Each week, I attend numerous events, and it can be overwhelming, especially if they have meaning in my life. And even if I attend an event, there is no guarantee that I will write about it. If the words don’t present themselves, I just can’t pull them out of a hat. And who knows the cause? Boring subject matter, or an unenthused presenter; then there are times if an illness hits at an unopportune moment, I can lose the vibe, which can be very frustrating. Especially if a chef, bartender, or an organization is looking forward to an internet link to help promote their cause or career. And most times, I’m pulled in many directions, which can be overwhelming, and truth be told, for this week, I was glad Lainey Wilson postponed her concert.
Last week, I had two wine events, two events with religion as the story, a National Cheeseburger story that I want to expand on, a DAR story that involves kids, a cemetery historical marker dedication, and a highway dedication piece. And for a little weekly reporter that’s a lot, and involves a lot of writing, and time put in to go to the places where the events are happening. On my Facebook page, I will also include other behind the scenes things, which people appreciate. I had recently posted a picture of the latest batch of my giveaway cash of $50 bills, and this time I pulled the cash from my personal bank account, with the last K being a lottery win that I cashed and gifted. I also posted a funny episode of my latest effort to make someone’s day.
Back on Tuesday the 16th I was invited by the DAR to MISDs Stewart Creek Elementary. They held a Constitution Day event, to inform the 5th grade students about how the document came to be. The DAR and the SAR, put their hearts into the event, and I was impressed in how well behaved the students were. I tried to look at the event through the eyes of a kid, and it brought back a lot of memories, then I looked at the students and saw most as having normal childhoods, with one or two that had looks of melancholy about them; with who knows, a grandparent (great or otherwise) may have recently passed away, or someone in the fam may be seriously sick. Of course, you know me, I’m a talker, wanting to go inquire and offer words of healing, that the hurt will eventually retreat, but professional demeanor had to maintain itself. I can’t help everyone, so I dutifully filled my notebook.
That evening in Conroe, I attended a contentious Conroe ISD board meeting, with public comments being heard on the hot button Ten Commandments issue. Of course, most speakers were against installation of God’s Law in the classroom, of which very few CISD associated. I got to thinking during the episode, wanting to inform the speakers, to be grateful its only 10 commandments, of which most will not be looking at on a day-to-day basis anyways, since imagery like most everything else on the walls, just blurs out after a because. Just think if we followed the ‘Law of Moses,’ with its 613 mitzvot, or commandments. lol. Every bit of the classroom would be covered with excerpts from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I almost cracked up.
On the 18th, in Montgomery, the Prayer Vigil for Charlie Kirk was very touching. It was just a group of citizens at a public park pavilion, and opening their hearts to God. Finding solace and comfort in the Word of God, to start the healing, remembering his small sacrifice will sow benefits for Our Country that have yet to be calculated. It was pleasant to pray in public, in a non-threatening way, that citizens wouldn’t see as threatening, or offensive, demanding everyone’s adherence to their ways of religious thought. No, with Montgomery citizens, it’s just about gathering, fellowshiping, and saying to others the goodness you feel in your heart, words that heal instead of divide. At Kirk’s Memorial last Sunday, it was breathtaking to see so many people, inside and out of the stadium, 99.9% of them there to heal and praise the memory of Charlie, who was brutally gunned down ten days before. It was touching to see President Donald Trump, and Elon Musk again shake hands, and hopefully resolve their differences, which was an aim of Charlie Kirk. Both of them teamed up is more beneficial for Our Country and The World, than when they are feuding.
Following that, since it was National Cheeseburger Day, I went and tried a few sliders over at Landshark Bar & Grill over at Margaritaville, where of course the lovely Trish served me. I’m going back to finish writing a longer piece, and include a refreshment, as well as talking about those thick sliced potato chips they have. The restaurants they have on the campus offer a great environment for daily lunch or weekend enjoyment. And with the lakeview, not to mention the temps starting to wane just a bit, the atmosphere is mighty inviting.
The dedication of the Joey Lenz Memorial Highway last Friday, was truly touching, and I’m so grateful of Margie Taylor’s mission to honor her son, who if he were properly tracked by Army medical personnel, could possibly be alive today. Taylor’s fight for yearly medical screenings of military personnel, really hit home with me. I got to thinking, and it could have made a difference in my quality of life over the decades, had I been informed of my future possibility for cancer. Of course I can’t go back and ask, ‘what if’ in my case, but if it helps military personnel in the future, then it is more than necessary. Why should unnecessary pain be visited upon them? I was part of a Baylor College of Medicine neuro study, where I received and shared info with my family, even extended. My cancer chances are reduced, and neurological possibilities such as Dementia are also lowered as well, which is refreshing, and in time information being gathered at BCM will be shared with the Army to help better care for soldiers.
That night at Wine & Food Week’s at Bayway in The Woodlands, I was in my element. Wine and Food, meeting old friends, and making new ones, tasting and sipping savories and sweets, and enjoying life, living the opposite of hell that life has thrown at me with all my pain. I love Constance McDerby, and she loves the doting attention I praise on her, kissing her hand at every audience sometimes 5 to 6 times an evening.. She and her husband Clifton have created an empire of fun in the Houston Area, with Wine & Food Week, and other events in the region. I met Bernhardt Winery’s wine educator, Helena Van Orden, who invited me to her ‘Old World Meets New World: A Global Wine Tasting,’ event the next day, which I dutifully attended, and to have drank wine with 8,000 year old DNA, and would have been drank by Mine and my cousin Brooke Shields’ ancestor Alexander the Great, it was quite an honor. I’m going back to include the Bed and Breakfast angle at Bernhardt Winery. Who knew?
The historical dedication of the Copeland Chapel Cemetery off McCaleb Road was also special for me last Saturday, since my Big brother Harvey Yaw is the caretaker there. The good folk at the ceremony were all so welcoming. On my way to Copeland Cemetery I stopped at the Valero at FM 3083 and Longmire to fill up. It was about 9:45am. A lady pulled next to me, then went into the store. She was in a purple work shirt, and looked to be starting her day. The poor car looked the worst for wear, with some parts missing. I looked at the old car and it reminded me, of me. I thought to myself, “You know, I’m gonna make that ladies day.”
I pulled a $50 bill from my wallet, and was gonna slip it in the driver’s window molding, but it was so hard, it wouldn’t pull back. So in panic I crumbled it and stuffed it between the drivers and passengers doors. I was just pulling off when she left the store. Next time I’ll try to take a picture. It’s a good feeling to give without asking anything in return. I just wish I could do more … braces for those that can’t afford it, childcare help, out-of-state school trips for those whose parents can’t afford, stuff like that.
Yes, it was A Busy Week, but it was enjoyable, at times sad, but hopeful for the future. Try giving to someone who doesn’t expect it. You will find your soul will be uplifted. And whether it’s $5 or $100 dollars, just the act of giving has a healing effect that can be life changing.
Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net