canoeing

Papa’s World – Teaching LOVE and RESPECT to our children in their youth!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Back in the mid to late 80s – we were youth group leaders for our Lutheran church in little Portville, N.Y.

One of our trips was to a retreat just outside Clarksville where this man once stayed for reflection – Thomas Merton.

He had a deep connection with the Franciscans at Saint Bonaventure University just outside Olean, N.Y.

At that time we went there – the University was maintaining the retreat – they may still be doing this.

Our pastor Dan – who married Sherry and me – was deeply involved in the youth group – so much so that he and I and a doctor of the congregation – took FOURTEEN YOUTHS – 7 to 12th. grade – canoeing on the Alleghany River as a trail run and later a whole week in the Algonquian Park in the far north of Canada for a week.

We went to the retreat to perform a blessing in each room marking the sign of the cross on the beams and headers of the doorways in charcoal ash.

Our purpose for those kids in the youth group was to teach love for all humans.

Looking back on each and every one of them in their now adult life – I think what we wanted to get across to them was a success.

Thomas Merton spent some of his time in this area reflecting on life and left a lasting impression on all of us that went to perform that blessing.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

TEACHING LOVE AND RESPECT TO OUR CHILDREN IN THEIR YOUTH!

Papa’s World – always a home here – vagabonds!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

This home is full of HEALTH – NUTRITION –

and our three oldest grand daughters –

Maddy – Ella and Sarah!

Sarah Maddy Ella

Until recently – Maddy was the tallest – at 5’6!

Now Ella stands 5 ‘ 8 1/2 and Sarah is going to catch her!

Sarah at 13 – is 5′ 6!

Sherry – my wife and their grandmother – is 5′ 9!

The Swedish DNA is coming out and up!

These two are very close –

BUT – Maddy eats almost no meat!

Where Ella does.

All three have been on Juice Plus for almost 14 years

and Sarah is a Juice Plus baby!

Sarah with I think Maddy

Their parents Mike and Debby –

practice whole food eating – no dairy or gluten

and always reading labels –

all must be organic and no harmful additives.

Every year for the past 18 to 20 years

they have taken a vacation to Raquet Lake in upstate New York!

Where there is no wify or internet

unless you can search and find it!

Being unconnected as they call it.

Back to nature – canoeing – hiking the mountains.

And the girls love it!

We have been spending time with them since we sold our house.

Here in the Blue Ridge mountains of NVA

outside of Winchester Va.

At Lake Holiday.

Maddy will return for her Sophomore year

at the University of Lynchburg – playing soccer!

She was named as a Freshman

To the All – American Academic awards

with a 3.85 GPA!

And as a Freshman played in every game!

Ella is on the Blue Ridge United Travel Soccer team

and also the Varsity team at James Woods H.S. in Winchester Va.

Sarah is our dancer and a film & producer of small videos.

She wants to go to NYC!

And Sherry is going to take her!

Ella Debby Mike Sarah Maddy

We are blessed to be able to stay here

and interact with them all.

Soon – in the next day –

We are taking – Ella and Sarah with us –

To the beach in Sandbridge Va.

Maddy wants to stay and work –

as she will be leaving for college in early August!

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog