Roger Lee Stearns Sr. In Remembrance.

 
Roger Lee Stearns Sr. In Remembrance. 1947 - 2010

I have made note of the passing of a dear friend in my regular postings,and there has been an outpouring of sympathy and concern for his family and very welcome comments of concern for me which I much appreciate. In my weekly BLOG I have been writing about HEROES of all types and trying to explain who and what I think a HERO is.
     The man who passed away yesterday was a HERO, not just because of his Military Service or any publicly proclaimed accomplishment during his life but because of his life. Roger Lee Stearns Sr. wore some medals from his military service, some for the renegotiation for his work in civilian life. The most important awards he earned are the titles of Child Of GOD, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend.
       He wore his successful Son,And Beautiful Daughters around his neck like Medals of Honor, he always kept us up to date on what they were doing and thereby allowed us to share his joy. His praised his wonderful wife for the care she provided him, and knowing his 'impish' personality she wears a medal as well for being his best friend. She and Roger were married 41 years, that makes both of them HEROES in today's world. Thank You, Regina, Roger said it was love at first sight.
      In High School neither Roger or myself were star athletes, did not drive the fastest cars [although Roger tried] he loved his automobiles. We were not Class Presidents, Homecoming Kings, Most Likely to Succeed [but we did]. We were just guys, not jocks, or 'socise's' or 'nerds', at lunch we hung out at the gym lobby where they sold popcorn and cokes. During Nam we both entered the Army at different times to do what we thought was the right thing as we had been taught. "FATE" if you want to call it that, however Roger and I think a much greater power is at work, reconnected us in Vietnam. My unit was cut off and in grave circumstances, and Rogers unit was sent to assist, which they did, Roger may have saved my life, though at the time neither of us know the other was even in country.
     We reconnected several years ago by E-Mail and the Facebook, which Roger turned me on to. Our daily commenting and jesting back and forth and with others often brightened my day. We shared common political views and an abundant faith in GOD.Roger feared no man or philosophy. What you saw and heard was what he was, take it or leave it, his principles held.
     The last years of his life he was confined in a chair and had numerous  health problems, but he was always lifting others up, his last day here he was proud of becoming a volunteer at a Hospital where he could continue GIVING.He was a BIG man in body soul, mind, heart and spirit. He will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. He certainly lives on in mine.Roger we will continue the Battle, as he just posted a few days ago, "WE WERE WINNING WHEN I LEFT'

Never Forget "It's The Dash That Counts" 

How Did You Spend Your Dash?

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the CASH
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say?
About how you spent your dash?