oh oh. I randomly have been driving with no license.

She takes a picture. She doesn't think it is good enough. She takes another and doesn't think I will like it. Do you want another? I say, "No" because my hair looks good and I have 25 minutes till Al Meyer closes.

Here I have to tell you that this licensing clerk gave me a full bottle of water. Richard Simmons: hear that?

Back to Al Meyer where I finishing signing my life away.

Dora and Hubby transfer things from the Explorer to the Fusion; we bid Dora the Angel "Goodbye" and we drive home. We did stop for barbecue take out (yes, Richard) and drove on home.

Buddy, the Lhasa hears the garage door go up and thinks to himself,

"That does not sound like my car but I think they are back."

How Important Is It To Vote?

You probably know that I have dual citizenship - American and Canadian - and have had for about eight years now. American and Canadian government systems are quite different.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Every vote counts! That is always true, no matter what election.

Where I live - in Angelina County, Texas - about 100 miles up from Houston, early voting is so simple that I cannot imagine anyone not taking a little time to go downtown to vote for the candidate they would like to see in office.

We have computerized voting here now and you just have to point to the box beside your choice for each of the offices. If there is an office showing where you don't know any of the candidates, you can leave it and go on to the next.

There are a couple of questions to answer which are easy but if you don't answer them, you can just go on.

Here in the United States, you do have to tell the person who checks you in whether you want to vote on a Republican or Democratic ballot.

I am definitely not the person to instruct you in American politics but for my Canadian readers, I just want to remind you that it is different.

Right now, we are choosing who will be running as the party candidate against the other party candidate in November. This ballot includes President.

SO, LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH SOME PEOPLE LIKE GREG SANCHES and want him to be Sheriff of Angelina County.

Several people have told me that they will go in and vote the Republican ballot so they can ensure Greg will be on the Republican ballot in November! Sweet to hear Democrats say that!

How important is it to vote? Well, we recently had an election for Mayor in our city. It is not a large city and there are probably 20,000 registered voters. The man who had been Mayor had done a fine job and I believe many people truly liked him. However, his opponent got more votes and we have a different - or new - mayor. How he did that was by getting all the people who wanted him as Mayor to get out and vote. That may sound simple but it is not. (About 2,600 votes were cast.)

Hubby and I voted on Monday - the first day of Early Voting. That was 2 votes for Greg Sanches.

The Saturday before, I wore my Greg Sanches T-shirt to a BBQ restaurant. Our server asked about Greg and when she could vote. That is 1/2 vote for Greg Sanches because we cannot be sure.

Today, I wore my Greg Sanches shirt to the Grocery store. As I was packing my groceries in the car, a couple stopped and asked where they could get a shirt like mine. I told them where - if there were any left - and told them,

"Don't Forget To Vote!"

"We just came from voting for Greg."

That is 2 votes right there.

There is a Sanches sign on our lawn and a sticker on our vehicle. That might be votes.

You are starting to get the idea, right?

Ever since I came here, Greg Sanches gave interviews to the local TV station when he was in other areas of law enforcement. He was always available.

A few months ago, while he was still with DPS, he and a comrade came to speak to our Golden Heirs group at church. They brought a dog trained in finding drugs . . . a major problem as we are so close to the Mexican border. That Retriever tore a marijuana soaked towel to threads. (He knew his job!)

Greg answered questions and gave us a better insight to the problems of our area. There should be a few votes there.

(I really am not going to give you a lot of stories, but for you people from Canada, Bob Rae is a good example of someone whose supporters got the vote out when he ran for Ontario Premier years ago on the NDP ticket.)

My point is this: If you LIKE a person and feel they will do a good job for you, YOU MUST GET OUT AND VOTE. Your vote counts and I mean that! No use to say later, that you meant to vote for him or her.

If you do not know Greg and what he stands for, there are many videos on YouTube, including this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZz9ujdqim8&feature=youtube

Reaching Out . . . Forgetting Ourselves

Hugs and fun, a photo by VOAWW on Flickr.

If we sit down and think about all the bad things . . . and they do happen quite often . . . we make ourselves feel lower and lower; worse and worse. When we keep our eyes and ears open to hear how others are doing, we can find all manner of opportunities to brighten someone else's day. And every time we brighten someone else's day, our own day gets so much better!

Times are tough. There is no disputing that. Everything costs more; crime is high; people walk around looking at cell phones instead of smiling at other people. It is not the most fun time we have known.

If you become a people watcher and really listen to what those around you are saying, you may be surprised at how much better your own life will get when you reach out to others.

It only takes a moment to reach out and say, "Hello, how are you?" It takes a few minutes to listen to someone tell you about their loved one who is sick. It only takes a few minutes to really listen to someone and make them feel a little better about themselves.

We must get back to interacting with others and helping one another like people used to do.

Blessings to you.

Write a Fit Poem!

Chairman George Miller, Richard Simmons and Rep. Ron Kind, a photo by House Committee on Education and the Workforce Dem on Flickr.

Most people who know me know I have fought a weight battle for most of my life. The one person who has helped me through his website, clubhouse, e-mail messages and regular Monday night meetings is Richard Simmons.

Now, I love writing but poems are not my strong suit.

Here is a poem written for tonight's meeting:


Because I love me
Exercise is my friend
Because I love me
My life is on the mend

Because I love me
I meet with Richard's Friends
Reduce the calories
And lots of knee bends!

I love me best
When the scale goes down
With chats with the rest
Success is found!

I never - ever - pretended to write good poetry, but if even one person sees this and goes to Richard Simmons' website and is helped, it is worth posting it here! (The challenge Richard set out was that the first line be "I love me".)

www.richardsimmons.com

Come To Our Concert!

At First Presbyterian: Mark your calendars for a joint recital featuring two of our SFA choir members, Shelby and Miles, Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 in our sanctuary This will be a fund raiser to help them with their SFA Europe tour! A love offering will be taken.

Westminster Kennel Club Show

Please go to our Fido and Fifi Blog for details to watch this dog show tonight and it will continue tomorrow.

http://fido.and.fifi.blogspot.com

A Day For Remembering . . .

 

Today is a time for remembering how precious time with friends really is. This picture was taken at The Pickle Barrel in Toronto in July, 2007. Hubby and I came off the highway to meet my "old friend" Belinda and her husband, D'Arcy, who took this casual shot of us. Even if you just pick up the phone; even if you just have a few minutes, take time to talk to your friends. Take time to give them a hug. Life is fragile and we must never take it for granted.

Today, it is four years since her death, yet I think of Belinda every day. She made me laugh: she worried about me . . . and many others. She stopped in to see people who needed a smile and she loved animals like no one else.

My guardian angel, you are going to have another grandson very soon. We pray he will be healthy; we know he will be handsome and I think he just might have a little dimple in his chin!

May everyone have such a friend in their lifetime!

Meeting People Where They're At

The notion that in everyday life we can do other than meet people as they are today is probably what causes more heartache and disappointment in life than any other.

The thought that one has before marrying that one can “change” another person might be the most obvious. Actually, a search for a perfect mate is probably the biggest optical illusion in our world – certainly our North American world.

When marrying, we try to first meet and then chose a mate with the most compatible traits and experiences. We learn to live with our mate’s opposing likes and beliefs because we love them so much for other traits like compassion, beliefs, sense of humor, intellect and probably because they like doing a lot of the same things we do.

When choosing friends, we should be using a similar process. We pick people we hope would like to be our friends because they have similar interests and intelligence. Perhaps their smile caught our attention. Perhaps they like helping other people. Maybe they have similar beliefs to ours.

When we come to the end of the road and face an open casket of a loved one, friend or relative, it is too late to say, “I am sorry”. It is one of life’s greatest hurts that a person cannot accept that someone sometimes does things they do not like. Who among us is perfect and can expect perfection of others?

There is no university course or degree that enables us to mold others to our belief of what is an appropriate way to live. Parents try to teach their children what is right and what will work in this world. As children mature, their parents have to hope that they did a good job when they were young enough.

Most of us find out that we cannot pick others choices in adulthood. If we do not agree with how that person lives, their hobbies, the things that give them pleasure, we need to step back. It is not in order – if we wish to keep them as friends – to try to tell them how to live their life.

I have some new friends who are teaching me how to make new friends. I do not have to know their life story; I am just meeting them exactly where they are today.

One has an especially pretty smile. Another always extends their arm to help me down steps and sends happy text messages that make me know I am accepted.

Another lady waves to me – just a little tiny wave – when I am up in the choir. I really look forward to her wave!

Another ran out to make sure I had a Bible Study book and another apologized for not giving mugs a week earlier.

These are gentle people. These are people who make us believe we are wanted. We want to reciprocate.

When we try to change others, we hurt them but even more, we hurt ourselves.

Reading dissertations on how I should behave probably is the grimmest task I have had.

Those of us who remember Popeye, know he had the right idea when he would say,

“I yam who I yam.”

We are who we are because of the life experiences we have had. We are not accountable to every person in this world to tell them our life experiences.

I do not ask others their life experiences and they may or may not know mine.

We must interact with people as we find them. We cannot change them – well not on purpose – and we have not had all their experiences. As we build a relationship, we may find we have had some similar problems and delights in our lives. Then perhaps we will become closer friends.

We fail each time we enforce our expectations on others because they must have their own thoughts on what they want. Only they know everything about themselves: where they have been and their experiences. This has shaped them and they know all too well their inadequacies.

Lest we forget that Popeye may have got his line from the Bible:

"God also said to Moses, I am who I am . . . " Exodus 3:14, NIV

Christmas Is a Little Girl in a Red Dress . . . and Other Memories

christmas dress 8, a photo by Southern June Bugs on Flickr.

When I was about this little girl's age, I had a red velvet dress too. Something about red velvet that makes it perfect for Christmas!

This year, a couple of Sundays ago, we (the choir) were singing The Cantata in the loft facing the congregation. When we came toward the end, I saw a young girl stand up and lean with her arms over the back of the pew in front. She was smiling very wide and I teared up to see someone so young familiar with the music. (Yes, she was wearing a red velvet dress.)

Of course, the big thrill was the standing ovation the congregation gave us when we finished. Wow . . . all that practicing seemed easy now!

There were delightful cookies and egg nog in the narthex after.

A lady was waiting to thank me for the note I had sent her.

Another gal came up to show me she was wearing the little angel pin I had given her the night we decorated the tree in the sanctuary.

Christmas season can be a time of extremes and this year, I wanted to make it very, very simple. The house was decorated simply. Meals were simple.

Now, most things are away and we are looking to a new year.

We have so many blessings and we know it. As we get older, we try to simplify and make it easier on ourselves.

On New Year's Eve, we will watch Dick Clark who has never given up. I admire him for that!

For everyone who has lost someone this year or who has illness themselves or in their family, we are praying.

And we will be back in church on Sunday to sing more of the season's beautiful music.

God Bless . . . especially little girls in red velvet!

J.R. Martinez Wins . . . Again!

IAVA Heroes Gala, a photo by IAVA.org on Flickr.

Yes, he won a purple heart . . . Yes, he has won several awards. But this week, J.R. Martinez won on Dancing With The Stars and that says something nice about how our world is evolving!

Later this week, there was another event to talk about! J.R. received a telephone call from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who invited J.R. to the Pentagon.

This is so W-O-W! You gotta love it!

Way to go, J.R. and may the wind be at your back and all good things happen for you, our favorite Veteran this week! I think there are a lot of Veterans just waiting to meet you and catch some of your enthusiasm!

God Bless J.R.!

Cheerful Giving This Season

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, "You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land."

- Deuteronomy 15:11

It was really nice to find out today that our city has already exceeded this year's goal for United Way! I was kind of worried, because times are definitely tough this year and people are being very careful with spending and giving.

Last year, I was very fortunate to work on a fundraiser where a financial institution would match what we raised. We planned a BBQ which is a really good way to make money in our area. But, wanting to make sure we raised a healthy amount for a couple in our church congregation who had staggering medical bills, I went out on my own as well.

I want to tell you because perhaps you would not believe that there are many people out there who - seeing a need - will give freely and without extra explanation.

I was surprised that several people gave me cash and did not worry about a receipt or any recognition. Yes, surprised, but I cannot tell you just how good that made me feel inside. It restored (as we always say) my faith in humanity.

As we come up to the Christmas season, there will be more people than ever who need some help this year. Times are very tough. Many people are without jobs. Many seniors have seen investments shrink and many are on fixed incomes. Prices are higher just about everywhere. The groceries have increased enormously in price.

When you see the Salvation Army Bell Ringer in front of the store, try placing a coin in the kettle as often as you can. You might not miss the coin and you will receive a strong ring of the bell, a "Merry Christmas" and a big smile every time.

Look for specials on staples like peanut butter and canned vegetables in the weekly ad. Stock up so you have items ready for churches, schools, military, companies and mailmen collecting this season.

Some collections will not be for food; some will be for toys.

How are we going to meet all the needs in our community this year?

Well, become familiar with all the various "dollar" stores. Watch the newspaper ads (which you can access online as well). Get the best value for what you can spend.

What you can do for your fellow man will do even more for you. Your heart will be smiling that you were able to help even a few families this season.

Get your whole family involved. Your children will feel just as good about helping out as you do.

Then, do it quietly, without fanfare. All you really have to do is place your donation in a box, a basket, under a table - wherever is designated. Someone has pledged their time to collect these donations and take them to where they will do the most good.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

~ Matthew 6: 3-4

The Lord loves a cheerful giver.

~ 2 Corinthians, 9:7

God Bless You and Your Family at this Season of Sharing!

Starting Life Over . . . on Dancing With The Stars

CGI U 2011 Service Project at the San Diego Food Bank, a photo by Clinton Global Initiative on Flickr.

Not going to bore you with too many details because if you are watching Dancing With The Stars, you already know that both Chaz Bono and JR Martinez have something in common: they are both starting their lives over.

Think about this as you watch the program. Think about how brave both these people have been to put their whole lives on national TV - live at that!

Tonight may be the night that Chaz Bono has too low a score to stay. But that's all right! He may not be the most elegant dancer, but he has a smile that encourages you to take a second look at a person who, born to celebrity parents found himself a man in a woman's body and had the courage to change that.

JR Martinez had his face blown to pieces fighting for our freedom. Now, he is starting his life all over again also.

Hopefully, viewers will learn from these two people that life is not nearly as frivolous as the media has often shown it to be. God Bless them both!

Note: Both Chaz Bono & JR Martinez with be back next week - thanks in part to viewer votes - and Chaz' mother, Cher will be there.

Alzheimer's Is Our Enemy

Our friend, Jimmy Squyres, died this spring after about 10 years of Alzheimer's. His

son and daughter-in-law - Jonathan & Julia - are walking tomorrow. His widow,

Charlotte, is a friend and fellow scrapbooker. If you can donate any amount - no

matter how much, it will be appreciated.

This is the link to donate on their page:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=4

54601&supId=332962116&msource=bfgetwordout&ref=nf

2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Lufkin, TX

Change Equals Challenge

Most people find change hard. That is a statement most of us can agree with but the truth us that in our lifetimes we must undergo many changes. Change equals challenge

Illnesses or deaths of a close friend, relative or spouse probably present our biggest challenges.

Loss of a job means tremendous change especially now when jobs are very hard to find. This can cause us to change our daily routine.

Loss of relationship is not always because of death. Sometimes people move and sometimes people change how they feel about one another. That would include divorce and any type of breakdown of a relationship.

So, if we find ourselves somehow out of the circle, what should we do?

The first thing to remember is to NOT stay inside the comfort of our homes. Indeed, we MUST step outside of our "comfort zone".

People are not going to come knocking at your door, so you must get out and "knock" on theirs.

When there is a death, for instance, you can pretty much count on people giving those left lots of attention for about three weeks. So, then what should you do?

Well, for us, church represents a big part of our life. Hobbies like quilting, sewing, knitting scrapbooking, photography often open doors to being in groups of people with the same interest.

Most times we reach out to others, rather than sitting in the corner waiting for them to come to us, we are pleasantly surprised.

Volunteer to help others and visit people who cannot get out so easily. You will find it helps you as much as it helps others!

Step out and see how much you can make your life special by forgetting your problems and doing interesting things with interesting people.

Be the one who "shows up" and see how a circle of new friends surrounds you!

American Flag, a photo by bunnyfrogs on Flickr.

Where Were You?

This weekend, everyone is going to relive that horrid day on September 11, 2001.

I know I have written about this before. Probably because I am an immigrant, I may have felt differently that day.

We were packed to drive to Terre Haute, Indiana to Hubby's reunion at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. (For you Canucks, that is an engineering college.)

We saw the same images that you saw on your television. It was horrifying! Peter Jennings was at the ABC News Desk.

My Toronto mentality - from when I was a child - was to "drive north". That is what my Father always said we should do if there was a bomb or other catastrophic event.

(If you drive north from Toronto . . . up Yonge Street or Highway 11 or over to 400 Highway and just keep driving, you will be in isolation and far away from a target for terror.)

Well, that morning, that was my first thought. Then I realized that we would be driving north but just to "middle America".

I had not yet been able to attain my American citizenship but I went to the box for my passport and made sure I had that.

We called our neighbor, Lela, to tell her we were leaving.

"Be vigilant! Watch everything. Know exactly who and what is around you. That is what they are saying to do."

Lela's daughter, a broadcaster, called on my cell phone a few hours later to find out how we were doing and if we were able to get gasoline. The answer was that often the stations were out of fuel and there were long lines at all of them. So, we were stopping often.

We called ahead to the college and they assured us the reunion would be held. (We found out later that some people who were going to fly had to rent cars instead.)

We found red, white and blue ribbons in a fabric store on the way and pinned them on our lapels.

At our stop the first night, which was likely Benton, Arkansas, we turned on the TV to see Peter Jennings still manning the ABC News desk. He too was from Toronto; I think you know that.

When we were almost to Terre Haute, Keith's cousin, Shorty Clements (who has a Purple Heart from WWII) in Robinson, Illinois gave us a small American flag which we placed on the rear deck of our car.

When we arrived in Terre Haute, we took our things into the hotel and then went out to the church Hubby had gone to as a student. We went in and sat in a pew and red some bible verses.

Yes, the world stopped. It stopped just long enough for all of us to realize just how fragile life is and how precious our loved ones are to us.

God Bless America indeed!

Chaz Bono - Scapegoat For Prejudice Or Teacher of Tolerance?

6th Annual California Transgender Leadership Summit, a photo by skinnylawyer on Flicker.com

Born, raised and living in Toronto for most of my life, I simply accepted that there were many different nationalities and many, many people with different sexual orientations.

People who were not the same color as I; spoke a different language than I and gay people were just part of the daily routine.

Is there a huge difference between a child born with a clef palate who has surgery to correct it and a person who realizes they are not really the sex they were born and chooses to have that changed?

Tolerance for people different from ourselves, whether they be gay, bi-sexual, transgender, black, yellow, wearing head-coverings, etc. is a trait that I so admire.

Respect for the panhandler on the corner - a person down on their luck - a philosophy that I grew up with which says, "There but for the grace of God go I", is very important to me.

People who have never experienced meeting, befriending and learning from people of other beliefs, problems and lifestyles are to be pitied.

The more kinds of people we meet and/or know, the broader our minds, our thoughts and our lives are.

I cannot believe the press over Chaz Bono being on Dancing With The Stars. I guess they will have their biggest season ever! I personally will be phoning in my votes on the maximum phones available . . .

When we judge the other person without walking a mile in his/her shoes, we show how ignorant we truly can be.

Do you remember how Chaz' father, Sonny Bono, died? Skiing! Do you recall that he was Mayor of Palm Springs? He was not just a "straightman" for Cher!

How many people would not recognize Cher? She still looks fabulous and can belt out a song with gusto like very few others.

How would you like to be a child of these two people? Big shoes to fill! On stage all your life with every action spotlighted. Could you live like that?

I hate that where I live now - still "The South", Whites and Blacks are not that often together. Many churches have only Blacks or Whites in their congregations. I think it is bad now but I have friends who have told me what it was like 40 - 50 years ago and I have to accept that it has changed for the better.

If we only associate, only recognize people who are exactly like us - same education, similar upbringing, same color, same education, we are shortchanging ourselves of learning and all the different cultures, religions and ways to live there are out there.

God Bless and may things go well for Chaz and for his experience on DWTS!