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WITandWISDOM(tm) - February 18, 2003 ISSN 1538-8794 ~~~~~~~ THOUGHTS: "Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." - Marlene Savant Source: Quotes of the Day, mailto:rheamo@centurytel.net?subject=Subscribe_Quotes_of_the_Day ~~~~~~~ SPECIAL THOUGHTS: It's a story that started in small-town Waverly, Ohio. Northwest High School football coach Dave Frantz knew the streak had to end. One of his senior players, Jake Porter, had faithfully suited up for every practice, every game, and had still spent every play of his high school career on the sidelines. Why? Seventeen years ago Jake was born with "chromosomal fragile-X," a form of mental retardation that means he can't take the hits other players can. Coach Frantz wanted to reward Jake's dedication, but he knew there was no way he could put Jake in the game. Then he spoke with neighboring Waverly High School coach Derek Dewitt. The two decided that if their upcoming game resulted in a blowout, Frantz would send Jake in as quarterback late in the fourth quarter to kneel down and stop the clock. All the players would be primed, and Jake would get the thrill of his life by finally playing in a game. Sure enough, Waverly blew ahead 42-0. With five seconds left in the game, Coach Frantz and Coach Dewitt met in the middle of the field to review the play. And at the last minute Dewitt changed his mind. "We'll let him score," he told Frantz. Porter pranced onto the field. As the play began, players on both sides parted and, at first confused, Porter began to kneel as he had practiced. Quickly his teammates urged him up and forward, pointing him toward the goal. The crowd roared as Waverly and Northwest players ran with Porter the 49 yards to the goal line, his teammates enveloping him as he crossed the plane. It's a story that started in small-town Waverly, Ohio, and has spread. It's a simple story about a mentally disabled teenager, two coaches, and a handful of high school football players who - with a sprinkle of courage, sacrifice, and brotherly love - said exactly what we all needed to hear. By Aivianda Sauder Source: Adventist Review, ISSN 0161- 1119, (c) December 19, 2002, http://www.adventistreview.org/ Submitted by Nancy Simpson ~~~~~~~ THIS & THAT: Survey Results of "Bad Gifts" Women have received: A scoop shovel. Cast iron skillet. Lawn mower. All Terrain Vehicle. Flour sifter. One year my husband who I have been married to for almost 55 years gave me a box of candy and a panty girdle. Now I considered this a two sided message and have never let him forget the year he gave them to me. One was to get fat with and the other was to hold it all in. My friend received on her first Christmas with her husband - a box of pink plastic trash can liners! His excuse? "I waited until Christmas Eve to shop, and there was nothing left." My wife of 26 years was always asking to borrow my screwdrivers, pliers, etc. Several years ago for her convenience (not having to wait until I was around), I bought her a small tool box with a complete set of Craftsman screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench for her birthday. The next year for my birthday she got me a sewing kit. For Christmas my husband handed me an envelope. In it was a receipt for a diamond ring he had put on layaway the day before. It showed how much the ring was, and also showed that it wouldn't be paid off for another year. - Thank you readers for sharing with us! Copyright (c) 2003 by WITandWISDOM(tm) ~~~~~~~ KEEP SMILING: Honk twice if you love peace and quiet. Source: Monday Fodder mailto:dgaufaaa@iohk.com?subject=Subscribe_Monday_Fodder ~~~~~~~ TRIVIA: "September 11" and Teenagers •More than two-thirds of American teenagers feel closer to their families since the September 11 attacks and remain hopeful about the country's future. •Two-thirds said September 11 was the most significant event of their lives. The same percentage said that after the attacks they prayed, meditated, or spent time in spiritual reflection. •One in five students said the attacks directly affected their lives a great deal, and nearly a third said the events of September 11 gave them new ideas or changed their plans for life after high school. •Almost six in 10 teenagers expect to see required military service in their lifetimes. •Half said their fellow students became more friendly and considerate immediately after the attacks, but only 14 percent said that remained six months later. •More than half said they have been frustrated since September 11 because they can't do more to help. From: "State of Our Nation's Youth" - May phone survey of 1,003 high school students ages 13 to 18, published by the Horatio Alger Association; USA Today, http://www.usatoday.com/ Source: Pulse Newsletter, http://www.preachingplus.com |