R-E-S-P-E-C-T

About a year ago, I wrote an essay about the four letter word- HATE. Since then, I have given some thought to a virtue that, in many aspects, is the antithesis of hate- RESPECT. My career path has me working frequently with youth, particularly teenagers and I have noticed how many teenagers are more and more lacking in this vital of virtues. As I have gone into area schools, and attitude prevails which warps general respect for another into fear. Many teens don't feel "respected" unless someone fears them or permits them to do whatever they please. Of course, they haven't learned this trait by themselves. We adults are the perfect role models for lack of genuine respect. Think about it. How many of us criticize another's driving while our children take careful note of the action? Or how often do we get impatient or upset over matters that are in actuality trivial inconvienences?
One general show of disrespect that I have noticed recently is the removal of titles from people who deserve it. I frequently hear those who dislike the actions of our nation's president, our state's governor, or our city's mayor refer to these men as "Bush", "Huntsman", or "Godfrey". What I find more detestable than the disdain in their voices is the way that earned titles of respect have been summarily dismissed. I know that on a national level, many may argue that "Bush stole the election(s) and therefore doesn't deserve the title." On a local level some may say, "Godfrey is a (fill in the blank) and therefore doesn't deserve respect." But why should it end there? Our children have seen it. Many no longer call their teachers with the proper Miss, Mrs. or Mr. title, rather just their last name.
This led me to the question. Isn't that the behavior of a drill seargent or sports coach who addresses subordinates by last name only? Not that I am not proud of my last name, but I have earned my titles (few they may be) and it is a way to show that I am respected when people call me Mister or Sir. Heck, I'll even throw in the title of "Brother" used at church. It is not difficult to start small and begin anew to refer to people by their titles, even if it is nothing more than a simple Miss or Mister. Perhaps a return to these displays of respect will not only set an example of general respect to the next generation, but will show them that even in the heated battles of policies and politics, chivalry is not only alive, but the candor of true character.

Busy Weekend for Ogden

I hope you have had a chance to truly experience Ogden recently. This weekend was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Friday was Your Community Connection's 15th Annual "Real Men Can Cook" at Union Station. Area vendors and chefs produced samples of exquisite foods. (Personal favorites included New Orleans Style Lasagna and Southwestern Egg Rolls). All proceeds went to YCC- Ogden's domestic violence shelter.
Saturday presented itself with a variety of activities. In the morning, Ogden Area Youth Alliance in connection with our local "r.a.m.p." funds, provided "A Day For Kids"- an opportunity to showcase what is available for kids in the area. Venues such as Treehouse Museum, Union Station, Nature Center, Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden Ice Sheet, and PapaGeorge Dairy provided free admission to kids. The cold weather proved a bit of a damper on some of the outdoor locations, but from reports, the Treehouse was packed.
The afternoon provided a chance to enjoy a "south of the border" atmosphere at the Amphitheater. This celebration (and not Cinco de Mayo as many believe) is a celebration of Mexico's independence. Again, cold weather played a bit of a factor to keeping some away, but not all.
Saturday evening provided a chance to take in a football game at Weber State University as the Wildcats took on in-state "two-A" rival, Southern Utah University. The colder than normal temperatures kept the crowd to below 7,000 (uh.. does anyone remember a packed Stewart Stadium a year ago to welcome "Mac" to Weber?-- I guess the honeymoon's over.) The 'Cats picked up their first win of the season (handing SUU their first loss) 24-13.
I'm certain that there were other opportunities to experience the city. If you missed out last weekend, don't despair- this Saturday is the Harvest Moon Festival on 25th Street. This is truly a festival not to be missed.

Never Forget

Last year, I posted about my memories of September 11, 2001. As I have again reflected on my memories of that event this year, I feel it important to again keep my promise to never forget. I post last year's post again here- Just Keeping A Promise.

Just Keeping A Promise
A little more than two million minutes. That's how much time has passed since that fateful day. The day when innocence was lost to our country- forever. Though over two million minutes have passed since then, the thousand or so minutes of that day will remain etched in my mind for all time. I was headed to teach school in Layton. En route, I needed to stop by Wal-Mart to take my wife's birthday present out of layaway (her birthday is later in September, but I was about due for the allotted time for layaway). I had been listening to a local talk radio show, and just before I parked the car, I heard mention of a plane having struck the World Trade Center. As I listened further, the size of the plane varied from a small passenger plane to a large DC-10, depending on the varying accounts of witnesses.I was intrigued, but focused on the task at hand- getting my wife's dress. At the layaway counter, I waited for what seemed like hours. Finally, the cashier was ready to help me. As I finished the transaction, I asked her if she had heard about a plane hitting the World Trade Center. She said she hadn't, but as with my initial reaction, wasn't overly concerned by it.When I returned to my car, the realities of the horrors of the day were just beginning- the second plane had struck the second tower. The United States was under attack!I hurried to my school not daring to believe what my ears were hearing... Total recall.. North Tower... Planes... Smoke... Terrorist.As I exited the freeway, the news worsened. Washington, D.C. had also come under attack with news of the Pentagon in flames as well. I cursed out loud and tried to make it to my school as fast as I could. After parking the car, I ran into the main office and shouted, "The Pentagon's been hit!" The faces of my coworkers said it all. We were devastated. And what's more, we had to still teach students- or at the very least, keep them calm.Before heading to my classroom, I went to the media center. It was there that I first witnessed the destruction. Ironically, my first thought was that it didn't look "that bad", and I honestly felt that the towers would remain standing.I tore myself away from the television and went to my classroom. Facing those middle-school aged students was a very difficult task. They showered me with question all day- "Are we at war? Will we be safe here? What about my parents? Are family members in the military going to have to go somewhere?" I fielded the questions as best I could. I hooked up my classroom television to my computer and allowed them to watch the best we could on MSNBC. When I arrived home at the end of the day, I remember envying my three year old daughter who had no clue as to the terror around her. I also felt sorry that she would never truly know a "pre-9/11" world. I also remember the calming words sung by "our" own Mormon Tabernacle Choir that evening. "...Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears!"All of us will vividly remember the events of that day. Since then, we have erected countless memorials to remind us, (including one at my current place of employment) many inscribed with the promise- "We will never forget".That's why I share my own account, as "simplistic" as it may sound.I'm keeping a promise.