A Thankful Heart

in light of the recent events mentioned in my blog, here are a few things to be thankful for:

a father who was proud to have me as his son.

taxes i pay because it means that i'm employed.

clothes that fit a little snug because i have enough to eat.

all the complaining i hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

the space at the far end of the parking lot because it means i am capable of walking.

a huge heating bill because it means i am warm.

the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that i can hear.

the pile of laundry and ironing i have because i have clothes to wear.

being tired at the end of the day because i have been productive.

the alarm that goes off early in the morning because it means i am alive.

a broken heart, because of the ability to love.


my prayer for you is to notice a friend or family member this week. ask if they need something, offer to chat. just reach out. you never know who you will find. and you never know who you will help. even if they don't even know you did.

Sempre Americo

Americo was my father.

a good man. smart. loving.

he loved racing formula vee race cars, and was very good at it!

he loved his children, even when he didn't know how.

business was his toy, and he played with it with such skill.

he always believed in "gritting your teeth" and the better would come.

he was my best friend. and my most trusted advisor.

i will love him always (sempre), Americo.

my dad.

UPDATE - Preying Teachers

since my story from yesterday, this was reported today from california:

middle school teacher accused of having sexual contact with two 13-year-old boys who were former students is scheduled to be arraigned thursday. Sarah Suzanne Bench-Salorio, 28, of Orange, is charged with "multiple" counts of lewd acts with a child.

by the way, she's married and they are raising his three siblings ages 5, 10 and 14...as foster children!

what a nice environment.

where's the pubilc out cry?

Preying Teachers

today in bristol, va. another middle school teacher was accused of "indecent liberties" with her 13 year old student. Melissa Michelle Deel, 32, was charged with felony carnal knowledge and taking indecent liberties with the boy. Deel, who has been suspended, taught eighth-grade ancient world history and contemporary world issues.

not that long ago doe eyed doofus Deborah LaFave, then 23, was accused of having sex with one of her 14 year old students in tampa, fl. she's charged with four felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition. each count carries a maximum 15 year prison term.

and recently in upstate new york, a middle school teacher was accused of exposing himself to one of his music students. in this case he would have students blind fold their eyes in order to practice playing an instrument without the use of their eyes. the student's blind fold started to slip off and when she turned around, well his pants weren't where they were supposed to be.

why is this seemingly happening more often? is it just being reported more?

i think it comes down to two points.

1. these people might already be sick when they set off to teaching in the first place. which brings me to my second point.

2. then they work in an environment where they are surrounded by the little objects of desire they seek.

regardless of "why" they did it, or "how", it needs to be remembered that these people took advantage of KIDS not fully able to think clearly for themselves. and the damage they do lasts longer than a prison sentence.

these sickos don't need to be "studied", they need to be punished. and severely.

2005

wishing all of you a blessed and happy new year!