[dansangel]

[dansangel]

[Dubya]

By the time Ted arrived at the football game, the first quarter was almost over.



"Why are you so late?" his friend asked.



I had to toss a coin to decide between going to church and coming to the game."



"How long could that have taken you?"



"Well, I had to toss it 14 times."

[ladtx]

Another good choice to put in the spotlight dansangel.
Wirestripper I like your idea of for border security, too bad none of our congresscritters are taking it seriously enough to do anything about it. You've had a varied and interesting life and bring much to the forum. I salute you.

[Salvation]

Congratulations, wirestripper!

A wonderful story to share with all of you today!

THE HAND

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class
a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they
were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged,
but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other
traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought,
would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they
were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a
different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery,
frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas
was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at
the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of
something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing
else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose
hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer,
because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police
officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still
others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so
the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young
artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at
Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The
little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him
here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she
said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show
you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together."
Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something
about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends
showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the
world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the
hand that reaches out.

[Billie]

Happy Two Year Anniversary, JK!

[FreeTheHostages]

Wirestripper, what a great article!! I really like it when the threads describe with such detail the thought process that brought people here to Free Republic. It helps me understand what FR means to others and confirm how important it has become to me!!

I'm right with you on "Although I am basically the same person that I was prior to joining FR, my level of understanding and my ability to express my thoughts has improved greatly. . . . I have come to positions on many issues that I was undecided on before. And, I have an outlet for my political frustrations!"

Thanks for taking the time to tell us about ya!

[MistyCA]

Wow..thanks for sharing that amazing story! I don't get a chance to stop in here often, but I am certainly glad I did today. Thanks for the ping, John! This thread is beautifully done, dansangel!

[Mixer]

Good morning all! The calendar is back online today and I wanted to wish a happy "FR Anniversary" to jkphoto.

wirestripper....enjoy your day in the spotlight.

[ru4liberty]

Congratulations on your day in the spotlight! You'll be tired by the end of the day, but it will be a good kind of tired.

Thanks for all you do for the conservative cause. And thank you for serving our country.

[Libertina]

Uh oh, I just "disagreed with you vehemently" on another thread Wirestripper, then came here to find you in today's spotlight! LOL In addition, you are from WA state! (Where I am a chapter leader. ) That's ok, I do disagree with you on our previous conversation, but it's good to exchange ideas and I congratulate you on your day here! :)

[JustAmy]

Good evening, Dansangel.
Another great profilee another great thread. Thanks for intoducing us to wirestripper.