SPECIAL ONES!

Some kids are seen as special!

These last few months, I have encountered one who is special beyond measure. His smile is the biggest and brightest I have seen whether in a school play, leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Special Olympics, running or throwing shot put at several track meets.....even seeing his picture at the prom in the town paper.

 Did I mention he waves every time he sees hubby and me!

At the most recent track event, I saw his backpack open with its contents spilling out----there on the ground was the special evidence of who and whose he is.

His black spoon is part of his everyday ID. He has it with him during his classes as he changes rooms or goes to lunch or track practice. He had it with him on the stage in all 6 productions of the Wizard of Oz. He probably had it in the pocket of his pink vest he wore to prom but I don't know that for sure. According to his friends, the spoon is always with him like a part of him!

His true ID is shown in the Bible he carries everywhere. A backpack essential. I know because he told me that God helps him because he knows His Son, Jesus! 

How special is that?! Enough said!

A STAR IS BORN!

All performers have to begin somewhere!

For our youngest grandson it started on the yellow brick road.

Think......WIZARD OF OZ. A county high school production that needed a few kindergarteners as munchkins!

Ready to go..........

We welcome you to Munchkin Land!

Even if the loud nose hurt this ears, he remembered the hand motions with one hand while his other hand covered his sensitive ear----and kept dancing as well. 

For the "show must go on" as this budding "star" learned!

He even learned it kept going on two more times......in the same clothes no less.

ROSE PARADE

I love a parade. If we're going to be out of town, I record it. This year I forgot.

I didn't even want to leave our hotel room in Oklahoma yesterday just so I could see it. That would NOT happen...per my driver!

But.....when we arrived home, I found out the Tournament of Roses parade had not taken place on Sundays since 1893. WooHoo! 

Why? There was a fear of disturbing the horses--the preferred method of transportation used in attending churches back then! I love it, church trumps parades----even if the horses waiting outside is the stated reason.

The TOR Parade committee choose their own favorites some according to the year's theme, "Turn the Corner." I have mine as well, usually for personal reasons.

Cal Poly is always in my top 5---done by the students there.

This year Judge's award appealed to me because I thought how much children would love to see all those petals turned into jungle animals from the scary to the beautiful toucans and macaws. Hubby, too, would love all the birds.

I love the beauty of giraffes and they enhanced this Safari themed float.

My children and grands have all watched the Wizard of Oz. Plus, I had just spent 18 + hours on the road, these last two days and to me there was "no place like home," and my own bed!

BPOE. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A fraternal organization of service to our Hopkinsville, KY community. 

Daddy was an Elk, serving as treasure, secretary and Exalted Ruler. 

Enough said! 

Donate Life float theme, "Lifting Each Other Up" appealed to me because my precious niece, Allyson, donated her organs to help save others. The judges awarded it Sweepstakes Trophy!

My favorite float, with the cross high atop the church, was created by Lutheran Hour Ministries....of course it was! This year it had a special memory as it reminded me of sweet friend, Stephanie, whose husband Les, went to his heavenly home less than a month ago. He served for years as a Lutheran pastor.

That memory, the words, "A New Day With Jesus" accompanied by the music and lyrics of "I Can Only Imagine" sealed it for me! 

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees, will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

MY "BEST THEME DEPICTION AWARD TROPHY"-----

as one begins each day of 2023 "turning the corner" with Christ!