This is a Blog site created by Bob Reed (in Florida) for folks who live--or used to live--in Marcus, Iowa. Its purpose is to exchange notes, news, remembrances, and thoughts about life in and about Marcus, or news about one's family, friends or acquaintances.
Monday, November 05, 2007
November-December discussion
Go to the current thread to continue the convesation
I thought many of you would enjoy reading the news article in the Sioux City Journal, today, Nov. 6, about Tom Hueser meeting the coach of Notre Dame. It's a very nice tribute to Tom.
The article starts: Notre Dame coach meets Marcus cancer patient before big game By Tim Gallagher Journal staff writer
Tom Hueser has suffered a bit in his 75 years. He buried his first wife, Sharon, who died of cancer in 1973. He buried their son, Randy, who was killed in a car accident eight years later. He lost farm ground in the awful Farm Crisis.
Great story on Tom Hueser! His son Randy was my classmate. I was very saddened the day he died. Randy was one of the nicest kids I have ever known. Always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word for anyone. Can still remember birthday parties at his home when I was a kid. I still remember when his mother died. It hit Randy hard as I recall. Randy was just a wonderful young man, so sorry he died so young.
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom Hueser's death. I knew Randy and Cindy, and was very sorry when Randy was killed in the car accident in '81. I also knew Martha; she was my 4th-grade teacher (any my brother, Connie's, 4th-grade teacher, as well). I've seldom had the privilege of meeting such a wonderful woman. When Connie was bedridden in 4th grade due to rheumatic fever, she came to our house every day after school to tutor him, so that he was up-to-date with the other kids when he returned to school six weeks later. What a caring, kind-hearted, classy lady! And Tom was a great guy. I never rode any of the buses he drove, but I know how well he got along with kids of all ages and I know he will be missed. Blessing to all of you, and please know that I carry all of you in my heart and in my thoughts and prayers. Keep in touch.
A nephew, Jeff Dorr, who was born and raised here at Marcus, has recently moved from Texas to Cary, NC. with his wife, Meena, and their three youngsters. Cary is a smaller city within commuting distance of Durham, home of Duke University.
Scott Smiley is a new student at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Capt. Smiley is an unusual student in many ways. A native of Pasco, WA, he was graduated from West Point and the prestigious Ranger School. In April of 2005 the Lieut. was in charge of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team platoon in Mosul, Iraq, when a suicide car bomb was detonated sending shrapnel through his brain. It left him temporarily paralyzed and totally blind.
Within days of Smiley’s arrival at Walter Reed, a civilian social worker was encouraging his wife, Tiffany, to fill out forms to medically retire him. On instinct, she refused. Through months to come, as his body healed, as he learned to walk with a cane and read Braille, he was told by doctors and therapists that his Army career was over
Scott – earnest, outgoing and devoutly religious- has proven them wrong. With the support of his equally devout wife, he is taking advantage of the Army’s new willingness to allow seriously injured soldiers to stay in uniform.
In July, Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, who had known Smiley before his injury, and whose son was his company commander in Iraq, presided as Tiffany attached captain’s bars to her 26-year-old husband’s uniform. (While still a patient at Walter Reed, a purple heart had been pinned to his T-shirt.)
Van Antwerp, taking a personal interest in Smiley’s case, had called on colleagues – including the Army’s surgeon general and the commanding officer at Walter Reed, for help. As a result, Capt. Smiley now has a job at Fort Monroe where he is playing a big part in the development of a program for severely wounded soldiers, aiding their transition back to duty, if they choose, or to civilian life, if they prefer.
In addition, “Scotty,” as she calls him, is now a MBA student at Duke with Meena Dorr serving as his “eyes.” In her words, “This is the first time Scotty has studied blind and the first time Fuqua has had a blind student. So this is new for all parties involved, including me. I attend classes with Scotty and help him understand what’s happening because a lot of classroom content is presented in graphs and charts. After class, we study together to make sure he understands the materials. I also administer his quizzes and exams. I read the problems to him and write what he tells me to write down. He has such a sharp mind. It’s truly an amazing experience to get to know him and his family. They have blessed me so much in the short time I’ve known them.”
Earlier Meena had said she didn’t quite know why she had been chosen for this position. Well, I have a pretty good idea. She was born of Asian Indian parents who came to America when her brilliant father was employed by a major telecommunications firm in the Chicago area. She had an international upbringing, spending time both here and in India, eventually earning her MBA at the University of Chicago’s School of Business where she met her husband. Her father, though past retirement age, still serves as a world-respected consultant, sharing his knowledge internationally.
Meena’s brilliance, her compassion and the Christian faith she and Jeff share with their three youngsters, and the Smiley family, make it clear to me why she is doing what she does. Smiley and his wife both credit their faith with sustaining them over these past months. He has been quoted as saying, “I just thank Jesus Christ every day that I’m even alive.”
Lots to be thankful for in Marcus this Christmas Season. A new historical center, motel under construction, corn and bean prices up, farm land values high - all complementing the significant development which has taken place over the past several years. The Fairgrounds has been improved, the cemetery cleaned up, new homes being built, new Blue Star marker and surrounding flags and benches near the new Marcus Junction convenience store all speak to a community where many people are working hard to improve the lot for all. Congratulations to all in Marcus and elsewhere who care and have been putting in time, effort and money to prove it.
It's been a slow month on this blog. Not many postings from our Internet family. After all, it's the holiday season.
And perhaps that's why my thoughts have turned a bit philosophical, while trying to gain some perspective on our journeys through life.
Maybe those journeys are the destination. For our lives are said to be written on wind and water. Transitory. Elusive. Brief.
I like to think that our life experiences are like the grocery store that I seldom visit. Some of the products (and experiences) are the staples on the shelf. Other events are like the produce with a short life. They wilt like lettuce.
Both are required in order to fully experience our existence. The fleeting delight of an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. The reassuring, steady staple of work and family.
We should cherish each.
And while we are doing so,we need to balance the here-and-now with the then-and-there. The new Marcus Historical Society is beginning to do just that. Let's support them.
As we begin a new year let's also make a resolution. Once a month, let's put fingers to keyboards and share our thoughts, news, ideas, and reminicences with our fellow Marcus bloggers.
I thought I properly posted a blog in support of Bob's message a few days ago, but it isn't appearing so I will try again. Do take time, as he suggested, to comment and keep in touch. It is so much fun to hear about everyone but it can only happen if we all make the effort. Happy New Year! Margaret Dorr
I thought many of you would enjoy reading the news article in the Sioux City Journal, today, Nov. 6, about Tom Hueser meeting the coach of Notre Dame. It's a very nice tribute to Tom.
ReplyDeletePat Ducommun
The article starts:
ReplyDeleteNotre Dame coach meets Marcus cancer patient before big game
By Tim Gallagher Journal staff writer
Tom Hueser has suffered a bit in his 75 years. He buried his first wife, Sharon, who died of cancer in 1973. He buried their son, Randy, who was killed in a car accident eight years later. He lost farm ground in the awful Farm Crisis.
read the rest here....
Great story on Tom Hueser! His son Randy was my classmate. I was very saddened the day he died. Randy was one of the nicest kids I have ever known. Always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word for anyone. Can still remember birthday parties at his home when I was a kid. I still remember when his mother died. It hit Randy hard as I recall. Randy was just a wonderful young man, so sorry he died so young.
ReplyDeleteKurt Dorr
Tom Hueser passed away yesterday. You can read his obituary below. My condolences to Martha and the rest of the family.
ReplyDeleteKurt Dorr
Tom Hueser Obituary
Someone has to revive this old plowhorse!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of Tom Hueser's death. I knew Randy and Cindy, and was very sorry when Randy was killed in the car accident in '81. I also knew Martha; she was my 4th-grade teacher (any my brother, Connie's, 4th-grade teacher, as well). I've seldom had the privilege of meeting such a wonderful woman. When Connie was bedridden in 4th grade due to rheumatic fever, she came to our house every day after school to tutor him, so that he was up-to-date with the other kids when he returned to school six weeks later. What a caring, kind-hearted, classy lady! And Tom was a great guy. I never rode any of the buses he drove, but I know how well he got along with kids of all ages and I know he will be missed. Blessing to all of you, and please know that I carry all of you in my heart and in my thoughts and prayers. Keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteBeverly
A Story Worth Repeating
ReplyDeleteA nephew, Jeff Dorr, who was born and raised here at Marcus, has recently moved from Texas to Cary, NC. with his wife, Meena, and their three youngsters. Cary is a smaller city within commuting distance of Durham, home of Duke University.
Scott Smiley is a new student at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Capt. Smiley is an unusual student in many ways. A native of Pasco, WA, he was graduated from West Point and the prestigious Ranger School. In April of 2005 the Lieut. was in charge of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team platoon in Mosul, Iraq, when a suicide car bomb was detonated sending shrapnel through his brain. It left him temporarily paralyzed and totally blind.
Within days of Smiley’s arrival at Walter Reed, a civilian social worker was encouraging his wife, Tiffany, to fill out forms to medically retire him. On instinct, she refused. Through months to come, as his body healed, as he learned to walk with a cane and read Braille, he was told by doctors and therapists that his Army career was over
Scott – earnest, outgoing and devoutly religious- has proven them wrong. With the support of his equally devout wife, he is taking advantage of the Army’s new willingness to allow seriously injured soldiers to stay in uniform.
In July, Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, who had known Smiley before his injury, and whose son was his company commander in Iraq, presided as Tiffany attached captain’s bars to her 26-year-old husband’s uniform. (While still a patient at Walter Reed, a purple heart had been pinned to his T-shirt.)
Van Antwerp, taking a personal interest in Smiley’s case, had called on colleagues – including the Army’s surgeon general and the commanding officer at Walter Reed, for help. As a result, Capt. Smiley now has a job at Fort Monroe where he is playing a big part in the development of a program for severely wounded soldiers, aiding their transition back to duty, if they choose, or to civilian life, if they prefer.
In addition, “Scotty,” as she calls him, is now a MBA student at Duke with Meena Dorr serving as his “eyes.” In her words, “This is the first time Scotty has studied blind and the first time Fuqua has had a blind student. So this is new for all parties involved, including me. I attend classes with Scotty and help him understand what’s happening because a lot of classroom content is presented in graphs and charts. After class, we study together to make sure he understands the materials. I also administer his quizzes and exams. I read the problems to him and write what he tells me to write down. He has such a sharp mind. It’s truly an amazing experience to get to know him and his family. They have blessed me so much in the short time I’ve known them.”
Earlier Meena had said she didn’t quite know why she had been chosen for this position. Well, I have a pretty good idea. She was born of Asian Indian parents who came to America when her brilliant father was employed by a major telecommunications firm in the Chicago area. She had an international upbringing, spending time both here and in India, eventually earning her MBA at the University of Chicago’s School of Business where she met her husband. Her father, though past retirement age, still serves as a world-respected consultant, sharing his knowledge internationally.
Meena’s brilliance, her compassion and the Christian faith she and Jeff share with their three youngsters, and the Smiley family, make it clear to me why she is doing what she does. Smiley and his wife both credit their faith with sustaining them over these past months. He has been quoted as saying, “I just thank Jesus Christ every day that I’m even alive.”
Lots to be thankful for in Marcus this Christmas Season. A new historical center, motel under construction, corn and bean prices up, farm land values high - all complementing the significant development which has taken place over the past several years. The Fairgrounds has been improved, the cemetery cleaned up, new homes being built, new Blue Star marker and surrounding flags and benches near the new Marcus Junction convenience store all speak to a community where many people are working hard to improve the lot for all. Congratulations to all in Marcus and elsewhere who care and have been putting in time, effort and money to prove it.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas. Fred
It's been a slow month on this blog. Not many postings from our Internet family. After all, it's the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps that's why my thoughts have turned a bit philosophical, while trying to gain some perspective on our journeys through life.
Maybe those journeys are the destination. For our lives are said to be written on wind and water. Transitory. Elusive. Brief.
I like to think that our life experiences are like the grocery store that I seldom visit. Some of the products (and experiences) are the staples on the shelf. Other events are like the produce with a short life. They wilt like lettuce.
Both are required in order to fully experience our existence.
The fleeting delight of an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. The reassuring, steady staple of work and family.
We should cherish each.
And while we are doing so,we need to balance the here-and-now with the then-and-there. The new Marcus Historical Society is beginning to do just that. Let's support them.
As we begin a new year let's also make a resolution. Once a month, let's put fingers to keyboards and share our thoughts, news, ideas, and reminicences with our fellow Marcus bloggers.
They will delight in them.
Happy New Year!
Bob Reed
I thought I properly posted a blog in support of Bob's message a few days ago, but it isn't appearing so I will try again. Do take time, as he suggested, to comment and keep in touch. It is so much fun to hear about everyone but it can only happen if we all make the effort.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Margaret Dorr