I want them all to stay

Though winds may come and cause their shiver

Till sun doth spread and warm the air

The birds are left to find their own

Till we join in and show we care

Now, His eye is on the sparrow

And the jay and e'en the crow

But He is pleased when we assist

When the air is filled with snow

For feeding's not a part-time job

It's an everyday affair

To help our friends keep coming back

And give us joy to share

 God gave us these beauteous birds

To lighten up our winter day,

Feeding them fills me with joy,

Because I want them all to stay.

How to end a squirrel infestation

 

And then there is this:

The Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrel infestation. After much prayer and consideration, they concluded that the squirrels were predestined to be there, and they should not interfere with God’s divine will.

At the Baptist church, the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistry. The deacons met and decided to put a water-slide on the baptistry and let the squirrels drown themselves. The squirrels liked the slide and, unfortunately, knew instinctively how to swim, so twice as many squirrels showed up the following week.

The Lutheran church decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creatures. So, they humanely trapped their squirrels and set them free near the Baptist church. Two weeks later, the squirrels were back when the Baptists took down the water-slide.

The Episcopalians tried a much more unique path by setting out pans of whiskey around their church in an effort to kill the squirrels with alcohol poisoning. They sadly learned how much damage a band of drunk squirrels can do.

But the Catholic church came up with a more creative strategy! They baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the church. Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.

Not much was heard from the Jewish synagogue. They took the first squirrel and circumcised him. They haven’t seen a squirrel since.

Copied from a Facebook post.

A Day I will never forget.

 

The view my friends and I had outside the hotel

A DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET

 

   “Let’s go to the top of the building” said Greg, “We can get a better view from there. He’s going to be right in front of the Texas Hotel and we can see it all.”

   Donnie smiled and said, “Nobody will be going topside today, the roof is sealed off and swarming with federal agents. They’ve been there since late last night.” Donnie was the senior guy in the mailroom, he knew all the secrets and he was in good with the boss, so we knew that he was telling the truth.

   “When is he supposed to give his speech?” I asked.

   Donnie smiled and said, “He’s going to speak from a temporary platform out in front of the hotel around 10:00 o’clock.”

   I thought about my mail schedule and decided that I had just enough time to finish my first route and still get to the rally. It was such an exciting event; the President of the United States would be right here in Ft Worth, and I was going to get to see him in person. President John F Kennedy and Jackie had flown into Carswell Air Force Base the evening before and they had spent the night at the same hotel where my Senior Prom had been only a year earlier. The whole city was in a carnival-like atmosphere, everyone was so excited to see the man who had energized his country so strongly and given us all so much hope. I didn’t agree with his politics, but I so admired and respected the man. His charisma transcended party lines and just captured the heart and soul of America. I didn’t know a single person who did not esteem and respect him.

   By now everyone knew that he was a war hero and that he had displayed great courage throughout his life. I had just finished reading his Pulitzer Prize award winning ‘Profiles in Courage’, so I knew that he respected the intrepid spirit of many great Americans himself. He was currently battling a chronic back problem that required the use of a back brace to walk. He was acquainted with persistent pain, but he prevailed over his personal dilemmas to perform his duties as President. He himself was a profile in courage over his personal health and his strong civil rights agenda. President Kennedy strongly supported the rights of all Americans to have equal access to the American way of life. He was a man who stood strongly for what he believed was right and for what he believed was right for America. It was going to be a great honor to see him.

   I virtually ran through my intra-company mail route, chatting very little; as I was intent on getting through early enough to secure a good spot to hear the President. Greg finished about the same time, so we quickly hurried together and found a spot only fifty feet away from the front of the platform. I glanced around the surrounding buildings and noticed Secret Service men standing on the tops of every building within sight of the stage. Donnie smiled as he joined us and pointed to the top of the SW Bell Telephone building where we worked and said, “See I told you so”. There were indeed four men atop the building, and some were holding rifles. It was November 22nd; the weather was a typical cloudy and misty Fall day in Fort Worth. The crowd had grown to several thousand standing in a light misty rain by the time the dignitaries emerged from the lobby of the hotel.

   First out of the hotel was Governor John Connally, followed by Vice President Lyndon Johnson, Senator Ralph Yarborough and then all cheered as President John F Kennedy came into view and climbed up the stairs to the podium. We applauded with the growing throng as we caught our first glimpse of the great man. We continued clapping, as it were, in a standing ovation since there was no where to sit. It was an exhilarating moment to be there and be a part of the history that was unfolding on this day. He only spoke for a few minutes, giving Governor Connally and Senator Yarborough a couple of minutes each to pay their respects. I remember how handsome and witty he was, and how much he seemed to care for his wife. He appeared hatless in an impeccable business suit, while all the others wore rain coats. He enthralled all of us with his words, he excused Jackie for not being there in a humorous way. His speech was political and was intended to heal a rift with Texans before the next election; it didn’t matter what he said, we were buying whatever he was selling. His charming Boston accent and his command of an audience were overwhelming; I decided I would probably vote for him in ‘64. None of my group thought to bring a camera, a decision we will always regret.

   I thought then, that this was an historic occasion, and a day that I would never forget. When the elocutions were ended, the President was whisked away by an entourage of Secret Service back into the Texas Hotel for the final speech of his life to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. A half hour later President Kennedy and Jackie were ushered into a waiting Cadillac convertible and we watched them drive down Houston Street with thousands of well wishers waving and cheering as they passed. It looked like a tickertape parade in New York City. It was a thrilling moment that I knew I would forever keep in my memory. None of us knew his schedule, other than that he was driving back to Carswell AFB and then flying to Love Field for a similar appearance in Dallas.

   Greg said, “It seems really dumb to fly thirty miles to Dallas when he could probably drive there in the same time.”

   Donnie smiled and said, “If he did that, he’d have to drive back to Carswell AFB when he left Dallas. This way he’ll have the plane in Dallas and he can fly back home from there. And anyway, it only takes 15 minutes to fly to Dallas”

   “I don’t know about you boys, but I’m hungry,” I said. “Why don’t we celebrate and go to eat at the Zuider Zee.” It was my favorite restaurant and I was starving. It didn’t take much encouragement to recruit the others so we piled into Donnie’s Corvair Monza and headed for the restaurant. We were all so impressed by the President and the little bit of history that we were honored to witness. We shared our views and our pure utter joy as we waited for our lunch. Our food orders had just arrived at our table when the canned music abruptly stopped and we heard the excited voice of an out of breath reporter,

   “ The President has just been… shot… in Dallas. His condition is not known at this time …all we know is that he was shot during a motorcade…. in downtown Dallas …..and he was taken to Parkland Hospital”

   An inexplicable despair immediately arose from within as I fully absorbed what he said. I had never realized that brilliant sunshine could change so rapidly to pitch black darkness. I was filled with anger and shock; I felt robbed and cheated, I felt ashamed that it happened in Texas. Why would someone shoot him? Who did it? How did they do it? These are questions that are not satisfactorily answered even today. I remembered the man; the enormous integrity he exuded, the charming charisma that flowed through his very being. Almost fifty years hence, I still cannot imagine why anyone would choose to end his brilliant life. I left my favorite meal untouched on the table, and for the first time that day, Donnie stopped smiling. It was a day I will never forget.

From the John F Kennedy Presidential Library

View from the stage

About 8-9 rows back just to his right.

Me standing between the two guys in hats

 

 "A light rain was falling on Friday morning, November 22, but a crowd of several thousand stood in the parking lot outside the Texas Hotel where the Kennedys had spent the night.  A platform had been set up and the President, wearing no protection against the weather, came out to make some brief remarks. “There are no faint hearts in Fort Worth,” he began, “and I appreciate your being here this morning. Mrs. Kennedy is organizing herself. It takes longer, but, of course, she looks better than we do when she does it.” He went on to talk about the nation’s need for being “second to none” in defense and in space, for continued growth in the economy and “the willingness of citizens of the United States to assume the burdens of leadership.”  The warmth of the audience response was palpable as the President reached out to shake hands amidst a sea of smiling faces.Back inside the hotel the President spoke at a breakfast of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, focusing on military preparedness.

 “We are still the keystone in the arch of freedom,” he said. “We will continue to do…our duty, and the people of Texas will be in the lead.”

 

 

 

Written by David Warbritton exclusively for the Warbritton Family

The fall of Fall in North Carolina

 

It always starts off with bold and vigorous color and each week thereafter it diminishes in splendor and vitality until at last , as the end nears, the cupboards grow empty and the single spectacles become cherished for their scarcity.

It is a unique and wonderful time of year, the tall oaks, maples, sweet gums, river birches, tulip poplars, hickory, walnut and countless more deciduous trees drop their massive amount of nuts and balls and finally their enormous amount of leaves to cover the forest floor and your neighborhood if they haven't been removed. Trees 50-100+ feet tall have a lot of leaves to turn and drop as the temps drop and the wind gust increase. A late Fall storm with gusty rain and winds will virtually denude a tree within a couple of days. Most are like us though, they are given time to age and slowly turn loose when the time is right.

The summer canopy is gone, removed if you will, so the slanting winter sun can find its way in to warm the earth and all that is within. We are left with fond memories of a wondrous season and the fond anticipation of its return as it always does, next year.

Spring is sprung, Fall is fell,

and now we await the wintry gale.

Ode to the Toad

 ODE TO THE TOAD

I am an old man with a story to tell
I have been around, so I know it well.
There is a little critter that crawls on the ground,
He’s not very big, and hardly makes a sound.

To those in his world he seems a mighty brute,
His head is filled with horns, none would call cute
A double row of spikes venture down his back,
And the end on his tail will give you quite a whack.

His tongue is mighty quick, when he gobbles up his prey,
He spits blood from-his-eyes, his foes to keep away.
I’m talking about horned toads man, horned toads,
Not a frog, but a lizard, found on Texas roads.

Cousins dressed in purple, can be found in the town,
With spikes-of-a-different sort, they make their rivals frown.
They run down the middle, they pass around the end,
They kick it through the goal posts, few can ere’ defend.

Many have their doubts, think they’re out of their league
And predict they will fail, at the end in fatigue.
Many teams have traveled to this cow town abode,
Horns and Bears and Badgers have fallen to the toad.

Razorbacks and Raiders have succombed to this critter,
Sooners and Buckeyes have stumbled in a twitter.
Look into your history and it may seem a load,
But the Rolling Crimson Tide, lost three to the toad.

So hearken all you nay-says, and read your history well,
The toad that lurks within your sights may ring your final bell.
When the season has been ended, with the last tick of the clock,
The purple frogs are sure to win, and none will dare to mock.

So fasten up your helmets, put on some extra fat,
Cause the boys dressed in purple, ‘gonna take you to the mat.
Talking about horned frogs man, the purple strength of will,
The ones who wind up champs, at the top of the hill.

By David L Warbritton Sr, no copying or reprinting without express consent of D L Warbritton Sr.

Pavle's Christening

 

Pavle (Paul) Golubovic

Being a Baptist for the last 78 years of my life, I have never attended a baptism and christening before 

in my life. I was honored to be invited to the ceremony, it was a privilege indeed.  My good friends Nebojsa and Vanja immigrated to North Carolina in the late 1980's- to early 1990's after the war had torn their country apart, along with a lot of their friends. They worked into our society , learned our language, finished educating their children, all with a work ethic that exceeds the average American. They were helped to get here, but they have earned their way into our culture and our hearts. They are kind, generous and caring folk who place a high value on family and belief in God. They are excellent craftsmen and they are a genuine boost to our culture.

But they didn't leave their culture behind, they bought homes in your neighborhood and they built churches near you. They are not Greek Eastern Orthodox churches but Serbian Orthodox churches and that is where I attended Pavle's christening. A beautiful sanctuary built from love and respect for the many immigrants who came to this country to be a part of our society.

Having children and raising them in America is both an honor to our country and a bonus to our society. In the 25 years I have known them they have given us everything from IT managers to medical doctors and everything in between, all some of the most dedicated and caring folk you have ever been associated with. Did I mention that they prepare some of the most savory meals you have ever eaten and their sweets are unbelievable. (Lynka makes the best baclava I have ever eaten)

So yesterday was Pavle's day, to be baptized, to be christened and be honored by his family and friends. Due to Covid the ceremony was delayed until he is 3 years old, but the effect is the same. The church and the ceremony was beautiful, you can feel the presence of love and communal sharing of friends and family. Welcome little friend to your Christian heritage, to your wonderful culture of your family, and welcome to the good old USA. 

Absolutely beautiful 

No chairs, you stand as they did in 400AD when this model was first erected

The proceedings begin

Safe in Mama's arms next to kym (Milan) 

Priest reads ceremony as he prepares baptismal water

Oh yeah this is what I was looking for,

Didn't cry, I think he liked it.

What is that man going to do to me now?

Fascinated by the incense

The entire service was in either Serbian or Bosnian and I didn't understand anything but it was beautiful

Pavle with Milan (godfather or kym) with Slavica and sons, with Father, and Mom and Dad

Vanja and Nebojsa with Pavle , after the ceremony letting off a little energy

Of course Black Children’s Lives Really Matter

The popular battle cry of the downtrodden and oppressed reverberates loudly and indignantly among those who would suggest that white people don’t care about black people. To a white person who hears, “Black Lives Matter”, it implies how inconsiderate whites are regarding the value of black children’s lives. While it is true that no one of this generation has ever owned slaves, there is an air of indictment against white people that the same ideas of white superiority are prevelant in today’s society as it was in the mid-nineteenth century. Is it another way of playing the race card to suggest that we are still guilty of the same discrimination as our forefathers? Just as they joined secret societies, brutilized poor black people, surpessed their votes, forced them into indentured servitude in the prison systems, and enforced “Jim Crow” laws over many years, we, as a white dominated society continue to flagrantly violate the rights of modern day black people. The implication strongly suggests that if you are white then black lives don’t matter. This is outrageous to whites and insulting to the mores of modern society.

Let me state emphatically, “Black lives matter!” The overwhelming majority of white people believe black children’s lives are precious. Most of us understand the blow back that causes blacks to protest  and remind us all that black children are being abused by the system. We get it.

We understand the charges of police brutality. We agree that there are many incidents where police officers over- extended their privileges and used excessive force to take control of a situation. We understand that no one has the right to take someone else’s life, particularly when they are charged with protecting lives.

What is it that black Americans think white Americans don’t understand?
Why is it that we are all implicated as complicit to feelings of white superiority.
Why do they think  that we are all responsible for the actions of a few.
Why are some blacks so angry at all white people?

Some police officers have been shamefully abusive to suspected law violaters and they should be held accountable for their actions. There is a thin line that officers of the law are required to walk and it is often obliterated when a situation gets out of hand. Peace officers are frequently forced to make quick decisions in order to restore order. Sometimes, they make bad choices, wrong assessments and over-reactions to a situation out of hand. Maybe they always have. Maybe they always will. The senseless acts of gunning down unarmed suspected felons cannot be tolerated.

I was born into a prejudicial society which “taught” it’s youth that white people are superior to black people. I had close relatives who abused and degradated persons of color in every possible way. The turmoil of the mid-50’s through the 70’s really did change American society as a whole. In spite of what many would like you to believe, America has dramatically evolved over the past 50 years. I know because I have lived through the experience. No longer do black Americans drink from separate public water fountains, no longer are they forced to sit in the balcony at a movie theatre, no longer are they forced to sit in the rear of the bus, no longer are they forced to sit in a separate section at a restaurant, or even denied entrance to a diner, no longer are schools segregated. All of these things I witnessed as a child.  Even though there are a few who retain deep prejudices, the world we live in today is not the world of my youth. It is not just a matter of becoming racially tolerant, we are now a society that genuinely embraces racial equality. Just because I have never been black does not mean that I can’t understand the injustices that have been unduly inflicted on blacks. But I assure you that even though today’s world may harbor an excessive number of bigots, it is not the shameful, oppressive American society of my childhood. The older hard-line, bigoted generation of my youth does not exist as it did then, most have taken their prejudices to their graves.

Without doubt, there are many who would cling to the extreme prejudice of earlier generations, but they are not the mainstream of America. The vast majority of the white population in this great country have either been taught from their youth to be non-prejudicial or they have experienced the transition of the 50’s through the 70’s which taught us that we are all truly equal in ability, opportunity and in every other aspect. It took a thousand years to forge those prejudices, it might require more than 50 years to completely dissolve them.

As Americans we should unite to a rallying call that every life matters, regardless of color or ethnicity. Black children’s lives matter, hispanic children’s lives matter, asian children’s lives matter, arab children matter, native American children's lives matter, and yes, white children’s lives matter. All children’s lives matter.

None more valuable than the other.

"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world,

 Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His site,  

Jesus loves the little children of the world"

And so do I.