Turn the Page - A New Chapter Begins

The news has just broken - Arafat is dead. Now we'll wait and see what happens.

Generalissimo Arafat Is Still Alive - For Now

Boy, listening to the news of the ongoing life struggle of Yasser Arafat is like listening to an old Saturday Night Live sketch.

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A few days ago, I was of the belief that Arafat was being kept alive on life support until they could figure where to bury him. Once that was settled, the plug would have been pulled. Well now it seems to be settled that he will be buried in his compound in Ramallah and that will become some sort of shrine. And Arafat lives.

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Here's a man, leader of many, and considered by many to still be a terrorist. After decades of bitter struggle, his life is not ending in a blaze of glory, but in the haze of frailty - a purgatory of sorts between life and death.

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Perhaps the one I pity the most is his wife, Suha. While some try feverishly to seek an audience with their fallen leader, she is simply trying to make the best of whatever time she has left with him. Perhaps she is trying her best to hold on and not let him go.

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What of the Palestinian people? The world holds its collective breath as they await Arafat's final breath. Will Palestine fall into anarchy? Whether peaceful or not, Arafat seems the only one truly capable of holding his people together. Or will peace become more reachable? I tend to believe the former. This could be a defining moment in God's Timetable. Only time will tell. Perhaps even the next 24 hours.

A Burst of Busy-ness

Well, it sure got busy the last few days.
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You already read about my Saturday. I still have a pretty nice sunburn from sitting in my lawnchair during band practice (ain't Arizona great this time of year?).

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Sunday started with a little bit of preparation for a Stephen Ministry workshop scheduled for the afternoon. Then came the church service in which the choir sang John Rutter's Requiem. During rehearsal before the service, I took it upon myself as choir chaplain to give the choir one last little pep talk. I repeated something said before by Bob Moody, Director of the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. I told them that the piece we were singing says a lot about our faith and that we needed to sing it as if we truly believed in what we were singing - or at least put on a real good act. I added that I knew this choir better - that they did believe in what they were singing - and to sing what they believed. The service was beautiful - and I believe the Holy Spirit truly filled us and those who heard us.

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After church was a luncheon and then I continued to set up my part of the workshop which got underway in earnest at about 1:30. I didn't stay for the entire workshop, though; I had another performance of the Requiem to do.

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Late afternoon found us at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where we sang the Rutter Requiem as part of the celebration of their Mass. Again, another beautiful service.

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It was raining as I drove home from the concert, and I realized that despite being part of two communion services that day, I had not actually received communion. Ah, the sacrifices we sometimes make as musicians (although understandably it was not our place to receive communion at the Catholic church).

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Monday was back to work, but the evening was busy once again. My brother-in-law was back in town on business and had arranged to have a mini-family reunion at a local ice cream parlor.

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So tonight was the first time I really had a good block of quality time in which to sit down and blog.

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Tonight, I do need to share a burden that's been on my heart for a few days. I have a friend in the choir whose son is an Army soldier in Iraq. He is due to be home on leave next week. However, he is stationed just outside of Falluja, very close to where the fighting is. I just pray for his safety while he's still there, and for his safe return home. I'm really looking forward to seeing M again and listen to what he has to say about what's going on there.

The Red Shift

OK, it wasn't a landslide. But it was a message. George W. Bush received not only a majority of the electoral, but a majority of the popular vote as well.

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As I stated in my very first post on this page, I'm not a big fan of debating politics. I'm content to listen to what others have to say, even if I don't necessarily agree (who knows, maybe they're right!). I do, however, love the historical ramifications of politics, and how it shapes society and policy (whether I agree with it or not).

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This year is no exception. What we witnessed last week can be called the Red Shift, a term I learned on Jesse's blog. We saw what was a very, very close election in 2000 conspicuously tip over into the Republican's (the red states) favor in 2004.

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There were a couple of factors in this Red Shift this year. The first came from the 2000 Census (which had not yet taken effect in the 2000 election) resulting in a shift in population and EVs (electoral votes) which favored the Republicans. If the states had gone last week exactly as they did in 2000, Bush would have gained 7 EVs just from the net shift in EVs, and he would have won with 278 EVs as opposed to the 271 EVs in 2000.

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But we know that population was not the only factor in the Red Shift. There were three states which "switched sides" in this election. New Hampshire was the only one of the three, however, that made a Blue Shift which took 4 EVs away from President Bush.

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Perhaps the most dramatic switches came from Iowa and New Mexico, two states that traditionally go Blue. This time they made the Red Shift, giving Bush an additional 12 EVs and making his victory more decisive.

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One of the interesting "what if" questions is, "What if there was no Red Shift in population/EVs, and New Mexico and Iowa did not shift to the red, but New Hampshire did shift to the blue? Our news would be filled with stories about possible cabinet appointments in the Kerry administration.

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But in every other scenario with or without a population shift, with any one, or two, or all three of the above states going red would still have resulted in a Bush win.

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It is my opinion that the Red Shift will only intensify in the next two decades at least unless there are dramatic changes within one or both major political parties. The red states are generally growing in population. While a few red states lost EVs, some states had tremendous

growth (Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and Florida each gained 2 EVs). Conversely, the blue states are generally losing population (New York and Pennsylvania each lost 2 EVs). California is the only state that actually gained.

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As the Red Shift intensifies, it essentially erodes the effectiveness in the blue states. This will make it increasingly more difficult for liberal Democrats to get elected president unless they can be exceedingly charming (like Bill Clinton) and/or the Republican candidate is exceedingly lackluster (like Bob Dole).

A New (Used) Trumpet For Me?

My wife, S, was talking to a neighbor today and mentioned I was over at ASU meeting up with the alumni band. She asked what instrument I played and S her I used to play the trumpet. Well it turns out this lady has an old trumpet that one of her music students used to use. It looks like crap and is probably not even playable. She was just going to get rid of it, but couldn't bring herself to do it.

As I was listening to this, I was surprised to find myself thinking how wonderful it would be to have a trumpet again. I haven't felt that in a long time (and usually only when I was checking out a "school horn" when I played in the alumni band). Imagine my delight when S went on to say she would like to give it to someone else instead of just get rid of it - and would I be interested? I said yes. I don't care what it looks like, and with a little refurbishing, perhaps we could get it playing again.

Reunion Time

Here's a little something from my past: during my college years I was a trumpet player in the Sun Devil Marching Band at Arizona State University. What a fun experience that was!

Today was Homecoming. I went over to ASU and watched the alumni band practice and ran into a few old friends. I was somewhat disappointed that more from "my generation" weren't there, but I understand (I've not been able to attend as often as I'd have liked). Nonetheless, I was happy to see those I did, and to share the old stories.

Walking around the campus was interesting. Most of the old familiar places were still there. Some had been transformed over the years (amazing what a difference 25 years can make). Still other things and places were new, and seemed a little out place compared to my memory. It's amazing how they can construct new buildings in some of the tightest places.

I didn't join in with the alumni band as far as playing. My obligations this weekend (two performances of John Rutter's Requiem tomorrow and a Stephen Ministry convention at church as well) are just too much and I need to save myself. But it was fun to watch the rehearsal and talk with some of my old friends. It was also pretty cool to turn the TV on to tonight's game between ASU and Stanford just in time to see a couple of seconds of the tail end of the alumni band's pregame show, and say to my wife, "I watched them rehearse that!" All in all, a wonderful day.

OK, It's Final

Yep, Bush wins Iowa and New Mexico.

Final Results - Maybe

286*** George W. Bush (R)
252*** John F. Kerry (D)
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Well, wasn't that fun?

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I'm seeing indications that Iowa and New Mexico completed their tallying and projecting that both have been won by President Bush.

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I wasn't too far off - only 14 EV short of my final prediction. New Hampshire (4 EV) switched sides this time, and neither Minnesota or Wisconsin at 10 EV apiece (I was actually counting more on Wisconsin) didn't switch as some had predicted

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I was actually pretty impressed both with Senator Kerry's concession speech and President Bush's victory speech. After a long, hard, dirty campaign, they both showed a lot of class today. Perhaps this country can get healing in a hurry.

Well Thank God That's Over

I don't know about you but I'm thankful the election is over. Now we can concentrate on more important and mundane things. I have to admit it was fun staying up late and keeping track of the results. I opened the websites from all five TV networks plus realclearpolitics.com and checked off each state when there was a concensus of who won. Hats off to FOX NEWS for being the first to call Ohio. That kind of surprised me, though, as I believe they were the last to call Florida. Anyhow, the votes continue to be counted, but it's all mathematical at this point. Congratulations, Mr. President.

Nice Turnout

I showed up to the polling station at about five to six this morning. Quite a crowd - it reminded me of Walmart during Christmas season! It is good to see such high interest in this election. I'm kinda dragging today, but at least work is half over. I pick up the wingnut after work and head home after that. Could be an interesting night.

Election Eve Projection

300*** George W. Bush (R)
238*** John F. Kerry (D)
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All this hinges on Bush taking Ohio and Florida. I am also predicting a surprise in that predominately Democratic Hawaii will go to Bush (not sure why, but I'll take it). When the electoral college meets, don't be surprised to see one electoral vote from Maine going to Bush.

My Electoral College Projection for Today

305*** George W. Bush (R)
233*** John F. Kerry (D)

Fresh Affirmation

I was going to my weekly small group this morning. At first J and I thought it was just us but then we met up with a man who J invited to join us and he had invited two others (who were already there but we didn't know them - yet). These guys just got off of the last men's Walk to Emmaus a few weeks ago. And I must say that I was very much delighted to meet these three men whose hearts so burned with the Holy Spirit.

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This morning's meeting reminded me why I don't understand how people think they can stay close to God without going to church. God puts certain people in our lives to minister to us and for us to minister to. And in order to do that, Christians have to go out and be in contact with other Christians. There's no two ways about it.

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As the Body of Christ, we need to feed off of each other. We need each other in order to share, to keep one another accountable, and to grow. I know for fact that I would not be where I am today - spiritually or otherwise - without my small group.

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God, I thank you for the men you brought into fellowship with J and me today. Do with what you intend with our new friendships. Amen.

Arizona Ballot Initiatives

Here is a comprehensive look [sources: KTAR radio, Arizona Republic] at our ballot propositions and my position on each:

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PROP 100 would allow swapping state trust land for public land. It would help protect our military bases from encroachment from development. YES.

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PROP 101 would require future petition initiatives from citizens to include a funding source to pay for it (but the state’s general fund). YES.

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PROP 102 (Tech Transfer Initiative) would allow the State of Arizona to license or transfer interests in technology or intellectual property created or acquired by one of the three state universities (ASU, U of A, NAU) or the Arizona Board of Regents. In exchange, the state would receive ownership interests or securities in a company. YES.

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PROP 103 would allow people appointed as temporary justices of the peace to have the same qualifications as elected justices of the peace and also allow the temporary justices to live outside the area they are appointed to serve. YES.

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PROP 104 is in regards to ballot propositions and would allow petitions to be circulated for signatures up to 27 months before a general election and also requires the petitions to be filed with the Secretary of State's office at least seven months before the election. NO.

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This only adds an additional three months to the current process. It is sufficient.

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PROP 105 would make changes to the State Board of Education. It would expand the board from 8 to 10 members. One of the new members would be either a charter school owner or administrator. The other would be a member of the public. It would also replace a member of the Junior College Board with a Community College District President. YES.

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PROP 200 (Protect Arizona Now) - NO – see my previous post

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PROP 300 would raise state lawmakers salaries from $24,000 annually to $36,000 annually.

NO. Our legislature does not deserve it and frankly I’d like to see them forfeit their salary until they get the state budget out of the red.

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PROP 400 (Maricopa County only) – YES – see my previous post

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PROP 401 (Maricopa County only) – essentially a bond issue which would allow expansion and improvement of the community college system. YES.

Let's Free Ourselves From Dependence on Oil

Osama bin Laden also says in his latest video tape that the United States should change its policy. Actually, there's something I think we should do.

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So here's what I propose: Let's really work on finding an alternative fuel/power source that's practical and inexpensive. Let's do it in - oh, say - five years. Kind of like a new Manhattan Project. Let's make it so we could easily trade in our old cars and get a really nice credit for one of the newer cars. Then we wouldn't have to be dependent on our own oil, much less anyone else's oil, and our planet would get cleaner in a hurry. Wow, sounds pretty liberal! But we're eventually going to have to do it - there's only 30-40 years left in the world oil supply - why not now?

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These Middle Eastern countries, whose false religion doesn't normally allow them to do business with infidels, yet allows them to sell out and compromise their own values so they can screw the infidels, will find themselves screwed. Other than oil, they have little to offer the rest of the world. They will have to get with the program if they want to continue to play with the rest of the world. They will have to dig themselves out of their Middle Ages mentality. And perhaps then, numbnuts like Osama bin Laden will be no more.

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So let's change our policy and get the heck out of the Middle East!

October Surprise #2 - Bin Laden Speaks

That cowardly old pig, Osama bin Laden, has spoken again - although by video tape (since he's too much of a coward to actually appear publicly in any civilized place).

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He's come out and said that he doesn't like George Bush. Duh. Like we didn't know that. He also doesn't like John Kerry. I've got news for you. He doesn't like Americans, period.

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He also claims that he "told" Bush about 9/11 a month before it happened. A little strange when you consider that he didn't claim responsibility for 9/11 until some time after.

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I think it's Osama's subtle way of telling you to vote for Kerry. Perhaps he's really trapped. Perhaps he feels that when he gets caught, Kerry will deal with him more sensitively.

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Look, I think Osama is just trying to intimidate us. But Franklin Roosevelt once said that (and I paraphrase - sorry) the only one who can take away an American's right to vote is another American. The easiest way to do that is to simply not vote.

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So get out and vote and show those pigs how we do things in America.

October Surprise #1 - Did the Russians Move Explosives Out of Iraq?

This past week it was revealed that hundreds of tons of explosives were missing from an Iraqi weapons facility. Then it was reported by the Washington Post that these explosives may have been moved out of Iraq with Russia’s help. All this stuff was supposedly shipped off to Syria, Lebanon, and maybe even Iran. It is possible that these materials were removed prior to the US invasion in March 2003. UN weapons inspectors confirmed their presence in January 2003, and were at the site on March 15, just five days before the war broke out. Removing the material would have required dozens of heavy trucks, and that would have been nearly impossible during the weeks before and weeks after the site was captured by US forces as the roads and highways in the area were constantly occupied by US military vehicles. And by the way, some of the missing stuff is used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Well isn’t that special?
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Supposing this is all true, me thinks this poses even more questions. What did the Russians know and when did they know it? What else is missing in Iraq? Where is it now? It is believed that Russia provided Iraq with the bulk of its military hardware between the two wars, and they needed to get in and wipe out any trace that they had any arms deal with Iraq.
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This looks real fishy to me, and it only underscores that the primary reason for going to war against Iraq – because they possessed WMD (weapons of mass destruction) – was justified. Many – including those who oppose the war now – believed then that there were WMD in Iraq. Those who dismiss the reports of WMD now have yet to give a plausible explanation as to why all of a sudden Iraq didn’t have WMD. Just because we haven’t found them in massive quantities doesn’t mean they’re not there. If a deliberate effort was made to conceal them prior to the US invasion, they could be anywhere – even out of the country. All we need is a smoking gun. Perhaps we’ve found one.

Potential October Surprises

Well, it looks like this week’s news has revealed some potential October Surprises just before next week’s Presidential Election. Of course at this time we still need history to play out before we know the full ramifications of these stories. But you know me – I just feel I need to comment on some of the stuff going on here. So read on to my next posts…

Good Church and the Wingnut

When S and I were attending a different church, there was another tenor in the choir who was fond of saying, "Good church," whenever the sermon and the music was good.

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I got to church during the contemporary service just in time to see and hear the new contemporary choir perform. They did a nice job, and I made sure I let the director, S, know.

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Today in the traditional service the choir sang Franz Schubert's The Lord Is My Shepherd - this was probably the best we've ever sung it, and probably the best anthem we've sung all season. Pastor D had a pretty good sermon today, too, bringing up some of the issues brought up in Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code and reminding us that we can trust the four Gospels as the gospel truth. Good church.

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Oh, by the way, at our Wednesday evening service we started a three-part series on The DaVinci Code. Our guest speaker, Dr. O, presented some interesting material. We had an excellent turnout that night - 105 people showed up according to Pastor D (which was right around my guestimate of just over 100)

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We had our grandson J (I call him the wingnut) overnight last night. He was a little rambuncious (normal for a 4-year-old) but otherwise pretty good. We a fun time playing with him. After his bathtime and getting him in his jammies, Grandma put in a Disney movie and he was fast asleep within a half-hour.

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I kept myself busy yesterday scanning photos of my USSR/Poland trip in 1990 - look for those to show up as links on my travelogue page.

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Overall, a pretty good weekend.

My Electoral College Prediction for Today

299 *** George W. Bush (R)
239 *** John F. Kerry (D)

Boycott Shamrock Foods

Do like the idea of light rail? Do you support Proposition 400? If not, do nothing.

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But if you do, I have an idea - a grassroots effort to send a message to Shamrock Foods, a corporate sponsor of the campaign opposing Proposition 400. We don't just have to vote at the polls on this one - we can vote with our wallets, too. I propose a boycott of Shamrock Foods, and to contact the Arizona Diamondbacks organization to drop Shamrock Foods as a sponsor. You can e-mail Shamrock Foods at: mailto:emailazinfo@shamrockfoods.com and the Arizona Diamondbacks at this link. I've even provided a letter you can just cut and paste in your message.

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We, the responsible citizens of Arizona and Maricopa County, support Proposition 400 in its efforts to continue developing a comprehensive transportation system for Maricopa County. It is no secret that as our state continues to grow, a good transportation system is needed. This includes freeways, freeway improvements, expanded and improved bus transit system, street and signal improvements. 86 percent of the sales tax revenue raised by passage of Proposition 400 will go to these projects. We also recognize that there are some who oppose light rail already approved by the citizens of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa and under construction. Only 14 percent of the sales tax revenue would go to funding expansion of the light rail system already under construction, therefore making the light rail system even more effective. Opponents would deprive the citizens of Maricopa County of a comprehensive and effective transportation system. We feel it is irresponsible of Shamrock Foods, as a corporation, to be aligned with such effort. We therefore believe it is in our best interest to impose a boycott of all products sold by Shamrock Foods and to contact the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball club to drop Shamrock Foods as a corporate sponsor of the Diamondbacks. Thank you.

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I don't know if this will actually work, but it may raise some eyebrows.

Problems for Prop 200 and Prop 400

Well, it seems there are some legal challenges already to a couple of our ballot propositions.

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Regarding Proposition 200, The Arizona Republic reports that, "nearly 90 percent (13,482 of 15,059) of the initiatives circulated with the petitions said the measure would require proof of citizenship for 'public welfare benefits.' The ballot language officially states 'public benefits,' a broader term that has caused intense debate over exactly what benefits would be affected." Hmm...I just said something like that in my last post.

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There is also legal challenge involving Proposition 400, according to another article in the Arizona Republic, although it sounds like there is no real basis to this one other than dirty politics. But you know what, I have an idea...check out my next post.

Proposition 400 (Maricopa County)

Here's another hot potato. Propostition 400 (in Maricopa County only) would extend the half-cent sales tax passed in 1985 to improve our transporation systems for another 20 years. It's estimated that it will raise some $8.98 billion dollars in revenue.

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Most of the revenue (56.2%) generated by the sales tax will go into freeway/highway projects, including four new freeways, added general-purpose lanes and HOV lanes on existing freeways, new interchanges, maintenence (especially litter pickup and landscaping), freeway management system to improve traffic flow, and walls and rubberized asphalt to reduce noise.

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Another 19.9% of this revenue would go into expanding and enhancing the bus system, increase vanpool and dial-a-ride service, and improve transit security. There would be more bus stops and more bus pullouts (boy, nothing messes up traffic more than a bus just sitting in the street).

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Improvements to arterial streets, including "smart signals" that sense traffic conditions at key intersections, would receive 10.2% of this revenue.

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What's gotten some people really keyed up about Prop 400 is the 14.4% of revenue that would go to Phoenix's light rail currently under construction. It's no secret that there are some that are opposed to light rail, and although it's already been approved and is already under construction, these people won't let it go. It is said that no matter how many times you run over a dead cat, it's still dead.

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When we first moved here in 1961, Phoenix was the 29th largest city in the nation; Arizona had four electoral votes. Now Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the US; at nearly 1.4 million people, Phoenix (not even including the surrounding communities which add another 1.9 million) is bigger than what the entire population of Arizona was in 1960. Arizona now has 10 electoral votes, making it worth a few more stops by candidates running for President. To say that Phoenix and Arizona have grown considerably in my lifetime is an understatement.

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There used to be a considerable small-town mentality in Phoenix (it's still there in Tucson to some extent). Farsighted planners back in the 60's saw the need for a new freeway in Phoenix. But the small-town mentality kept that delayed nearly 20 years. By 1985, we not only needed the new freeway, we needed several. The half-cent sales tax was approved, and a lot of freeways got built.

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There's still more to go on the freeways, but we're getting there. Actually, I like the fact that I was able to get S to her appointment at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in 30 minutes. 20 years ago, the same drive would have taken at least an hour, and with a greater risk of getting in a traffic accident.

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But, alas, the small-town mentality still thrives here. Perhaps they don't realize that a 20-mile light rail system will be even more effective, but only if you expand it. Perhaps they don't mind paying $2.13 per gallon of gasoline (and that's cheap). Perhaps they've already forgotten last year's gasoline shortage - when the smaller of two gasoline pipelines connected to Phoenix ruptured (boy, the bus ridership sure shot up that month - what would happen if the bigger pipeline was shut down?).

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The San Francisco Bay Area has a wonderful regional transit system. Whenever I've been there, I never needed to drive. Without a comprehensive transportation system, that area would not be a very pleasant place to live.

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Phoenix is a great place - that's why over 2 million people have moved here since my family first arrived. But if you're going to make this a bigger city and use up my water and pollute my air, then you have to pay the price. There's no getting around it. That includes includes mass transit. You can miss the boat and choke in traffic. Or you can be brave and embrace the possibilities and flexiblity of a comprehensive transportation system. I'm voting YES on 400.

Proposition 200 - "Protect Arizona Now"

As the election comes upon us, I feel the need to air my views on the ballot propositions. I thought I'd start off with one that seems to garner the most controversy.

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Proposition 200 (Protect Arizona Now) would require documentation of citizenship when registering to vote and to show ID at the polling station. It would also require proof of citizenship when applying for public benefits, and require state and local government employees who discover a violation of federal immigration law to make a written report to federal immigration authorities and those failing to do so could be prosecuted.

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Prop 200 was proposed under the guise of stopping election fraud. Election fraud is not a problem here. If I were to show up at my polling station and someone had already signed my name in the book, you'd better believe I'd say something about that. So would everyone else. But it ain't happening here.

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There is also no clear definition of what public benefits would require proof of citizenship. At this point it could be quite arbitrary. Emergency workers are concerned that they could face a hefty fine for treating an illegal alien. I know of a health care professional who works in one of the local hospitals that frequently treat indigent patients. There's a lot of paperwork concerned with these folks, but she's more concerned about treating the patient.

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Granted the effects of illegal immigration are staggering in Arizona. Our health care system and our schools are overburdened and not getting paid for rendering these services. Phoenix is a major hub for the smuggling of human beings.

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We also have to contend with coyotes. I'm not talking about the wild dogs we sometimes see out in the outskirts of town. No, coyotes are the scumbags that are are dealing in the trade of human beings, stuffing dozens of them into one small house, or cramming them into the back of a truck with no air conditioning while driving (usually recklessly) across the desert in the 100+ degree heat. Coyotes are right down there with murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug pushers, and terrorists. Arizona has become more dangerous thanks to these buttheads.

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Ah, but I digress. Yes, illegal immigration is a serious problem in Arizona. And we do need to send Washington a message. We need to better secure our border with Mexico. But Prop 200 is totally inappropriate. It will not protect Arizona now, or in the future. It will just add more bureaucracy and further burden our state budget, just as it has done in New Mexico, where they still have an illegal immigration problem. I am voting NO on Prop 200.

An Unexpected Spiritual Retreat

Today S and I were at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale. While she was under and being checked out (see blog entry on the Pancreatitis page), I walked around and explored the hospital. I was eventually led to go to into the chapel.

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It was a smaller space than I expected but very nice. The main room of the chapel had indirect lighting in a domed ceiling that gradually changed colors every (approximately) five seconds or so. There was also a recording of falling rain and distant chirping birds. I also thought I heard a faint whisper of a cello playing. You can also hear the piano playing from out in the main lobby. It was very peaceful and relaxing.

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The front wall of main room was mostly stained glass representing the Tree of Life with a cross subtly superimposed on it. Along the walls in the main room where panes of frosted glass etched with either a Bible verse or an inspirational quote.

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What struck me most though is when I went to read the prayer book. These were some of the most heartfelt prayers I've ever witnessed. They were from people who didn't know what was happening to their loved ones, yet trusted God to help. There were even a few from those who were patients themselves. Some pleaded with God to help put together their own shattered lives. Many thanked God for getting them through so far. I saw some in Spanish, and one in a language whose alphabet I didn't even recognize. I also found a page of prayers on behalf of a young man who lost his life, including one from his mother. At the bottom of the page were the encouraging words of a friend reminding them that they would see him again in heaven.

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As I thumbed through the pages, I noticed several prayers written by the same person. From what I gather, he was a young Jewish man (he made references to Rosh Hoshanna and wrote a sentence which appeared to be in Hebrew), and I believe he was praying for his daughter. His was the most inspirational to me. They were so full of hope and trust - and this guy wasn't afraid to be real. They usually started with something like, "Hey, it's me again." Many times, we often forget to thank God for his blessings, but this guy didn't. There were quite a few times where he expressed his gratitude by saying, "God, YOU ROCK!"

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May we all be able to be as enthusiastic in our praise of God. And you know what, God? You do rock! Thanks!