Prayer Request

Please keep Mario Lara and his family in your prayers. Mario was one of the first people I met on my initial trip to Honduras in 1998. He was a preacher student at the Baxter Institute in Tegucigalpa where we were staying. A decade later, he is preaching in El Salvador and facing a kidney transplant. The Maple Hill Church of Christ, my home congregation in Tennessee, raised close to $23,000 last week for Mario's medical bills! Please keep the Laras in your prayers and I will keep you updated.
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

Ugo Redux

If you read my entry of June 26, you know about Ugo Ihekweazu. My former middle school student assistant and soon-to-be scholar in the Cornell University medical school is running a marathon. Here is what he sent to all of us at Westbury Christian. I am sure he would love your help/donations for this good cause! (The red ink is in honor of Cornell!)

Dear WCS Family,
As some of you may already know, I have decided to participate in the Washington D.C. Marine Corp Marathon in October as part of the St. Jude Children's research team. (That's right, approximately 26 miles of running!!) This is such an important cause to me entering the medical field because it represents a challenge; not only the obvious challenge of running 20 some odd miles, but it also represents what I will devote my life to: medicine, research, and raising money to fund both. (English teachers, please ignore my semi-colon and colon use there- I tend to be a bit callous with both at times!!) As part of the event, I am pledging to raise money to support the life-saving work of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Myself, a couple of classmates of mine from Cornell, along with my girlfriend and her classmate at Baylor College of Medicine, have all volunteered to participate in the marathon as part of the St. Jude Research Fund. Furthermore, we all decided to form a small fund-raising team which happens to be named none other than "How Far Will Ugo?" (Clearly not my idea, but this is a democratic nation and majority wins--well, at least most of the time!). That said, people can make donations on my behalf, so that I can reach my individual fund-raising goal of $1000. The donations raised will support St. Jude in its mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Your donations will certainly go a long way in finding cures, so this will help many people in our own community and throughout the country. Now some of you (hopefully) may now be asking, "How do I donate?" All you have to do is click the link below. More instructions are also listed below. Whatever amount you are able to donate will truly help-- yes, even a single dollar, Ben Johnson! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you all posted on my progress. Thank you for supporting me as always, but especially in this challenge. You really do make a difference. Also, please do not hesitate to contact me at uni2@cornell.edu (I check that inbox more regularly) or also at 281-389-0052. I'll keep that number during medical school. I'll be in Houston throughout the rest of summer and up until the middle of August (our classes start after Labor Day)

Instructions: 1. Copy and Past the link or just click here: http://stj.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=Sponsor 2. Search for 'How Far Will Ugo?' or just search for my name, either should work 3. Find my name and click on it... then take it from there.

Please let me know if you have any questions! Many Blessings!!
Ugo N. Ihekweazu
James 1:27

Lonely Is The Night

I usually don't look to television for inspiration for my entries but....... Several days ago, while searching for something on the CBS website, I discovered that many of the original episodes of The Twilight Zone were online at the click of the mouse. Tonight, I watched the very first episode, entitled, Where Is Everybody? Loneliness is a problem many struggle with, including a number of prominent Bible characters. This broadcast put it into perspective with an unexpected twist. Television in this century continues to devolve into one mindless reality or game show after another. Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone, was the master of subtlety and could make your heart race without resorting to slashing and maiming. If you have twenty-five minutes and are yearning for some black-and-white television, Where Is Everybody? can be accessed by clicking on the link below: http://www.cbs.com/classics/the_twilight_zone/video/video.php?cid=621774886&pid=SbGNJ68fqyNniVIv8IyDAMY_7GLg2dgS&play=true
Other episodes can easily be found at www.cbs.com.

You've been warned!

Applicable quote of the day:
"There is nothing in the dark that isn't there when the lights are on."
Rod Serling

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

Miscellaneous

Here are a few family items. Dave reports that Mom is awake about 50% of the times when he visits. It is reassuring having Dave-Sally and Scott-Karen right in the neighborhood. We are very pleased with Mom's level of care in Wichita. Ben is in Zambia working at the Namwianga Mission with Meagan. In several weeks, Ben has lost twenty pounds which sounds like a great weight loss system but he doesn't have too many excess pounds to spare! Seth has had a sinus infection at boot camp but is hanging in there. Progress is being made on my VISA into China. Thanks for your prayers!

Please also keep Mabrey Miller and his family in your prayers. Mabrey and his wonderful wife, Madge, watched us grow up in York and were big reasons why York College was able to keep its doors open during the early years. Mabrey has been diagnosed with cancer in several locations and is currently in the Mayo Clinic. We pray for his healing and comfort.
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

Ugo

The following is from today's Westbury Christian School website. The article is self-explanatory. Below the press release, I have reprinted an entry (entitled Mug Shots, Marriage, And Med School) from August of 2006, also about Ugo Ihekweazu. As a school, we are justifiably very proud of Ugo. If you don't know him, you will understand why when you read.

"Westbury Christian School alumni Ugo Ihekweazu (WCS Class '03) was one of a handful of Cornell graduates who received the Cornell Tradition Senior Recognition Award for their commitment to the Cornell Tradition of work, service, and scholarship. As part of that award, each recipient had the opportunity to designate a $500 charitable contribution to the non-profit or public service organization of their choice. WCS alumni Ugo Ihekweazu chose Westbury Christian School as the recipient for his $500 charitable gift.According to Ugo Ihekweazu, “Whenever I have the opportunity to help, WCS will always be at the top of my list. WCS is an instrumental part of the southwest Houston community – not just for the education they provide, but for the Christian values they bring to the community.”According to Cornell University, Ugo Ihekweazu was one of nine senior Tradition fellows selected to receive this prestigious award in the 2007-2008 academic year. The award does not bring financial remuneration to the individual; instead, each recipient has the opportunity to establish a one-year Cornell Tradition fellowship in his or her name and identify a charitable organization to receive the charitable contribution. The Office of the Cornell Tradition stated, “We are especially proud of these outstanding recipients. In addition to exemplifying the ideals of The Cornell Tradition, each of these students have made a unique and lasting contribution to the quality of life on campus and in the community.”

It was a typical sports' day. Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett was arrested again after a high speed chase in Columbus. Clarett, who had a number of loaded weapons in his vehicle, was not affected by a police stun gun- he just happened to be wearing a bullet proof vest. The authorities resorted to mace in subduing the young man who at one time was the premier running back in college football. Clarett is still awaiting trial for aggravated robbery. It's just not a great time for athletes from Ohio. Today it was also announced that Ohio State's starting tight end, Marcel Frost, has been removed from the Buckeye roster for an unspecified violation of team rules. A number of Cincinnati Bengals, five to be exact, have recently had legal scrapes. The latest Bengal to be booked was offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, arrested and charged with operating a boat while intoxicated. In non-Ohio sports items, Floyd Landis, Tour de France winner and Justin Gatlin, world's fastest human, both maintain their innocence despite failing recent drug tests which put their accomplishments in serious doubt.

There was another sports story today which didn't gain nearly the attention of the controversies. Elden Auken was buried in Florida at age ninety-five. He had been a major league baseball player in his younger days, retiring as a pitcher with a winning record and over one hundred career wins. He pitched in two World Series for the Detroit Tigers and was the last living major leaguer to have played against Babe Ruth. As accomplished as he was as an athlete, and some consider Auker to be the finest athlete to ever come out of Kansas State University, there was so much more to set this man apart. You see, he left behind Mildred, his beloved wife of seventy-three years. His life in later years was totally dedicated to caring for his one true love. In a culture that smirks at infidelity, Elden Auker was faithful to the end. After baseball, he became a successful businessman who counted a president (Ford) among his friends. Still, the most important person in his existence remained Mildred, who first came into his life as a KSU coed in 1932. Tonight, she goes to sleep a widow, grieving the man who stood by her side in eight different decades. Elden Auker's baseball career might not be considered exceptional by major league standards but his marriage was Hall Of Fame quality by any accounting.

You can tell that I, along with many who follow athletics, have reached a level of disgust unparalleled in the annals of American fandom. There is a flip side of the coin. Ugo came by school this afternoon. You probably don't know Ugo but you might someday. It won't be from a police mug shot or doping scandal, even though he is an athlete. You see, Ugo Ihekweazu is a college basketball player.... at Cornell. You might have heard of it; Ivy League school, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Ugo graduated from Westbury Christian School in 2003 where among numerous other achievements and extracurriculars, he was my student assistant for the middle school girls' basketball team. He has spent this summer as an intern in New York City. Next spring, he will receive his diploma from Cornell and enter medical school. Doctor Ugo; it has a ring.The only drugs he'll be involved with are the ones he prescribes to his patients to save their lives. Or Coach Ugo; he could be the next Phil Jackson if he had the inclination. Or my favorite, Brother Ugo; I was there the day he was baptized into Jesus Christ. Ugo and the others like him are the positive face of athletics, the roster of those whose names are out of the spotlight because they go to class and prepare to be the next generation of leaders. Ugo is coming back to see us Friday and he told me he will be bearing a gift. Two letters, Ugo- XL, as in Cornell Big Red basketball t-shirt size!

Applicable quote of the day:"The doors fly open when you're a professional athlete." Dennis Rodman

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

Seth

Several of you responded to this post which first ran last night! My nephew, Seth, who is the son of Scott and Karen, has enlisted in the US ARMY and is in the middle of boot camp. Like most soldiers, he would love getting mail. If you would like his address, please e-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com. Our family will be grateful!
God bless,
Uncle Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

Prayer Requests

My VISA to China has been held up for some reason. There seems to be quite a few delays with the issuing of these documents this summer stemming from the flood of visitors to China due to the Olympics which commence August 8. Please ask the Lord to allow mine, and others in our group, to be expedited.

Also, please keep Pat Brown in your prayers. Pat is the wife of Ron Brown, the group leader for our China trip. In the past few weeks, Pat has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will have surgery early in July.

In My Absence.......

As you may have gleaned, I will be out of the country for three-and-one-half weeks this summer in July and the early part of August. During the past few summers, Dad-Dave-Scott-Karis filled in for the week I was in Honduras. Since adding China to my itinerary, I have more openings. BLOGGER has added a feature which allows entries to be programmed for publishing which means I don't have to be present or teach someone how to upload devotionals and give them my password! If you would like to write a short article or two, please send it to me in an e-mail. It should be about the length of the ones you find here and preferably have a spiritual application on the topic of your choice. Please, nothing controversial! I do reserve the right to do some editing but I would greatly appreciate your help. So far, three of my fellow Westbury Christian staff members have written articles so I still have room! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com. THANKS!

The Folks' House

Many of you have spent time in my parents' home in St. Louis. I thought you might be interested to see its listing! We owe a great deal to Judy Swearingen for working with us! Just click on the link below and hope it brings back happy memories!



http://www.prudentialalliance.com/search/view_listing.html?mls=80036204

In Praise Of Nurses

There was a stretch several years ago where every time I went to St. Louis to be with my folks, something happened to Mom. As someone who had never spent time in a hospital, it was not always easy watching others be in charge of my mother. The following was written during a Spring Break visit and ran March 13, 2006.

Yesterday was long. I spent seven hours in Mom's hospital room. During my lifetime, I have infrequently been in hospital settings, either as visitor or patient. My mother is undergoing tests to determine why she passed out two days ago. It has been a blessing for me to be here in St. Louis. It takes some of the burden off of my father and I have been able to spend time with Mom, albeit in a manner I would not have chosen. The hardest part of Mom's Alzheimer's for me is the role reversal. Yesterday, Mom had two choices. She could stay in bed or she could sit in a chair. Since she was hooked up to an IV drip, she had to remain relatively immobile. At least twenty times, she tried to get up and walk away; I had to restrain her. Mom kept tugging at the heart monitor attached to her; I had to repeatedly intervene. Even though I understand it's for her well-being, it is very difficult for me to take the position of the adult when it comes to Mom. If there is a bright side, it is that she tries to be cooperative and please those caring for her. That part of her personality the Alzheimer's has not been able to penetrate.

That brings me to the nurses. Seeing others care for a loved one is not easy but the nurses attending to Mom have been incredible. They come in a variety of ages and ethnicities but they have this in common: they are extraordinary in the protection of the aged. In 1st Corinthians 13, the first two definitions of love given by Paul are patience and kindness. Those descriptions fit the women watching over my mother as if tailor-made. Their touch is tender and never rough or brusque. They speak gently to her, calling her by name. They let her speak, even though much of what she says is incoherent. They make eye contact with her and let her maintain dignity. They deal with thousands of patients per year but I left feeling my mother was viewed as an individual with worth and value. And so, to the nursing staff on the seventh floor of the DePaul Health Center in St. Louis, I say the only word befitting one in my position- THANKS. You have blessed my family as I am sure you have blessed many families. I know you don't get paid enough but it isn't a paycheck you chase. You help the world, one patient, one family, one crisis at a time. You do it with class and you do it with empathy. And you did it for my mother.

Applicable quote of the day:
"Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon."
Dag Hammarskjold (Former Secretary General of the United Nations)

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

A Tribute From Dick Smith

Dad died six weeks ago this morning. It seems only fitting that today I would receive a beautiful note from Dad's college roommate, Dick Smith. One of the neat things about this experience is that I have gained insight into a portion of my parents' lives from the time before my birth. Dick mentions Hugh Mingle in his letter. Hugh was a groomsman in my folks' wedding and I went to York College with two of his kids, Tim and Bonnie. Here is my dad in the words of Dick Smith.

Dear Steve,
Hugh and Joy Mingle were present at my 80th birthday celebration yesterday and from them I learned of your Dad's passing. My eyes fill with tears as I write this. Your Dad and I were roommates at Harding. He had a phonograph and every morning he played "Morning" from Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite. I loved it. Still do. During our senior year at Harding while our wives taught school, we had lunch together every weekday. We alternated between canned spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Those were sweet times. When Nell and I returned from Germany in 1953 Roger met us at the boat and took us home for the night in Brooklyn. Nell and I loved your Mom, Nelda, as well, and were grieved when we learned of her Alzheimer's. Oddly enough, we learned in recent years, that we are distantly related through my wife's relatives in Corinth. I loved your Dads great sense of humor. He must have been a wonderful father. As a fellow preacher, fellow elder, fellow college administrator and teacher, I shared many interests with your Dad. We didn't get to see each other much after college. I was in Europe for ten years and in New England and Texas after that. We did see one another in 2000 at our 50th college reunion. I ran into an old girl friend but didn't recognize her till she identified herself. Then I gave her a hug. A few minutes later I saw Roger and told him, "Guess what, I just hugged Evelyn for the first time!" He nearly fell on the floor laughing. ( Our courtships and dates in those days were quite sedate. ) We knew both Gena and Nelda Chesshir. Great ladies. Your mom is a real sweetheart. I'm glad your Dad had all those years with her. You and your siblings had wonderful parents as you well know. I treasure my memories of them both. My God bless your time in China. The Gospel is making great strides there.
Yours and His,
Dick Smith

E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

The Aftermath...And Thoughts On Dad # 9

Dad died one month ago today. I don't think I have ever lived through a time span that passed so quickly. My feeling is that the rapidity is due to my having so many things to catch up on. We marked the first holiday since his death with Mother's Day on Sunday. Dad always tried to make Mom feel special on Mother's Day, even when she passed the point of comprehension. Usually, at this time in May, Dad would be booking a flight for me to come to St. Louis in late June to spend time between basketball camps and my trip to Honduras. Southwest Airlines has lost a very valuable customer. Here are several more things about Dad that are rattling in my brain.
Scott sent me a design of a gravestone for Mom and Dad today. I never thought about granite memorials until all this. Uncle Bill said there are thirty-two plots for our family remaining in the New Corinth Cemetery. I probably need to get around to reserving a space for myself.One of the best sermons I remember Dad preaching revolved around Harry Chapin's classic hit, The Cats In The Cradle. Our WCS chaplain, Robert Farrar, featured the same song last night in our Wednesday evening Bible study, speaking in the topic of Influence. It brought back good memories.After class last night, I spoke with James Tandy, who like me is from York, Nebraska. In fact, the last place Dad spent the night outside of St. Louis was at the home of James' parents, Bruce and Sheila. Dad had developed back problems on a trip to Montana caused by an infection and Sheila drove Mom and Dad back to Missouri from York on Father's Day, 2007. Talking to James made me once again realize what a small world it is in many ways.Kathryn Thomas Phillips, one of my former players, sent me a sympathy card. She only met Dad once or twice but her favorite memory came when she and two of her teammates (Amy, Erin), her sister (Laura Beth), and my assistant coach (Nancy Tipps Reed), drove to St. Louis from Tennessee to see me at Christmas the first year I was in Houston. Kathryn recalled in amazement that for dessert, Dad pulled out five flavors of ice cream! He was an ice cream specialist!
Dad preached a sermon called The Blessing at churches across the country when he and Mom did marriage workshops for congregations. It was based on the approval that parents give, and don't give, to their children. It is my guess that this lesson touched as many lives as anything he ever said.Dad did a Myers-Briggs workshop for one of my girls' basketball teams at Friendship Christian School. Each girl was profiled and he came and talked to them. The number one question, of course, was "What kind of guy should I marry?" Dad also made several motivational tapes that my teams at Georgia Christian School listened to before games and practice. I am not sure if we played better...but we were relaxed!
One of these days, I am going to make a big pot of STARBUCKS COFFEE from the packages Dad had been given for Christmas presents last December. Then, I am going to drink about ten cups from the STARBUCKS mug I bought for him in March and read every update I wrote, going back to August 1st and concluding the day he died. I just don't think I'm ready yet.

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

As you can tell, I am nostalgic today. Below, I am re-running the video Dad made to thank my students when they made cards for him. It was first posted on December 2, 2007. Immediately following is my favorite picture of Mom, taken at Harding College.

Dad's Video

Dad's Video

This is a short video of Dad thanking my students for making cards. If you haven't seen or talked to him since the stroke, you can see his progress. If you leave a comment or e-mail me about the video, I will read it to him!
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

The Lovely Sarah Nelda Chesshir Hawley

The Kings Of Kansas

It's been a very good year for my brothers who both teach and coach at Wichita Collegiate School. In November, Scott's robotics team won one of two national tournaments, this one held in Arkansas. This Spring, his Science Olympiad squad won the Kansas state championship and qualified for the national championships in June. Dave, perhaps the winningest high school tennis coach in the United States, won yet another Kansas state championship with his kids last weekend. Dave's Spartan boys and girls teams have won a combined thirty-six state titles. Below are two stories from this weekend's Kansas state tennis final.

By Joanna Chadwick, The Wichita EagleWichita Collegiate tennis coach Dave Hawley's tenure has been packed with success, winning 15 boys titles from 1988-2006.
But as the championship matches of the Class 3-2-1A tournament started Saturday at Wichita State, Hawley was especially emotional. Collegiate's doubles teams of Miles Dunne-Brandon Somerhalder and Paul Abromeit-Wyatt Kesler were set to play in the championship match, which meant Collegiate had won yet another team title.
"This team, they're very special because they were uncoached by me for part of the year," said Hawley, who spent two weeks of the season in St. Louis with his dad, who died on April 15."... I've liked all my teams, but this team, even if they hadn't won it, would be very, very special."
Hawley, whose team scored 38 points to edge second place Conway Springs (34 points), credited his players and assistants Jeff Nordgren and Janet Glaser.
"Right in the beginning, about the first week of the season, (Hawley) came in and said that things were going poorly with his dad," Nordgren said."... I could just see the faces of the kids. They love Dave so much.... They played well in the tournaments, and I think it's inspired by how much they care about him."
Coming into Saturday, though, it appeared that Conway Springs had a slight advantage. While Collegiate's top singles player, Daniel Ritchie, had to work his way on the backside to finish fifth, the Cardinals had Mitchell Kibbe in the singles semifinals. And Conway Springs and Collegiate had two doubles teams in the semis.
But Kibbe lost to Wichita Independent's Ryan Norman 6-0, 6-2 before finishing third for the second year by beating Kansas City Maranatha's Bryan Thomas 7-6 (4), 6-3.
Norman, a junior, won his second straight singles title by beating Claflin's Taylor Bieberle 6-1, 6-1.
Kibbe's loss meant Conway Springs needed to get a doubles team in the championship.
But Dunne-Somerhalder, Collegiate's No. 1 doubles team, defeated Conway Springs' Stratton Lange-Matt Pauly 6-3, 6-2. And Abromeit-Kesler beat Conway Springs' No. 1 doubles team of Kody Koester-Andrew Devlin 6-4, 6-4.
" (Koester-Devlin) needed to win against Collegiate," Conway Springs coach Chris Bellar said of the team title competition. "They didn't play as well as we'd like them to to win. If we had won that one, it would have been interesting, but it still wouldn't have been guaranteed.
"... We had to get three entries out of regionals, and that was a tremendous accomplishment. We knew we had to get to the semis to have a chance, and we did that. We did two-thirds of what we wanted to do, but sometimes it doesn't go your way."
It was a little weird for the Collegiate doubles teams to play each other. Somerhalder said it was like a practice.
The fans struggled with it, too, so between sets, Hawley told the fans to cheer, that the players had said the first set was boring.
"Don't worry about offending anybody," Hawley said to the fans.
"We've been playing each other all season, and it's gone both ways before," said Dunne, a sophomore. "But we're all close friends, in school and out."
Dunne and Somerhalder won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
By AMY HOUSTON CatchItKansas.com
Wichita Collegiate won the Class 3-2-1A tennis championship Saturday, the second time in three years. The Spartans prevailed without any upperclassmen.
“This has been a dream come true,” said Collegiate coach Dave Hawley.
Collegiate was ranked No. 3 or 4 throughout most of this season, according to the Kansas Tennis Coaches Association. After winning a regional title, Collegiate was the top team in the association’s final rankings.
Hawley’s team took state with 38 points, followed by Conway Springs with 34. The Spartans had only one state qualifier in singles, but the doubles final was all Collegiate. Miles Dunne and Brandon Somerhalder defeated teammates Paul Abromeit and Wyatt Kesler 6-4, 6-3.
The state-championship appearance was part of a family tradition for Dunne, whose older brothers, Bo and John, also played in state doubles finals for Collegiate. John Dunne and his partner defeated Bo Dunne’s team for first place when Collegiate last earned the team title in 2006.
“We just wanted to continue the tradition,” Somerhalder said.
The boys took on Stratton Lange and Matt Pauly of Conway Springs in the semifinal and prevailed 6-3, 6-2. The teams had played each other in the regional semifinal at Collegiate. Somerhalder and Dunne, both sophomores, also won that contest.
Hawley said Dunne placed fifth at state in singles competition last year, but he offered to move to doubles. Hawley said all his players were selfless this season.
“We’ve preached ‘team first,’” Hawley added.
Somerhalder communicated that philosophy Saturday when he reflected on the state championship. He was especially proud of Kesler, a sophomore, and Abromeit, a freshman.
They battled Kody Koester and Andrew Devlin of Conway Springs to advance to the final. Koester and Devlin defeated the pair 6-4, 6-4 at regionals, but Kesler and Abromeit won the state semifinal by the same score.
“That was huge for our team,” said Somerhalder.
Dunne recalled that Hawley told the boys before Saturday’s competition that if they won their first matches, they would be team champions. Since both Collegiate teams won, Dunne said, the showdown for the state title was a little less competitive.
“That’s our team,” he said of his Spartan opponents, “so it’s not the end of the world (if we lose).”
Even so, Dunne had a little extra motivation since his brother John was a two-time state champ. He had told his little brother, “Once you get three, you’ll be better than me.”
“He’s been saying that since last year after the state championship,” said Miles Dunne. “It’s fun.”
Bo and John Dunne were present Saturday to support their brother – and their alma mater. The doubles championship was a win-win for Collegiate.
“They’ve beaten us before,” said Somerhalder, “but Miles and I went in knowing we could win the state championship.”God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
713-772-2142

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Mom and Dad's Wedding- December 25, 1949

Memories From Pat And Dave Simpson

I mentioned recently that there have been numerous families whose lives have intersected with my parents in various states. The Simpsons, dear friends of Mom and Dad, belong to that group. Dave Simpson had the misfortune to coach my brother, Dave, and me on an American Legion baseball team in York when I was thirteen. (We fought and it was all my brother's fault.) Dave later was also my college baseball coach. His lovely wife, Pat, started in my mother's class as a student teacher and has achieved great educational prominence, including being the Education Department Chair at Abilene Christian University. Pat and Dave have remained close to Mom and Dad and now live in South Dakota. Here are their thoughts.

How do we even BEGIN to count the memories of Roger and Nelda over a forty-year period? They have been so intricately woven into every life event and every decision--yes, EVERY event and every decision, even when we lived hundreds of miles apart--that we can't even separate out the memories to write them down! We aren't even sure what people we would BE now without them! Wonderful images of moments shared with your parents have been vivid for almost a year now--ever since those precious few days we were blessed to spend with them in our home in June 2007. I can still see Roger last summer intuitively and gently guiding Nelda's behavior so beautifully by singing to her; I teach future teachers to use this technique with their young children to facilitate transitions! We have gained life skills and spiritual growth from your parents for forty years every time we have been with them! Roger and Nelda were there with us when we moved to York in 1967, welcomed a baby into the world, and began serving with them as a team couple for Marriage Encounter. I student taught in Nelda's classroom and had, of course, the best role model possible. Your parents were standing in the front yard with a welcome sign a few years later when we pulled our moving truck into our driveway in Lubbock, which through no coincidence was almost next door to the Hawley house! When we both lost our jobs at the same time through budget cuts, your parents were there for us. When our oldest son got married hundreds of miles away, they unexpectedly appeared at the wedding. They were at our house the day my mother died. Through church challenges that hurt more deeply than we could ever have imagined, Roger was there with understanding, reassurance, and psychological and spiritual health! Through all of life's changes, Roger and Nelda were always there either in person or by phone; but, more important than their presence was the GIFT they ALWAYS gave us. With genuine compassion and unconditional love, they gently stepped into our space to walk beside us on each journey. They never judged; in fact, they never even DOUBTED. Through all these years, they have just faithfully walked beside us in that lifelong transformation that is drawing us all to God and His eternity. What a gift! Roger and Nelda have taught us how to move through life on earth with overflowing love and grace! We join so many others in praying that WE can do for someone ELSE just half of what they have done for us! What they have taught us will live in us until we share time with them again--and, in that next life, the time won't END! We love your parents, and we love YOU! Pat and Dave Simpson

The Aftermath...And Thoughts On Dad # 8

Don Worten called this afternoon. Don and his lovely wife, Virginia, were great friends of my folks, both when they lived in Nebraska and then later in Lubbock. I am increasingly aware of families whose trails have repeatedly crossed those of my mother and father, always to my folks' betterment. The Wortens fit into that category. Here are a few more things on my mind about Dad.
I have Dad's old metal nameplate on my desk, engraved with ROGER W. HAWLEY. I don't know how old it is but I never remember it not being on his desk.
One of the thrills of life when we were little was when Dad took Dave and me to The Dump on the outskirts of York, Nebraska on Saturdays. The Dump was a boy's dream: rats, dogs, rocks, glass bottles, and you could break anything you wanted! Plus, and this is a big plus, the place was always on fire! I thought the guy that lived there had the best job in the world!
I almost burned our chicken house down trying to catch a plastic milk carton on fire. Mom and Dad were none-too-pleased.
We never had a great lawn. The folks let us play in the yard and the grass had bare spots for pitcher's mounds, end zones, etc. Landscaping took a backseat to letting us be kids. And, even though Dad never played himself, he always put up a basketball goal on the garage at all our houses when we were old enough.
I learned what I know about preaching weddings from Dad. He had the gift and helped guide me along when I began being asked to perform marriage ceremonies. In a number of the weddings I've presided over, I've used the vows Grandpa Hawley wrote for my parents' nuptials on December 25, 1949. Oftentimes, my dad used his dad's language verbatim when it came to the vows and I have followed suit. Big day for me yesterday! Jackie Marini, a junior at WCS and one of my all-time favorite students, asked me if I will preach her wedding when the BIG DAY arrives. She doesn't know the guy yet or the date, but she has a minister lined up. Let me go on record- Jackie will be a stunning bride!We always had rhubarb growing in our yard in Nebraska and Mom made the best rhubarb pie. (My students today told me they had never heard of rhubarb!) Last June, on their final trip through York, Dad brought back a bunch of rhubarb from Sheila and Bruce Tandy's yard to make pies. There was still some remaining last week when Jeanette and Dixie went to the house and cleaned out the freezer. Dixie wrote and told me she took some home and made strawberry rhubarb pie and the Bakers thought about Dad as they enjoyed the dessert. You know he would have loved that!
There were Sundays in York when Dad would preach five sermons a day: early and late morning service, early and late evening service, afternoon worship at the Nebraska State Prison For Women. I get exhausted preaching once!As much as Dad preached, he had to have some mess ups. His biggest one perhaps came when he was preaching on a Sunday morning during a High School Days (Minnow Weekend) at York College. He was preaching on the difficulties of parenting and he meant to say, "This generation is the victim of over-protective parents." It somehow got garbled and over-protective became over-productive. It took minutes for the congregants to quit laughing....and Dad giggled right along with the rest.

713-772-2142God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

The Aftermath...And Thoughts On Dad # 7

I just walked in from our annual WCS Middle School Athletic Banquet. The food was great (Mexican buffet) and the kids, at least the girls, dressed up. My individual awards went to Raven Bailey (Most Improved) and Miki Lewis (Best Teammate). Afterwards, I talked to the head of our Art Department, Karen Keese. Karen's mother died of ALS when Karen was only sixteen and her father died suddenly of a heart attack when he was only fifty-nine. Karen was terrific in sharing some things she went through and I'm finding out most people have a story to tell about grief. It's a process. Please bear with me as I continue to wax eloquently:
One of the hardest things Dad struggled with in regards to Mom had to do with her losing the capability to drive without being dangerous, both to herself and to others. It broke his heart because she did not realize her slippage and it eroded her sense of independence. Almost until the end, Dad vowed he would prove the neurologist wrong and he would drive again. He told me he knew it was unlikely but he had to have something to hope for.
I had Dad for a professor for one day at York College in Psychology. On the second day of the semester, I switched to Dr. Gayle Napier's section. The reason was practical- I did not like the grading system Dad laid out in his course syllabus.
Mom and Dad had a red Special Plate that they broke out for anyone who had a special occasion. Your name was inscribed on the back and the plate hung on the wall in a place of honor. Many folks dined on that piece of china over the years. (I think they bought it at HALLMARK.)
Last Friday, Chelsey, who is one of my student aides, had nine inches of her hair cut off and donated to Locks Of Love. The hair goes to make wigs for girls who have cancer and lost their hair due to chemotherapy. My first cousin, Marsha, and Dad both survived cancer so Chelsey's sacrifice means a great deal to me.Speaking of cancer, Dad was a one-time president of the Nebraska Cancer Society. When I was a sophomore, Dad caught me smoking. My punishment? I had to read all the anti-smoking pamphlets! (I can't tell you where I got the cigarettes from. One of my brothers might have to resign as an elder!)Dad's PH.D dissertation was footnoted in Gary Smalley's well-known book, The Blessing.
The only hymn I remember hearing in Brooklyn when I was very young is Beyond The Sunset. It is my favorite comfort song dealing with death.
Dad built identical bookshelves into the walls of their last four houses....and he had enough books to fill them up.
This is a typical joke I heard Dad tell:
"A new author and an old author were talking. The experienced author asked the novice how his first book was coming along. The reply was that it was progressing except he could not come up with a title. The old author thought a minute and asked, 'Are there any drums in the book?' The new author answered there were not. 'Are there any trumpets in your book?' The answer again was negative. The old author concluded, 'It's easy, then. Call it NO DRUMS, NO TRUMPETS!' "

713-772-2142


God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com