Letters-Feb. 5, 2004

LEF supported

poet-in-residence
To the editor:
   Just before the holiday, I was discussing the poet-in-residence program with several teachers at the Lambertville Public School.
   A common feeling was that we gained as much, if not more, from the experience as the students did. The techniques that we observed Cat Doty using to get the creative juices flowing are certainly one we will employ with our students in the future. It’s just another example of the far-reaching effects of the LEF grant program.
   By the way, look for the anthology of student poetry, which will be published this spring.
   We are so grateful for the opportunities afforded all of us in the school community because of the efforts of Jim Mastrich and the Lambertville Education Foundation.
   On behalf of the staff, I thank you for the grant as well as your ongoing support.

Meader wants

corrections noted
To the editor:
   I appreciate the inclusion of my letter regarding your Jan. 22 story on Mayor Hawley, however, there were mistakes in reproducing the letter for your readers.
   The following are corrections:
   Second paragraph — "ran down someone" should read "run down someone."
   Fourth paragraph — "worked and worshiped mayor" should read "worked and worshiped with mayor. "This is a very important distinction. As a Christian, I worship only God.
   Eighth paragraph — "found to reason" should read "found no reason."
   Last paragraph — "but would never, not could" should read "but would never, nor could."
   Please print these corrections as every word is important to the community.

Remembering

her father
To the editor:
   Two years and a cross to bear, Feb., 7, 2002 to April 7, 2002.
   Where is George? Has anyone seen George lately?
   Haven’t heard any cycles roaring out front of the shop lately.
   "Hey come to think of it haven’t seen him sweeping up the front sidewalk or rearranging his motorcycles either.
   Say, not to mention haven’t seen him over at Amy’s Laundromat fixing something or closing up the place at night either. The lights are on in his shop from time to time, that he owned and operated along with his wife, Bea, and family down through generations.
   Fifty-one years in the wonderful city of Lambertville. Yes, Lambertville, where over many long and hard years, a man with an inspirational dream of opening his own business, laying down roots and having a family all began at 50 N. Main St.
   Hold on, Wait a minute. Still no George.
   No more happy go-lucky, whistling and singing. Motorcycle riding, compassionate, caring, intelligent, mastermind of all wondrously mechanical things that are made of matter.
   Laid down roots there, laid down and died right there in the same spot. All is still and silent in the motorcycle shop that once added grace, excitement, lessons of life, character and brought business into the economic industry of a river town that is situate quietly still on the New Jersey banks of the Delaware River.
   All that remains are the ever-changing flowers that adorn a steel pole that he himself cemented into the ground multiple years age as I remember watching during my childhood days. Always overly concerned with the traffic on the street in front of the shop, he placed a pole to protect neighbors and citizens from potential harm of a busy Route 29.
   Parsons Auto & Cycle Supply, his shop that he was proud of, and a prosperous businessman. Yes, the shop that gave him hope, joy, happiness and inspiration, combined with strong character traits of good morals and principals, truly a law-abiding citizen.
   He passed the values on to all people whom he met. All that remains are the fond warm memories in the broken hearts of all people who were blessed to have known him.
   Yes, sir, by George, just like his passion for the motorcycle, he will always remain a legend in his own time. No truer words could ever be spoken.
   Unfortunately for George, he had to die, two deaths not just one.
   Once Feb. 7, 2002, face down on a cold dark pavement, two steps away from the "safety" of his sidewalk, that left him a traumatic brain injury victim.
   Again, just 59 days later, his second death occurred April 7, 2002, in the caring arms of his daughter when his earthly body couldn’t fight any longer to stay alive.
   George always made it a point to keep smiling, to trust and to stay open-minded to every wonder and possibility that was presented to him each and every day of his life.
   As with Job, bad things happen to good people.
   You learn that the only cross you have to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs are the ones who get burned at the stake. You can learn and come to believe that God isn’t punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It is his will, not your will to be done. It’s just life happening. Evil in its most primal state is the ego.
   I would personally like to offer a prayer to the driver of the vehicle responsible for my father’s untimely death. Forgiveness is God’s teaching. One has to only live within himself while on this earth.
   Tempus Fugit. Praise the Lord. George was a legend in his own time.
   Daddy, I keep you forever in my heart."