Have you ever asked yourself “What if this is as good as I get?” Personally I ask that a lot in regards to my abilities, circumstances and health. It might sound depressing but it keeps me focused on what matters and how important it is to make good use of my time.
Life is fleeting so I choose not to be a person that spends their life in the past or bothered by words, actions or in actions of others. To say it more accurately “been there did that!” Trust me it’s a complete waste of time and emotion. We cannot change the past. We can only learn from the past and one thing I have learned is there are no do-overs, you only get one chance at today and that’s as good as it gets. What you do with the day is totally of your making.
I have been blessed with loving friends and family. Recently I lost a few good friends who, although terminal wore smiles on their faces, because they knew what many of us don’t—each new day is a gift that why it’s called the present. They accepted their illness but did not let it prevent them from living to the fullest. They enjoyed the company of friends and family. Each of these people knew their body would eventually succumb to their illness but their spirit would not surrender until they breathed their last. They were focused on what genuinely mattered—love. They exhibited an undeniable love for others that seemed to defy their infirmity. Through my eyes I witnessed a life force infinitely more beautiful than any sunset.
October is Cancer Detection and Awareness month. I am dedicating this week’s column to those who are struggling with cancer, those who have been affected by cancer and those who have lost their lives through cancer.
Upcoming events:
Tonight is the Versailles Homecoming game against Parkway. The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. from the school to the football field. The lineup and crowning will begin on the field around 6:40 p.m. The dance will be Saturday evening at the school cafetorium from 8-11:30. This year’s theme is “A night under the harvest moon.” Freshman representatives are Grace Carman and Austin Toner, sophomore representatives are Madison Ahrens and Ben Albers, junior representatives are Cali Groff and Kyle Wuebker, and senior representatives are Camille Watren and Isaac Ruhenkamp. Queen candidates are; Heather Albers, Janelle Hoelscher, Emily Langenkamp, Kami Ording and Abigail White. King candidates are: David Ault, Dean Heitkamp, Aaron Mangen, Jon Moorman and Kyle Subler. Congratulations and best of luck.
Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. the Versailles Boy Scouts will be picking up food if you place it in their yellow plastic bags and sit it on a visible location, such as your front porch. If you are missed, you may call Mitch Eiting at 937/423-2394 or drop your donation off at one of the local churches. Also Saturday is Household Hazardous Waste Day for Darke County residents. You can take items such as paint, 20# propane tanks, pesticides, turpentine, antifreeze, mercury, prescription medicines, etc. to the fairgrounds for disposal. Residents with last names A-M should arrive between 8 and 10 a.m. and residents from N-Z should arrive between 10 a.m. to noon.
Saturday from 8 a.m. -11 p.m. is also the Whistling Goat Music and Art Festival.
Sunday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. you can purchase a pork loin dinner at the K of C Hall, Versailles. Then for your evening meal, from 4 until sold out the American Legion Auxiliary is selling fried chicken at the Vet’s Club. Carry outs are available.
The Darke County YMCA of Greenville is offering free weekly classes on preventing or managing diabetes. Classes are every Thursday from 6:15-7:30 p.m. from now through Nov. 17. For more information or to get registered call 548-3777.
Mark your calendar for the Elvis Performance at 2 p.m. and Bake Sale to be held Oct. 14 at the Versailles Health Care Center. If you’re a runner or walker you should consider registering for the “4 Miles for Health & Heart” event held Oct. 15. Registration is $40 per person. The event is designed to raise awareness and funds to help make vascular testing more accessible. For more information or to register go online at runsignup.com/4mile4heart. Also please join in the Public Rosary Rally at noon Oct. 15 at the fountain square. Prayers will be offered for the reparation for the sins and offenses committed and for the United States.
Birthday wishes to Heather Henderson, Amy Brandt, Paula Dirksen, Brent Carity, Steve Shrock, Pastor Jim Mussman, Ellen Peters, Kevin Lyme, Bruce Magoto, Chris Beasley, Brandon Christian, Emma Jean Hartzell, Marissa Vencil, Lori Davidson, Ashley Roberts, Becky Condon, Marilyn Petitjean, Viv DeWall, Bob Turpen, Steven Mangen, Mary Lou Nerderman, Phil Streib, Sharon Kramer, Ryan Oliver, Jim Zehringer, Janel Grillot, Karen Clayton, Angie Hoelscher, Alex Dircksen, Mike McClurg, Courtney Swabb, Ginny Voisard, Gina Hoying, and Nicci Keiser as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Traci and Dan Treon (3), Paige and Bobby Collins (3), Katie and Matthew Curtis (6), Kate and Clint Brewer (10), Linda and Alan May (10), Janet and Rick Unger (12), Carrie and Eric Behlke (12), Angie and Jeff Francis (15), Jenny and Nick Timmerman (16), Michelle and David McClure (19), Georgiana and Erick Williams (19), Tina and Luke Subler (24), Kelly and Mike Monnin (25), Kathy and Dale Schlater (27), Margie and Rick Heitkamp (30), Elaine and Jim Barlage (33), Jacqui and Steve Rethman (34), Elaine and Greg Bergman (38), Karen and Ron Mescher (46), Jane and Vern Monnin (50), and Cindy and Ed Grogean (53). Congratulations to the Versailles Marching Band for qualifying for State.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Zane Francis, Dan Norris, Theresa Turner, Al Bliss, Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Fr. John White, Glenn Monnin, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Jan Turner, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Bob Homan, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized or homebound.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of LaVern Heitkamp (75), Cecilia Albers (79), Alnora Snedeker (81), Bruce Drieling (84), Cathy Morris (87), and remembering the lives of Timothy Fogt, James Stucke, Mary Ann Wenning, Vada Fisher, Audrey McEldowney, Jarie Langenkamp, John Beasley, Tyler Kuhn, Becky Grillot, Martha Phlipot, Lucille Monnin, Jean Francis, Virginia Roll, Delbert Barga, Naomi Francis, Homer Wood, Paul McClurg, Dan Luthman, Joe Graves, Barb Selander, Urb Ratermann and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.
“Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” ~John Wooden
“Every day you go to bed, your life is one day shorter, so make the most of every day.” Jimmy Chin
“Live the life you love, love the life you live.” ~Unknown
