December 28, 2015
CHAMPION—December 28, 2015
Many who were not born in Champion were drawn to the area by the abundance of clean live water. The springs and creeks and wonderful water table are being recharged nicely and perhaps overly, but Champions will voice no complaint. Some are marooned by high water–cut off from casual meandering and still uncomplaining, as they learn of the wild storms battering the country and hear of so many in much less fortunate circumstances. Families have gathered at the end of the year for bonding, loving purposes and are awash with gratitude for the chance. Others nearby are experiencing unbelievable sadness and challenges as homes are destroyed and lives are lost. Of course, that is the way it is every day all around the world. Champions acknowledge their good fortune, extend their sympathies, and offer their help in whatever ways they can. A favorite Champion writes to family, “For as long as there have been people, wherever they are in the world, they have celebrated at this time of year. Different groups call it by different names, but it is the anticipation of return of the Light of Day that brings an easing of the malaise brought about by the darkness. We hope that your celebration is joyous and the dawning of the new light brings you all that you desire.” Champions will add hope for the safety of everyone and hopes to stay afloat. Vladimir Nabokov said, “Do not be angry with the rain, it simply does not know how to fall upwards.”
December slipped by without recognizing the birthdays of Chris Dailey on the 21st and Sharon Sikes on the 23rd. They both have strong ties to the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department. That day was also a big one for a certain Mr. Stone and for Chace, just turned two, who shares his birthday with his dad, David Cothran. Last week, Eli Ogelsby and his great Uncle Robert were mentioned for their special days on the 30th and 31st. New Year’s Day is an auspicious birthday for Jan Liebert of Teeter Creek fame, and for Jacob Coon’s old dad. Jacob will celebrate on the 3rd. He is an eighth grade student at Skyline. That is also the birthday of Esther Howard, an always welcome visitor to Champion, though it is seldom these days. Then comes the 4th. The Prominent Champion Girlfriend, Ms. McCleary, shares her day with Almartha’s bard who is ever so much older than she and not nearly so good looking. Apples and oranges, perhaps, but both jolly.
A bird on a swing, a braiding bird clamp, was one of several items that came in for inspection at the Wednesday gathering. So far, no set of instructions has been found to make proper use of the curious little gadget. Another piece for study was a sleek long-bow of the Robin Hood variety—nothing compound or recurve here, just a big, long, elegant bow. It might take some special skill to use. A much welcome contingent from Tennessee filled out the group—mother and sons. These regular, if infrequent, visitors help to keep us reminded of the rapid passage of time (RPT) as the Tennessee ‘boys’ have changed from toddlers to grown men in the blink of an eye. To the young, days pass quickly and years slowly. For the old, days pass slowly and years quickly, though the days go by pretty fast too, or it just takes so much less to keep us busy.
The Old Year left us with the joy and heartache that every old year has set down. Champions carry forward the parts they like the best. The New Year, fast upon us, will be exciting for many reasons. The future is almost always fraught with hope, and optimism is a key element for a good outcome. “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the Earth.” William Faulkner. Mr. Faulkner had a lot of good things to say and the skill with words to make them understandable. Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.” Today it is easier than it has ever been to hear what a person wants to hear. The internet is the great tickler of ears. Being informed is perhaps as hard as it has ever been. The last day to register to vote in the March 15, 2016 Presidential Primary Election in Missouri is February 17. This is the opportunity given us by the Constitution, and a number of amendments to it, that allows us to participate in determining our future. As voter suppression is an issue in the Country again, it might be a good idea to verify your eligibility while there is time to address any difficulties. Register at the Douglas County Court House in Ava, or at your County Seat wherever you live.
When the waters have receded and the roads are all open, make your way down to the wide, wild, and very wooly banks of Auld Fox Creek for a good look at the heart of a thriving rural community. Send your news, birthdays, ideas, songs and poetry to champion@championnews.us or to The Champion News, Rt. 72 Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717. (Happy New Year to the wonderful USPS and all your fine representatives!) Go to www.championnews.us for a look back to earlier years. Good luck and good health and happiness to all you fine Champions at home and abroad, “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?…We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne”… in Champion!—Looking on the Bright Side!
