O holy night

Last evening, my wife and I went to a birthday party for a friend.  Drove home in a steady rain anxious to get inside to a dry, safe house.  

I have put up Christmas lights around our front trees.  They are lovely, except when it gets wet.  They short out and trip the GFCI outdoor plugs.  Which includes the plug for our garage door opener. 

We pulled into the driveway and quickly figured out the garage door wasn't operating and was locked.  We cannot get in through the back of the house because the fence gate is locked.  Looking at each other with desperation, we said, "We don't have a front door key on us, do we?"  And we didn't and that's when the adventure began.  

I thought I could scale and jump the back fence.  It is 8 feet tall.  It is very wet, still raining.  I am very out of shape.  It is cold and dark.  So, I attempted it and got close to the top of the fence but realized something very painful was about to happen to me.  

So I got back into the car and announced, "I cannot believe I'm this stupid to not have a house key hidden somewhere around.  Just because I deserve it, I'm going to drive this car through the back fence and I'll just have to pay to get it all fixed."  Steam was coming out of my ears.  

Lea just quietly said, "Can't we drive up to the fire station and see if they can help?"  Such an angel.

So we drove the the station house.  Knocked on the door, and three young heroes came to see what the commotion was.  I explain the dilemma.  They say, "We'll meet you in front of your house."

And in no time, they were there.  Three young men, none yet to reach 30, were all ready to help in whatever way they could.  

Since October 7, we have also flown an Israeli flag on the front of our house to show our support and solidarity with the people of Israel.  As Christians, we are called to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

One of the young men asked if we were Jewish.  I said no.  He said, "I am. Why do you fly the Israeli flag?"  I tried to provide him some history and scripture to put it into context for him.  

"Sir, I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to see that flag.  Being a Jew in the fire department, it can get a bit lonely sometimes.  Lots of people just don't understand or care about our connection to Israel.  Thank you for standing with me and us.  It makes me feel less lonely already."

With that, we go to the back of the house.  Before I can say boo, one young man has scaled the fence and is asking me for the combination of the lock on the gate.  

Boom.  We were in.  

We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night.  

Happy Christmas.  

Thrilled to have made someone who makes me feel safe feel safer himself.  

P.S.  I'll be smoking racks and racks of ribs for my new heroes on Tuesday.

Adulting is not fun

Headstone for Betty and Haskell Burks 

My dad died three years ago.  

My brother, sister, and I buried his ashes two weeks ago in Westview Cemetery.  

Honestly, I still don't get it.  Meaning, it is hard for me to believe and accept that he is not here.  That he is in another plane, another reality, and not my reality.  

Pops didn't die due to COVID.  But, he passed during the COVID craziness.  

My dad was known as Mr. Dependable.  He was a residential real estate agent and broker on the Southside of Atlanta for over 50 years.  It's amazing how many people know him and his legacy in East Point, College Park, Fayetteville, and beyond.  

He was a volunteer at the Chambers of Commerce, the Methodist Church, and more Realtor Boards than I can name.  

He was a good man.  Loyal to his wife, Betty Burks.  He was loyal to his children:  Michael, Alan, and Laurie.  

He never made a lot of money, but he provided.  Us kids thought we were rich.  

He joined the Navy at age 17 when WWII was roiling, after being the leader of the ROTC at Russell High School.  He wanted to be a gunner in a B-52.  But the fact that he wore glasses ruled him out of that.  

My dad wasn't overly demonstrative.  He was a quiet man.  Strong and quiet.  Much like his dad, my Big Papa, Jesse Kirby Burks.  

Pops, you were such a leader in your own way.  People respected you in the communities where we lived.  

I believe your strong silent leadership was passed down.  Maybe skipped a generation.  Mike is kinda hot (brother you are free to disagree) and no doubt Laurie has Mom's fire.  I honestly believe Ali, Pete, and Zac got your genes.  And, Oliver may well have them.  

Dad, I can't believe you are gone.  I don't know how Heaven works, but I hope you are reunited with Mom and all of your friends.  

Please know that I hope to honor your legacy by being a good human.  I've got a lot of Mom in me.  And that's a good thing.  But Pops, you were the coolest dude in the midst of many storms.  

Rest easy.  You worked so hard to get to this place.  

We thank you for your quiet strength and guidance.  

I know you are in Heaven because you had faith in Jesus.  

I wish we could go to one more Braves game together.  

I love you and miss you, but you are not buried in Westview Cemetery.  You are in Heaven with Mom, Woody, Marylou, Gene, The Garcias, and so many more.  

I'll see you soon.

ab