Tuesday, February 26, 2013

An American Hero writes "Missing Dog Tags"

Kenneth Eaton speaking at the Sunnyside Library



Missing Dog Tags is one of those books I was not able to put down until I finished.  It is riveting!.  Ken Eaton was an American POW in North Korea.  He spent almost 3 years in Chinese Communist Camp #5 Pyoktong, North Korea.  He writes a true account of his experience.  He escaped 3 times and was recaptured 3 times.  The author made me feel as though I were right there with him.  Because war is such a horror and so damaging, there were times the book was hard to read. Yet, I could not put it down.  I cried. I even laughed.   It is a powerful story written by an American Hero.
 
As I read the book, there were many instances where I could not imagine him making it out alive.  Very few did.  But Ken survived.  I believe the power of a praying mother back home made the difference between life and death.  For me, that is a vivid reminder to pray daily for my family. 

Recently, I had the privilge of hearing Kenneth Eaton speak at our local neighborhood library.  If the opportunity presents itself, I strongly encourage you to go and hear him.  And to read his book.  It's a story about a war that we do not hear much about.  It's the story of a man who never gave up. 

Dedication of the book reads: 
"This book is dedicated to the 8,126 men who were missing in action or prisoners of war and have not yet been recovered according to Department of Defense statistics,  and to my dear mother whose faith in God and His ability to bring me home safely never wavered." 

This brings my thoughts to another book I recommend:  "Evidence Not Seen" by Darlene Deibler Rose.  She survived four years in a Japanese prison camp deep in the jungles of New Guinea during WWII.  In her acknowledgments she says, "I began to write the story of my experiences during WWII for....my sons.  I wished them to know, if ever difficult circumstances came into their lives, that their mother's God is still alive and very well, and His arm has never lost its ancient power!" 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentines Day to the love of my life

He's the man!


  1. We always celebrate this holiday because we are such traditionalist and Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love!
  2. It has even more meaning for us!  It's the day that the Dutchman proposed to me.....so we continue to celebrate this wonderful day which led to our June wedding 32 years ago.
  3. On February 14th, 1981, we dined at the Big Yellow House with a group of  12 friends.  I do remember that we had a blast and we were loving life! When he took me home, he proposed.  We went ring shopping later and he surprised me with the engagement ring in an Easter egg on Easter.
  4. Today we celebrated by going to a Sushi Bar.  It was great!  We are not nearly as young,  but we are still loving life and having a blast!  
  5. He still makes my heart skip a beat when he walks in a room.  Life with the Dutchman is good.  Not always easy, but definitely good.  Yes!  We would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
 
 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Hi Ho Hi Ho

hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go......

 Can you tell it's my first day back at work for the 2013 tax season?
 
It was a such a good day for several reasons: 
  • Usually I can't wait to get training over with and begin on live work, however, my attitude is different this year. 
  • Last year at this time, when I returned to work, I was leaving the workplace early every day and driving across town for radiation.  Now I can work my full tour of duty.
  • Last year I would actually fall asleep at my computer as I was working!  Yikes! 
  • I was very tired most of the time.
  • I am so grateful to God for good health this year!
  •  
  • I enjoy working and do well on a schedule.  I become quite OCD over my routine, asleep by 9 pm or so.  Up at 5 am.  Make my lunch.  Eat my oatmeal and blueberries.  Have my "quiet time" with the Lord.  And coffee.  Always morning coffee!  Leave the house with time to spare.
  • Weekends will take on a whole new meaning again.  And I will enjoy them to the max.
  • I will have a new appreciation for Fridays. 
  • Did I mention....I just enjoy working!