The rest of the Story Posted 8/18/2007 12:14:01 PM I just wanted to update my last blog about friends and how important they are in our lives. I had said that I couldn't find one of my army buddies and it made me worry that he had been killed in the war. You see he was going to go into OCS (Officers canidate school) and become an Officer. Most those guys were sent to Nam and the mortality rate was 90% and that wasn't always from enemy fire. Anyway I did find him and went to visit him in Idaho this summer. We had a good time revisiting the past and did a little fishing together. He is a brother from a special time in our lives and I will always carry him in my heart. After I left and was talking with him on the phone he made this comment "not many people would drive across two States to visit a friend for only a day, you are a true and very special friend". That made all the years of worrying about him worth the search because not many people will acknowledge how special you are to them and how special you have made them feel. Just to inform you of what happened to the three of us while we were in the army Jim and I both went to Nam, Jim did two tours and was shot down in his second tour while in a chopper as a gunner but wasn't hurt to bad. I did one tour. Glenn never went to nam, he was state side and went on an assignment to another country that I can't tell you about but his three years was almost like a vacation. So that is "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvy use to say Paul (1) Comments

What does it take to touch a heart Posted 5/15/2007 2:20:23 AM Over the years I have met many people some of whom I have had lasting friendships. I have met people that I just don't remember and sometimes I wonder why this is, what is the difference in those that make a lasting impression and those that don't. Why is it that some people feel like you have known them all your life and some you have never met face to face but you would do anything for them because they have touched your heart. That my Friends is the key to our friendships. Those that touch our hearts are never forgotten. There is a special bond between people that we may never understand but that bond lasts for years Even when there is no contact. Recently I found a Army buddy that I went through basic training with in 1968. The last time I saw him was in Seattle, Washington in 1969. For years I was worried he had been killed in Vietnam, 5 years ago I found his father and found out he had done two tours and came home alive. I just recently talked to him on the phone and it was like finding a lost brother. The amazing thing was that he was stationed at a base right across from me in Pleiku VietNam the whole time and we didn't know it. The sad part of this story is that we can't locate our other buddy. I'v done all kinds of searches and called a lot of people with the same name but only to find out it wasn't him. Are you starting to understand what I am getting at? some people are more then just people they are in your heart and they mean more to you for the rest of your life then the person you may talk to in the grocery store or a co-worker. Some of you have touched my heart and I will always be thinking of you and will seek you out just to say "HI" I have enjoyed our conversations and the little notes you have sent. You may be wondering what is this all about, well it about "Good Bye" I am not going to be online anymore, I may check in if I am around a computer but for now My friends I just want to say thank you for being friends that I will carry in my heart with pride. Be proud of who you are because you make a difference. Paul (0) Comments

The Unpopular Position Posted 3/8/2007 4:29:25 AM I have found that when a person takes a stand for what they believe is right; there is always someone ready to challenge their belief. The difficulty with this statement is that you now have two people believing they are right. So how do you now which one is right. Well they are both right until the facts prove one wrong. (History) The biggest problem is that we as a society are never happy. But the bigger picture is society causes its own problem and then wants to blame someone else. We are not happy with our Government but instead of fixing it we fail to recognize the problem and change it. Here is an example that will most likely outrage some. It has to do with Morals, a common sense attitude on right and wrong which the world seems to have thrown in the basket. I will not put names on the situation but most should know who I am referring to. Why would we (Americans) want to elect a person that has already proven through their actions that they will cerium vent the legal process if it is in their best interest? I am referring to the suspicious death of a person in the white House a few years ago and though all parties involved were lawyers they tampered with the crime scene. There were many other acts that should have been red flags to the people yet they turned around and voted one of these people in to public office who is now going to run for the President's office. Do we want people in the white House we can't trust? We have a Congress that failed to impeach a President that lied under Oath, regardless of the reason he was under oath, he had a duty to the American people to tell the truth. He was a Lawyer as a civilian and yet he lied and congress failed to do their duty and impeach him from office or disbar him for life. Yet a person in the Military service that happens to be an Officer and has a relationship with an enlisted person will be dishonorable discharged from the service. Whose crime is greater? Who is punished the hardest? How do we pick our leaders by what do we measure them by? Maybe we need to remember Abraham Lincoln a barefoot boy that became president at a time when we were divided and for the second time American blood was spilled on American soil in the name of freedom or was it greed. The first time it was for freedom from British control. The Declaration was written and the signers persecuted and or killed. (Read signers of the declaration) Now we have a Democracy that is for the People and By the People or is it? We have the right to vote but when the vote didn't go the way congress wanted it they amended the process and said that if a certain percentage didn't vote then the vote was invalid, what happened to the right to choose to vote. We the people allowed it to happen. Why is it that when there is a war every Tom Dick and Harry comes out of the closet and starts yelling but when it comes to losing our freedom to choose to vote or not to vote they are no where around. Why is it that we can't support our troops 100%? What was the Twin Towers! The Pentagon! Oklahoma City! Attacks on American soil by extremist, it doesn't matter what color the skin is, if we don't show a force of aggression when needed then you better be willing to give up your right to live, you may be the next random victim. Remember that a politician never states a fact they will answer with a question or say they know how to fix the problem...What have they said? Nothing they hope we’re to dumb to realize they are talking in circles and that their smile and baby kissing will get them elected. They will say what you want to hear but never promise you they will do it. A candidate that will stand up and tell you what is wrong and this is how he/she is going to fix it. You better check out congress and see if they are on the same page other wise all the promises in the world won't change anything. We Have a system that is built to defeat it's self because republicans and democrats won't vote for what is right they will vote on party lines then blame someone else. You want an example of waste that congress endorses. Each year the Military is allotted a budget but in order to maximize that budget they have to show a need. You know how they do that? They throw away Millions of dollar of new stuff in the garbage so they can show that they need to buy more stuff to keep there budget high. What if they were to keep all the equipment they have and still get their budget but the surplus goes into an account that will gain interest. This is our money that is being thrown away. Why throw away good equipment just to replace it with new equipment from a new budget. That money could be used for schools or hospital, emergency and Police/ jails. We can give Billions in aid to other countries but can't find the money to increase medical care for our servicemen and women. We have a social security system that fails to help those in need when it is so obvious. They are made to fight for what is rightfully theirs but have to give a Lawyer 40% of their retro after as much as a four year fight. Just stop and think what the right thing is, is the right thing being done is the right person in that position to accomplish the greater good for society. Is other peoples dislike for something depriving others of their right to have it. In God we Trust! The Pledge of Allegiance, The Rights of students to Pray in School. The Fathers of this country prayed at every gathering. Maybe some don't believe in a higher power but those that do shouldn't be limited by others that don't believe. We need to leave intact a world that the future can be proud of and not lose the things that make a difference between right and wrong (0) Comments

How do we see each other Posted 2/19/2007 3:25:36 AM I have a friend that is beautiful to perfection and the world is at her feet. I have another friend who has not been so lucky and though he is not ugly he shows the hard side of life. I would not trade these friends in for anything in this world because it isn't the beauty that I see or the hard times in my friends face. I see two human beings that has a beauty of their own. It is not the cover that I see it is the heart that they give freely that makes me call them friends. It does not matter what color there skin is because the heart is always Red. I have meet people that need a helping hand, just someone to listen to them and help them understand. Sometmes it's not advice they require just the knowledge that someone cares. Sometimes we have to listen before we fully understand we are the difference between love and lost. We are sent on missions to help our fellow human beings. How many of you would take the time to listen to a total stranger who is in need and become their friend, realizeing later that you made a difference in a life. We are not here by accident and people cross are path for a purpose, We may be the one to benifit from a moment of a strangers time....... (0) Comments

Tony Blair's Statement Posted 2/14/2007 12:48:38 PM Tony Blair's Statement In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... And how many want out." Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1 . Jesus Christ 2. The American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM (1) Comments

The Strength of a Man Posted 2/8/2007 3:20:26 AM No hug or kiss for a man sick in bed A timeless remedy is a woman's breast Laying his head upon To comfort his ailing head Through out the ages man has conquered lands His strength; the test by which he is measured a man No weakness shall he show, his belly he will not expose A hundred men he will face without fears of deaths door The strength of a man is not his mass It is the gentle touch of a woman's hand A dying man will call for his "life" The woman, his strength through out all time His life; he will give, the woman who held his ailing head The secret of mans strength, her tender breast Under the flesh, he hears the beating of her loving heart I am here, do not fear with each beat of her heart does he hear His weakest moment is his greatest victory, when he drops a single tear For the love of a woman, that gives him strength To be the man this land expects. Paul G. Dailey 2006 (1) Comments

Changing Seasons Posted 12/9/2006 2:53:50 PM Changing Seasons I see hands as I type these words, that are not familiar. I realize that time is changing me Like the summer into autumn. There is a beauty to this change, like the beauty in the leaves. As they change from green to golden hews. There is nothing to fear for life is a gift. A never-ending gift at first. We abuse it with reckless abandonment, then the reflection we see is not ours it seems The lord has given us this time to prepare for him. Few humans are aware of this and fear death, An unknown; nonexistent place of rest Eternity, a goal the lord set for us, A promise he made, through the blood of his Son. Fear not when you see the change embrace it with faith. Eternity with the lord is a blessing The earth bound existence is meaningless Without the lord by your side Paul G. Dailey 2006 (0) Comments

A Soldiers view of war Posted 10/26/2006 3:30:27 PM I do not understand the attitude of the American people that are always publicly denouncing the war. Nobody wants a war but unfortunately it is the way of the world. Wars have been fought over all different issues some justified some not. If people took the same attitude in WWII as they are now what kind of world would we be living in? Vietnam is a good example of what happens when the public gets involved in issues they have no idea of what is happening. Granted we should not have been there in the first place but we didn't have a choice because we were allies of France. I was there, I heard the bombings every day. Those bombs were keeping the viet cong from being resupplied. The pressure of the public forced congress to stop the bombing; People that decision prevented the war from ending! The Viet Cong stated at the end after the war was over that the bombing prevented them from getting supplies and was within 30 days of surrendering when the bombing stopped. Those that go around saying they help stop the war in Vietnam by protesting, they helped spill more blood because the war continued for three more years. Only a United America will stop the war, the world has to see that we (America) will not tolerate attacks on out soil or abuse to other nations. Let the world know that the Nation that is ready to help those in need will also fight to protect it's own boarders, will not tolerate Bullies of the world. Support the men and women that put their life on the line for you. That is their job they chose that profession, give them the strength they need to do the job. Do not let the other countries use the American people as propaganda tools to loose this war. Force the other countries to take action that will force peace in a nation that has never known peace. Terrorist are made and they know no boundaries. Bringing our troops home will not solve the problem it will make it worse. Politicians will use the war as a platform because they will tell the people what they want to hear. What is right is not always the most popular thing to do but it takes courage to make the unpopular choices. Those that said we were doing the right thing in the beginning and then changed their mind when there is public out cry can not be trusted to make decisions that have to be made and stick By them. You may be saying what gives me the right to say these things, two things (1) I put my life on the line and have paid the price. (2) I have a Son-in-law over there and his friends that I met. I know the risk but I also known that the American people by supporting them will help more then by protesting. If you have never been in there place you will never know how much it hurts to have Home slap you in the face. (0) Comments

A Twins Love Posted 10/11/2006 3:08:59 PM I was just talking to you the other day Laying in your bed where you usually stayed We talk as usual about the old days But we never mentioned your disease. I almost lost you but prayer saved you that day The Lord gave me two more months Before He took you from this place For twenty-two years you were so brave You never complained about your disease You only mentioned you were glad it wasn't me! How can you find truer love except from a sister Whose love! Was given selflessly So many friends you have made lying in that bed I would like to say graciously But your disease didn't allow for luxury You were your own person, A bond grew between You and the nurses. No greater tribute can ever be Given to a person then the love Delta house had for you my Twin sister I will never forget the love you had for me! Paul G. Dailey 2006 For my Twin Sister whose heart is my heart 1948 -- 2006. (2) Comments

Empty Soul Posted 10/11/2006 3:05:45 PM What is this that I am feeling? Missing…. Part of me, not all of me My soul is crying; you left this world A better thing for you, no more agony Our souls were connected, twins we were Now I am alone and my soul is incomplete A piece of me is missing. You are gone, the love we shared gone No marriage can provide the same bond My twin you have taken part of me with you The love that filled my soul’ I will never hear “That’s My Twin Brother” again. A Badge of Honor you gave me, through your love With those four words I will always love you “Sis” Paul G. Dailey 2006 (0) Comments

Angel’s of Mercy Posted 10/11/2006 3:02:02 PM To the Nurses and Staff for Unselfish Devotion to the Sick and Dying They walk the narrow halls wearing pinks, blue or green, sometime multicolor things Walking from room to room giving comfort and aid to those that stay..... The last place some may see, before giving into nature’s way. “Comfort and Dignity” is their Creed for those they care for intensively Thirty or more in the ward doesn’t matter; love is given individually Bonding to those in their care, relationships that will end in tears Death does not deter, when friends depart from here. Understanding with respect, given to family members in distress Knowing how hard this journey may be, Explanation given freely, help the families seeking peace Angel's of Mercy caring for the sick; most will return to God in death Leaving the room saying goodbye; leave the room with tears in their eyes Picked by God to do this job, know tomorrow are more goodbyes “Angel’s of Mercy” deserves our respect for giving love… Though they know the end by Paul Dailey Author's Comments: "For the Love and Compassion they gave our Mother" (0) Comments

Wrote your Name Posted 10/11/2006 2:58:22 PM On the paper I did write the words That brought you to life Those made me feel all right I would look at it every once in awhile Put it back in my pocket like a file Once in awhile I would touch my pocket Feel you close and smile I lost that paper and was sad Got an idea I could write it on my hand I could look at it anytime The ink on my hand made me feel closer then before This was better then paper, that only made me smile I looked at my hand and the Ink was gone I felt lonely without you their Where to put you That wouldn't get lost Or washed away, Somewhere special I think I know the place I have placed you in my Heart With every beat I know where you are Nothing can remove you now I smile with every beat of my heart The secret of where you are Makes people wonder Why I have this twinkle in my eye And a mystic Mona Lisa smile Paul G. Dailey 2006 (0) Comments

TWO SILHOUETTES Posted 10/11/2006 2:56:28 PM In the twilight of the night Two silhouettes walk a deserted beach Enjoying the warm spring breeze Clear moonless night, stars so bright shimmering in the night, celestial music playing for the two silhouettes as they watch the twinkling lights A falling star dancing from the heavens A spectacular sight for two silhouettes A romantic moment not lost from sight Two silhouettes as one Feeling a familiar sensation As the waves slowly roll forward Two silhouettes slowly roll closer As the waves, the two silhouettes Roll closer and closer and closer by Paul Dailey (0) Comments

A Friend For Life Posted 10/11/2006 2:52:53 PM We trained side by side, Became friends then left Stateside To a foreign land we were sent, To fight an enemy we didn't understand A bond that would last a lifetime was born The only good thing to come out of that war My memories are faint but I remember you well As long as I live you well never parish Fallen comrade you will live on in my mind This Unit can't be broken up by death or by time. Wait for me on the other side We will march together through heavens gates Gods grace will open that place He knows we have already been to Hell. Paul Dailey 2005 (0) Comments

I am a Professional Posted 10/11/2006 2:48:26 PM I am an American soldier I picked this life for me I gladly go where others believe; it’s not necessary I do it in the name of Freedom for all human beings I work for my Uncle Sam, don’t misunderstand This is a government job, I am a government employee I go where I am told, I do my job what ever it may be I am no different then you; for when it’s time to work I am a professional at what I do; just like you! I don’t understand why you picket my profession I am a working stiff just like all Americans I don’t degrade your profession Respect my position it is my decision To be an American Soldier And go where I am told Paul G. Dailey 2006 (0) Comments

Looking Back Posted 10/11/2006 2:43:40 PM When I looked in the mirror I saw my greatest fear I have changed over the years I look at the reflection with tears What happened to the years? All those years! That transformed the reflection I see in the mirror The body once hard and strong Now frail and soft Tormented by aches and pain Hair once Thick and Brown Now graying and falling out A little thinner I would say Bright Blue eyes With mischief twinkling inside Gone to the wayside I wonder what I would have said All those years ago Looking in the mirror A Handsome Young man With a Future and years to go Before growing Old Did I think about the change? The years would bring? I doubt the thought occurred to me Invincible we were to be Heart and Mind are the same Only the Body has made the change When walking down the street Do not think of an Old Man you see The body may be looking old The Heart and mind have years to go. Paul G. Dailey 2005 (0) Comments

Peacefulness Posted 10/11/2006 2:39:43 PM Peacefulness The smell of the campfire smoke Aroma of Pine Trees in the air The soothing sound of water flowing by in the creek The essence of total peace and serenity The aroma of Breakfast being cooked swirling in the air Smell of fresh camp coffee arouses the senses The essence of total peace and serenity Awareness of your hunger awakens the mind The peace and serenity make everything in reality seem so distant No pressures or worries Total peace The essence of total peace and serenity Only felt when camping The wind blowing through the trees sound like a lull-a-bye soothing the soul Flowing creek playing a melody as it bubbles and swirls dancing through the rocks The total peace and serenity only felt within the sounds of the Forest The beauty of the trees and Flowers The magnificent Mountains rise to the sky Chattering Chipmunks running from tree to tree The essence of total peace and serenity Awaken the senses and all the beauty is now visible Peace and serenity brought on by a camping trip Wishing this to be an everyday experience Wishing to stay forever......... The essence of total peace and serenity found in the remote forest... The same peace and serenity found in the Lord He who created all the beauty where we feel so comfortable Peace and Serenity The vision of beauty is always found when the Lord is in your heart Paul Dailey (0) Comments

Bubble of Memories Posted 10/11/2006 2:36:01 PM Bubble of Memories I have returned home to perform the last duty of a Son. I grew up in this small town, a safe haven if you will. Forty years have nearly gone by The bubble of time has frozen my mind I walk the street of long ago; see my friends in each household I look again; they are gone! Only the structures hold memories of long ago I left this place years ago, only to visit once a year or so. I walk past my home of long ago The one my Dad built many years before The door beckons but I cannot go Someone else now owns our home. I do not know what is worse? Bringing Mom home or the memories of long ago A childhood full of love, allowed to grow. Walking these streets of long ago My heart won’t let go, this home left so many years ago. An uncanny toll this town holds on my mind that won’t let go. No matter how many times I left! I never seem to leave That magic bubble of time That was my childhood So long ago Paul G. Dailey 2006 Dedicated to: Grand Coulee Dam, Washington and The Love of my Parents (0) Comments

The Cab Ride Posted 10/11/2006 2:25:11 PM Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now" We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said "You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. Thank you." I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT,THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Author Unknown (0) Comments