Life's Madness In the Trenches

Life's madness is that we keep trenching through time looking for a passageway
one foot at a time with our shovels and picks.  All we had to do was lift
ourselves up out of the trench and go our way but it seemed easier to do the
task at hand.  We are so serious!

Do you have any favorite trench stories?  My favorite is from "Stories for the Heart"
compiled by Alice Gray.  An author unknown shared the following story of courage in
the chapter on compassion.  It is paraphrased in my own words below.

Did you read about the thick of battle in World War I when the trenches of
Germans and Americans were separated by a barb wire fence.  There was shelling
and constant battles to cross over.  This was a snowy, cold day early in December
of 1917.

A German soldier had jumped out of the trench to fire down on the Americans.
He was gunned down and fell over the barb wire.  For the longest time he
called out for anyone to help him to no avail.  Finally, the American fire
stopped and a lone soldier crawled toward him amidst the German fire trying
to pick him off.  As he neared the German solder the fire stopped.  The American
stood up and helped the wounded soldier off the barb wire.  He crossed over
to the German trench and helped him down to his own men.

As he turned to go back, he felt a hand on his shoulder.  A German officer
pulled an iron cross off his uniform and gave it to him.  It was the highest
award given a German soldier for meritorious duty in battle.  The American
returned in silence to the American trench -- no one fired on him and peace
ensued for the breadth of the rescue.  The fighting and shelling resumed.  For
one moment the bravery and unselfish behavior of one soldier touched them all.

un-paraphase

May we all find the courage to lift out of the trench especially to help those
around us caught up in the spectra of life.

Home Again from Iraq

Welcome Home Mike Reynolds




Thank you and many others for service to God and our country!











Looking inside at the driver to an Iraqi tank ...



Heading out to Iraq ...



















The thrill of coming home again!

A relaxed patient whose son was in Iraq ...
Jim Reynolds in July 2008

Marianne Reynolds in July 2008

Two of my patients have been in the service of their church and their country. They recently watched as their son came back from Iraq. I admire their service as missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Here are pictures and their note to me as Brother Scott.

Dearest Brother Scott & Family,
Just thinking of earth angels while watching General Conference with the Trainees at Lackland AFB today...my hip has remained stable since departure from San Diego, and I have not returned to my back brace as yet. Your skill and generosity in sharing it with us, was a direct answer to my personal prayer to be rid of my cane. Goodness, I think of it everyday as I climb stairs or visit the troops...such a blessing for my life.
Wishing you well as you return wellness to others...
Our Fond Regards,
Sister Reynolds

Here is a general note from the Reynolds to friends and family:

Dearest Family & Friends,
Senior Airman Reynolds touched his boot down on US soil 9 days early!! We were thrilled to receive his text message. They were lifted out of Iraq to Qatar, then flown to Ireland for refueling and then a 9 hour non-stop flight to Hill AFB.
God Bless the USA and our son. He is readily jumping back into life supporting little brother Daniel at his first concert, with Craig Jessop as director, no less.
I will pass along my favorite photos....most, you have already seen and yet a small acknowledgment of Mike's journey to Iraq.
We are Grateful,
Elder & Sister Reynolds
Military Relations Missionaries
Lackland AFB, Texas

From the Sidelines

Remember High School and being on the sidelines of something? I remember being in the band and playing tuba. It was ridiculously too big for me. I was never number one in my section because I had a penchant for playing my own notes. Oh they sounded okay, I would write alternate parts that fit the music, but the band teacher would not always appreciate the new arrangement. I was on the sidelines and I was supposed to be playing the part written.

Then I found the pep band for the football games. That was the funnest time. We all would mimic the popular commercials of the day and use them to spurn the game on with renewed excitement. Somehow we thought that themes from T.V. would help them tackle and move the ball. I don't know that it worked but I do know that it was exciting -- the audience roared or laughed as we engaged their minds in fun directions ... all from the sidelines. Since the parts were from memory and made up it was a perfect fit.

Life doesn't always work from the sidelines. Sometimes one must step up to the plate and strike back to send the ball into play. When that times comes, and it always will, step up with confidence, be firm and direct. Send that ball flying and make your turn around the bases like it is your time to play ... because it is. I believe we are all given a gift for life. Finding that gift and pursuing it is the most wonderful part of living.