Lucy Clowers and I have a lot in common. Not only am I her proud grandfather, she and I are the only two members of our extended family to be named for movie actors. The "R" in my name is for Ronald, and my mother tells me that she named me after Ronald Reagan (long before he sought any political office), because she thought he was "dreamy". Lucy's mom, my daughter Erica, has been a loyal and avid fan of Lucille Ball since she was a little girl, so when she had her first daughter, she named her Lucy (but I call her "Miss McGillicudy").
Today is Lucy's 10th birthday, and she had planned to celebrate it with a sleep-over with friends last night, followed by a day at Six Flags today. Unfortunately, those plans are having to be postponed, because Lucy has developed an ear infection. Hopefully, she will get to celebrate with her friends in a couple of weeks.
Quiet and unassuming, Lucy carries a presence that is difficult not to notice and admire, although she tries hard to avoid being the center of attention. She is tall, has long shiny brown hair and has wide, expressive eyes. Frankly, she is beautiful, and she likely will break some hearts as she grows older.
Not only is Lucy physically attractive, she is brilliant. She is a consistent straight-A student in school, and she is a dedicated and talented dancer who, along with her cousin Hayley, has excelled in dance competitions in which her dance school has been involved.
So this is for you, Miss McGillicudy. Happy birthday, and get well soon!
Grandpa
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Dishonoring Texas History
Whatever one may think about Texas Aggies (I am a die-hard Baylor man, myself), there is one characteristic about this rather strange group that is admirable -- they are serious about observing and honoring our state's cherished traditions.
Yesterday was San Jacinto Day in Texas. On April 21 of each year, we are called to commemorate Sam Houston's victory over Santa Anna and the Mexican army at San Jacinto, a victory that ended the Texas Revolution and confirmed Texas as an independent nation. Each year, Texas Aggies "muster" in honor of this day, and from what I can tell, they are about the only group that takes a moment to recall the heroes of Texas independence.
For that gesture I am grateful.
March 2 also passed unobserved in most corners of the state. Banks, courthouses and offices were open for business as usual. But March 2 also is a special day in Texas history. It is the date upon which Texas patriots declared their independence from Mexico and gave voice to the revolution that already had begun.
Four days later, on March 6, the Alamo fell. That day was not observed, either.
As a direct descendant of an Alamo defender, I am more than a bit disturbed at the lack of respect shown for our state's history. Texas law requires all public schools to instruct students in Texas history (the only state I know of that makes such a requirement), but it seems as though the lessons are taught but then quickly forgotten.
We observe Cinco de Mayo (Mexico's Independence Day), Martin Luther King Day and Cesar Chavez Day, but we do not observe those special days in Texas history that have played a major role in making us what we are. March 2, 1836; April 21, 1836; and January 1, 1846 (when Texas officially joined the United States, although the Articles of Annexation were adopted some months earlier) are all special days in our history.
I am a native Texan, and my roots are deep in the Heart of Texas. I am proud of my Texas heritage, and I consider myself, along with all of my fellow Texans, to be unique. We are not part of the run-of-the-mill from Iowa, New Jersey, or California. We are Texans! And that makes us special.
Whatever our differing political philosophies may be, it's high time we began to understand and accept the responsibility of our heritage and call upon our elected officials to declare these special days as days of observance.
If you agree, make your voice heard. You can do that by posting or otherwise distributing this blog item or by contacting your State Representative and Congressman.
As succinctly stated in the Baylor University motto, "Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana!"
R. David Weaver
Yesterday was San Jacinto Day in Texas. On April 21 of each year, we are called to commemorate Sam Houston's victory over Santa Anna and the Mexican army at San Jacinto, a victory that ended the Texas Revolution and confirmed Texas as an independent nation. Each year, Texas Aggies "muster" in honor of this day, and from what I can tell, they are about the only group that takes a moment to recall the heroes of Texas independence.
For that gesture I am grateful.
March 2 also passed unobserved in most corners of the state. Banks, courthouses and offices were open for business as usual. But March 2 also is a special day in Texas history. It is the date upon which Texas patriots declared their independence from Mexico and gave voice to the revolution that already had begun.
Four days later, on March 6, the Alamo fell. That day was not observed, either.
As a direct descendant of an Alamo defender, I am more than a bit disturbed at the lack of respect shown for our state's history. Texas law requires all public schools to instruct students in Texas history (the only state I know of that makes such a requirement), but it seems as though the lessons are taught but then quickly forgotten.
We observe Cinco de Mayo (Mexico's Independence Day), Martin Luther King Day and Cesar Chavez Day, but we do not observe those special days in Texas history that have played a major role in making us what we are. March 2, 1836; April 21, 1836; and January 1, 1846 (when Texas officially joined the United States, although the Articles of Annexation were adopted some months earlier) are all special days in our history.
I am a native Texan, and my roots are deep in the Heart of Texas. I am proud of my Texas heritage, and I consider myself, along with all of my fellow Texans, to be unique. We are not part of the run-of-the-mill from Iowa, New Jersey, or California. We are Texans! And that makes us special.
Whatever our differing political philosophies may be, it's high time we began to understand and accept the responsibility of our heritage and call upon our elected officials to declare these special days as days of observance.
If you agree, make your voice heard. You can do that by posting or otherwise distributing this blog item or by contacting your State Representative and Congressman.
As succinctly stated in the Baylor University motto, "Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana!"
R. David Weaver
Friday, April 16, 2010
No Longer the Baby - Happy Birthday, Samantha!
For almost four years, Samantha Clowers enjoyed the distinction, attention and pampering that comes with being the youngest grandchild. Within the past three months, there have been two additions to the family (which exacerbates Grandpa's memory problems, but that's another topic for another day), and "Meetha" has gone from being the youngest to the third youngest -- in other words, the middle of the pack, along with Lizzie, Haley and Lucy.
Today is Samantha's birthday. It occurred on Easter Sunday four years ago, and it could not have been a better time for me. On that particular day, I did not really want to attend Mass (which happens sometimes with me), but I had no good reason not to go -- that is, until I got the call that my daughter, Erica, was headed to the hospital to have her baby. So I got a big break.
Although Samantha no longer is the baby of the family, she shouldn't be underestimated with respect to her attention-getting skills. After all, she had nearly four years within which to perfect the art. She is an expert at melting my heart with her shy smile, and her timing is impeccable when dispensing affection to her Grandpa.
Someday, Meetha may become the CEO of some large enterprise, because she is not the least bit reluctant to let it be known how she thinks things should be done. The acid test is going to be how she reacts to no longer being the baby. So far, by all accounts she has performed well, and I am very proud of her.
This is Samantha's last year in pre-school, and she will be entering the larger and more dangerous world of public school kindergarten next year. If she makes the adjustment there as well as she has adjusted to no longer being the baby, she will do fine.
So happy birthday, Samantha. You are a big girl, now.
Grandpa
Today is Samantha's birthday. It occurred on Easter Sunday four years ago, and it could not have been a better time for me. On that particular day, I did not really want to attend Mass (which happens sometimes with me), but I had no good reason not to go -- that is, until I got the call that my daughter, Erica, was headed to the hospital to have her baby. So I got a big break.
Although Samantha no longer is the baby of the family, she shouldn't be underestimated with respect to her attention-getting skills. After all, she had nearly four years within which to perfect the art. She is an expert at melting my heart with her shy smile, and her timing is impeccable when dispensing affection to her Grandpa.
Someday, Meetha may become the CEO of some large enterprise, because she is not the least bit reluctant to let it be known how she thinks things should be done. The acid test is going to be how she reacts to no longer being the baby. So far, by all accounts she has performed well, and I am very proud of her.
This is Samantha's last year in pre-school, and she will be entering the larger and more dangerous world of public school kindergarten next year. If she makes the adjustment there as well as she has adjusted to no longer being the baby, she will do fine.
So happy birthday, Samantha. You are a big girl, now.
Grandpa
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Baseball, Bluebonnets & Mortgage Payments
After an uncommon winter that brought us North Texans a White Christmas and a mid-winter blizzard, spring finally has arrived. Early spring weeds are sprouting on our lawns, and bluebonnets are popping up everywhere. Pollen levels are up, and I have been sneezing my head off.
But the spring season has a darker side. Those of us who pay our property taxes and homeowner's insurance through the mortgage on our homes are receiving the annual escrow analysis notices from our mortgage companies, and for most people, monthly mortgage payments are being increased due to higher insurance costs and property taxes.
Sometimes, mortgage payments increase by several hundred dollars per month.
There is an old saying that nothing is certain but death and taxes (and insurance); however, relief is available if your mortgage payment has increased to the point that you are unable to comfortably service your mortgage and provide for your other cash-flow obligations. Federally sponsored mortgage loan modification programs are available to qualified homeowners that can substantially reduce monthly mortgage payments. For those unable to successfully negotiate a loan modification, other forms of relief also are available.
The good news is that no one must lose his or her home just because the rising cost of taxes and insurance results in a burdensome mortgage payment. So if you or anyone you know is facing a financial crisis due to a sudden increase in mortgage payments, contact me at rdweaver@weaverlawfirm.net.
Solutions are available, so don't allow economic pressures to rob you or your loved ones of your right to enjoy your life.
R. David Weaver
But the spring season has a darker side. Those of us who pay our property taxes and homeowner's insurance through the mortgage on our homes are receiving the annual escrow analysis notices from our mortgage companies, and for most people, monthly mortgage payments are being increased due to higher insurance costs and property taxes.
Sometimes, mortgage payments increase by several hundred dollars per month.
There is an old saying that nothing is certain but death and taxes (and insurance); however, relief is available if your mortgage payment has increased to the point that you are unable to comfortably service your mortgage and provide for your other cash-flow obligations. Federally sponsored mortgage loan modification programs are available to qualified homeowners that can substantially reduce monthly mortgage payments. For those unable to successfully negotiate a loan modification, other forms of relief also are available.
The good news is that no one must lose his or her home just because the rising cost of taxes and insurance results in a burdensome mortgage payment. So if you or anyone you know is facing a financial crisis due to a sudden increase in mortgage payments, contact me at rdweaver@weaverlawfirm.net.
Solutions are available, so don't allow economic pressures to rob you or your loved ones of your right to enjoy your life.
R. David Weaver
Friday, April 2, 2010
Reflecting on Good Friday
St. Paul said it for all Christians when he noted that if the resurrection of Jesus is not a literal truth, then we all are fools. Which is why I do not understand those who claim to be Christians and yet proclaim that the "resurrection story" is allegorical.
As an attorney who has litigated hundreds of lawsuits over a career spanning nearly 30 years, I am conditioned to examine the evidence. So, what is the evidence that this resurrection event occurred?
According to the only written record extant, more than 500 eyewitnesses reported seeing and interacting with a man who had been executed and entombed days earlier but who was clearly alive and well. There is no known record or testimony from even a single witness that the executed man's corpse was seen in the tomb after those eyewitnesses reported seeing him alive. And since reports of the resurrection must have caused a stir among the Roman civil authorities and the Jewish religious authorities, one must assume that if there was some evidence that the resurrection did not occur (as reported by these 500 eyewitnesses), there would be some record of it.
Still, it is beyond my human understanding to simply buy in to the resurrection of Christ, because everyone knows that, even with ultra-modern medical technology, human beings do not become alive after they have been dead for three days.
So it boils down to faith. It becomes a choice. Do I choose to believe? Or do I choose to rely upon my limited human understanding and buy the allegory argument?
At the close of the Maundy Thursday service last night, as the Altar was being stripped and the 22nd Psalm was being chanted, Christ's crucifixion and resurrection once again was made real to me. And when I reflect upon what He did on this day nearly 2,000 years ago, I understand that "God so loved the world..."
I pray that you have a meaningful Good Friday and a joyous and triumphant Easter.
R. David Weaver
As an attorney who has litigated hundreds of lawsuits over a career spanning nearly 30 years, I am conditioned to examine the evidence. So, what is the evidence that this resurrection event occurred?
According to the only written record extant, more than 500 eyewitnesses reported seeing and interacting with a man who had been executed and entombed days earlier but who was clearly alive and well. There is no known record or testimony from even a single witness that the executed man's corpse was seen in the tomb after those eyewitnesses reported seeing him alive. And since reports of the resurrection must have caused a stir among the Roman civil authorities and the Jewish religious authorities, one must assume that if there was some evidence that the resurrection did not occur (as reported by these 500 eyewitnesses), there would be some record of it.
Still, it is beyond my human understanding to simply buy in to the resurrection of Christ, because everyone knows that, even with ultra-modern medical technology, human beings do not become alive after they have been dead for three days.
So it boils down to faith. It becomes a choice. Do I choose to believe? Or do I choose to rely upon my limited human understanding and buy the allegory argument?
At the close of the Maundy Thursday service last night, as the Altar was being stripped and the 22nd Psalm was being chanted, Christ's crucifixion and resurrection once again was made real to me. And when I reflect upon what He did on this day nearly 2,000 years ago, I understand that "God so loved the world..."
I pray that you have a meaningful Good Friday and a joyous and triumphant Easter.
R. David Weaver
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