STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

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Feb 12, 2006? 

Today??™s Announcements:

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We are starting off the love fest/valentines contest today with just one entry.?  Roger Dean Kiser will start off our roster of writers with his memories of his orphanage days.?  At the end of the contest when the last story is published you get a separate email from me with all the names of the writers and the date they submitted, that way you can go back and review in the archives, any story you wish to reread.?  Details of voting will be published at that time. ? 

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Happy Birthday Bette Tolnai

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Now on to the good stuff..........

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Today's Valentines Stories
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Valentines Day Party

Roger Kiser

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???There will be a Valentines Day party on Thursday,??? said Mrs. Horner.

I dreaded hearing the words as I sat there, quietly staring at my fourth grade teacher.

I believe it was sometime in 1955 when I first realized that my life had nothing to offer anyone. Every year the other kids would bring cut-out valentines, each 0ne housed in a small, white envelope. I would sit at my desk embarrassed and ashamed.

I remember getting out of bed on Valentines Day and standing in line with the other orphans kids. We were waiting to be given the signal to start marching, two abreast, to the dinning-room which was located on the other side of the orphanage grounds.

As I ate my breakfast of oatmeal and toast I sat there wondering what I could give this one girl in my classroom. There were very few kids at school who did not make fun of we children from the Children's Home Society Orphanage. This one girl in my class seemed to be different from all the others. There seemed to be a kindness, and understanding, about her.

After returning to the dormitory I dressed for school. I walked over to my locker and opened the door. Inside sat a large rock which I had found while digging a hole in the ground to make an army fort. There was nothing very special about the rock, except that I knew it was all mine, and mine alone. It was the only thing that I had at the orphanage that belonged to me.

Carefully I picked up the large rock and I carried it into the bathroom. I placed the rock into the shower stall and I turned on the water. I took the soap-sock and I began to wash the rock until it was perfectly clean. After drying the precious gem I took it out back of the dormitory and I hid it in the azalea bushes until it was time for us to march to school.

The school was located right next door to the orphanage. I carried the large rock to school, all the while running the gamut of bullies, as well as many of the other children laughing. Nevertheless, with my head down I made my way to Mrs. Horner's classroom.

"I would like for you to have this here rock and be my Valentine," I told Georgia.

I remember the expression on her face as I handed her the large rock. She smiled and said "thank you, Roger.

It was not so much that that rock was so important to me. What was important was the fact that I was giving it to Georgia who would, in return give me something that would last my entire lifetime. It was a feeling that someone, somewhere, cared about me. In return for that rock she gave me something invisible that no one could ever take away from me. That feeling was one of the building blocks upon which Roger Dean Kiser would one day build a life for himself.

The following is a letter I received today, forty years later, from that wonderful girl.

"Dear Roger,

Thanks a bunch for the book, the CD and the fast reply on my letter.

Even though I had already read most of your web site, I'm reading the book and am about half way.

It's amazing the things I can remember when reading your book. I remember how everyone made fun and picked on the "orphan kids". I remember how bad I felt that I couldn't have Judy come to my house to play and I wasn't allowed to go to hers. I do remember going to the home one afternoon with her. I don't remember why and I know I didn't stay long. I also remember how it didn't matter what happened, the answer was always "the orphan kids did it".

Now for more personal memory. I remember that you brought me a rock to school one Valentines Day. I don't know then why you brought it, but I know I carried it home. You only had to carry it next door to school, I had to carry it about 2 miles home and it was a BIG rock. When I got home, my mom asked why I had that rock and I told her that Roger Kaiser gave it to me. She said "why?" I told her I didn't know but that you were my friend from the home. She said "Oh, he gave you all he had". It's important to note here that my mom was raised in an orphanage too, so she probably knew what she was talking about.

That rock was one of the reasons that I've thought of you so often over the years, as we kept that rock at my mom's and used it for a door stop (it was a good size rock) and believe it or not we just sold it when my mom passed away in her estate sale 9 years ago.

One of the highlights for me reading your book and your web site, is realizing why my mother was the way she was. My sister and I could never understand how someone could go through their whole life without telling their children that they love them or showing any kind of affection.

Your memories of what you were not taught in the home opened my eyes to see, my mother never learned those things either. My husband and kids never have to wonder if they're loved, they hear it all day.

I'd be interested to see the picture you have of Mrs. Horner's class. I know I have mine around here some where, but only the Lord knows where it is. We were in Mrs. Horner's class at the same time and I think I can probably tell who some of the kids are and I know for certain which one is you.

Ok, it's time for me to go for now and get ready for another week.

Please make note of my email address: xxxxxxxx@aol.com

Take care and I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Georgia.???

Thank you Georgia for caring about me and for being ???My Valentine.??? It was a gift I still treasure in my heart, even today.

Roger Kiser

Roger Dean Kiser

trampolineone @earthlink.net

Roger Dean Kiser is the author of the book "Orphan, A True Story of Abandonment, Abuse and Redemption. "Roger also writes non-fiction short stories which he displays on his website "The Sad Orphan" located at: www.rogerdeankiser.com Roger's short stories have also been published in: Chicken Soup, Heartwarmers ? Heartwarmers of Love, A Cool Collection I and II (Israel),

"The Bully" was made into a short film by Nicholas Delfino and has been entered into several major
film festivals in the United States.

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Writers Feedback

Jackie Yaris's story about loneliness enlightens us to be aware and sympathetic to this condition that can consume so many.?  It was very well written and so beneficial to read.?  Gabrielle Morgan.

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Geo Rusu is an incredible person, Jene

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What a remarkable story.

May God bless Debra.

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What a wonderfully, well-written collection of thoughts for an average day. Thank you for showing us the pride and sunshine you find in a day filled with simple treasures.

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A Time To Let Go Carol Roach, M.Ed : I can be where you are as at the time of your writing this story.?  I sense what your mode were during the write up.?  As faces differ so are minds, attitudes, beliefs, likes and other ways of life.

Before now, I used to be offended when people comment that George behaves as if he is mad.?  It used to get down my bones.?  It used to slow me down a bit.?  It used to set me aback.?  But, however, I have come to understand human nature; you can never be loved by the whole world, no mater how good, nice, pleasant, or loving you may be.?  Same goes to the bad fellows of the world, they can never be all hated by men.?  That is why somewhere like the dark ages; Africa, keep having bad leaders; government, because the bad keep having more friends and followers.?  We can??™t all be the same; not possible at all, as long as this world remains the old world.?  Definitely when the new world comes, good shall prevail over bad.

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Today, when someone kicks against my nature, I simply withdraw, as you have said, and maintain my usual self, not changing, don??™t try to be someone else.?  At the same time, I am sometimes impressed that many people try to imitate me, whether by dress code or nature wise.

CAROL, a beautiful story you wrote??¦ It will help many to understand nature but I assure you that someone somewhere is bound to condemn this wonderful thought.?  If only such human could understand the way of life and the timing, he or she would be able to appreciate people better.

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Carol, that all appears sound thinking to me.?  Thanks,?  Gabrielle.

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Carol,
? ? ?  ( A Time to Let Go) That was some wise advice you shared with us my friend.?  I only wish that more people realized that the greatest relationship we have is with the person we spend the most
time with: ourself. Joe

Keep up the good work.?  Wishing you every joy, Joe

? Very nice Carol and you are right ON. If someone comes to
me pissin' anna moanin' I analyze the situation and with
my(long ago) background of 101,102 and 103 Educational
Psychology, two extensive courses in Industrial Relationship,
two Dale Carnegie courses and forty years in the industries
in this half of the state of Texas I have learned that a
cordial "screw you" works wonders.

"Screw you" can have several connotations from
humorous/friendship to the opposite end of the spectrum in
Texas.

Remember, we used to have a defense for murder..... "Your
honor, he just needed a good killin'."
Thanks
Mark Crider

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Carol:

Your approach to friendships is a very strong and true and reasonable one.?  It is an approach that I share.?  It is neither the easiest approach to take nor the path of least resistance.?  I think you have it dead on target.?  Thanks for sharing.

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All best,

GRH

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(A Time To Let Go) ??“ Carol And What a treat it was!?  I totally agree and I totally enjoy your work here.?  You have definately found your niche' and calling in this life.

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(Effective Time Management) Carol -You had some good suggestions there my friend.?  Too often people try to do everything at once and end up getting nothing done at all.?  Keep up the
good work.?  Wishing you every joy, Joe

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Prayer Requests and Updates

I spoke with Barbara last night and she was as perky as can be with her new knee!?  She skipped going to rehab, so is doing her physical therapy at home.?  A therapist comes a couple of times a week to see how she is doing, and actually had to tell her she needs to cut back a little.?  I told her I imagined she'd be "skipping" in a few months, and she said that was her plan. Kathy

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Carol,

Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.? ?  We know how much losing a loved one hurts.?  There is some comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and whole again.? ?  Death is a very difficult door into a magnificent new life and it's difficult being left behind.? ? ?  Know that in God's time you will soon be reunited; it will seem as the blink of an eye.

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Until then, please accept our deepest sympathy and loving prayers for your peace and comfort.

Bruce Cornely

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I've been dealing with some loss lately myself. My sister-in-law (like a
sister to me) died suddenly of heart attack at 57 in mid-November, and
my father-in-law died peacefully of Parkinson's three-and-a-half weeks
later. I'll be thinking of you in the coming weeks. The loss of a loved
one is hard, even if you have been expecting it at some time.

Janet

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Carol

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Like so many many others, I just want to express my SINCEREST CONDOLENCES in your hours of greiving.?  I am so very sorry that you and your family had to experience such a tragic loss.?  Just know that like all of the others associated with Storytime Tapestry my heart goes out to you and I will pray that you can have the strength and reassurance to continue this great great forum.?  You are a blessing to all of us!!!!!

God Bless

Pop Warner.? 

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I am so very sorry about your sister, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Kelly

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Carol,

So sorry to hear about your sister.?  God Bless you and your family.

Laura

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Dear Carol,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister.? 

Losing loved ones is very hard,?  but I pray God will comfort your heart as only He can do.

Sincerely,

Lois

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Carol,

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I must have missed your e-mail about your sister's passing.?  I am so sorry.?  I pray that God will comfort you and give you strength.? 

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I have had the flu and haven't been online as much lately.? ? 

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God be with you,?  Pamy

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Bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. God will give you strength through this time.?  He never puts more on us than we can handle, even though it may at the time be too much. Janice?  Finley?  Alabama

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Dear Carol,

I am so sorry to hear of your sister's passing.?  This is the 6th death I've heard of in one month.?  When I got home, a friend just lost her son the day after my dad died.

Another just lost her father also.

I'm afraid to pick up the phone.?  It's like too much.?  Just too much sad news.

Know that my heart is with you.?  For God knows, I know what you are feeling.

I'm just waiting for a sign from my dad.?  Joyce, my sister has already received one.

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God Bless you Carol,

Sharon

Dear Carol,


I am so sorry to know about your sister, Joyce!!
Strange are the ways of GOD!

I hope GOD gives you all the strength to bear this
loss.....

I pray for her soul to rest in peace.............

And pray for you all to be together in this time of
need!

Love,
Gautami

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Father God in heaven I come to you in prayer

asking that you touch all people in the prayer

request in the Storytime_ Tapestry news letter,

Father you know who they are and their needs,

I also ask that you touch Carol and give her

the strength and just bless her for everything

she does, I also ask that you touch

Loren Moore and his wife, Father give

Loren's wife strength to carry on, and help

Loren to get better as only you can do. It is

in the name of Jesus Christ the Holy Son that

I pray. Amen Amen Amen!!!!

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Richard & Jackie Sims

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My prayers and thoughts are with you.?  What agony!? ?  Her courage and love for you will be sustenance just as yours for her gave her peace at her passing.?  Do not weep too long.?  She is in a kinder place.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?  Louise

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Dear Carol,? 
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your sister in death.?  Grieve
anyway you can while?  crying in the sad times and laugh with the good
memories you had with her.? ?  Only love heals and not time passed.? 

Praying for you in Florida
Tennie

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? SENIOR WRITERS

Chief Writer: Sharon Bryant

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? Agee, Vance;? Apted, Violet;? Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al;?  Berry, Nell; Blaine, Pamela

Boda, Ginger;? ? Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.;?  Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark;? 

Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria; Gilbert, Robert Jr; Goodier, Steve; Halley, Ellie Braun;

Harris, Kathy Anne;? Hunt, Sharlette;? Hymes, Christina

Jacobson, Gary;? Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Kevin, Tim Jenkins, Pamela;

Liles, Norma; Lilly, Jodi Flesberg; Lock, Joyce; Mazzella, Joe;? Morris, Deepak;

Ojeigbe, Georgewaters;

?  Petry, Dianna Doles; Roberts, Susan;?  Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Streidel, Saskia; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan

Walker, Bill; Walker, Joe;? Warner, Gorden K; Walsh, Sue

Weymouth, Barbara; Whirity, Kathy;? White, Robert;

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STORYTIME TAPESTRY STAFF

Publisher: Carol Roach-founder

Moderator: Thelma Hartselle-co founder

Moderator: Clara Westerfer

Moderator:?  Bob Johnston

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Send all inquires about the newsletter including submission requirements:

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