Cam, Joey and the Turtles

This story is by Julia Koerner, about Cameron Koerner and Joey Fairbanks back in 1999. I am posting this today as a birthday present for Cameron, who is unavailable to receive gifts right now, due to his Marine Corps obligations.

Cam, Joey and the Turtles

I took these photos on a day when Cameron and Joe were on a self-initiated,100% official turtle rescue.

There was talk around the (Royal Oaks) golf course that a small alligator had been spotted in the pond just a few hundred feet from our backyard. Groundskeepers had been looking for the Jurassic critter for a couple weeks, but had nothing to go on but golfer tales up in the clubhouse.

That same pond was actually one of Cam and Joe's favorite spots for collecting abandoned golf balls, but this one particular morning they had found a hidden nest of hatching turtle eggs.

When the boys heard tell of the baby alligator from a few golfers, they came running into the house - frantically asking for a bucket they could put their newly hatching turtles in so the alligator wouldn't eat them.

We found a bucket - and I, of course, followed them out to the spot with my broom in hand to retrieve the turtles and assure their safety from any free range gator babies that might be lurking in the rushes...and of course, bash the gator with my weapon, if necessary.

Now, 18 years later, these are still 2 of Joe's favorite photos. He posts them on his bedroom wall with a push-pin wherever we live. Joe can't remember how many turtles they rescued that day. Perhaps Cameron will remember.

That same afternoon, the boys and Mother and I made an official trip to the wildlife preserve so the boys could deliver their treasured find to the appropriate authorities and ensure the safety of the hatchlings.

You should have heard Cameron retell their tale of danger, intrigue, excitement and wonder at having watched turtles hatch; kept a look-out for the mystery alligator; collected their specimen and escaped without harm. He spoke almost all in one run-on sentence...with Joe piping in, "Me, too! Me, too!" as often as he could squeeze it in.

The rangers were amazed and entertained, to say the least! On the drive home, Mother decided the boys deserved ice cream from her favorite haunt, the Moonlight Drive In.

I'm sure you heard this whole tale first hand on the day it happened - but now, nearly 20 years after the fact, here's the photographic proof of the boys' humanitarian efforts.

A Kind Word is Like a Sip of Water

Before I became a Correctional Officer (CO) and was in the process of considering the position, I received some wise advice from a CO Sergeant of 25 years whom I highly respected, and is now retired. She said to me, Mr. Koerner just remember, your job is about care, custody and control. Be firm, fair and consistent and tell the inmates don't mistake my kindness for weakness. As new CO again, I perform my job by those words, and I've not regretted it.  Kindness de-escalates tension which creates a safer environment. Conversely, there are times when a situation is serious and procedures need to be followed to the letter and kindness doesn't seem so kind anymore.

On my to work a few days ago, these words of clarity came to me, "A kind word is like a sip of water to dry lips. Give someone a drink." So I did. When an inmate passed by me I'd say "good morning" or
"How's it going?"I even admonished some with that new quote, and told them to pass it along. They said they would.

Then at the end of the day on my way home I got to listen to the NPR Orlando show Friends Talking Faith by the Three Wise Guys, and heard this:

The Dalai Lama once said, "My religion is kindness." Perhaps in this often angry, fearful and rancorous political climate in our nation, it’s time for people of faith to stand and be counted on the side of kindness. For it’s only through the spirit of kindness that we’ll be able to fashion a society, a culture and a nation fit to live in. – Reverend Bryan G. Fulwider

From Friends Talking Faith, May 3, 2016 – Faith & Politics: Difference between Separation and Distinction. 

Show someone kindness today, and give thanks to God for kindness received.

As I Lay Me Down To Sleep

As I lay me down and reflect upon my day,
I see all the beauty that was placed before me.
I experienced so much goodness in my interactions,
Random people blessed me as a fragrant bouquet.

May tomorrow be like it, may my steps be blessed.
Let me be an influence, like a cool drink of water,
To those who thirst or hunger for kindness,
Help me see their needs are addressed.

gk

This Week's Limericks

Sunrise Over Edgewater (My Drive to Work)
I set out and I’m greeted by sun on the rise,
Blue and pink glowing - blessing my eyes.
The animals stirring.
The birds are a chirping.
Beaconing all of mankind to arise.

gk, 3/7/2016

The Romantic Elephant
There once was an African elephant,
Who learned to paint with great eloquence.
He courted his sweetie,
With art and graffiti.
On a tree with picturesque elements.

The Chewing Giraffe
A giraffe from afar Mozambique,
Kept a chaw 'tween his gum and his cheek.
Other animals didn't get it.
They said, "You'll regret it,
You'll be hooked in less than a week."

This next one is a tribute to my wife Sandy.  The other night she just got home from work and  was watching our grandsons.  At the same time she was cleaning the house and cooking a marvelous rib dinner with fixins.  This was all done between 6 and 7 pm.  She's such a champ and I appreciate her so much.

My Daytona Woman
My wife, Nana and sweetheart,
Faster than Daytona and Earnhart.
At cookin' up dinner,
She's a First Place Winner;
and shows all evidence of a good heart.

The Tootsie Roll
We all enjoy a Tootsie Roll.
Of which I’m willing to pay a toll.
The chocolate is sweet,
and is such a retreat.
It has to be good for one’s soul!

gk

Thanksgiving 2014

What a wonderful time of year it is!  Family over, an incredible meal on its way, the Macy's Parade on TV and later, Detroit vs. Chicago football.  I think it's my favorite holiday of the year. I know, however, to stay out of the kitchen on Thanksgiving.  I love to cook, but in our home the ladies own the kitchen today, and are working harder and faster than a NASCAR pit crew on race day!

Most of all we need to remember, that it's a day for gratitude.  In the United States, no matter what our economic lot, we all have blessings afforded to us by the grace of God and through our Constitution. We can worship God as we please, we can peacefully protest, our children receive a good education. Can we complain that our freedoms aren't "free enough" or how our education system could be better?  Of course.

A few years ago my salary was twice what is now, and I took it for granted.  I felt like I deserved more, yet I had a hard time controlling my spending.  I still feel like I deserve more and still have a hard time controlling my finances.  My situation is not uncommon, as a matter of fact its the norm of America, and some things will never change.  As Americans, individually and as a government, we need to work on that.  But if you're reading this story right now, chances are you are not homeless and went to the public library to read it on their free internet enabled computers.  You're more than likely reading it from your home computer or mobile device.  You are blessed.

I work in a prison, mostly in the hospital hospice unit, and I am inspired every day by inmates that are thankful that things aren't worse for them.  They appreciate the chapel volunteers who come visit them, the coffee cake for breakfast on Tuesday, the annual piece of processed sliced turkey once a year on Thanksgiving, and the warm sunshine on their face out on the recreation yard. Some inmates are mean spirited and bitter of course, but many whom I see and talk to express feelings of gratitude for the simple privileges that they have been granted.  Everyday one particular inmate says hello to me, and when I ask how he is, he cheerfully responds, "I'm blessed by the Best". He's serving a life sentence.  That's when I start counting my blessings.  See my story All Things Good, if you need help in counting your blessings.

Last Sunday we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner after church.  That reminded me to count my blessings of community, good friends who care and the solidarity of fellow Christian believers.

I provided below my Dutch Oven Potatoes recipe at the pot-luck dinner as I promised on Twitter, @guskoerner.

Tools, ingredients and instructions:
1 - 10-12 inch cast iron Dutch Oven or camp stove oven
2 - big spoons, 1 regular, 1 strainer
1 - heat source to 350 degrees F. (range or campfire)
Cooking time 1 hour.
Prep. time 1 hour.
----------
5 pounds of potatoes. Whatever is on sale. Cleaned and chopped into uniform cubes 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
1 pound of bacon
1 large onion, chopped to 1/2 inch pieces, not too fine or course.  Kids hate large onion pieces.
12 fl. oz. of liquid such as 1 can of lemon/lime soda, or beer or water
1 stick of butter (1/4 pound)
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

I prepared my meal indoors using the stove and oven, but could have also used hot coals outside. Here's how to make it...In the dutch oven on the stove, medium heat, cut up and fry all the bacon.  I use scissors to cut up the whole pack at once into 1/2 inch lengths across the grain into the hot pot.

When the bacon is done, strain them off into a bowl and fry the chopped onion until browned and translucent. When the onions are done, spoon the onions and bacon fat out and combine with the fried bacon already set aside.

In the hot dutch oven, use all the liquid to de-glaze the bottom.  Scrape gently with a spoon to get all that yummy bacon and onion unstuck from the bottom, being careful not to nick the seasoned cast iron.

Warning  - a dutch oven full of potatoes can easily weigh over 10 pounds, and combined with the heat and awkwardness of putting it in and out of the oven is a potential burn hazard.  Please use good, oven mitts and be very careful.  You may need assistance.

Preheat your oven now to 350 degrees.  Add 1/2 of the cubed potatoes to the oven, salt and pepper liberally, add 1/2 of the bacon/onion mixture spread across the top.  Add the remaining potatoes, salt and pepper liberally, and the spread out the remaining bacon/onion mixture.  Put on the lid and bake the dutch over for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven, stir the entire pot and add the butter evenly over the top in 1/4 inch slices.  Bake for 30 more minutes.  Remove the dutch oven from the oven/heat, stir the pot well one more time, add the cheese evenly across the top, put the lid back on. It will stay warm, for at least 2 hours.  Let it rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and we miss our dear friends and family.  God bless our troops!

A Brighter Day

This is actually a personal journal entry, but our lives are enriched when we share them with others.  Here it is from the other night...

I wonder if I can write anything tonight.  It’s been kind of a rough day, not of labor or stress, but one of over rest and over indulgence.  After working nearly a year these twelve hour night shifts at the prison, they still mess up my schedule.  I’m anxious right now, but don’t know about what.

I don’t feel very much like a Christian today, but my faith tells me different.  I am feeling my human side in a strong way.  Seems funny and ironic, after all I am human.  Shouldn't I feel anything but?  Has anyone else ever felt this way I wonder.

I realize however, God never promised us life would be easy and without challenges.  Struggles of health, career, relationships or inadequacies, etc. have always been part of the human condition.

So what do we do when we feel this way?  We can wallow in our misery or we can rely on faith and stand on the promises of God.  We take one step forward in obedience and walk toward and into the light of Christ.  We thank Him for all things good and count our blessings. This down time we’re in will pass, and soon again we will feel the embrace of His Spirit that moves us to a brighter day.  We step out in obedience to His word, with faith in His healing.

I hope people realize this experience of mine is applicable to the non-believer as well.  It is about acknowledging the positive aspects of our life which are many, if we think about it.  To the Christian, it’s particularly important because it represents one important aspect of discipleship, namely surrender.  We need to abandon attachments and anxieties of this world for faith in a power greater than ourselves to sustain us and which gives us strength.

References:
Hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour, Annie S. Hawks, 1872 and Matt Maher - Lord, I Need You

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalm 143:1 - Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness,

Gus
---------
September 24th, 2014, 12:35 am

A Word on Grace and Nature

I've been thinking about this story for quite some time, but something came together the other night out on post at the prison that forced me to put my thoughts down on paper.

It wasn't until I was 41 years old that I knew, or at least begin to understand the meaning of the word Grace, in a religious or spiritual context.  At the time I had been attending a local Catholic church and noticed that the word was being used frequently.  So one day I asked a friend specifically what Grace means, and I’ll never forget her words and simple definition.  She said, “Grace is everything good that comes from God!”

Fourteen years later I frequently still think about that simple, yet profound definition.  I've realized and learned though, that with grace comes responsibility.  For example, God blessed me with beautiful children, but I have a great responsibility to care for them.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship beautifully describes grace and refers to “cheap grace” and “costly grace”.  Simply put, when we abuse grace of any kind, we demean its value to us.  When we knowing and willingly "sin" like there’s no tomorrow, we devalue grace in our lives (cheap grace).  When we acknowledge and appreciate grace in our lives, take it seriously with gratitude and share it with others we heighten or raise its value toward what God meant it to be, acknowledging "costly" grace.

The other night while out on post duty at the prison (patrolling the perimeter) I came within two feet of an Armadillo rooting in the grass for grubs.  I just watched it for a while, appreciating how its armor can protect it. I saw a Raccoon scavenge for food and climbed a tree when I approached.  I was able to witness for some time a deer family feed.  The Papa was so close I could count his four young antler points in the darkness, and on the fawn I could see it’s faint spots on its hind leg.  Mama was there too.

“This is grace!”, I thought, and suddenly realized the “cost of grace” in this situation.  If we take our environment for granted, we lessen its value.  If we appreciate nature and practice sound conservation, we will be able to share this “grace” with our children and future generations.  This is what stewardship is all about, taking care of the little bits and pieces of grace we encounter daily, and share them with others.  In this way we show our gratitude to God, and bless our own lives and others.

So the next time you see a child, a squirrel, butterfly, sunset or other beautiful thing take the time to appreciate it and thank God who provided it, then say, "Hey Look!"

See my related story All Things Good, (21 Aug 14).  If you like this, share it with a friend. - gus

All Things Good

Sometimes we just need to count our blessings.  A few years ago someone gave me a Catholic Rosary.  I held it and it brought me comfort when I was sad.  I didn't know how to "pray the Rosary" like Catholics do, so I just went around each bead and named a blessing of mine, then another and another.  One for each bead.  I named each of my children, my legs, my home, my truck, etc, simple things and complex things.  I named things that made my life better, comfortable; things that if I didn't have my life would be a little "less good".  In the end, I found myself going around the rosary three or four times naming all good things in my life.  So in this story I am counting my blessings.

My definition of All Things Good: Words that describe good things, words that transcend race, religion, economic status, geographic location and gender; things that make the world a better place.  If a specific person, place or thing is mentioned, it must be of significant influence to have changed the life of millions of people, such as Gandhi, or Christmas.  Yes, I am a Christian, but this isn't a christian list.  I want it to go beyond one belief system - so words like Jesus, a flower and physics can all be together, because they all make our world better.

Yesterday the world learned of Journalist James Foley being killed by terrorists, so I added the word Journalists.  When you consider what they do, they bring the public news, the truth of what's going on in the world, and we should be thankful for that.  Each word below can be thoughtfully considered in that manner. This list is in response to all things bad going on right now.  We need to count our blessings.

All Things Good is an ongoing project, and my initial goal is 365 words or one to ponder each day of the year.  All contributors will be mentioned when it's complete.  Thank you for your assistance.  So far 25 people are contributing to this list, worldwide. 

Note to Editors and Contributors. - Please leave your comments in the comments section under the post, or email me directly guskoerner@gmail.com.

All Things Good
347 listed, as of 29 September 2014
_____________
A Job
A Kiss
Accomplishing A Goal
Advocacy
Air Conditioning
Airplanes
Anniversaries
Annual Leave
Antibiotics
Antiseptic
Apologies
Appreciation
Art
Assembly Lines
Assistants
Awards
Awareness
Bacon And Eggs
Bacon Cooking Smell
Beauty
Beds
Being Yourself
Berries
Bible, The
Big Trucks
Birthday Cakes
Blessings
Blue
Boats
Boots
Brand New Babies
Bravery
Brotherhood
Bubble Bath
Butterflies
Buy One, Get One Free
Campfires
Candle Light
Cardinals
Cast Iron Cookware
Chairs
Character
Chastity
Cheap Gas
Cheerfulness
Children
Christmas Day
Christmas Eve
Church
Civil Rights
Clean Sheets
Cleanliness
Coffee Smell
Colleagues
College Football
Cologne/Perfume
Comfort
Communion
Community
Compassion
Computers
Confidence
Conservation
Consolation
Conversion
Conviction
Cool Water
Counseling
County Fair
Courage
Courtesy
Cows
Creativity
Crisp Apples
Croaking Frogs
Cushy Carpet
Cushy Chairs
Dad, Fathers
Dawn/Sunrise
Deliverance
Demilitarization
Deodorant
Determination
Dignity
Diligence
Discernment
Discovery
Disposable Diapers
Doctors
Dusk/Sunset
Earth
Earth Worms
Easter Baskets
Einstein
Electricity
Encouragement
Engineering Marvels
Faith
Fall Leaves
Family
Fast Cars
Favorite Songs
Fern Plants
Fertile Soil
Finishing A Book
Finishing A Project
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Flies
First Day Of School
Fishing
Fitness
Flowers
Food
Forgiveness
Found Money
Freedom
Friendliness
Friendly Debate
Friends
Friendship
Front Porch Swing
Fruitfulness
Fruits
Full Moon
Games
Gandhi, Mahatma
Gardening
Giving
God
Good Books
Good Ideas
Grace
Graduation
Grandkids
Grandma
Grandpa
Grass
Gratitude
Growing
Hands
Health
Health Insurance
Heart
Helpfulness
Holiday Lights
Holiday Songs
Holy Spirit
Honest Conversation
Honesty
Honey
Honor
Hot Chocolate
Hot Shower
Hotdogs
Humanitarianism
Husbands
Ingenuity
Innovation
Insight
Intercession
Intuition
Jesus Christ
Jokes
Journalists
June Bugs
Jubilation
Justice
Kids
Kindergarten
Kindness
Kittens
Koran or Qur'an, The
Labor Day Holiday
Life
Light Houses
Light Rain
Listening
Little League
Locks
Long Talks
Long Walks
Love
Love Notes
Loyalty
Mac And Cheese
Maps
Mathematics
Mechanics
Medicine
Meditation
Ministry
Mom, Mothers
Moon
Moonlight
Mosquito Repellant
Motivation
Mouse Traps
Music
Naps
NASCAR
National Public Radio
NBA Playoffs
New Car Smell
New Pencils
New Snow
New Socks
New Year's Eve
News
Nice Bosses
Nurses
Oak Trees
Obedience
Old Friends
Olympics, The
Open Doors
Optimism
Orange Blossoms
Our Flag
Pain Relievers
Paper
Parenting
Partners
Passing away of someone in pain
Pastors
Patriotism
Pay Day
Pay Raise
Peace
Peace Talks
People
Personal Letter Received
Pets
Phones
Pizza
Policemen and Women
Popcorn
Positive Role Models
Prayer
Progress
Promises Kept
Protection
Protectors
Puppies
Puzzles
Quiet Time
Radio
Rain On A Tin Roof, The Sound
Rainbows
Reasoning
Receiving
Reconciliation
Recycling
Relief
Resolve
Respect
Responsibility
Rest/Sleep
Reunions
Reverence
Road Trips
Roads
Sacrifice
Salvation
Saving
Science
Seat Belts
Second Chances
Secrets Kept
Serenity
Service
Shelter
Sick Leave
Sight
Singing out loud without reserve
Sisterhood
Skinny Jeans That Fit
Sleeping Children
Small Business
Smart Phones
Smell
Smiles
S'mores
Snow Days
Snow Men
Sobriety
Soldiers, including all branches
Solidarity
Song Birds
Sound
Spare Change
Spices
Sprinklers
Stars
Stewardship
Success
Summer Vacation
Sunday Dinner
Sunrise
Sunset
Super Bowl
Talking
Tall Tales
Taste
Tears Of Joy
Testimony
Thank You Cards
Thanksgiving Dinner
The Beach
The Red Cross
The Word "Please"
The Words "Thank You"
Theme Parks
Thinking
Thrift
Toilet Paper
Toilets
Touch
Traditions
Trees
Trust
Truth
Unity
Vaccines
Valor
Vegetables
Veterans
Volunteering
Vows
Waffles
Walking
Warm Sand
Warm Soup
Warning
Washing Machines
Water
Water Fountains
Water Parks
Watermelon
Wealth
Wedding Rings
Weekends
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Wildlife Spotted In The Outdoors
Wives
World Cup Soccer
Worship