Published: May 01, 2008 03:25 pm            

Letters to the Editor

April 30, 2008 — Editor,

No weather today…just different opinions and there should be more. That’s what free speech is all about.

Now, let’s get to some points to ponder.

#1 “Nor does he have anyone close to him that has served in Iraq”

Well, next door in Afghanistan, my grandson served and his father served all through the Viet Nam War.

#2 “I served in Iraq for seven months doing conveys for over 10,000 miles.”

I served 37 months in WWII and my ship traveled over 100,000 miles.

#3 “So the logical conclusion is that it is safer in Iraq than in KY.”

On the day I read that this appeared in the Lexington paper, I have the clipping before me – “Baghdad – parents are afraid to send their children to school, markets are nearly empty as residents fear of being caught in gun battles and air strikes.”

So to be as safe as Iraq, KY would need a green zone and armed guards at the local Farmer’s Market to keep the bad guys from blowing up the cabbage.

#4 “The troops is the war.”

Does the fact we have troops mean we have war? Many have served till retirement and never saw a war. Most Americans have always supported their troops even in unpopular wars, which they oppose and that have no good end.

If you decide to “gladly go back”, I will gladly support you.

General Sherman said it best, “War is Hell!” and who is in favor of supporting Hell?

Earl Stewart

Grayson



Editor,

I would like to give thanks to a special lady, for dedicating her time to the needs of others. Although God leads her, it is her choice to make a difference. I am a mother that has seen so much hurt with my child, from HADD, to learning problems in school, to substance abuse. Having no male support, and dealing with teachers that felt they could not deal with disruptions and low-test scores in their classroom. I desperately looked for acceptance and guidance in people. Little was found, so I accepted the fact I was on my own. Only those of you that have a child that is different in some way knows what I mean by acceptance. It’s a smile of kindness on others’ faces, it’s a word of hope, or a non-judgmental conversation with your child when things look the worse; while also standing strong in what’s right and wrong with God. I believe if we do this from our hearts God will do the rest. These children are not all hopeless and I sometimes believe their purpose is to test the hearts of others. I became acquainted with Brenda Hammons and her family several years ago. Their devotion to God and helping others made me feel so comforted. Although, they never knew the inspiration they gave me, to them I was probably just a vague memory. Then, at a time when I had lost hope and was at a very dark and low place, as I know so many of you get these days. I attended an ENOUGH rally. It was full of hope, love, and dedication to the cause, sense then I have seen and heard the testimonies of many recovering addicts and seen the time and love put into this support. I have also heard the discouraging comments; it won’t work, they’re not our religion, their all about Grayson, their just about their selves. They’re not a legit organization - Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.

#1 the only thing that don’t work is not trying or believing in Christ.

#2 Their meetings are about the addicts and having faith through God, hope in tomorrow and acceptance in themselves, while not swaying from God’s right and wrongs.

3# I’m from Olive Hill, not only has she had a group around my schedule, when she could be enjoying a pretty evening on her bike, or with her grandchildren. She has offered to work in Olive Hill a day a week, with the support of being offered a room in the Three Pins Church. I believe Christ smiles when he sees his children working together, for the good of the hurting.

4# Why would anyone spend all that time fighting for someone else’s child, being sometimes discouraged, let down, used, and manipulated? To see a few recover and give thanks to God.

5# Its not legit with who: Grayson, Olive Hill, Pathways, Court, Addicts, or God? Because we live in the United States we can choose. I don’t know what the future holds, but I have been given hope and a since of fairness knowing and seeing the true love and acceptance in Christ shown through Brenda and her family. And no matter what happens I have a since of closure with that. If you are fighting the battle of addictions and need to fell accepted while recovering I recommend ENOUGH. They’re not the fix, but they are the hope and encouragement we all need, other special people from my journey: Judy Rice, Fran Henderson, Jim Roe, Eddy Porter, Glen Kitchen, Bessie Coley, Patti Porter, Harvey Kiser, Bobby Hall, the work of the Pastor’s, love of friends, and family and a special thanks to Mike and Jennifer Phelps. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, so be extra kind when it’s the hardest. Those people have no idea what they did when they showed kindness to my child, and myself. And, you may never know whom you may help with just a smile.

Rhonda Tackett

Grayson

        

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