“Be like Bobbi McCrea”

The Journal

Dedicated in loving memory of Bobbi, Abby and Savannah and the others who lost their lives in the tragic fire that destroyed the Bohemian Bed and Breakfast in New Ulm on Saturday, July 2nd 2011.

By Amy Zents

We must cherish the memory of those we lost,

Because the rescue teams did all they could.

There is no turning back the clock,

No matter how hard we wished they would!

Yet it is always sad when a loved one dies,

Especially unexpectedly.

Life is a gift that we mean to prize,

Though we often treat ours haphazardly.

A loved one's death is a blunt wake-up call,

A proof of our own mortality,

An awful reminder in the midst of our grief,

That one day we too shall cease to be.

Right now the feeling of loss is fresh,

We are shocked, and smarting and numb;

Yet those who have died do not feel our regrets,

Or worry of what is to come.

Let our living friends help us to cope and to heal,

And shelter us through this storm;

While we feel our loss has left a gaping wound,

Let's be glad we are not alone!

Since we cannot bring the dead to life,

(As much as we wish that we could,)

We can only pray to be like Bobbi McCrae,

Kind and Generous and Good.

A City in Mourning...

New Ulm mourns Bohemian fire victims

July 9, 2011

By Josh Moniz - Staff Writer (jmoniz@nujournal.com) , The Journal

NEW ULM - St. Mary's Catholic Church was packed past seating capacity Friday as hundreds of New Ulm residents turned out for the funeral service for the local victims of a fire that destroyed the Bohemian Bed and Breakfast July 2.

Dotted among the hundreds of people was a sea of people wearing blue shirts, as an act of solidarity for those lost.

The services were for Bohemian owner Bobbi McCrea and her two daughters, 15-year-old Abby Wood and 3-year-old Savannah McCrea. They were among six victims of last Saturday's blaze.

United Church of Christ (UCC) Pastor Hank Campbell, who was the victims' pastor, lead the service. He started by saying that it was a time to revel in the joy of having known Bobbi and the girls, as much as it was a time to mourn them.

"This is a time for tears and laugher," said Campbell.

He said Bobbi was a welcoming and creative spirit who introduced UCC to its first interpretive dance.

He said his favorite memory of Savannah was when she was performing as a sheep for a church play - she began to break from her role and prance around playfully.

"Maybe that was her first attempt at an interpretive dance," joked Campbell.

The service itself featured family members, likewise recounting fond memories of Bobbi, Abby and Savannah.

Bobbi's fiance, Charlie Zangl, shared his experience of when he discovered his love song for Bobbi. He said that he had heard a new song on the radio he though would be perfect for Bobbi, and he was so excited that he ran inside to tell her about it when he got home.

"She laughed and cried," said Zangl. "I don't know if she even liked it, but she loved how excited I was."

The song was "Hard to Concentrate" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Ramsey Hofmann, a cousin to the girls, shared her memories of Abbey, despite difficulty from crying.

"She was the best friend I could have ever had," said Hofmann. "I looked up to her because she literally towered over me. She could always find something good in any situation."

Hofmann had been with Abby the day prior to the fire and dropped her off at the Bohemian hours before the fire.

Bobbi's personality was so unique and impactful that even people she met for a brief time attended the funeral.

Christine Brandt, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Community Theatres, had stayed at the Bohemian on June 25, a week before the fire. She said Bobbi was a wonderful hostess and extremely interesting. She said the day she spent there was wonderful and that she particularly loved Savannah's playfulness.

"She made me promise to come back," said Brandt. "In just 24 hours, I felt like I had made a life-long friend. When I heard of the fire, I was absolutely devastated."

Brandt said she came the funeral to find closure with the woman that had touched her so much in so little time.

Blue Pride:

The mass occurrence of people wearing blue on Friday was the result of a Facebook event created by Rayn Desiree, a friend of Abby. The event lasted from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, and it garnered more than 1,300 participants. The event states it was intended to honor the memory of Bobbi, Abby and Savannah.

Still looking for answers:

Although the names and cause of death has been released for those who perished in the fire, the cause of the fire itself is still under investigation.

Minnesota fire marshals are investigating the incident with the New Ulm Fire Department, despite the state Fire Marshal's office being closed due to the government shutdown. No date for the report's release has yet been set.

Tragedy in New Ulm

Six die in Bohemian B&B fire

Owner Bobbi McCrea, her two daughters believed to have perished

July 3, 2011

By Josh Moniz - Staff Writer (jmoniz@nujournal.com) , The Journal

NEW ULM - Six people are confirmed dead in the early Saturday morning fire at The Bohemian B&B, according to New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho.

New Ulm Fire and Police officials did not release the names of the victims, but they did acknowledge that the bodies of four adults, one adolescent and one child were removed from the debris.

Family and friends have confirmed that Bohemian owner Bobbi McCrea and her two daughters, 15-year-old Abby and 3-year-old Savannah, were among the casualties.

"I've never encountered an incident worse than this," said Macho, "It's the worst the New Ulm Fire Department has ever had."

Four people escaped the fire, including McCrea's fiance and Savannah's father, Charlie Zangl. One of the rescued got out on his or her own, and the other three were pulled from the second floor by rescue personnel.

Two of the individuals were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. One was treated at New Ulm Medical Center and released. The last was treated at the scene and released.

In addition, two different families, five people total, that were occupying the Bohemian's nearby carriage house escaped. One couple and their daughter are from Alexandria, and they left town around 3 a.m. Saturday. Another couple from North Branch were given accommodations at the Super 8 Motel by the local American Red Cross. They also left Saturday morning.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The state fire marshal and the fire investigator from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are working with the New Ulm Fire Department to investigate the scene. Macho said the next press update will not be until after the holiday weekend, after the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's office has had a chance to identify the bodies.

Sudden, Unexpected Disaster

The New Ulm Police Department said the call for the fire at 304 S. German St. came in at 1:44 a.m. on Saturday, from a driver that was passing by.

Macho said the fire appears to have started on the porch facing German Street, and it quickly climbed the exterior of the building before moving inwards.

"It was fast," said Macho, "I'd guess it took 15 minutes before it was engulfed."

Macho said that 33 members of the New Ulm Fire Department responded.

"By the time we got there, the building was already well engulfed," said Macho.

Alex Braaten, who lives next door house at 312 S. German St., said he smelled smoke before he saw fire from his window.

"I looked outside and there was bright orange glow," said Braaten.

He said that in the time it took to get outside, the fire had already spread to cover the entire front side of the building.

"It went up fast," said Braaten.

Other people in nearby houses said they were alerted to the fire by the sound of exploding glass, which they mistook for firecrackers. Some said they initially thought the fire sirens were for children who had injured themselves with fireworks.

Dr. Charles Stephens, 312 S. Minnesota St., said he was asleep and thought the noises were a dream until he saw the siren lights reflect off the trees outside. Once he got outside, he said he saw an orange glow and a column of smoke rising up behind the United Church of Christ building.

"When I saw that, I realized it had to be The Bohemian," said Stephens.

Stephens said that he went to the alley-way between the church and the Bohemian to see the fire.

"I saw members of Bobbi's family. I saw Charlie Zangl, [Bobbie's fiance], and I think he was shouting 'Why aren't they bringing her out?'" said Stephens.

When New Ulm firefighters arrived, the front side of the building was covered with fire. Working in two teams, firefighters made multiple attempts to pull people from the second and third floor. Four people were rescued, but firefighters were unable to rescue the other people still in the building because of the intense heat.

Macho said the Bohemian was made of older wood material, which he said burned slower and allowed for more attempts to rescue people.

Seventeen-year-old Zach Kuck was among the very first to reach the fire. He said he initially started filming the blaze before he realized he was hearing a woman scream for help from the building.

He said that he had difficulty believing the situation was real until he witnessed the building's roof collapse.

"It was really, really loud," said Kuck, "I couldn't believe what was going on."

Bobbi's brother-in-law Mark Hofmann arrived later at the scene and was with the family throughout the incident.

"The police were very respectful. They were there to help, and they only answered question they knew," said Mark Hofmann, brother-in-law of Bobbi McCrea.

He said that his daughter, Ramsey, is also taking he situation very hard because she had dropped Abby off at the house a few hours before the fire.

"She's very sad. You just get to the point that you think, 'How can you comprehend something like this?'"

Macho said the New Ulm Fire Department also has a heavy heart from the incident.

"This is tough for us as well. We have 42 guys, and in a town like this, everybody knows everybody," said Macho, "We're in the business of saving people. When it doesn't go right, there are a lot of sad faces and heavy hearts."

Loss Mourned

As the smoke from the Bohemian diminishes, friends and family of those believed to have died in the fire are taking account of their loss.

Mary Kissner said she and her husband were good friends with Charlie Zangl, and that they had become friends with Bobbi through him.

"Bobbi was such a lover of New Ulm. She worked so hard to promote the arts here," said Kissner.

Brown County Historical Society Research Librarian Darla Gebhard knew Bobbi and said her loss was a blow to the community.

"Bobbi was bubbly and energetic she loved New Ulm and she was an actor," said Gebhard, "I'm going to miss her support for keeping New Ulm history alive."

Hofmann said he was at a loss for words over the incident.

"It's awful. Bobbi was such a proponent of the community," said Hofmann, "I feel like she really was the heart of New Ulm."

Sooo random...

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Closed.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Yes!

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
My sheets are always in a tangled mess!

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Nope.

Do you like to use post-it notes?
LOVE to use post-it notes!

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
All the time!

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
A bear.

Do you have freckles?
Nope.

Do you always smile for pictures?
I make "sex eyes" in all my pictures. LOL!

What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who ignore texts/voicemails and never respond.

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Nope

Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes, I am a country girl.

What about pooped in the woods?
Nope.

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
Yes :) I have a happy dance I sometimes do when nobodies around.

Do you chew your pens and pencils?
I don't just chew them, I DESTROY them!

How many people have you slept with this week?
One.

What size is your bed?
Queen.

What is your Song of the week?
"Who Are You When I'm Not Looking"-Blake Shelton

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Definitely.

Do you still watch cartoons?
All the time!

Whats your least favorite movie?
I'm not a big fan of romances in general. I'd rather watch a comedy or an animated movie. :)

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
Heck no! I'd insure it or sell it for big bucks! Momma's got loans to pay off!

What do you drink with dinner?
Pop, usually Diet Mountain Dew.

What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Ranch.

What is your favorite food?
Cheese.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Anything animated! Example: Up! Horton Hears A Who, Curious George, Madagascar...

Last person you kissed/kissed you?
Daniel Kenneth Kral

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Hardly.

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
If I had the body for it I TOTALLY would!

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
About three weeks ago, I've yet to send it though...

Can you change the oil on a car?
If I had to. I'd much prefer to have Dan do it for me though. :)

Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Once. Forty in a thirty in La Salle of all places!

Ran out of gas?
Nope.

Favorite kind of sandwich?
Shaved turkey, provolone cheese, mayo and pickles!

Best thing to eat for breakfast?
My momma's homemade fried egg sandwiches! Yuuuum!

What is your usual bedtime?
Eleven PM or later.

Are you lazy?
Sometimes.

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Fairy, Elvira, Bunny, Vampire, Minnie Mouse, Bride, etc...

What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Dragon.

How many languages can you speak?
One and a half. LOL English and some Spanish.

Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Cosmopolitan and Glamour.

Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
Legos!

Are you stubborn?
VERY!

Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman.

Ever watch soap operas?
Sometimes with Momma Linda and I used to with Diana.

Afraid of heights?
Not particularly.

Sing in the car?
Everyday!

Dance in the shower?
Nope.

Dance in the car?
Yes!

Ever used a gun?
Yep. Only to target and clay shoot.

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
A month ago at my nieces wedding.

Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Nope. I love musicals!

Is Christmas stressful?
When you have limited money, yes, very.

Ever eat a pierogi?
Not that I know of.

Favorite type of pie?
Pumpkins pie!

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Nurse, Doctor, Rock Star!

Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.

Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Mmmhmmm!

Take a vitamin daily?
I take a complete multi-vitamin, calcium and B12 supplements!

Wear slippers?
I occasionally steal Dan's...they're pink and fuzzy!

Wear a bath robe?
Nope.

What do you wear to bed?
Tank top and panties.

First concert?
Trampled By Turtles

Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
TARGET!

Nike or Adidas?
K-Swiss!

Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos, the puffy kind!

Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Peanuts, but only if they're cocktail peanuts!

Ever take dance lessons?
Norwegian dance for several years.

Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Not in particular. I just want to marry a hard worker!

Can you curl your tongue?
Yes!

Ever won a spelling bee?
Nope.

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes!

Own any record albums?
Many.

Own a record player?
Yep!

Regularly burn incense?
Not anymore, used to when I was in high school.

Ever been in love?
Once, maybe twice.

Who would you like to see in concert?
Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band.

What was the last concert you saw?
Thompson Square

Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot or cold chai tea!

Tea or coffee?
Iced coffee!

Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Sugar.

Can you swim well?
Yes.

Can you hold your breath underwater without holding your nose?
Yes but I don't like it.

Are you patient?
Not at all.

DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ.

Ever won a contest?
Yes. 1st place in the fathers day essay contest when I was sixteen. :)

Ever have plastic surgery?
Nope.

Which are better black or green olives?
Neither.

Can you knit or crochet?
Presently learning how to knit!

Best room for a fireplace?
Living room!

Do you want to get married?
I think so...

If married, how long have you been married?
N/A

Who was your HS crush?
Better question... Who wasn't? LOL!

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
Nope.

Do you have kids?
Nope.

Do you want kids?
Yes!

Whats your favorite color?
Black or teal green.

Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes... :'(

Why so serious?

1. Do you honestly like yourself?
Sometimes, I am still fighting myself.

2. Republican or Democrat?
I'm a conservative Democrat I think.

3. Do you believe there is good in everyone?
Not in everyone, the world is full of psychotic freaks of nature.

4. Do you believe in god?
Yes, I like having something to believe in.

5. Can you honestly say you're not a racist towards any ethnicity on this planet?
I can. Skin is skin. Ethnicity is ethnicity. Your creed doesn't make you a bad person, you make yourself a bad person whatever color skin/ethnic background you have.

6. Are you prejudice?
Yes, towards people that "deserve" to be pre-judged! Rapists, pedophiles, murderers, terrorists, etc...

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I plan to have my Masters degree in Social Work. I would like to have my car paid off and be living on my own, hopefully engaged or married.

8. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Married with children, working hard for the American dream!

9. Do you hate someone, and be honest.
There's no one that I honestly hate, just a few people who I could do some really mean/evil things to if it were legal...LOL

10. Your views on judgement?
I'm a judger...but hey I'm a social work major! It's my job to assess people from the moment I meet them!

11. What are your views on stereotyping?
People are stereotyped because of how they look, it happens, deal with it, if you don't like your stereotype than prove people wrong!

12. Do you get along with all of your family, including aunts, cousins, grandparents, etc?
Not all. It varies by the day. LOL

13. Have you ever been selfish?
Yes, every day. I would make a terrible parent right now.

14. Are you lying about anything on this quiz to save face?
No, it's my blog, I say what I want!

15. Have you ever had sex or a sexual encounter of some sort?
Yes, many ;)

16. Do you believe in waiting until marriage to become sexually active in any way?
Obviously not! :P

17. Have you ever gone out of your way to be a bitch/bastard?
Ohhhh yes! This one time I purposely knew a certain special someone was gonna let me down so I totally set myself up for disappointment then like ripped him a new asshole via text and started a massive text fight...wow...I can be a crazy bitch!

18. What's the one thing you're too hard on yourself for?
My appearance.

19. Have you ever done things you're totally not proud of?
Oh for sure. Loads of things.

20. Have you ever smoked, or drank underage? Have you ever done illegal narcotics?
I have tried cigarettes (I was 19), YUCK! And I drank underage only a handful of times, I'm not big into the party scene so I never really had a reason to drink underage. I have never done illegal narcotics.

21. Have you ever questioned your faith?
In grade school I toyed with the idea of becoming Wiccan, for me it was just a phase, but it is a beautiful religion!

22. Do you find you have less respect for people with tattoos and body piercings?
I have three tattoos and multiple piercings so I don't think so, although I do think some people get some fucking retarded tattoos and piercings for no good reason and it's just like "WTF?"

23. Have you ever done something wrong, even though you knew it was wrong?
Everyday!

24. If you could be famous, would you be?
In a heartbeat!

25. Do you not like yourself for any of the answers you've given on this quiz?
At this moment I am liking myself for my honesty.

Something worth remembering...

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back...

A few things about me...

1. I always have my toenails painted. Bare toenails, except on men and small children, creep me out a bit.

2. I often dream that my teeth are falling out.

3. I have no personal censor. I can tell practically anybody, practically anything about myself.

4. I have eight nieces and six nephews. I became a great-aunt to my great-nephew, Kaiden, at twenty-one years of age. My second great-niece or nephew is on the way! :)

5. I am addicted to Diet Mountain Dew.Diet Sunkist is a close second though.

6. I am a total shopping addict. If I don't need anything, I'll still go shopping and buy stuff for my family/friends/boyfriend/etc...

7. Ever Sunday I read the new Post Secrets on www.postsecret.com. If you haven't heard about it, go there! NOW!

8. I'm saving to purchase my first home! Hopefully I'll be able to purchase it by the end of the year! :D

9. I'm a Licensed Social Worker at Sibley County Human Services. I AM SO PROUD I CAN FINALLY SAY THAT!!!

10. As much of a girly-girl as I am, I love doing "guy" stuff just to prove I can do it! :P

11. I have four god-children, my nieces and nephew: Chakylin Lace, Javid Adnan, Rebel Lexi and Sophia Rose.

12. I worked full-time while going to college and commuted instead of living on campus, thus, I am not swimming in student loan debt.

13. My mother is my hero and my biggest role model. I hope I can be half the woman/wife/mother she is someday.

14. I have four older sisters and one older brother, I can always count on them. They are my best friends.

15. I thoroughly despise onions.

16. I am a cheese connoisseur.

17. I am very proud and grateful for my intelligence, however, I would willingly drop a few IQ points to look like Kim Kardashian.

18. I am presently learning how to knit. It's very tedious work, but I won't give up!

19. I am a tad OCD.

20. I prefer texting to calling.

21. I would rather have a laid back night staying home and hanging out with the family than going out partying.

22. I have a list of Twenty-Three things to accomplish before I turn Twenty-Four, I am WELL on my way to accomplishing all of them this year! :D

23. My car is always messy and full of junk, but I am always prepared for whatever nature throws at me! Ha!

24. I would love to live abroad and work as a social worker in a developing country, I'm just too chicken to do it.

25. My parents dying is my greatest fear.

One, Two, Three...

THREE WAYS I AM STILL A KID

1. I LOVE coloring! Especially in my Disney Princess/Tinker Bell coloring books!

2. Animated movies (Disney/Pixar especially!) are my absolute favorite genre of movies!

3. I prefer to use cartoon Band-Aids! Disney Princess, Cars, and Spongebob are some of my faves!

THREE WAYS I AM ALREADY OLD

1. I would rather stay in and relax with the family than go out and "party".

2. I enjoy knitting and reading Woman's World.

3. My bedtime is 10PM...11PM at the absolute latest!

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO

1. Get married and start a family.

2. Get my Masters degree in Social Work.

3. Own my own house.

THREE WAYS THAT I’M A STEREOTYPICAL “BOY”

1. I enjoy shooting guns.

2. I'm not afraid to touch a worm, fish or other miscellaneous slimy substances.

3. I LOVE snowmobiling!

THREE WAYS THAT I’M A STEREOTYPICAL “GIRL”

1. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MAKEUP and getting all dolled up!

2. I dislike the idea of killing for "sport". If you're not gonna eat it, you don't need to kill it.

3. I am addicted to shopping!

THREE NEW THINGS I WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

1. I wanna get my motorcycle permit, and eventually license.

2. I wanna go skydiving!

3. I wanna join a gym/fitness class.

THREE THINGS I LIKE ABOUT MYSELF

1. I am a people person.

2. I am compassionate.

3. My singing voice.

THREE THINGS I STRONGLY DISLIKE ABOUT MYSELF

1. I have no willpower.

2. I often get anxious about things I cannot control.

3. I have a hyperactive immune system, aka, the smallest things make my body freak out.

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME

1. Failure and Rejection.

2. Werewolves.

3. The thought of my parents dying.

THREE OF MY EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

1. Makeup

2. Cell Phone

3. Car

THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX (OR SAME) THAT APPEAL TO ME

1. Intelligence

2. Sense of humor

3. Good work ethic

THREE THINGS I JUST CAN’T DO

1. I just can't play organized sports! I am far too clumsy!

2. I just can't see things as black or white. The world is full of gray areas!

3. I just can't fix my own car. I'm just not mechanically inclined.

THREE CAREERS I’M CONSIDERING

1. Child Welfare/Family Facilitator Social Worker

2. Children's Mental Health Social Worker

3. Child Protection Social Worker

Five Lessons...

FIVE LESSONS ABOUT HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE

-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

1. First Important Lesson - "Know The Cleaning Lady"

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. Second Important Lesson - "Pickup In The Rain"

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home.

A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3. Third Important Lesson - "Remember Those Who Serve"

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "50¢," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "35¢!" she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.

When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4. Fourth Important Lesson - "The Obstacles In Our Path"

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand - "Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition."

5. Fifth Important Lesson - "Giving When It Counts"

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

People...

People...

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an End.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships

and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

[Author Unknown]