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Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Monday, 10 September 2007

  • The world embarks on another towering day which will stand out in this generations mind forever.  The sights and sounds of that sunny Tuesday morning can still be seen and heard.  Time stood still.  The world motionless.  Nations in disbelief.  Family and friends aguishly waited for news.  Phones rang, neighbors united, and prayers poured into the sky. 

    The black smoke that lingered over Manhattan Island signaled to the bordering States that the “Big Apple” was in distress and help was much needed.  Sons and daughters of Liberty beckoned the call and scurried towards “Mother Liberty” guided by her torches light.

    This modern day battle was fought with an ancient weapon: love of one another.  This pre-Resurrection theory commanded the hearts of millions to execute, which resulted in victory.  The only fighting necessary was demanded by individuals who remained trapped below tangled and heavy bearing steel.  Some lived and many more were lifted up towards the eastern sky on a spiritual stretcher made of prayers.

    Each year, a moment of silence is observed, as those who remain behind remember those who were lost and taken away on that sunny Tuesday morning in September six years ago.  Take a moment silence and remember all those men and women who fought the fight, both living and deceased.  May all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.   ~ Kevin T. Ridgeway        

Friday, 13 October 2006

  • A year has past since dear grandmother Ridgeway’s death andnow her counter partner, though divorced, has joined the choir of angels. 

    Major William Thomas Ridgeway, retired USMC, passed on Wednesday October 11, 2006 at 5:40 in the evening. 

    Not only does this death strike yet another somber cord in the Ridgeway family, but the circumstances surrounding the cause remain puzzling.  My grandparents died within a year apart from each other from the exact same cause: cancer. Interestingly enough the cancers were exact in nature.  They both contracted lung cancer which metastasized into the spinal cord.  This made breathing a perpetual struggle and their restless bodies had to maintain a steady posture to avoid the irritably painful cancer that pierced the spine. 

    Arrangements have been made starting with visitation and funeral service tomorrow, Friday October 13, 2006.  Twenty-one gun salutes will follow the service.  The burial with military honors will take place on Monday in Mounds City, IL National Cemetery.  My cousin informed me this evening that allt he flags in Flora, IL are at half-staff.  This is an honor of respect only given to former mayors which he served as Flora’s mayor for several years.  Maj. Ridgeway was a respected civil leader, military officer, husband, father, grandfather, andf riend to many.  

    I ask that you keep in prayer my dad and uncle, the only children of William and Mary Ellen Ridgeway, as they memorialize the one year anniversary of their mothers passing and now the burial of their father.  May the Lord keep them in His Providential Care and continue to comfort their hearts and minds.          

Thursday, 25 May 2006

  • ‘In Paradisum’

    The world is a different place now as one of its daughters has gone to the next world.  The angels gained another member in their choir this past Saturday afternoon.  A dear family friend, Judy Michel, who was suffering from terminal cancer in the fourth stage, suffers no more.  These past six months have been painted by an array of emotions, new experiences, and the love of friendship.  As hard as one may believe, no matter how difficult the pain must have felt this tough lady didn’t even flinch.  “Complaints” were a label on an empty box for they were never heard out of or from this dear child of the flock.  The funeral parlor was filled with images of what life looked like prior to November of 2005.  Family and friends gathered to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord above for such a simple, humble, and compassionate person.  She was my mother’s best friend and I can not fathom the emptiness she must be feeling right now.  It is always difficult to see the beauty of true friendship come to an end.  I guess it makes you appreciate one another and cherish what time is had.  As I stood at the closed coffin blanketed in flowers and a stuffed animal of a horse, which was her favorite animal of all, I couldn’t help but picture her spirit riding on her beloved animal into the heavens above.  You will be missed my sweet Judy and I thank God for putting you in my life.  May the Angels take you to paradise leaving behind all sorrow and pain.           

Wednesday, 17 May 2006

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