Wednesday, July 16, 2025

GRANDPA CLAUDE: THE GRAMMAR GURU

 

The above newspaper clipping was published in the Spokesman Review some years ago, offering a fascinating window into a moment from our family history. The incident it describes took place while Grandpa Claude was working for the U.S. Post Office in downtown Spokane. A small controversy broke out when he posted a sign on the post office's revolving door that read “go slow.” What seemed like a simple notice sparked a flurry of public reaction—letters of complaint were written, letters of defense followed, and all were published in the Spokesman Review.

At the time, Grandpa held the position of assistant custodian. From what I understand, he was eventually promoted to superintendent. Learning that he had once been a schoolteacher helped me better appreciate his attention to proper grammar. In that light, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that he stood his ground on the phrasing of the sign.

Reading the article gave me a meaningful glimpse into what Grandpa was like back then—principled, precise, and quietly influential. It also brought to mind Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”

Thursday, July 3, 2025

A Patriotic Journey: On Celebrating Independence Day

 



Independence Hall.  Photo's by Bobbi

As we celebrate Independence Day, I’m reminded of our family trip to the East Coast back in 1991. After a brief but meaningful tour of Washington, D.C., we continued on to Philadelphia—rich in history and significance to our nation’s founding.

One of the highlights was our visit to Independence Hall. Walking through that historic site, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound work accomplished there by our Founding Fathers—work that, I believe, could only have been done with Providential help. It was Benjamin Franklin, after all, who famously called for prayer during the Constitutional Convention.

Following that inspiring experience, we took a carriage ride through the historic district. While I appreciated the charm and character of the area, I was disheartened by the visible damage and graffiti. It gave off a sense of neglect and unease—as if gangs had claimed parts of this treasured space. Still, we made it safely through and ended our tour with a visit to the Liberty Bell, a stirring symbol of freedom.

That trip left a lasting impression on me. I’m still amazed that the United States continues to be a beacon of hope for nations seeking liberty. May we always stand in the gap for those who long to be free.

Happy 4th of July. May "Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,"









Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

    the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!