My Grandson, Jack

Here's my oldest Grandson Jack walking in the Colorado mountains last month.

(and yes, we all know he needs a haircut...)

This is Jack the first of September.

Jackson Alexander Fischer is my first Grandchild. He was born in 1996. When he was two he moved to Oklahoma with his mom, Holly. They rented a house about three miles from where we lived! I had the wonderful opportunity of babysitting with Jack while Holly worked. When he was 10, I encouraged his mom to go to school full time so she could support the two of them. So, Jack moved in with us for two years.

It's been a joy to watch him grow up. He was always around adults so he had an adult vocabulary. - Which made him very funny to listen to.

As he's grown up, he's faced trials and decision-making like every other young person. He's a good kid but hasn't always made the right decisions. It was hard watching my children grow up and make decisions that I knew from my experience weren't always the best, it's just as hard watching my grandchildren grow up and begin making decisions.

One decision he made - which wasn't a bad decision - was to play football. Because of this decision, he got hurt. He broke his back at football practice. That was a very scarey time for me. (I won't even go into detail about how it affected Aunts, Uncles, Cousins - his Parents!!!! 

I was so amazed at the people that rallied in Jacks behalf and prayed for his recovery. Some family members don't believe in prayer - I feel sorry for those without a faith to depend on, to rejoice over. I truly believe that Jack is back in school - doing very well - attending football practice everyday (only to watch) because of the power of prayer and all those that held him up to the Throne of God.

He is a handsome young man. I pray that he makes good choices and good decisions. ( I would pray that prayer even if he weren't handsome!!)   I look at our world and see how it's changed even in the last 15 - 20 years and my heart aches for young people. I really don't think I would survive as a teen in today's world. But there again, with faith, I would be able to.

He's doing well. Has some pain. But he is so fortunate that there wasn't permanent damage.

Thank you for praying for my Grandson.

Elroy Ratzlaff - He is with Jesus

September 2009, Brenda Larsen Cohorn and Elroy Ratzlaff

I went to high school in Meno, OK at Oklahoma Bible Academy. The campus is now in Enid but when I attended, it was in Meno and there were many of us that lived in the dorm and we had students attend from many states.

It was a wonderful four years for me. I thoroughly enjoyed high school. 

The teachers were wonderful dedicated men and women. They were all Godly people and they were committed to young people. Many of my fond memories include Elroy Ratzlaff. He was the Superintendent and was of course in charge of making sure all ran smoothly. Not just "school" but the dorms as well.

Mr. and Mrs. Ratzlaff lived in a mobile home the school provided for them on campus. Now that I'm an adult I realize how much they actually sacrificed in living there. At the time - it was just normal. You know, the way it should be!

I was very close to their family and they helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Even though my memories of high school are very good, I faced some of the worst challenges in my life during high school. Because of the Ratzlaff's concern, understanding, and example I was able to gain an understanding of leaning completely on my God. - this training has been with me all of my adult life and has given me strength and courage to be who God intends for me to be. 


I get so frustrated at the amount of "victims" I see - hear in these times. Because of the training I received from this wonderful couple when I easily could have become a "victim', I  never did. Because of their example and guidance  I am a survivor. an over-comer, I am a Christian.

 Mr. and Mrs. Ratzlaff

I heard this morning that Mr. Ratzlaff died yesterday. He is rejoicing and having such a grand ol' time in heaven! I'm so happy for him but yet sad for his family and all those who love him dearly.


When I first thought about writing a tribute to him here, on my blog, I really had planned on doing a re-cap of his life. But other than seeing him only two times since my graduation in 1971, I haven't really kept up with him. In 2009 I called them to invite them to a reunion we were planning for OBA. I had a wonderful wonderful conversation with both of them on the phone that I will cherish for the rest of my life. - Again after 38 years, they ministered to me when I was going through the second most challenging trial of my life. 


There is a quote that says: "Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after many years apart, their friendship is as true as ever."


That was proven true in 2009 when Irma answered the phone when I called them. She was so excited to hear from me and immediately got ElRoy on the extension and the three of us talked for more than an hour. It was a glorious blessing for me.


I know that many many people have tributes for ElRoy Ratzlaff. However, the most important tribute to me, is the care and training he gave to a hurting - scared 15 year old girl.

To his family - You are in my prayers.

Thank you for being a faithful servant Mr. Ratzlaff.

He is with Jesus.

 

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

 

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” 

 

My book club read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett in February 2010. I loved the book and I was very excited to go to the movie when it came out.  It didn't disappoint. It was outstanding.

There are so many messages within this book that to pick one is probably not fair. But the love Aibileen has for her charge is remarkable. She makes it her goal to teach this little girl that she is very special. - no matter how others treat her, including her mother.

 

A bit of wisdom we should all learn and teach.

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."