Star of Bethlehem

By Joyce Godwin, Herald Democrat

Just in time for Christmas — finally, a clear and reasonable explanation for the mysterious behavior of the Star of Bethlehem found in the Bible. Was it a star or was it a comet? Varying opinions and research have been presented over the years but it looks like Rick Larson, a University of A&M law professor, has found the answer to this unlikely astronomical event and so much more.

This documentary is a must see for any who’ve ever wondered. It sorts truth from myth and legend and should be compelling to all regardless of religious persuasion. Now available on DVD to share with everyone, the presentation was released Oct. 23 by Mpower Pictures and Genius Products bearing the name of Producer Stephen McEveety from “the Passion of the Christ.”

The law professor found himself wondering about the truth of the star’s story presented in the books of the Bible after constructing wisemen yard art in front of his home for a Christmas season. He decided to research the issue and prove it’s existence scientifically without making any assumptions. What he found was new meaning for “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge,” Psalm 19:1-2.

Larson draws a plain picture showing how the story of Jesus, including his crucifixion, is foretold in the stars. He leads his audience through his steps of research and explains clearly the basis for his conclusions.

He also explains why such a remarkable event has never appeared in the history books. It’s only in current times the software has been available to be able to track the planets and celestial occurrences with precision. He explains in his presentation that, through current computer software, he can go to any hour of any day in history and look at the positions of the stars and planets.

Larson says, “First, we didn’t know what the ancient skies looked like until the 1600s when we learned the actual math that drives the planets from (Johannes) Kepler (1571-1630) to predict where the celestial bodies will be.”

In the final wrap up of his evidence Larson explains “God wrote the events in the sky way before any of them occurred.” He said when people see a mysterious sign, they draw near to see what it’s all about. “The Maggi saw the sign in the sky and rode to Jerusalem. Moses saw the burning bush and drew near,” Larson said. “Our Messiah was announced in the sky. From the moment God flung the universe into existence, He knew when Messiah would enter earth as a man and when he would expire on the cross.”

All this comes in a beautiful visual presentation with wonderful sound.
The video, titled “Star of Bethlehem,” can be purchased on line at www.BethlehemStarMovie.com and www.amazon.com. Also, Hastings has it on the shelf for rent.

More information about the presentation, its development and author may be seen at www.bethlehemstar.net.

Airline pilots out at 60

Last week, when Billy's long-time friend Chuck Corder retired from Southwest Airlines, we got to see first hand what happens when an airline pilot retires. Chuck and his wife Cheryl have been my husband’s close friends since they lived next to one another in south Plano almost 30 years ago. They became my friends when we married.

We were excited when Billy got the call from Cheryl that we were invited to participate in the festivities. It meant we would join 17 of Chuck and Cheryl's family and friends as passengers on Chuck's final, Southwest Airlines flight as Captain. We had no idea what to expect but it was an experience we’ll never forget.

Federal aviation regulations mandate an airline pilot’s retirement at age 60. Since Chuck’s birthday was Tuesday, Dec. 4, Monday was the last day he could legally fly as pilot for a common airline carrier, although he can still fly for private charter companies.

We met Chuck in the waiting area at Love Field for gate No. 7 about 90 minutes before our scheduled flight to Amarillo. Chuck was in his dark blue pilot’s uniform set off with captain’s bars. It was clear that Chuck was the star for the day by the way so many people stopped to shake his hand.

Finally it was time to board, and for the first time in our lives, we got to pre-board. The attendant at the microphone asked for the crowd’s indulgence as the pilot’s family went in to take their seats. It was explained that this would be a special flight because their pilot would be taking his final flight before retiring.

Our group took seats closest to the pilot’s cabin. We wanted our pilot to hear us cheering which we did on take offs, landings and every time we heard his voice on the intercom. The flight itself was fairly uneventful. It was a beautiful day for flying.

When we left the Amarillo terminal, turning back to the runway to head to Dallas, the airport fire engines formed a water arch over our plane to honor our retiring pilot. The same thing happened in Dallas as our plane taxied from the runway to the terminal.

It was great fun watching Chuck get the rock-star treatment from Southwest Airlines and there was more in store. When passengers deplaned, our group waited to go last and then we lined the corridor just outside the aircraft door joining Southwest personnel and others who knew Chuck who were already there. When Chuck finally emerged, there was applause all around. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and let him know how special he is.

The forced retirement of our country’s pilots is a hot issue today. During a time the demand for airline pilots is not being met, the sense in forcing experience out of the workplace when they don’t want to go seems like a waste and the consumer will likely pay, at least through inconveniences.

In January, after a fight that’s lasted more than 40 years, the Federal Aviation Administration said it will propose to raise the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots from 60 to 65. It was considered a huge victory for pilots.

“Speaking before pilots and aviation experts at the National Press Club, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey said that the agency plans to propose adopting the new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard that allows one pilot to be up to age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60. The international standard became effective last year.” reported Seniorjournal.com.

But, so far, there’s not been much progress on the battle to make the change and pilot’s, like Chuck Corder, are being forced out. Also, airlines and their consumers are loosing veteran pilots with years of experience. The growing shortage of pilots is placing pressure on airlines as baby boomer pilots are forced out while fewer young people are coming in.

With salaries and benefits in decline for airline pilots and U.S. carriers also strugggle againt strong competition for young recruits from the military and from overseas airlines. It seems inequitable that the international rules allow pilots, age 60 to 65, to fly into U.S. airports as long as one on the pilots is younger than 60 but U.S. pilots are not allowed the same privilege.

Airline Pilots Against Age Discrimination have led the charge from a grassroots level to see change in a rule that’s been in place for 47 years. Paul D. Emens, chairman and founder of APAAD says the rule was the result of a labor dispute and it’s long past time for the rule to be revised. Forty-seven years ago was the beginning of the jet age and much has changed since that time.

Attempts were made in 2006 to make changes in the age 60 rule through legislation but it never came to a vote. In 2007, new legislation (S.65) has already been created with Senators Inhofe (R), Lieberman (D), Stevens (R) and Feingold (D) as the lead sponsors.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today (Thanksgiving) is my father’s birthday, and if still on this earth, he would be turning 100.

I’m not sure if he ever thought he might reach 100 but he often said, “Getting old is no picnic, but it’s better than the alternative.”

Today, families are gathering around the dinner table for a traditional feast of turkey and trimmings while others take a less traditional approach to include a menu of family favorites. If it’s anything like my family, they’ll each say something for which they’re thankful this year.

What I usually say is something like, being thankful for my faith and family and a free country. This year I’m thankful for my parents and all they’ve invested in me.

My father, Joseph Montry, was a “jack of all trades.” He was one of those guys who could truly do just about anything with his hands. He could fix or build anything, and he could talk your ear off. He was a people person and, though he never finished the eighth grade in formal education, he never stopped learning. He was one of the top managers at the National Supply Company in Gainesville and provided a comfortable life for his family. I always thought that was remarkable. He made sure each of his children had every education opportunity they wanted.

I still have vivid memories of him sitting in "his" chair, usually reading a book. It was the highlight of many a grandchild to sit in the chair with Papa. He demonstrated untold patience with each grandchild, and it wasn't hard to see, he loved them deeply.

I bring this up to point out we are each a product of what our parents have instilled in us. I learned from my dad how to work on a car’s engine and how to build things. I realize now, his investment in me gave me a sense of confidence and made me believe I could do whatever I put my mind to.

My dad was also patriotic and taught me to appreciate what the sacrifice of others has provided for me.

So, today, I say thanks to the military men and women standing in the gap for our freedom. Also, “Thank you, Daddy, and happy birthday.” And to all of you, “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Wednesday in the Big Bend

Wednesday began the trek into the Big Bend National Park. The first picture is of Billy helping Frances out of the truck at our first stop. We carried a stool that Billy took out religiously every time Frances was to emerge from our ride.

We stopped at a viewing point to look out over the Homer Wilson Ranch which is said to look the same as it did before it was abandonded in 1945.

We stopped in several other overlooks and drove into Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail where we got a close-up look of the rock wall that formed it.

Looking for a place to stretch our legs, we came upon a store and museum close to Santa Elena Canyon and had a good time talking with the rangers and other park employees who were there. We found it interesting that many of the employees live in the park.

After a snack and soft drink, we loaded up again and continued on our way.

We were awestruck to get a close look at the Santa Elena Canyon and read about its history.

Then we found a road that took us right down to the Rio Grande River.

The scenery was beautiful everywhere we looked.

One more stop came on the way out of the park when we stopped at a park store and information center.

After lunch in Marathon, we headed for San Angelo. Wednesday was our longest day of driving and we watched the sun set from the truck.

Frances and I worked at getting the sunset picture by opening the sliding back window and shooting through the opening.

Tuesday in the Big Bend

Tuesday began early with Billy and Joyce preparing a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. Then we took off for more adventures on the roads of the Big Bend area.

We stopped at the first paved road for a photo op with the Chinati Hot Springs sign before traveling around 15 miles to Candelaria.

We met Sergio who manages a ranch owned by several of Billy’s high school friends. Sergio showed us some pictures taken of him by a Dallas Morning News reporter. They were downloaded and printed from a Dallas Morning News Web site. Apparently there is a story about him on DallasNews.com titled “Two Towns, One Border.” Sergio is quite the horse trainer, and apparently, that’s what the story was about. I haven’t had a chance to look for the story so I’m not sure. Also, Sergio doesn’t speak much English so I couldn’t ask him for more details.

Sergio was warm and welcoming and we all enjoyed him. He stayed with us for most of the time Billy was showing us through the houses in the compound of the ranch at Candelaria called El Rancho Pensado. There is a picture of Jessie and Frances looking at Sergio’s pictures. Also see the picture of Frances in the compound of the ranch. Some of the horses are in the background.

From Candelaria, we went a short distance to Presidio. Frances lived there for about a year in the 1940s but not much was familiar for her today. Just outside Presidio we stopped at Ft. Leaton and that’s where we took the picture of Jessie and Frances by a huge cart. We tried to keep the walking to a minimum but Jessie had a little trouble before we were finished. He enjoyed the museum area, though, and spent quite a lot of time reading the exhibits on display.

From Ft. Leaton, we lined up with the Rio Grand River and followed it to Lajitas along River Road. Jesse remarked he was surprised we don’t hear more about the Big Bend area and said he thinks it’s prettier than the Grand Canyon. He and Frances were both surprised to see such beauty and “big country” right here in our own state.

There is a picture of Frances and Jessie sitting on a rock that overlooks the Rio Grand. This particular point was way above the river and you can see the river winding behind them. The next picture shows Billy pretending to give Jessie a shove over the cliff. After the picture was snapped, Jessie pretended to resist and the two clowned around together.

We ate a late lunch in Terlingua and then drove through the ghost town before settling into the Easter Egg Motel. The bungalows in the back are painted Easter-egg colors like lavender and yellow. Billy and Jessie said the colors are ugly but I like them,

The four of us sat outside our two rooms and just enjoyed being there. Finally, there’s a picture of Tuesday’s sunset sky.

Jessie and Frances on a Big Bend adventure

Frances and Jessie began their big adventure in Midland Sunday night watching the Cowboy game at the home of Dennis Grubb, otherwise known as Wemus. The adventuresome couple toured the Wemus museum of entertainers and were greatly impressed by the vast array of experiences fostered through Wemus Entertainment which is run by Grubb and his wife Cynthia.

The president’s (George W. Bush) minister of music showed everyone (including Joyce and Billy Wayne Godwin) a good time at LaBodega Restaurant.

The first stop on Monday was at Balmorhea State Park where Jessie and Frances saw a large, spring-fed swimming pool and were amazed at the mountainous backdrop and the clear, crisp water.

Back in the truck and down the highway the foursome continued and landed once more at Ft. Davis where a good lunch at the Ft. Davis Drugstore gave strength enough to continue the trek down State Highway 17 on the way to Marfa..

The travelers marveled at the beauty of the Marfa Courthouse and toured the streets of Marfa before resuming their journey south to Pinto Canyon where the pavement ends,

Not to be dissuaded, the King Ranch 150 (the travelers’ chariot) continued on the unpaved road to their destination — Chinati Hot Springs (www.chinatihotsprings.com). The arrangements may have been a little more rustic than Frances and Jessie expected but the night still turned out to be great fun for all. First, a lengthy soak in the restoring mineral waters of the hot springs, while a beautiful sunset painted the evening sky. Then Billy Wayne furnished a meal for the four of them at the common kitchen building.

After a few cocktails and lots of shared stories, Joyce showed the others a slide show of pictures taken up to that moment. Jessie exclaimed a few times, “Well, that was just a little while ago and you haven’t been anywhere to develop the pictures.”

Everyone turned in around 9:30 p.m. to get ready for another day of travel.

At this time of year thoughts often turn to ghostly talk and children of all ages dress up as goblins and ghouls. Make-shift and temporary haunted houses appear for the purposes of scaring visitors who dare to enter — all in the fun of Halloween.

I visited a Web site out of curiosity, after doing a Google search on U.S. Hauntings. I found a state-by-state, country-by-country listing of haunted places. We’ve all heard the local lore of ladies on the lake, ladies in the mist, ladies in white, haunted inns and much, much more. The big question being, do we believe it.

The closest listing to Grayson County I could find was McKinney, Texas where a lady in white is said to look out the window of the old courthouse building at night. It is supposed to be the spirit of a woman who hanged herself in 1896.

One of the more interesting cases close by is in Dallas at Flag Pole Hill on Northwest Highway. There is said to be a narrow road on which there is no place to turn around. Once you start on it, you must continue. Mysterious rocks are said to fly at vehicles from weird angles “sudden, unforeseen vehicular body damage” can occur. The Web site states the local police department will verify this as far back as 1976.

You must admit, that is just plain intriguing for curious minds looking for answers. Don’t you just want to go there to see if it’s true and find out about what brought those spirits of unrest to be causing such havoc?

Let me try to save you a trip. I’m not saying suspicious things don’t happen there. With so many reports, it’s hard to deny. But what I am saying is there are no ghosts. That is, people who die do not come back in their spirit to be able to haunt anything.

A look at the Bible tells me that just can’t happen. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 says “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.” So the dead won’t return to this universe for anything.

For me, that settles the question of whether or not ghosts really exist. Once someone dies, he or she has no part in anything under the sun. So, they won’t be throwing rocks at cars on deserted roads nor looking out windows during the night.

So what is it that’s going on in these “paranormal” events? Some of these events can probably be explained away through science, given enough time and the proper scientist. But other occurrences may indeed be the work of something not from this earth.

If my Bible-believing mind and heart can’t accept the explanation of ghosts and science can’t explain it, then the only thing left comes from those fallen angels we read about in God’s holy word. And it also says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,” Ephesians 5:11.

I think we should not take lightly these instructions. We really can’t pick and choose what we want to accept from the Bible. If it’s wrong, there is no hope for man’s salvation. We’re stuck with what we have.

But, if it’s right, it’s right all the way through. And, the explanation that “you can twist the meanings of the Bible around to say whatever you want,” is old and tiresome to me. Anybody can read it for themselves and understand if they have the Holy Spirit to guide them and want to make the effort. The Holy Spirit comes after you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus Christ.
What you gain from reading the word of God far exceeds the little bit of effort it takes to understand it.

Joyce Godwin is a Herald Democrat staff writer/editor and may be reached by e-mail at jgodwin@heralddemocrat.com. She lives in Van Alstyne and attends the First Baptist Church there.

John and Johnnie Godwin

My father-in-law went home to be with the Lord more than 10 years ago — gone but not forgotten. He was born and raised in Whitesboro where some older residents may remember him by the moniker “Big Boy.”

One of the things I loved about him was his eternal optimism. For as long as I’ve known him and probably for most of his life on earth, John Godwin never passed a pay phone without checking to see if there was change in the change slot waiting to be claimed. There’s no telling how much money he garnered in his lifetime by doing that very thing. Our family still finds joy in remembering his funny quirks, of which there were many, to keep us entertained.
My brother-in-law may have found the most fun in remembering John’s habits recently, and to our laughter, he called to share the experience.

Johnnie Godwin is my husband’s older brother. A Baptist preacher by trade, an author and consultant. Entering his name in the Internet’s Google search engine will reveal a few of his accomplishments. He spent a career with the Sunday School Board which is the official publisher for the National Baptist Convention and is located in Nashville.

Johnnie seems to be enjoying retirement and has even written a book about how to do that. Though retired, he’s still busy with speaking engagements and consulting jobs across the U.S.
He called to tell us he was walking through an airport and spied a pay phone. We don’t seem to see pay phones much anymore. I guess the burgeoning cell phone market has cut into their marketability.

Anyway, brother Johnnie thought of his dad when he saw that pay phone and couldn’t resist sticking a finger into the coin-return slot. To his shock and amazement, he withdrew three quarters and a penny.

Is there a lesson here? I think it’s “never doubt someone’s positive thinking.”

Transformers

I took my 5-and-6-year-old grandsons to see “Transformers” Sunday. It’s the new release from Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures, and I’m ashamed to say, I never checked the “rating” of the movie. I assumed it was going to be rated G since it was based on the Hasbro toys that swept the nation in the 1980s.

I just thought, since the movie was based on toys, it would be rated for children and I never looked before we went. I didn’t even look at the rating while we were there. It was after the movie, when my daughter told me about the PG-13 rating, that I began to think about it and reflect on how I may have exposed my young grandsons to something harmful by not paying attention.

The movie had quite a lot of violence, but not so much it disturbed me. It was not bloody like so many war movies are. The story is about robots who come to earth in search of a box full of empowering energy for the transformer robots who are able to masquerade as a variety of everyday automobiles, 18-wheelers, planes and more; as well as toasters and boom box radios. The deceptacons, the robots who weren’t vehicles, expressed distain for the human race but the autobots reported they were sworn protect humans.

There are good and bad forces at work throughout the movie. The struggle makes me think of the fallen angels of the Bible and their fight over the souls of mankind.

I loved the movie and intend to see it again.

One of the things I found to be difficult was keeping the good robots separated from the bad robots in my mind. Whenever I wasn’t sure, all I had to do was ask my grandsons. They had no trouble in telling the differences and were happy to instruct me. When Megatron came to life and announced “I am Megatron,” Easton looked at me and said, “Now he’s the bad one.” As the movie progressed and my questions continued, finally, Liam, the younger of the two, said “all the planes are bad robots.” That helped me some and cut down on my questions through the movie.

I was disappointed that Hasbro would allow the movie to go with swear words. There weren’t many but they were there. My boys and I were both shocked when the first one came out. They both looked at me wide eyed and I told them we don’t ever use those words. That seemed to give them a little reassurance but the fact the words were included in a children’s movie was a shame. I don’t believe the movie would have suffered, even a little, if the harsh language had been avoided. Of course, this is why I should have consulted the ratings before going.

During one of the battle scenes in which Bumblebee, a yellow Camaro, had a large role, Easton turned to Liam and said, “This is so awesome.” Liam agreed with his cousin and I thought that, just maybe, I was becoming a cool gramma.

Heroes

Heroes

Everybody has one or more heroes in their lives. Someone they look up to for particular accomplishments from living life with outstanding character, displaying strengths others consider unattainable or even being a good cook.

One of the heroes in my life showed himself to be above the crowd in 1998 when he was diagnosed with carcinogenic melanoma. My husband, Billy Wayne, had a dark, suspicious mole, and when he finally got it checked, the report was not good.

Just hearing the word “cancer” on a diagnosis is scary for the person who’s affected as well as for his family.

To fully appreciate the quality of Billy’s achievement, you must understand a few things about him. For one thing, he loves to have something about which to complain. Now I’m not saying this about him to try to make him look bad, it’s kind of an endearing characteristic.

For example, having been a truck driver for a good portion of his life, he appreciates drivers who display good, consistent driving skills. We like to travel the highways and byways when we can and Billy makes it his job to critique the other drivers on the road — sometimes a challenge to listen to for the whole trip.

Well, enough about that. I just want to share a little of the reason I expected Billy to be a complainer about his cancer treatments.

Immediately following his diagnosis, he had to have a couple of surgeries. The first let us know to what degree his cancer was developed. It was a cutting-edge technology that identified affected lymph nodes. Biopsies were taken, and in the lab work that followed, cancer was tracked.

The next surgery was scheduled to remove the lymph nodes that carried Billy’s cancer. Recovery from the second surgery was much more difficult, but after a week or so, Billy was pretty close to getting back to normal — though most people would never call him normal in any way.

After surgery came decisions on what type of treatment Billy should take to be sure there was no cancer continuing in his body. We went to see his oncologist in Plano to learn of his treatment recommendations. Of course, at that time, we knew very little of what to expect. Our innocence didn’t last long.

Within a couple of weeks, he began interferon treatments. He went to the clinic every day to take massive amounts and then I had to get trained on how to administer the treatments at home so he could reduce his visits to a monthly schedule. It was a year-long regimen during which Billy was sick, sick, sick. On many of the days he wasn’t vomiting, he still tired easily, and in general just didn’t feel good.

We learned of Billy’s cancer in August just as our daughter was preparing for her senior year in high school. She had been a varsity volleyball player since her sophomore year and her volleyball career had become important to us as a family. We followed her through off-season, club volleyball as well as the intense schedule for the three months of high school play.

When it came to Jamie, who’s always been the apple of Billy Wayne’s eye, he put on his game face. He attended almost every games because he knew she’d be looking for him. Two times a week, he sat in a gymnasium somewhere in Texas, in hot and cold weather. He smiled and joked and tried to keep things normal for his daughter’s senior year in high school. She never knew the effort he had to undertake in order to be there and that’s the way he wanted it.

Even the night, during a football game half time, when we heard Jamie’s name announced as the 1998 homecoming queen, he was on the field as her escort.

I know how sick he was. I knew how badly he felt because I watched him. I’m the one who made him eat and made sure he drank plenty of water. I mopped his face after he upchucked over and over.

Through it all, he never complained. He took his lumps and never complained. He did what he felt he had to do for Jamie to enjoy her last year in high school and he never complained.

He’s my hero.

Billy Wayne on the radio

We went to West Memphis, Ark. in a quick, less-than-two-day trip, and though tired, we’re both glad we went.

Billy was excited to be one of the ribbon cutters to celebrate the grand opening of a truck-stop medical clinic opened by childhood friend, Dr. John McElligott. “Why,” you might be saying, “would Billy be one of the ribbon cutters?”

The answer is, it was his idea. Yep, he gave Dr. John the idea about 10 years ago and John, with a passion for internal medicine, got on board with the concept and couldn’t let it go until he had a clinic just for truck drivers. The first Professional Drivers Medical Depot was opened in January in Knoxville and the second was opened this week in West Memphis. Seventy-eight more clinics are planned across the United States.

Dave Nemo, of XM Satellite Radio, broadcast his show from 6 a.m. to noon Friday from the PDMD lobby to add to the grand-opening festivities. Nemo said he’s on board with McElligott’s dream because he sees it as adding to the life quality of the nation’s truck drivers — Nemo’s listening audience and considered by most to be the backbone of the nation as they transport necessities from coast to coast.

Nemo said, his favorite comment from drivers is the one that says “You really helped me stay awake last night.” Nemo explained, he considers that to mean he is helping driver's stay alive. As McElligott is passionate about internal medicine, Nemo is just as passionate about the truck drivers who listen to his program.

Billy also got a brief turn at talking with Nemo on the radio, and let me tell you, he was REALLY good. Bill Buzbee, chief operating officer for PDMD agrees with me and said they should make Billy their voice. I hope they do — he was THAT good.


Picture: The ceremonial red ribbon falls away from the scissors at the traditional ribbon-cutting event for PDMD in West Memphis, Ark. From left are Sandra Snow, senior technician for PDMD, Bill Buzbee COO for PDMD, Billy Wayne Godwin, Jeff Miller, president and CFO for PDMD, Dr. John McElligott, chairman and CEO for PDMD, Dave Nemo, president and COO of Nemo Entertainment, Dr. Roy Denton, representing Crittenden Regional Hospital of West Memphis and Jamie Carter, president and CEO of CRH.

Billy Wayne

Tomorrow, Billy Wayne and I are leaving for West Memphis, Ark. for the grand opening of a second truck-drivers' medical stop contained within a Petro Truck Stop. We'll drive most of the day — taking little Gracie with us. The official ceremonies, e.g., speeches, introductions and news media will be sometime Friday.

I think Billy's excited to get to be with Midland friend Dr. John McElligott and to be a part of what's going on.

I'm new to this blogging thing but hope to be able to update it daily to tell you what's going on. Maybe I'll be able to get a picture or two with it.

If you want to read more about it, check out the Web site at http://www.pd-md.com/html/pdmd_s_beginning.html

Joyce Godwin

this is my first blog post July 13, 2006