Codger

A town, a state and a nation’s response to threats
[Dec. 20, 2007] The town of Metamora, the state of Texas and the nation of Canada have a bold and unique manner of responding to serious, threatening dangers to their citizens. Canada will meet the challenge of a riot by sending one Royal Canadian Mounted policeman. Texas will send one Texas Ranger and Metamora will send one Metamora police officer. By Bill Kernan

View from the pew (The last pew)
[Dec. 6, 2007] When the late Karl Tode ushered me into church for the first time, I was uneasy and noisy as I awkwardly struggled with my walker looking for someplace where I could participate in the services without disturbing others. He led me to the last pew and made me feel comfortable and welcome. He whispered: “This is the best seat in the house because you won’t miss a thing, seeing the entire congregation in worship and then basking in the glow on the faces of everyone as they file out.” By Bill Kernan

A season well worth noting
[Nov. 23, 2007] Now this is one season that I am well aware of and am enjoying each and every day as long as it lasts. By Bill Kernan

The world’s oldest altar boy
[Nov. 8, 2007] I don’t know if my brother Jack is really the world’s oldest altar boy, but that is the title given to him at the Chicago area hospital where he volunteers his services. By Bill Kernan

Teaching killers to kill
[Oct. 25, 2007] Once again our local press is screaming out that we need to bring an end to the massacre on our streets by the killers among us who continue to take the lives of our youth and innocent people of all ages in growing, alarming number By Bill Kernan

Dog gone, again and again
[Oct. 11, 2007] We have all heard the story about the little boy who came home followed by an eager, sad-eyed dog with a friendly wagging tail, only to be met with stern parents who wanted no part of a stray animal, but slowly gave in when hearing the story that the dog had just followed the boy, and then the plea, “can we keep him?” greeted the pair. By Bill Kernan

Fall — There went another season
[Sep. 27, 2007] Oops! I did it again. I missed the end of one season and the start of another. It seems as though I just settled in the cool shade of the lakeside tree to count my ever-increasing blessings as spring gently gave way to summer when I was suddenly awakened by the thunder of a great fall. By Bill Kernan

Taking the measure of a man
[Aug. 23, 2007] When Tom Moore walked through the door you had to know that you were in the presence of a man. A big man. By Bill Kernan

A book to read, think about and act on
[Jul. 5, 2007] Maybe it was the hysteria surrounding high-profile celebrities, capped by the latest Paris Hilton episodes, that finally woke me up to our current workings of crime and punishment. I guess that if the subject does not contaminate you, it is simple to look away, hoping that somehow it would all go away. By Bill Kernan

A Memorial Day to remember
[Jun. 7, 2007] It was a Memorial Day that will be long remembered by the hundreds in attendance at the dedication of the “Lest They Be Forgotten” memorial in honor of Army Specialist Holly McGeogh, who was killed by an improvised explosive device while engaged in combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq. The ceremony took place at the City Hall in Taylor — Holly’s family home. By Bill Kernan

Mother’s Day every day
[May 24, 2007] Excuse me, I missed an opportunity to write a word or two about “Mothers.” The day of celebrating, “Mother’s Day” came and went before I was able to do so. By Bill Kernan

Farmer political thoughts
[May 10, 2007] This city boy wondered why farmers always seemed to be counted on to be conservative Republicans. I was told to talk with Bob Linck, a farmer’s farmer, newspaper columnist, radio commentator and former official with the Department of Agriculture who was never slow to offer public comment and his strong opinions concerning agriculture and even politics.

Cowmen vs. Cowboys
[Apr. 26, 2007] Sometimes it seems like a very long way from childhood to wherever I am today. I must admit that for the most part I have enjoyed the ride. By Bill Kernan

Plenty of riches ...
[Apr. 12, 2007] I had the pleasant opportunity to talk with Terry Bowerman recently. I also took the opportunity to listen to this man who is much more than the retired teacher he admits to being. He also is kind, generous, interesting, informative, patient, industrious and an eager participant in the affairs of our community and nation. I suppose one simple statement can tell a great deal more about his accomplishments than I can recount here. By Bill Kernan