Mario Carazo and James Weis...inherit the universe On July 22, 2010...

And you Dotzie...reminding me this night of Mario...a son of someone...a dear friend of another...another young man with dreams larger then the living universe.

I am reminded of this young man...Mario Carazo...a cadet at Annapolis...blessed with the friendship of Sarah...who would take him and other young men into her home when home for them was far away. He was gracious and charming...and dared to show off his appreciation of Sarah by showing her visiting aging friends around the town. We laughed with him, we danced with him, we admired his determination...and when the evening was ended we bid Mario good-bye, thanking him for his time and wishing him the best of the best.

It's years later now...and Mario should be sharing with Sarah his tales of growing up...but that won't be. He has not another day to share his thoughts, concerns, good days, or even tough days. His story is only to be retold in memory by those whose life he touched...

Mario was sent to Afghanistan...it was there, on July 22, 2010, he was to hear the voice of God...calling him home...not to Springfield Ohio...not to the shores we all share...but to the warmth of eternity. God blessed Mario with the gift of remembrance by many...good memories of a young man with dreams larger then the universe...and, in particular, by a few aging friends of Sarah.

And, on that same day, another young man would hear his name whispered... James Weis...a son of the great state of New Jersey...a Jersey shore kid...he would no longer lounge on the edge of the surf...no longer inhale the scent of ocean breezes or the smell of Barnegat Bay. He will be remembered though...each and every time his name is mentioned...his memorabilia of youth passed touched or passed on for safe-keeping to someone dear...he thrives in eternity with all others that heard their name whispered and stopped the very breath they were to inhale and returned to the Father.

Bravery is not to be learned...it's simply a part of who a person is...not discovered till time calls upon them for exhibition...

Peace...to you, yours and mine,

Claire / OWW

Lucy...come forth

You must believe...the hangout.

Thought I would share a piece that I wrote when Jen's Aunt Lucy passed on...Aunt Lucy was like a mother to Jen and saying goodbye was not easy. When I heard of her passing I immediately wrote Jen a note...and dedicated these words to Aunt Lucy.

Lucy...come forth...

When the snow had ended...and the spring burst forth...she took the first step of her journey towards eternity...carefully each step would be measured...perhaps, sometimes skipping a few...like a child in play. But, this child was not in play...she was in transition...there would be no moves forward without the help of yesterday.

Present became too complicated...too muddled in details of what to do...or still had to be done. Slowly would she begin to remember the yesterdays like they were the breath before the last. She knew in her heart that this was a sign...that all would never be the same...that her tomorrow's had indeed changed.

There was quiet knowledge...amid her unspoken thoughts...that soon the last of the spring flowers would be put to seed...the new season of summer with all it's glorious color and warmth would be upon her...and that would become her season of goodbye.

Patiently...and yes, sometimes impatiently, she would seek her reality. So sure she was that time would be favorable, and it was...allowing her to glance back and breath freely the scents of seasons past...thus locking them forever in her soul...to be carried into a whole new season...that only those chosen, may enter.

and so it was...that in the early morning...before the sun had even kissed the new day...she was to hear her name called one last time. The voice would be so familiar...and yet, unlike any she had ever heard in her everyday of life as she knew it.

and He whispered...Lucy, come forth...your place is set...the feast of who you were is already begun. Come my daughter...fear not, cry not...your heavenly family is waiting.

and so, Lucy is now in the season of Eternity...and I do believe I hear her say...weep not for me my dear sweet gentle family, my friends...I go not to my death...but to my beginning.

Love to you Aunt Lucy...thank you for a glimpse into the heart of you.

Claire Greco c. 08/25/02

Gas & Oil Pricing...

Okay...let's pay careful attention now to what Chavez is doing down there in Venezuela. This is a dangerous man. Unfortunately, some of our politicians (ummm, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Citizens Energy Chairman) are too self-absorbed in their own wealth and importance to give the real story on the conditions in his country. I am so tired of hearing how the people of Venezuela and their deadbeat President Chavez (geeze Senator Kennedy get real) want to help. Kennedy is quick to point out that "he is personally aware of President Chavez's genuine (my thought...think we need to redefine word genuine here) concern for the most vulnerable, regardless of where they may live."They can't help themselves...unless, of course, Chavez is removed as a power. I might add that I doubt the late President John F. Kennedy would have made this same deal with Chavez.

I realize that people need helping meeting their energy bills, but accepting petroleum (100 gallons per household) is not acceptable. Kennedy will boast how 23 states have been assisted in their needs. May I suggest to Kennedy that he take a lesson in ethics 101 and not make bargains with the devil (likened in this case to Chavez.)

I will not buy CITGO OIL at the pump...I will not prostitute my values for a few bucks (even if the few bucko's might be sorely needed.) But that is my take on all this...we all have to do what we have to do.

While acting as the 'great saviour and guardian of the American people 'and sending oil their way, he is offering his own citizens nothing. He boasts of destroying capitalism in his country, but neglects to admit that without the private interests groups (you remember, those Halliburton guys, etc.) his country would have completely collapsed a long time ago. And now, with oil prices falling...what will the poor man do.

Chavez is not a man of his word...nor does he know how to abide by his own rules. Even China and Russia see that this is not a man that ever a handshake would ever have meaning...nevermind a written agreement. His way of doing business is call the shots on a day by day basis or simpler yet as an explanation, by the mood he's in that day.

Let's hope that with our new policy makers in place the days of Chavez and his type will go the way of the other evil dictators of the past.

Do not underestimate this man...no matter what 'old familiar name' in American politics may try to lead you to believe. He has no interest in aiding the American people, his interests are for Chevez alone.

Well, that is just a quick thought for today as I read of the Dow falling so drastically and oil prices rising yesterday...thank goodness today they have gone down again (oh these crazy kids and their speculating.)

Don't be alarmed my friends, it's just the old gang not being sure of the new kids in the neighborhood. We will have our day in the sun again, for the sun has always been there...even when it wasn't visible.

Well, will get back to you again on this...let me know what you think...no better education then listening and paying attention to the world around us.

Stepping down from my soapbox may I pray God (or whatever name you may call the Omnipotent of humanity) bless us one and all,

OWW/claire