Letter to the Editor

Plenty of reasons to be thankful

Monday, April 14, 2008

To the Editor:

Spring is a wonderful season of resurrection and I have many things to be thankful for, of which, I want to list a few in this letter.

Thanks to our city and park administration for their decision and work in keeping the comfort station open this winter. This might seem like a light thing to some, but for those of us who walk, jog, run and bicycle all year round, and for those of us who had Christmas in the Park exhibits with live activities to go and find them clean, with water, soap, towels and heart!

I also am appreciative to all businesses, organizations and families who are putting up banners in honor of our unit and soldiers who have or will soon go to Iraq. Even though we have the most advanced media presentation ever in a lengthened war, it is easy for us to become desensitized and caught up in the affairs of life and forget the harsh reality of life and death that our soldiers and allies have been thrust into. Our local personalization brings it even closer home. It is now our family, friends and loved ones that we must fervently keep before a living God in prayer.

I have been on six continents and in some of the largest cities of the world in my 54.9 years, but I am thankful for where I have been raised and dwell. In last fall's election, I was in a "no lose" situation (although I am not a resident). Mayor Bradshaw graduating in that great class of Brazil, 1971, and Mr. Sheese, a coach and teacher of mine during that same time frame. "Co-Sheese," thank God that he was a gentle giant, at that time Coach Stuckey could twist you up like a pretzel, of which I and a number of others were needful recipients (smile). I thank God for my Clay Prairie, city, community and country, and for all the blessings of life that's been afforded to me.

Tom Roeschlein,

Clay County