The Big Dipper

Earlier tonight, Dean and I were in the jeep driving home from watching a movie with my sister and Tyrel (her husband), when I looked up and noticed the big dipper. I told Dean that the big dipper will always remind me of my dad. He asked why.

I told him of a time many years ago when I lived with my mom after my parent‘s divorce. My mom and I had gotten into another fight and once again I was torn between living with her and my dad. I had called my dad over that night so he would pick me up so I could stay with him.

While I waited for my dad to come, I remember my sister and I crying and holding each other in the hallway. She told me that she loved me and wanted to go with me, but she didn’t know if she wanted stay with mom or go with me to dad’s.

When my dad came, I went outside to meet him. I was upset and still crying. My dad was and still is not good with that sort of stuff, so he directed his attention to the stars. He showed me where the big dipper was and talked about what he knew of other stars that shined above us.

I later connected that conversation with my dad as his way of distracting and helping me through a tough time. It was his way of saying I’m sorry it’s got to be this way and I love you.

Since that night and ‘til my last night on earth, I will always be reminded of my dad when I see that big dipper.

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WHITE KNIGHTS

There's this house down my street on the corner, it looks pretty normal, but then there's this truck parked out toward the main street beside the house, it is not normal.

It has a huge American flag raised in the bed of the truck, then there is a slightly smaller confederate flag also raised in the bed of the truck and then to top it off the bumper has the words WHITE KNIGHTS printed very obvious and big.

I am not 100% sure what the WHITE KNIGHTS means exactly, but I am pretty sure they are trying to make some white power stand.

My question to them is.... if you wanted to make a stand, why would you choose to do it here in North Idaho where almost everybody is white?

Why don't they go to the south side of Tucson where I'm from, and then sport that racist crap to make their stand... let's see how long they last down there where not everybody is white?

I can not stand racism, it's a pet peeve of mine, I dislike racist attitudes, jokes and comments. I got my ass kicked growing up because I was a white girl.  Imagine how bad it would have been if I was racist and sported prejudice paraphernalia, I would have gone from getting beat up to being killed.

I hate seeing that stupid truck, but when I do see it, I think of all my friends and family who are not white and I love them just a little bit more..... every time.

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He did not win

He injured and killed innocent people, but he did not win.

She received a huge warm welcome as she entered the building. I think if we were there we would have all joined in as tears, cheering and clapping filled the floor of the House of Representatives today.

Our prayers have been answered and all though we lost innocent beloved people, we gained a miracle. Her strength and endurance is stronger and bigger than the evil that caused so much devastation last January in Tucson.

He did not win.