Pone, great tribute to Jamie and all the girls on this hear list. You're gonna get about 1000 responses to this, so I have a holdover from yesterday for the Exhaulted Professor that maybe he can enjoy. He didnt seem to be encumbered with false humility:
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were... A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn’s early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding ’A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m. , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-1 6s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, ’Whom do we thank for the morning air show'? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Thanks Marilyn, just like that Toady Professor! Kind of like my hero (besides the Ponester) Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School- the prof is lecturing about building a Widget Factory without payoffs to the unions and mob bosses and city elders. " and so class, where shall we build it?" Bugeyed Rodney shouts out "Fantasyland!" Sad but true!
I am not in the military but I would knock over every chair between me and the door to watch the jets but I was raised on a farm. Almost every day an ag plane or helicopter was taking off or landing. I admire military pilots of all kinds.
Thank you, Mr. Bozeman. Lt/Gen Hal Moore received a Two-Huey flyover at his memorial service at Fort BENNING (now and forever) Georgia. "We rode to war in the Huey and that whop whop whop is burned into our brains" (documentary: In the Shadow of the Blade.) As a civilian doc to our combat soldier and vets, I hitched rides on a CG's Black Hawk, a Cobra, and four Hueys ( in door gunner seat, holding on to an O ring.) Also did a tandem jump to try to get a feel for what the 82nd from Ft. BRAGG, and the 101st experienced...only i was safe in the USA and never shot at. Love those sounds.
And on a lighter note, the DJ on one of our stations remarked, "The Only Place I Want to See Ribs is on a BBQ Plate!"
Doc, Really enjoyed reading about yor adventures. You sound purty "Badass" to old Pube. Gen. Moore was Certified! Even I knows about him. Was you packing a chute riding dem whirls birds? Don't sound like a good plan if you get my drift. Sounded to me like you must be toting some Big Brass ones around, til I read your name. Of course, in this day and time a feller don't know what to think about such as that. Not really, i Knows what ole Pube thinks! Greetings to you at Fort Benning! I worked the graveyard shift last night so I still ain't woke up too good. I'm somewhat hard a hearing, but I hear you Doc! You show up at the Barfeteria. I getting you some family sized chicken ribs. You can nibble the meat off dem bones all day!
(...that's what an old timey E-8 said of me upon hearing of my jump, "That's my Doc! She's a Badass. I mean, she's a tough woman; yeah, that's what I meant." Best compliment ever.)
Somebody sent me this tonight, and I got to admit, Tom MacRae owned his mistake and has earned my respect after the Colonel set him straight. Feel better!
Second letter to editor:
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Let me add a "Welcome Home" to a family whose military person arrived back reminding all that more than 7,000 troops are unaccounted-for from past conflicts. Viet-Nam veteran
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria
Tom, you owned your mistake and apologized. I respect that!
Pone, I'm feelin a little better bout the world tonite!
Somehow….over time, I morphed from toothpick thin to a chunky monkey! To see “obese” written on my medical chart does not make me a happy camper.
But …..memory reminds me of a time I got my wish for a size 10 again….it was a life of chemo and radiation as I faced a cancer battle. I lost weight and all my hair….worse than those loses came big fat depression! Thankful my faith and the love of my husband, who did keep his promise…”for better or WORSE”…..moved me forward! To choose between where I was and where I am…..it’s a “Thank you Lord, I’m happy to be here….even as a Chunk-A-Monk”!
I like your story here today, Sean, as it is reflective of women in your life in a fun and meaningful way! Thank you!
Women are so wondrously made. My wife and I fell in love in high school and married while still in our teens, 65 years and four beautiful kids ago. She was from a family of strong southern women who were able to do whatever life laid upon them to do, without complaint. They were proud of their southern heritage. She still is. I wish the marketplace had not defined women as objects to be simply admired. I wish I had the words to do my wife justice.
Guy, you know how to make women feel comfortable in their own skin. It is a rare day that women get to hear the wonderful words you have spoken!!!! And I do believe when men have strong women in their lives they have a deeper appreciation for all women. I can say when I am around a man that clearly understands women, I am a fan and see them as more of a man. Wow, what a delight to meet someone like that. It's really easy to get a woman's attention, treat her with respect. Thank you sweet man🤗
Hey Pu..your buddy that writes this column is on that "clue bus." And I have to say from your comments I think you've also taken that ride a time or two.🤗
Actually Ed C., I was taking a nap, and when I woke up, I think I was talking "tongue in cheek!" MB, Ole Pone don't associate with the old country boy.! I think he's embarrassed with the with my lack a writin skills. So i don't want you to get me cut off! Plus, when he comes to the panhandle now, he's always hanging down off 30A, not up in the environs of Defuniak. Don't want him to forget his roots, but we do have a few things in common. Im gone run into the old boy one day, and it's gone be Pube's "Oprey" moment. But you know the coolest thing about this here "thread" - seems more like a river with a bunch of purty fine and entertaining folks swimming in it, including the Ponester hisself. But I was humbled by yor misteake! Thanks. If he ever does show up at the Barfeteria, it's gone be a party sized basket of deep fried possum shanks, on da Haus. More iron than a panfull of ballbearings! From your grill to ours!
The marketing industry is a lying industry. It is constantly telling us how we “should” feel, look and think and if we purchase whatever product they are pushing (drugs included) we will be prettier, more handsome, skinnier, smarter, healthier, feel better, etc…and we all buy into it. I think there is a difference between describing a product and pushing a product. The marketing industry goes over the line.
My father used always comment on whether I was looking good (thin) every time he saw me. “I see you have put on a few pounds there” or “I see you have lost a few pounds and looking good”. One time when I was a single parent of two and we were at a family reunion he said “If you didn’t have kids and quit smoking (I did do that many years ago) you would find another man”. Those words were spoken 25 years ago and are still stinging even though he has passed away. Words hurt folks. Be careful what and how you say things. Pause a moment before speaking. Is it a necessary comment?
Thanks Sean for bringing this subject up. I’ve needed to get that off my chest for a long time.
Words can cut right into the fabric of a relationship. One horrible insensitive or disparaging sentence can stick with someone for life. I think we all have some of those one-liners stuck in our craws. It hurts 1000 times more when it comes from a loved one. I agree with you. If only people would think before speaking. ❤️
Those are really, really hurtful words from your father. I have seen similar and I wonder what is lacking in those men that they can not look at their beautiful child -- at whatever age and whatever weight-- and be thankful for their presence in their lives. An I'll bet you were there for him when needed and didn't care about his outward appearance. Let go of the remnants of such unkind "shaming" and use your experience to support others who need kind words. We are enough! It is he who is lacking some very important characteristics.
Thank you for your empathy and compassion. I kind of understand why my father said those things because he was raised in a patriarchal environment where women needed to be “taken care of”. Fortunately, I recognize that that was BS and a learned attitude. My mother was extremely successful and intelligent and he divorced her to marry an individual with limited intellectual ability. I guess it made him feel superior??? Anyway, I am thankful for my mother’s strength, intelligence, humor and grit! I hope I take after her. Childhood was fractured and I have some baggage but am growing daily. BTW, it bothers me when the media says something about a women’s “first” accomplishment in a male dominated world.. we have always had the ability, just not the opportunity. Let’s keep the opportunities coming!
We feel how we feel, whether skinny, sexy, thin, chubby, fat or bloated. We just feel how we feel. I was a very thin youngster for about one week during the summer of 1973, when a photo was taken of me standing next to a swimming pool in a bikini, bones sticking out everywhere. I was having a growth spurt. It took no time for me to adjust, however, and I was back to my athletic looking self. I later became curvaceous and by the time I was a teen, I was taller and heavier than my stick-like mother. Then came the comments. “You’d better be careful or you‘ll wind up like...” And so began the struggle for perfection that most all females have been seeking for decades. Years later I would see a meme on social media. It read, “I wish I was as fat now as I used to think I was.” Not long after, I ran across a photo of myself in my mid 30’s, again in a bikini, again by a pool. This time I strained to see the beautiful woman before me. I located my reading glasses. My Lord. She was lean! Strong shoulders, sleek neck. Long legs, tiny waist, a nice sweep of the thigh, near perfection. I remember her and how she felt on that Hawaiian vacation. She felt like she wasn’t enough...not sexy enough or thin enough or toned enough. Maybe she shouldn’t have had such a big breakfast. She worked out so hard that it put her in the hospital several years later. I would like to tell you that this woman has gotten over those hang ups, that she loves herself the way she is today, a 5’9” size 8, and for the most part, she honestly does, but those voices never go away. Only time and the gritty determination of caring not what others think, can free us from those demons. In the opinion of the strong woman I feel I am today, whether male or female, big or little, short or tall, thin or chubby, we will never discover and accept who we are through our relationships with people. We can only discover and accept who we are through our relationship with Jesus Christ. And might I add that you are stunning today!
I believe in you to Sean. You would like my wife because she is a southern cook. She doesn't cook biscuits with lard as much because the doctor decided it wasn't good for my blood pressure, along with cakes, pies and just about every thing else I enjoy. She has been using the air fryer which isn't really bad but I do prefer fried over air fried. We got a new stove about a year ago and the men that brought the new one looked at me and said "That woman is a cook" I told them "yep". They told me you can tell because some women just want the latest stove so it will look pretty in their new kitchen but this one is used a lot and wore out. That's my wife. There are two kinds of southern cooks. Those who cook by feel and those who cook by formula. Mine cooks by feel. Measures almost nothing and it comes out great but it never taste the same. Her spaghetti sauce taste different each time she makes it. My wife never has asked me if she looks fat because she know, because I have told her many times, I love you just the way you are.
I made a fresh peach cobbler (with homemade pie crust) for the 4th of July.. I told my husband not to tell his friends about how good it was, because they would be trying to take me away from him. His friends really like to eat!
Pone, great tribute to Jamie and all the girls on this hear list. You're gonna get about 1000 responses to this, so I have a holdover from yesterday for the Exhaulted Professor that maybe he can enjoy. He didnt seem to be encumbered with false humility:
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were... A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn’s early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding ’A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m. , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-1 6s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, ’Whom do we thank for the morning air show'? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
Semper Fi Colonel!
And you too Pone!
Yor Amigo,
Pubert
EXCELLENT ~ thanks for posting Pubert!
God bless our service men/women 🇺🇸💕🇺🇸
And to the women that complained….well,
You definitely look fat today…fat head & fat mouth.
Thanks Marilyn, just like that Toady Professor! Kind of like my hero (besides the Ponester) Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School- the prof is lecturing about building a Widget Factory without payoffs to the unions and mob bosses and city elders. " and so class, where shall we build it?" Bugeyed Rodney shouts out "Fantasyland!" Sad but true!
Pu (Thanks Susy S.!)
I am not in the military but I would knock over every chair between me and the door to watch the jets but I was raised on a farm. Almost every day an ag plane or helicopter was taking off or landing. I admire military pilots of all kinds.
Me too Paul!
Every August I go to the air show in Atlantic City….it is thrilling behinds words! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
Thanks, Pubert! I needed to hear that story today. What a moving reply from the Colonel. He said everything that needed to be said, and so honorably.
Wall of Famer there buddy!
Thanks for sharing this Pu!
Thank you, Mr. Bozeman. Lt/Gen Hal Moore received a Two-Huey flyover at his memorial service at Fort BENNING (now and forever) Georgia. "We rode to war in the Huey and that whop whop whop is burned into our brains" (documentary: In the Shadow of the Blade.) As a civilian doc to our combat soldier and vets, I hitched rides on a CG's Black Hawk, a Cobra, and four Hueys ( in door gunner seat, holding on to an O ring.) Also did a tandem jump to try to get a feel for what the 82nd from Ft. BRAGG, and the 101st experienced...only i was safe in the USA and never shot at. Love those sounds.
And on a lighter note, the DJ on one of our stations remarked, "The Only Place I Want to See Ribs is on a BBQ Plate!"
Doc, Really enjoyed reading about yor adventures. You sound purty "Badass" to old Pube. Gen. Moore was Certified! Even I knows about him. Was you packing a chute riding dem whirls birds? Don't sound like a good plan if you get my drift. Sounded to me like you must be toting some Big Brass ones around, til I read your name. Of course, in this day and time a feller don't know what to think about such as that. Not really, i Knows what ole Pube thinks! Greetings to you at Fort Benning! I worked the graveyard shift last night so I still ain't woke up too good. I'm somewhat hard a hearing, but I hear you Doc! You show up at the Barfeteria. I getting you some family sized chicken ribs. You can nibble the meat off dem bones all day!
Pubert Earle
(...that's what an old timey E-8 said of me upon hearing of my jump, "That's my Doc! She's a Badass. I mean, she's a tough woman; yeah, that's what I meant." Best compliment ever.)
Somebody sent me this tonight, and I got to admit, Tom MacRae owned his mistake and has earned my respect after the Colonel set him straight. Feel better!
Second letter to editor:
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria
Good job Tom!
Pubert Earle Bozemann
And that's what make us humble...
Thank you Mr. Bozemann 🙏👏🇺🇸
Let me add a "Welcome Home" to a family whose military person arrived back reminding all that more than 7,000 troops are unaccounted-for from past conflicts. Viet-Nam veteran
Second letter to editor, Mr Tom MacRae:
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria
Tom, you owned your mistake and apologized. I respect that!
Pone, I'm feelin a little better bout the world tonite!
Your friend,
Pubert
Ah... my CHI Is now in order! Pu
Sean, You can tell your wife that you've officially made at least a gazillion women swoon tonight.
Somehow….over time, I morphed from toothpick thin to a chunky monkey! To see “obese” written on my medical chart does not make me a happy camper.
But …..memory reminds me of a time I got my wish for a size 10 again….it was a life of chemo and radiation as I faced a cancer battle. I lost weight and all my hair….worse than those loses came big fat depression! Thankful my faith and the love of my husband, who did keep his promise…”for better or WORSE”…..moved me forward! To choose between where I was and where I am…..it’s a “Thank you Lord, I’m happy to be here….even as a Chunk-A-Monk”!
I like your story here today, Sean, as it is reflective of women in your life in a fun and meaningful way! Thank you!
More to love Cindy!
Pu
😄
Women are so wondrously made. My wife and I fell in love in high school and married while still in our teens, 65 years and four beautiful kids ago. She was from a family of strong southern women who were able to do whatever life laid upon them to do, without complaint. They were proud of their southern heritage. She still is. I wish the marketplace had not defined women as objects to be simply admired. I wish I had the words to do my wife justice.
Glenn, you just did!!❤️
Guy, you know how to make women feel comfortable in their own skin. It is a rare day that women get to hear the wonderful words you have spoken!!!! And I do believe when men have strong women in their lives they have a deeper appreciation for all women. I can say when I am around a man that clearly understands women, I am a fan and see them as more of a man. Wow, what a delight to meet someone like that. It's really easy to get a woman's attention, treat her with respect. Thank you sweet man🤗
Peace and Love to All from Birmingham 🙏💞
Yep, men don't realize how sexy they are washing dishes and helping out around the house. Makes my gratitude barometer go haywire.
Hmm Joann. Is this here like one of them human mousetraps? That's like huntin over a bated field- it ain't fair! You almost make it sound fun!
Pubert
Dang PMc, I didn't think they made a man like that! "A man that clearly understands women... " I gotta look that one up!
Pu
Hey Pu..your buddy that writes this column is on that "clue bus." And I have to say from your comments I think you've also taken that ride a time or two.🤗
PMc I'm trying. But she's inscrutable! When we got married she was so young I still had to burp her! Now it's about the other way around.
My cousin in western Kentucky married one of those. She was 12!
Pu your comments are so funny I’m beginning to wonder if you’re Sean using a pen name. I’m on to ya buddy!
Actually Ed C., I was taking a nap, and when I woke up, I think I was talking "tongue in cheek!" MB, Ole Pone don't associate with the old country boy.! I think he's embarrassed with the with my lack a writin skills. So i don't want you to get me cut off! Plus, when he comes to the panhandle now, he's always hanging down off 30A, not up in the environs of Defuniak. Don't want him to forget his roots, but we do have a few things in common. Im gone run into the old boy one day, and it's gone be Pube's "Oprey" moment. But you know the coolest thing about this here "thread" - seems more like a river with a bunch of purty fine and entertaining folks swimming in it, including the Ponester hisself. But I was humbled by yor misteake! Thanks. If he ever does show up at the Barfeteria, it's gone be a party sized basket of deep fried possum shanks, on da Haus. More iron than a panfull of ballbearings! From your grill to ours!
Pubert
Thank you, Sean. I'd write more, but I have to take some bacon out of the freezer.
That's a good lick Sean.
To all those females that love good pulled pork and can look a piece of chocolate pie in the eye, I say great.
I don't trust skinny women never have.
You are all beautiful. Thanks for being here. Now let's go have breakfast.
Peace
The marketing industry is a lying industry. It is constantly telling us how we “should” feel, look and think and if we purchase whatever product they are pushing (drugs included) we will be prettier, more handsome, skinnier, smarter, healthier, feel better, etc…and we all buy into it. I think there is a difference between describing a product and pushing a product. The marketing industry goes over the line.
My father used always comment on whether I was looking good (thin) every time he saw me. “I see you have put on a few pounds there” or “I see you have lost a few pounds and looking good”. One time when I was a single parent of two and we were at a family reunion he said “If you didn’t have kids and quit smoking (I did do that many years ago) you would find another man”. Those words were spoken 25 years ago and are still stinging even though he has passed away. Words hurt folks. Be careful what and how you say things. Pause a moment before speaking. Is it a necessary comment?
Thanks Sean for bringing this subject up. I’ve needed to get that off my chest for a long time.
Words can cut right into the fabric of a relationship. One horrible insensitive or disparaging sentence can stick with someone for life. I think we all have some of those one-liners stuck in our craws. It hurts 1000 times more when it comes from a loved one. I agree with you. If only people would think before speaking. ❤️
Those are really, really hurtful words from your father. I have seen similar and I wonder what is lacking in those men that they can not look at their beautiful child -- at whatever age and whatever weight-- and be thankful for their presence in their lives. An I'll bet you were there for him when needed and didn't care about his outward appearance. Let go of the remnants of such unkind "shaming" and use your experience to support others who need kind words. We are enough! It is he who is lacking some very important characteristics.
Thank you for your empathy and compassion. I kind of understand why my father said those things because he was raised in a patriarchal environment where women needed to be “taken care of”. Fortunately, I recognize that that was BS and a learned attitude. My mother was extremely successful and intelligent and he divorced her to marry an individual with limited intellectual ability. I guess it made him feel superior??? Anyway, I am thankful for my mother’s strength, intelligence, humor and grit! I hope I take after her. Childhood was fractured and I have some baggage but am growing daily. BTW, it bothers me when the media says something about a women’s “first” accomplishment in a male dominated world.. we have always had the ability, just not the opportunity. Let’s keep the opportunities coming!
And all the happy ladies said “Yeah!” ☕️🍯🍞🥓🍳😍
I don't know a single woman who doesn't need to hear this... on behalf of each of them, thank you Sean!
We feel how we feel, whether skinny, sexy, thin, chubby, fat or bloated. We just feel how we feel. I was a very thin youngster for about one week during the summer of 1973, when a photo was taken of me standing next to a swimming pool in a bikini, bones sticking out everywhere. I was having a growth spurt. It took no time for me to adjust, however, and I was back to my athletic looking self. I later became curvaceous and by the time I was a teen, I was taller and heavier than my stick-like mother. Then came the comments. “You’d better be careful or you‘ll wind up like...” And so began the struggle for perfection that most all females have been seeking for decades. Years later I would see a meme on social media. It read, “I wish I was as fat now as I used to think I was.” Not long after, I ran across a photo of myself in my mid 30’s, again in a bikini, again by a pool. This time I strained to see the beautiful woman before me. I located my reading glasses. My Lord. She was lean! Strong shoulders, sleek neck. Long legs, tiny waist, a nice sweep of the thigh, near perfection. I remember her and how she felt on that Hawaiian vacation. She felt like she wasn’t enough...not sexy enough or thin enough or toned enough. Maybe she shouldn’t have had such a big breakfast. She worked out so hard that it put her in the hospital several years later. I would like to tell you that this woman has gotten over those hang ups, that she loves herself the way she is today, a 5’9” size 8, and for the most part, she honestly does, but those voices never go away. Only time and the gritty determination of caring not what others think, can free us from those demons. In the opinion of the strong woman I feel I am today, whether male or female, big or little, short or tall, thin or chubby, we will never discover and accept who we are through our relationships with people. We can only discover and accept who we are through our relationship with Jesus Christ. And might I add that you are stunning today!
I believe in you to Sean. You would like my wife because she is a southern cook. She doesn't cook biscuits with lard as much because the doctor decided it wasn't good for my blood pressure, along with cakes, pies and just about every thing else I enjoy. She has been using the air fryer which isn't really bad but I do prefer fried over air fried. We got a new stove about a year ago and the men that brought the new one looked at me and said "That woman is a cook" I told them "yep". They told me you can tell because some women just want the latest stove so it will look pretty in their new kitchen but this one is used a lot and wore out. That's my wife. There are two kinds of southern cooks. Those who cook by feel and those who cook by formula. Mine cooks by feel. Measures almost nothing and it comes out great but it never taste the same. Her spaghetti sauce taste different each time she makes it. My wife never has asked me if she looks fat because she know, because I have told her many times, I love you just the way you are.
I made a fresh peach cobbler (with homemade pie crust) for the 4th of July.. I told my husband not to tell his friends about how good it was, because they would be trying to take me away from him. His friends really like to eat!
Women really should never ask a man if they look fat because it causes men to be liars (if the man is smart). Lol.
And most men never ask that question!
Exactly
Thanks so much for this sweet column. I love you, Sean.
And that's the full truth.
It’s all Barbie’s fault!