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In the midst of sunshine and warming weather, I am faced with a bitter sweet heart. A beloved pet and old friend went home this morning. Sumi was the last of my Pit Bull Terriers, and an end to an era in my world.

Sumi had a joyful spirit and entertained herself with her tennis balls for hours on end. This wonderful old gal kept going and going through the difficulties of old age and the pain of severe arthritis. She never winced or whined. Sumi spent so many days walking the fence line instead of waiting at the back door like the rest of my dogs.

I miss you already old girl.

Wildside’s Tsunami (Sumi) 7/3/1993 – 3/4/2010

I went to see this movie yesterday, 1.15.2010. I can tell you that I liked this movie, but not much more without giving away some of the cooler parts. There was plenty of action and the story was pretty good. There were a few interesting surprises in the movie, but I would have liked a slightly better ending. Good overall, and I will probably get it on DVD when it comes out.

I got a Moto Droid phone Christmas eve. I needed a couple of weeks to learn the phone and see how it compares to my old Blackberry Storm.

Droid vs Storm… No contest.

The Storm was clunky, buggy, and impossible to type with any proficiency. The web browser on the Storm was incredibly lame as well.

The Droid feels well built.. not cheap. The interface is smooth, clean, and is wonderfully fast. The web browser is actually useful and the app store has tons of applications. The 5mp camera takes pretty good pictures too. The full featured turn by turn GPS is a wonderful feature as well..

It is rare that a new product actually exceeds my expectations.. this one did.

In this season we sometimes take a minute now and then to reflect, analyze, and wonder about our lives. I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Having my battle with cancer has awakened things in me I thought were long gone. Even when I was first diagnosed, I was resigned to live what was left of my life and then die without a fight.

During this battle for my life, God sent people, words, songs, and the prayers of His people. These and other things began to change me over time. Every day now, I feel more and more awake. Now that my spirit and soul are yearning to live life again, these changes are beginning to affect others in my life. Family and friends are wondering what I will do next. Some may even believe that parts of me are unstable; the truth is quite the contrary. I am now experiencing clarity of thought that I haven’t experienced in years. My fear of the future is fading, as it should.

Why does it take such an event to get through our heads that we should live our lives fully; without fear, and doubt? The only downside, is the effect these changes have on others. I can only believe that these changes will work out in the best interest for all involved over time.

As I go through these changes; all I ask is that you (my friends and family) try not to judge me. Also, understand that I am thinking clearly and carefully. These changes are necessary to keep me alive for as long as I can.

The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect for today’s ride. It never got above 75 degrees and the sun was out most of the day. My total for today was just under 200 miles. It looked like there were more bikes this year, but I didn’t get the count. One of the coolest rides was a trike that looked like a corvette from the back. It also appeared to be powered by a big block V-8. It was a great ride for a great cause.

Eight years ago, I was visiting my mother who was living in Georgia at the time. I woke up on the morning of 9-11 and turned on Fox News as I do at home when I arise to see the first hole in the World Trade Center. At that time, no one had any idea what was going on, but many like me knew something ominous was happening. Little did I know that this would be a day that would live in my mind and heart for all time.

My mother and I watched in horrific amazement as the day unfolded and history was made. So today I remember all of those whose lives were taken, and those who sacrificed their lives to save others. Today is not a day of service to the state, as Barry Obama wants. Today is a day to be both sad, and angry that this atrocity happened, and to thank those like George Bush, who understood what was at stake. President Bush sacrificed his political popularity to keep us out of harm’s way.

The tag line at the top of my web site has it right. “We Should Invade Their Countries, Kill Their Leaders, and Convert Them To Christianity.” – Ann Coulter 9/13/2001

The one thing I’ve been able to talk my doctors into letting me do is drive. More than being able to drive, I’ve wanted to ride! And I’ve been riding. Today’s ride was especially nice. My friend Tom DeArment came by early this morning and we went for a three hour ride in eastern Virginia.

Other than the joy of the ride, I had a chance to pray and reflect on things like long lost friends. I also thought about loved ones who I don’t get to see as often as I would like. Along with those things, I took time to give thanks for the healing God has given me.

Riding has been a great blessing in my life.

A couple of weeks ago, I got the okay to return to work until my transplant could be scheduled. I knew at that time that the week before I returned to work would be the last free week I would have before I was stuck in my hospital room for a month. I decided to get on my Goldwing and ride. I told few people where I was going, or even that I was gone.

I left on a Thursday, and rode mostly through western Pennsylvania. I had an incredible time in the open air, and close to God. F.Y.I. praying while riding a motorcycle is a mind blowing experience.

My ride took an interesting turn on my way back home on Sunday. As I neared Breezewood Pennsylvania, my bike started handling strangely. By the time I got to the first rest area on I 70, I knew I would have to stop.

Sure enough, my rear tire was almost flat. What was I going to do? I called the emergency roadside assistance number on my motorcycle club membership card. After several phone calls, they determined that there was no one close enough to tow my bike, or repair my tire. After realizing that I was getting worked up about this, I decided to calm down a bit. With a cooler head, I realized that maybe I should ask God to help me out on this one. At that time, I asked God if he would send someone to help. It wasn’t five minutes later that an older man with a snow white beard gently asked, “do you need some help?”. Lee told me that he rides often and he has been in my situation before, and gave me a ride back to Breezewood where I bought two cans of fix-a-flat, that enabled me to make it home.

When I returned home, I not only ordered a new tire, but I ordered a portable tire plugging kit and a compact compressor. Better late than never .

God Bless you Lee! Thanks for the help.

Let me tell you about a dear old friend from high school. Back in the 70’s I lived in Northern Texas in a town called Burkburnet. While there, I met a great friend by the name of Greg Pendley. Greg and I hung out, worked on car, drank beer, and got in some trouble from time to time.

Over the years, Greg and I got in touch from time to time, just to catch up. Recently when my cancer returned, and with the aid of Facebook, Greg has gone out of his way to give me love, friendship, spiritual support, and encouragement. I’m so thankful for a freind like you my man.

On Monday, my blackberry chimes that I have an email. I looked and it was from Greg. Part of the note read as follows:
Chris,
Thought you might enjoy this attached Born Again American video and song.  By the way, I have a patriot birthday present for you that is hopefully on the way from Washington DC.  A couple of weeks ago, I contacted my U.S. Senator, John Cornyn and requested a flag be flown over the US Capitol on July 4th for you.  Hopefully, it will not take to long to get it delivered. I know you believe in America as much as I do and regardless of who is in the White House, America is a nation of Patriots that can defeat external and internal threats.
Don’t tell the guys, but this note put me to tears for a good little while. Thanks again my friend.

Connie Moore pointed out a wonderful poem to me yesterday, and she suggested I share it on my web site. I agree, so here it is

“There’s a wideness in God’s mercy

Like the wideness of the sea;

There’s a kindness in his justice

Which is more than liberty.

For the love of God is broader

Than the measure of a man’s mind;

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.”

(Frederick W. Faber)