Semper Fi Lt. Col. Ty Edwards - Family, Friends and the Marines

From Chateau Amoire on Tybee Island --- Ty Edwards was in his early teens when I first met him back in the 1980s when I married into the family. However, I will always recall his fascination and interest in the military. He and I had a rather involved conversation about the Army, Special Forces and the Marines.

I suspect that Ty was a Marine in his heart long before he took the oath. Because no amount of talking would probably have convinced him that SF was equal to or better than the Marines.

It came as no surprise to me that Ty today is a Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps and that he, his wife, kids and family have had such exemplary support during his rehabilitation at the VA hospital in Tampa from his Marine Family.

There are reasons that the motto for the Marines is Semper Fi. If you want to read about Ty's remarkable progress and come back from the injury he sustained in Afghanistan, how all his family and the Marines have rallied around him and helped I recommend this article from the Tampa Veteran's Affair newsletter:

http://www.tampa.va.gov/publications/Directors-e-NEWS-2009-07.pdf

The Mysterious "Fifth Photo"

Thanks to everyone that pointed this out!

The fifth photo described below did not get loaded yesterday on the Tybee Prom soooo - here it is:

(Fifth photo) Kay, Mr. Doug (in the background), Miss Lil (standing) Vince and "Miss Junie" Merkle - our gracious landlords and friends

The Tybee Prom

(First photo) Kay and Vince share a laugh.

(Second photo) - "The Three Amigos" Mr. Doug "Blues Brothers" Toemeck, Darryl "Sir James Bond," Vince "The Quintessential Southern Gentleman" Merkle.

(Third photo) Mr. Doug, "Miss Lil" Toemeck, Kay and Susan Martin

(Fourth photo) Vince getting instructions on "bow tie" tying.

(Fifth photo) Kay, Mr. Doug (in the background), Miss Lil (standing) Vince and "Miss Junie" Merkle - our gracious landlords and friends

From Chateau Amoire on Tybee Island ---It has been 41 years since I went to my high school prom with dear friend Faye Stromatt. I was a shy "geek" kind of guy in school always too insecure to ask for a date.

I returned to my youth last weekend when I went to the Tybee Island Prom sponsored by the Tybee Island Beautification Committee, a talented group of volunteers who work diligently and hard to make the island attractive year-round.

However, this prom was one that I could truly enjoy.

I didn't worry about seeing whomever else was there, or what my hair looked like - I am purposefully bald these days, or even what I wore - I supported the only kilt and bow tie and tuxedo shirt at the ball.

I didn't worry about the fact that I don't dance very well - hell I don't dance much anyway and this did help me understand the interest I would have in taking dance lessons.

I did enjoy not having to worry and fret about all the silly high school stuff we used to worry about. I simply went and visited with friends that were vacationing on the island and my neighbors and my friends from the Tybee Dog Park.

I finally realized that at 58 moving toward 59 years of age that I could be me, at least here on this island that sports the most Eastern point of Georgia, and no one cared what I wore, how I danced or what I drank.

It was fun, relaxing and refreshing and peer pressure unlike high school simply didn't exist.

Why do you suppose it takes us maturing to finally let our defenses and insecurities down and not be concerned about what others think?

Good night Mrs. Calabash where ever you are, sorry you couldn't be here.

LPG, Dr. D

"Shifty of the 101st" - An E-mail Shared by Lynn Beckman

From "The Love Shack" at Tybee Island, Ga. --- Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne, or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said, "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point, my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point, he said, "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane, and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him, and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said, "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care, is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now, as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer. There was no parade. No big event in Staples Center. No wall-to-wall, back-to-back 24/7 news coverage. No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this e-mail to everyone you know, especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

"A nation without heroes is nothing."
Roberto Clemente

Home Is Where The Heart Is

From the “Love Shack” at Tybee Island, Georgia --- In visiting with our friend Sue by phone here at the island a while ago, it dawned on me as to the answer to the question: “What is it about Tybee Island that makes you like it so much?”

As I was telling Sue, for some reason I have never really felt like I had a “home” where I could be “just me” and not worry about what someone else would think. All my life I was expected to be the best at whatever I did, was to keep my head under the radar, and stay afloat.

I have always felt I was under intense scrutiny because of the various very public positions I held in government and the corporate world.

Living under the microscope can and does make you at least think you might be paranoid now and then. Every move you make can and often is criticized. This can and often does make you feel “unloved” and unappreciated for who you are.

No don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t that my parents didn’t love me. My Dad certainly had problems showing that but my Mom – well, there was never a doubt about the fact she loved her son.

I strived to become independent quickly in my life to “escape” the scrutiny of my parents and my community and at 19 years old was married and settled into a routine of work and school at Murray State University.

Independence is a hard thing to wrestle with I have found in these past 59-years. All people whether we like it or not are at the best interdependent on each other for love, work, interaction, and conversation. Yet, no one could say that I have not strived to be independent.

I recall in a relationship that was very meaningful to me a young woman saying, “I will never depend on anyone but myself.” Although that would be the same attitude I have harbored all these years in my personal and professional life honed by “Leland’s Laws” 1) Trust no one 2) Assume nothing 3) Triple check everything – the reality is that as humans we need each other.

That brings me back to Tybee Island and the dog park.

Who would have thought that I, of all people, would have become a “dog park addict” and a "Tybee-ite” so quickly; well, perhaps the reality is that it wasn’t that quick – we have after all been coming here regularly 20 years now – but to admit that my life has been enriched by the various characters I have met here – many of whom have become dear friends – is quite the admission for an old curmudgeon like me.

My grandfather, whom I have idolized and probably romanticized more than he would care for, always said that you could judge a man’s (or woman’s) character by how they treated dogs, children and their elders. He would be proud of many of the men and women I have met and brought into my circle of friends through the dog park. Needless to say, not all but the vast majority of the folks that visit there meet or exceed the criteria of Papaw’s character test. And so it was today that Sue and I shared our reasons for loving this island and its many characters.

I am finally at “home” here in my life even if it is just inhabiting two bedrooms, one bath college-like apartment with two dogs and the wife.

It has been a very long time since I felt secure with my situation and myself, there are many reasons for that and yet I finally feel I have arrived.

It is the realization perhaps that security, comfort and the love of friends is an organic process that as it changes either matures and grows more comfortable and meaningful or left to its own design without our effort withers and dies.

Strange as it may seem, I always thought I was “born” into the wrong family.

Perhaps this feeling has fostered in my life the need to “build my own families” with my own “brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers” of my choice. As Kay recently pointed out to me, perhaps I am more comfortable and at ease with my “extended family” than my few remaining members of my birth family.

It has been over the years the many “Dads” and “Moms” and the many “brothers and sisters” that I have adopted and that even to this day I am in touch with – that have comforted me in my times of need, encouraged me in my times of despair, and loved me when I had trouble loving myself.

It is here on Tybee Island that my “adopted parents” – Jim and Ann – also “parents” of Shadow – comfort me, shelter me, inspire me and provide unconditional acceptance and love.

And so it is here at this island that friends (and their “children”) like Sue (Ace’s Mom), Glenn (Marley’s Papaw), Miss Vivian (Sister’s Mom), Miss Nancy (Rocky’s Mom), Tim and Allison (parents to Lucy), Kim (Cole’s Mom), Chris (Roxie's Dad) and our dear friends and landlords Vince and Junie (Tobe’s parents) reach out to us and welcome us back. It feels like I am coming home finally.

It is said that people long to be at home and that your home is whatever place you long to be.

“Home is where the heart is.”

And that my dear friends would be Tybee for me.

Love, peace and grace,

Dr. Darryl

President George W. Bush's "First Pitch" After 9-11

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Two Viewpoints on "The Michael"

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- Okay, I admit I do have an opinion, however, before I voice mine I would like to share with you two different viewpoints expressed by two women. One of whom I know and is a social worker in St. Louis and the other I have no idea. Strangely enough I can identify with both of their views. LPG, Dr. D.

From "Judy" somewhere in time ...

OK, I'm sorry, but somebody has to say it. I am already very tired of the headlines concerning how "the world is morning the loss of Michael Jackson." Even the Pope made a statement about the great loss to humanity . .

Folks, we have young men and women giving up their lives for our country and the freedom of others every day. There are young people in Iran who are probably going to be beheaded because they support free elections. There are thousands of children and girls kidnapped every day for the sex trade in Africa and the Far East. And yes, there ARE starving children in Africa . . STILL!

Michael jackson is not a humanitarian. He has squandered millions on his own lavish pleasures. He is not a spiritual man. He was a odd little man who fondled little boys. Quit anointing him to Sainthood.

I have friends who died in the jungles of Viet Nam 35 years ago and their memory and their sacrifice are STILL more important to me than a dance video. "Thriller" did not change my life. The loss of brave hero friends changed my life.

You want to mourn something? - Then mourn the homeless, mourn the abused children, mourn the abused women, mourn with the family of a fallen soldier, mourn for the veteran who served his or her country and now spends dreary days in dilapidated hospitals.

If you want to celebrate lives . . than celebrate the teacher who taught you to read, celebrate the coach who showed you how to kick a soccer ball, celebrate the clergy who stand with you in times of sorrow, celebrate the lives of those who hold you in their hearts daily . .. Celebrate your friends, your children, your parents, your siblings. Mourn the fallen soldier, the death of the America we know, the parent or loved one who sacrificed for you, the elderly or the child who has no hope of a better life, and knows nothing but abuse. There's plenty to mourn. Michael Jackson is not paramount among this!

Judy,

From Lynn in St. Louis. Her response to the above ...

Who is the author of this forward, and why is he/she unwilling to acknowledge authorship??

I agree with this forward, to an extent. I was one of those quick to presume guilt and pass judgement on Michael Jackson, when the charges were made public. One of the hallmarks of our judicial system is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Michael Jackson was acquitted of charges. IF he got away with something in this life, he will not get away with it in the next, when he sits in judgement before God, which is where it REALLY counts. I believe in a God of both mercy and justice, but His mercy and justice are not the same as ours ("... so high are His ways above our ways").

Having seen (a week or so ago) Jackson's very candid interview with BBC journalist Martin Beshear, and having seen his little daughter step up to the mic at the end of today's memorial service, and tearfully tell the world that "he was the best father you could imagine, and I love him very much", I have to reconsider my assumptions of guilt. Of course, some people can and do compartmentalize themselves, and it's possible he could be both a good father to his own children, and a pervert with others. He was certainly guilty of being naive about the inappropriateness of any adult having others' children in his bed for any reason, and certainly didn't "get" how damaging public knowledge of that could be, for someone of his visibility and wealth. He was misguided. And the changes to his physical appearance through the years were definitely bizarre. But that does not necessarily mean he was a "bad" person. ("Judge not, lest ye be judged.") I would also say that spirituality and religiosity are two entirely different things; to those who would label him as unspiritual, I would counter that perhaps he was precisely the opposite: too spiritual for many people to comprehend. He could appear "out there", and sometimes seemed to lose touch with reality. This can be said of people who have an artistic, creative bent.

In the Beshear interview, Jackson revealed that his father was an unrelenting task-master, who wielded a belt to whomever messed up in group rehearsals. I don't see any reason for Michael to lie about this.... to make a false accusation. I believe that Joe Jackson saw a chance to ride/coast on a cash cow, and demanded participation (not giving the boys a choice about performing), if not perfection. This level of expectation (responsibility and self-discipline beyond their years) is a heavy burden, and is often hardest on the younger/est children, and if I'm not mistaken, Michael was the youngest. When people observe children acting like miniature adults and comment positively that they are "mature for their age", they don't realize that the children have often been threatened and cowed into submission, behind closed doors. It can and often does take a toll on a still-developing and vulnerable personality. My father had high expectations for me and was strict, and I can relate to this pressure from personal experience. There are lots of differences between me and Michael Jackson, one of which is that I had no desire to and didn't attempt to recapture the innocence and pure joy of a lost childhood by surrounding myself with children (my own or anyone else's).

I would submit the explanation (not excuse) that perhaps Michael Jackson's irresponsibility with money is another manifestation of reversion to the egoism of childhood. Unless and until children are properly socialized, they consider themselves the center of the universe. They have little concept of money and can be demanding when it comes to toys, electronics, etc. That isn't "bad"; it's an early phase in the maturation process. Maybe Michael Jackson did "waste" a lot of money. However, it appears that, away from the glare of TV cameras, he also spent a lot of it providing assistance to those less fortunate.

I heard someone on TV complain about the "deification" of Michael Jackson. Whether in life or death, celebrity deification is nothing new. It is associated with twisted priorities/perspectives. We revere and pay our sports figures, our entertainers, etc. far out of proportion to their overall true value to society. Those who contribute the most good (e.g., social workers, teachers, counselors, military personnel) are at the bottom of the pay/recognition totem pole.

There is no question that Michael Jackson was an extremely talented, gifted entertainer. Did he change my life? No. But I bought the Thriller album and enjoyed it.

So much for my two cents worth! :-)

Lynn

Happy Independence Day!

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley ---

"No, Virginia Great Britain does not celebrate the 4th of July as Independence Day. Because you see that is the day that America celebrates its Independence from England."

Today, perhaps more so than any time in recent history we need to read, reflect and remind ourselves that we are "free Americans" despite anything our government and its leadership - and I use that word loosely any more - is attempting to stuff down our throats.

The following "modern day" interpretation of the Declaration of Independence should remind us of the "rights" we are granted as free Americans.

To all the men and women serving our great country today we appreciate you and we have not forgotten the sacrifices you make to protect us. For those wounded warriors we stand with you to help you regain your health and join us once again in this great country and to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, who have been maligned by the politicians and the intellectually elite for having done their jobs we remember you and your families in our prayers.

"The greatest form of patriotism is dissent," Thomas Jefferson said.

It is now time for us to let our voices in the "Real America" be known. It is time to stand up against the special interests, the intellectually elite, the self-aggrandizing, pork-barrel politiicians on both sides of this political spectrum and to take our country back. We will do it peacefully, we will do it through the political process one step at a time, however, be on notice every politician in D.C. and Frankfort the "Real America" will prevail.

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel ....

As We See It: Declaration of Independence: Great in any version

Posted: 07/04/2009 01:30:26 AM PDT

We came across a modern-language version of the Declaration of Independence, anonymously posted on a Web site. We made a few changes, and are publishing this simplified version in the hopes it will help a new generation grasp the meaning of what we celebrate today.

Actual phrases of the Declaration of Independence are italicized, with the translation in a normal font.

"When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another ..."

Whenever a group of people needs to separate themselves from their government ...

"... and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them ..."

... and assert their universal and God-given independence and equality...

"... a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

It's important to clearly state the reasons why.

"...We hold these truths to be self-evident..."

We think it's obvious...

"... that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights ..."

...that God created every person equal, and He gave each person specific unchanging rights that should never be trampled upon...

"... that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness ..."

these include the right of the people to live life in freedom without undue harm, and pursue their dreams and goals.

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ..."

The very reason we have man-made governments is to protect these rights, not to interfere with them. Furthermore, whatever power and authority governments have are given by the people's permission and limited to their protection.

"...that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it ..."

When any government starts to undermine the very purpose of protecting the life, freedoms, and happiness of the people, then they have the right to change the government or even to pull the plug on the government if things get too bad.

"...and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."

The people have the right to set up a new and better government based and organized upon tried and true principles that protect, rather than threaten, their safety and happiness.

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes;"

It's not wise to change a long-standing government for some trivial or fleeting reason or for the latest political fad;

"and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."

And, in fact, history shows that people are more likely to put up with unbearable evil they even get used to it!, than they are to correct the problem. In other words: Put a frog in hot water and he'll jump out. But put him in cool water and gradually turn up the heat, and he'll fry to death.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

But when a government becomes tyrannical and abusive with consistent, repeated violations of the people's rights, with the intent to make them slaves of the state, then the people have the right -- in fact, the duty -- to revolt and put new safeguards in place to protect their future rights.

Good night Mrs. Calabash, where ever you are! Dr. D.