Taste Of Country Life

Sorry I’ve been off site for, well, too long. Taking care of business.

I recently spoke with dear friends of mine, Kari and Kelley. Their kids were students of mine in high school and graduated a few years ago. It brought to mind of this time of year…proms, parties, graduation…you know, rights of passage. Pasture parties have been around forever. Young people wanting to grow up too fast and making choices they’re not ready or equipped to make, with permanent consequences. Don’t get me wrong, not all kids that go to these parties are there to drink. They love just hanging with their buds, listening to ear-splitting music, smooching with their sweeties, making memories.

Making memories! We all want to do that, and live long enough to look back at “the good old days” and the “remember whens”. Unfortunately, too many people, and it’s not exclusively a “young person” issue, make the wrong choice, drink too much alcohol, smoke that illegal cigarette or otherwise, take something that impairs their ability to be in control of their actions.

One of my friends, Kari, her husband Kevin, son Kody, and of course her entire family and friends, found out the hard way how to deal with the aftermath of a drunk driver. Their beautiful daughter, Meagan…May May…a student at Texas Tech university, was a passenger in a car, on their way home, on December 6, 2012, when struck in the rear by a drunk driver, traveling 110 miles an hour. Though seat belted in, the impact struck with such force that Meagan was ejected from the car. Miraculously, May May’s roommate survived with minor injuries, physically. Both girls were only 19 years old.

May May could be considered that brilliant, beautiful, girl next door. She had been in cheerleading, was active in many school organizations, in the top percent of her class, active in church. I know this personally, for I saw her every day. I was Chief of Police with the school district and every student is one of my kids. May May was one of those rare young ladies that was as genuinely beautiful inside as she was out. May May had plans to change the world for good, to use her God-given talents in medicine and help make the world a better place. Because of the decision of that young man, who I won’t mention here because this posting is about May May and HER legacy, May May’s contribution to medicine is through her unselfish act of being an organ donor.

So, Meagan Michelle Rough truly does live on! Because of her love for others, many people are still alive, thanks to her generosity. Her memory is brilliantly bright in all of us who know and love her. From the ashes of the disaster that cost May May’s life, rose the creation of The Charter Room. This perfect tribute to May May, indeed, to all impacted by the loss of loved ones due to impaired driving, was the birth child of May’s mom, Kari and 3 other wonderful ladies. The Charter Room is a community place that is used for everything from driver’s education classes, arbitration, DWI/DUE awareness and a myriad of other uses. Located in the heart of downtown Kaufman, in the historic Greenslade’s Drug Store, at 111 W. Mulberry Street, 972-932-7111. Please visit their Facebook page and learn more.

Forever Young

As I gaze upon the fallen leaves,
And pull my collar tight.
I remember hearing of that news,
On that cold December night

No one truly knows,
Of the plans that God has made.
Sometimes it takes a tragedy,
To realize memories never fade.

True, we will never know
Of what May May could have done.
But, when I see the joy she brought
Before her journey to the Son.

I hear peals of loving laughter.
Pictures of each warm embrace.
Raucous cries of high school cheers,
Smiling lips upon her face.

Surrounded by a multitude,
Of family and friends.
May May valued each of us
With a love that never ends.

I remember of true beauty,
In her kindness and her wit.
Her zany times at Kaufman schools,
At Tech, her passion to commit.

Yes, May May left a legacy,
Her gifts left others a chance to live.
Which keeps her spirit so very close.
Because she chose to give.

My prayers for friends and family.
Her spirit will never go unsung.
May May lives in every heart
And, remains forever young.

Debi Logan Nixon

Our Littlest Angel, Remington.

Oh my! This is truly my absolute, unequivocal, favorite time of the year! I’m sitting here watching White Christmas….again. I could star in it from all of the times I’ve watched it over the years. The house is decorated, with a tree in every, yes every, room. Truth be told, the trees aren’t all big, but hey, it’s the thought…right?

With all of the outward trappings of this season, let me make it perfectly clear from this Elf…the season is about Jesus Christ. It is in celebration of His birthday. It’s a time for reflection, for looking and I mean SEARCHING, for the good that can be found in life. This is the time of year that it brings out the absolute best in people, and unfortunately, the worse. I just pray, if you’re reading this, that you do some soul searching about “What Would Jesus Do”, then do the same. Nope, we’re not all perfect, we’re only human, but be the best human you can be….one Random Act Of Kindness at a time. Smile a little more, give an extra hug, say something kind to someone even if they don’t deserve it. Your attitude and actions can be the turning point in someone’s life, even if you’re not there to witness it.

Martina McBride sings a phenomenal song, “Do It Anyways”. Take this song to heart and let it be your mantra this Christmas season.

Do It Anyways

You can spend your whole life buildin’
Something from nothin
One storm can come and blow it all away
 Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This worlds gone crazy
And it’s hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love em anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway, yeah,

You can pour your soul out singin’
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway, yeah, yeah

I sing
I dream
I love anyway, yeah.

Remember, it costs not a thing to have a dream….so dream BIG. Merry Christmas and God bless! Deb

Twas The Day After Thanksgiving

Twas the day after Thanksgiving, when all through the land.
The people were comatose from tryptophan.

The parents were in their loungers and gowns,
Moms putting up dishes that were stacked in mounds.

The children were wired, as they ran through the house;
From leftover desserts, not a crumb left for a mouse.

The need to sleep late, was not to be had.
Well, not for Mom, a recliner for Dad.

When all of a sudden, from the ads on TV,
We sprang into action, the sales that we see.

Away to the stores, we flew like a flash!
We melted our credit cards, and spent all our cash.

As we fought over bargains, we pulled and gave tug.
Our behavior to others, with nary a shrug.

When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But another sales ad that made it perfectly clear.

“Behold, tis the season of love and of joy.
Those kids don’t need every gadget and toy.”

The announcement made all shoppers pause,
In their quest for the biggest Santa Claus.

How dare they suggest we not spend our money,
For blings and baubles, and things for our honey!

What? No bikes or rings or fancy cars?
No jewelry or laptops to go under our stars?

As dry leaves that before the hurricane flies,
The doubt and the questioning that showed from our eyes.

There lit up a memory, that we used to hold dear,
Of the meaning that came with this time of year.

As we looked to each other, with shame on our face.
We remembered when Christmas meant showing God’s Grace.

The gifts that we buy are supposed to show love.
The same that our Jesus bestows from above.

As I looked around, I noticed a Stranger.
That smiled with the love that came from a manger.

I smiled in returned and felt my heart grow,
Good tidings and good will, I now wanted to show.

So, I turned to Him in greeting, and offered my hand.
A sign of deep healing we need in this land.

And, others saw this first step, and offered the same.
We showed each other love, in Jesus’ name.

I saw in the recesses of my mind.
The time when Christmas made us so kind.

I’m glad I went shopping, for the bargains I sought.
And, came away with gifts that can’t be bought.

Strangers became friends and all proclaimed again.
Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, Peace, Good Will toward men.

Debi Logan Nixon
11-25-2016

With the holiday season here, it’s time to reflect on what life is all about.  I have to say that 2016 has been the worst year of my life.  I lost my Dad to Alzheimer’s in April, on my husband’s birthday, no less.  Less than a month later, we lost my uncle, then in July, my sister lost her boyfriend. I have a dear friend that is in a nightmare situation, that is at the base of my career in law enforcement going through a major turmoil.

Now that I got that out of the way, let me tell you why I’m thankful.  I’m thankful for the 81 years of life Daddy lead.  He was my hero and the reason I chose law enforcement as a career….my calling.  Daddy taught me that no matter what life throws at you, hold your head up with dignity, keep your sense of humor, hold on to your faith in God and never give up hope.

I’m thankful for my Mom…the strongest woman I know.  She has shown me strength despite her grief, fortitude in dealing with being a caregiver for Daddy, humor while tears filled her eyes and her unwaivering love for her daughters and their families.

I’m thankful for my husband for all he does for me and our children.  He supports all of my endeavors, even when he has no clue why I do some of the things I do!  For our children and grandchildren, which are proof that the circle of life is continuing .

There are so many things that I’d have to write a book to show the blessings that have been bestowed on me and mine.  Ever since I was little, I have an uncanny ability to find money.  Not large amounts, mainly coins.  But, I know the value of these small blessings and started a Blessing Jar.  I put everything I find in my Blessing Jar, which is growing higher every week. When times are tough, I look at this tall jar, filled with coins, feathers and a myriad of other things that have appealed to me and I see just how God has blessed me.  It’s the little things in life that really matter and if we would only open our eyes, we will see them everyday….and be grateful.  Daddy was a ham radio operator, even before I was born.  His call sign was K5CYB…ask him and he would say

K5 Count Your Blessings….and I do! 

 

 I love you!  Happy Anniversary!

First off, I want to wish my Mom and Dad a happy 60th wedding anniversary.  We lost Daddy on April 5 this year, so it’s been very tough.  But, his spirit is alive and well and we carry him in our hearts!

I love waking up….even in the middle of the night…to the sound of rain, don’t you?  Of course, being blasted out of bed with a clap of thunder and feeling you’re going to be fried by a bolt of lightening in the middle of the night is not the same thing.  That happened this morning, so here I am, on my third cup of coffee…on my day off.  That part of it bites!

I’m not one to complain though.  I just feel it’s God saying, “Deb, it’s MY turn to have your undivided attention”.  He’s got it!  It’s a perfect time to meditate, pray and just marvel of the wonders of life.  Then the alarm goes off and time to get the guys up, and I’m jolted back to the day.

I do want to comment on my new header.  I took this picture on Halloween morning at about 7 a.m.  It was foggy and very surreal.  When I downloaded the picture and saw the Stop Sign with the reflective tape on it in the shape of a cross, I just felt compelled to share.  Have a day!

Just an FYI…I AM trying to reply to everyone’s comments.  I’m having issues with sending them out, but everyone’s comments are coming in just fine!  Please continue talking to me…I am reading them and will get my replies up and running asap.  Have a fantastic day!

Take care and make today great!

Deb

Angels in the Sky

I got up super early this Sunday morning….I usually do.  There is something so special about the early morning hours, when it truly feels the world is at peace.  Being a very spiritual person, I am always open to those “signs” that are sent to us, just to remind us that every day is a blessing, no matter what trials you may be going through.  It’s so important to take the bricks and stones that Life throws at you, to build a rock solid path, that you are set on in this world.  Consider those boulders that seem to be blocking your way to be great stepping stones to climb to a higher calling.

(photo courtesy of Tim Butler)

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Small town life goes hand in glove with country living!  I’m from a small town that was pretty much put on the map by being former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Troy Aikman’s hometown….Henryetta, Oklahoma.

My mom and I went “home” to Henryetta in July on family business.  While there, we were “dragging Main Street”, just looking at the places that we remember going to when we were young and seeing the new places that have popped up in the old buildings.

We saw a cute little restaurant, sandwiched between two larger stores, that we hadn’t seen before…The Shack & Co..  We decided to give it a try, and are we glad we did!  They make THE best sandwiches and sides! I ordered the Chicken Chipotle.  It had the most tender chicken, crispiest bacon and veggies on it and the chipotle sauce was to die for! (not really, but it was THAT good!).  Mom ordered The Cali and said the same thing about hers.

The restaurant is decorated with vintage signs and a rustic look, but has such a clean fresh atmosphere.  They have a small sitting area inside the front and also sell t-shirts and other gifts. There are also bistro tables on the sidewalk in front of the store, for when the weather is nice. The owners and staff were phenomenal!  They make you feel like family…and guess what?!  I found out that we ARE family with one of the owners!  Talk about a small world. Melissa Williams Yaerger is a distant cousin on both my Mom and Dad’s side of the family. Three of the four owners were there; Whitney and Amanda Weimer and Melissa Williams Yaerger.  Melissa’s husband, Jarod, was the absent owner.

If you’re ever passing through Henryetta, I can’t say enough good things about this wonderful eating establishment.  If you make the stop, tell Whitney, Amanda and Melissa I sent you!

The Shack &Co., 509 W. Main Street, Henryetta, Oklahoma, 918-652-9809.

Bon Appetite!

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Ok, I love me some football! I don’t care if it’s Pee Wee, High School (Go Lions!), College (BOOMER SOONER!) or professional football…(Cowboys)! Ok…there, I let you know who I root for if they are playing. More than anything, I love a good, fair game, no injuries and everyone standing to honor our National Anthem.

(This is Connor getting ready to show his Commitment to the team!)

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Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?  I do!  I was on patrol, on the High School campus where I was a School Resource Officer (SRO).  It was a perfectly beautiful day, here in Texas.  A fellow officer drove up to me and asked if I heard about the plane crash in New York, hitting the World Trade Center.  I hadn’t heard yet, but thinking of how the Empire State Building had been hit before by small aircraft, I was thinking that this might be the case.

I then started receiving radio calls of the first crash…then the second.  I immediately notified the district’s Superintendent, who had his TV on.  We notified all campuses to be on alert, since no one in the entire nation truly knew what was going on.  I went to my office to make phone calls to see if I could get more information.  My friend, Linda, had her TV on in her class across the hall, where we watched what was taking place.

Though my heart broke for all of the tragedies that were taking place…North Tower, South Tower, the Pentagon and the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a resurgence of national pride and righteous anger took place.  This day will forever be ingrained in the memories of those of us that witnessed it, whether on TV or at any of the sites.  Never again will we respond in the same way to hijackings.   I encourage everyone to be prepared, educate yourself and never for a moment, take our country for granted nor delude yourselves that it won’t happen again.

I laud the First Responders of every entity, our military and all of those civilian heroes that did everything they could those dark days.  Every First Responder…past, present and future….will be effected in the way we respond and prepare for the day we will be attacked again. Take the time to say “Thank you” to any you see…they are the Thin Line, whatever the color, that stands between you and our enemies.

I, for one, Have Your Six!  God Bless America!