As he strode up, to greet the D.C. law-enforcement officer stationed in the middle of the cemetery, to witness the crime scene, he looked down to witness the old man that lay dead, wrapped with the coat he had previously given to goodwill. Once the officer found out that was how this victim obtained Mr. Ziegler’s business card, he wished a ‘Happy Holidays’ and proceeded to cover up the victim and wait another hour for the coroner.
Two and half hours waiting for a “bus” to arrive (coroner van reference) with no research on the cause of death, family contact information or any other worries, because he was a “homeless man, of no real stature”? This bothered Toby, the White House Communications Director, who had realized this man was a Vietnam vet (or maybe Korean War) due to the tattoo o recognition on his left forearm. Burdened by this irresponsible yet socially accepted handling of death by someone of “little or minutiae importance”, the knowledge of proper burial for a “Man of Honor” who served his country (with ‘purple heart’ valor) in our Armed Services, challenged Toby to make things right!
He found the man’s only living relative, his brother, who was also homeless, and also suffering from some mind altering slowing of the brain. (They were slow or possibly autistic though never detailed) Anyway, Toby arranged for a 21-gun saluted funeral service, with limousine service and the works for this man and his brother, who afterwards received the folded up American flag. All this done on the President’s word, though he never even knew about it, until afterwards yet knew it must have meant a lot to his close friend, Toby!
A man he just came across, never had the opportunity to meet personally, yet based on the one thing that they shared indirectly, both servicemen for this country, he took it upon himself, to ensure a proper burial and remembrance of a true American hero.
Something mostly every United States citizen is, whether he or she realizes it, and something we should all do to assist our fellow National neighbor. We just have yet to get that ‘Holiday Season’ cheer and respect thing right on a consistent and yearly basis. December 25th, recognized as the birthday of Jesus, the son of Mary, and celebrated as a time of giving, honor, respect and remembrance of how this man gave of himself, for the betterment of ALL mankind!
Though disputed, as to what actual date his birthday really is (It is fact to being the birth of Nimrod, an evil ancient ruler), the purpose of this day should be held up and recognized as a daily act of civility and thanks, if just only to honor God (the most high creator) in allowing you to exist and wake up that morning. Everything else is a bonus; however we have taken for granted what we were sent upon this Earth to do.
It was not to ‘Get Rich or Die Trying!’ Maybe to get spiritual or die trying, that might be more like it! Material things, coupled with the search of love and/or acceptance by others, is the furthest thing from the teachings of Jesus or the book following his existence, the Holy Bible. He taught ways of how love, respect and honor others while praising the name of only one, the Father (God)!
When we begin to look at the meaning of life and how insignificant our meanings (businesses, thoughts, popularity, stature, etc…) are, to the overall big scheme of things, we can really put into perspective how grateful we need to be not only at one particular time of the season, but on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis! God is good all the time, not just during the ‘Holiday Season(s)’! The Creator is our basis of thanks whether it is for a recent promotion, meeting of a significant other, a holiday gift such as a car, ring, house or just another pair of those ugly thick-striped bo-bo’s (socks)!
MY thoughts and prayers daily go to him blessing me with the direction I asked him I should be headed in politics. Should I run, consultant those who run, work for someone in the political field or what? He answered with a topic that I never even realized I could do…be a fair and balanced, unbiased and meaningful political reporter! Bring the politics of this world, state and City to the people and neighborhoods from which you originate, by giving the news to them in a language they can readily understand, rather than talking over or around them as others seam to do. And as much as I want to personally scream, yell or even at times cuss out some these elected officials and/or those directly involved with politics, I know that there is always (3) sides to every story and what’s more is that my opinion and beliefs are not the say-all-be-all in today’s society. I have a readership or following of those who all have different perspectives on life and how politics should intervene in their lives!
Therefore, with EVERY story/article I do, I try to honestly give the readers’ the best opportunity to learn, based off of the facts and inside, sometimes unknown, knowledge, of the different sides, takes or quotes, of a story that may or may not have a direct or indirect factor, on them or their families, friends and/or loved ones. Also EVERY story/article is raised up and written in honor of my past partner, co-writer and BEST FRIEND, Dale Graham, who always remains steadfast and upfront in my heart and mind! Whether it be Christmas, Easter, the Fourth, Presidents’ Day, or August 4th (his born day) I shall give all the praises, honor and glory to He, the Lord of the Worlds, Father of Civilization, God of the Universe! And try to never speak ill of others, especially who are not present, while basing my decisions of writings and speeches on them being acceptable if they were to be given to He!
While we wrap up this “Holiday Season’ (I cannot stand the changing of those words to be politically correct…I mean come on! If you are Christian who believes in Christmas, Merry Christmas, if you happen to believe in and/or celebrate Kwanzaa or Hanukah, Happy both of them to you and yours!), let us rejoice and be glad in it, the moment, and begin to internalize the REAL meaning and purposes of this time, and begin to honor and respect Him enough, to serve him daily by giving honor and respect to those ‘who deserve it’ and sometimes even to those who don’t yet may change with a little love and kindness from you! Let us take on the previously mentioned example of Mr. Toby Zeigler, who by the way holds that post in the West Wing series, not actually real life! And always remember this:
“If the Angels are up in Heaven, asking for your forgiveness, while praising Him, why can’t you, at least, be down here, on Earth, living up to their favor, and seeking the forgiveness and well-being of others!” (Whether you get along or not; or even know each other! The greatest gift given to man by the Lord, in my opinion, is not just free will, but the opportunity to do right, even when others are continuously doing you, so wrong!)
God Bless!
Dale’s Daily Dose: “May thou Rest in Peace! And God’s will be upon his Childrens’!”
(2) Daughters and (1) Sun; Uncle ‘San (That be Me!) says “I Love Yal…U to Malik!” (My Sun)
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