God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
A long drive from Shreveport to Atlanta culminated in a great, battery-charging weekend that’s been a long time coming. Too long, I think. Friday evening, my son-in-law drove out to pick me up from the 18 wheeler and bring me to his and my daughter’s place for the weekend. Atlanta likes to think of itself as a cosmopolitan place, and in many respects it is, but I was able to evade much of that puffery for a few days and get back to basics.
For my money, there are few things in life as invigorating and satisfying as waking up to see your little 18 month old grandson, eyes the size of ping pong balls, regarding you curiously over his pacifier. Since everyone else in the house actually has hair on their head, I must have looked like a space alien that had fallen to earth, …and landed on his head. Either that or I was having a bad scalp day, but the kid was positively mesmerized. I haven’t been able to spend as much time with little Daniel as I’d like, so this weekend was a time to get acquainted. By the end of the day, as the photograph at right shows, we were best buds and taking in the adventures of Finding Nemo (me for the very first time, Daniel for the first time that evening).
His favorite phrase is, “uh oh,” which he uses when he falls down, stands up, walks, runs, stops, drops a toy, shoots his pacifier out, or just about anything else. In short order, I began repeating the phrase back to Daniel without so much as a second’s thought so that now it is unclear who is training whom. For her part, my daughter has spoiled me with exquisite meals, a seemingly endless stream of chicory coffee from New Orleans, a freshly made belated birthday cake, and some hot beignets this morning.
My son-in-law did me the honor of taking me to a local gun show yesterday. These must be those bitter clingers I had heard so much about in 2008. I didn’t detect a note of bitterness in the crowd, however. All age groups were represented, including elderly ladies who were picking through a plethora of derringers, snub-nosed revolvers, and little .22 caliber semi-automatics. My own tastes tended toward a very hefty revolver that fires shotgun shells (which tend to stay in the target rather than passing through him, the wall behind him, and into another residence).
A large contingent of veterans was present at the gun show, including a gentleman who had served as an Army Ranger in Vietnam. When I answered in the negative to his question as to whether I had been wounded in combat, he began telling the story of the night an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) had passed right over his head during an attack. Many in his platoon were hurt, but he got through without a scratch. He mentioned that the VC were close enough that he was afraid that his own muzzle flash would give away his position were he to return fire, so he resorted to lobbing grenades to fend off the enemy. Then, effortlessly, he segued into a dissertation on the theme that the world will never know peace until they make peace with the Almighty. Sure, I could have poked holes in his argument and challenged him on a rhetorical front, but there was a large degree of wisdom in his sentiments, even as there is much truth in John Quincy Adams’ observation that, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected, in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”
As if to further underscore Adam’s point, this morning I went to my daughter’s church. My schedule has not allowed me to attend church as often as I would like, so this was a treat. Do these words strike a familiar chord?
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
As the choir sang those words, the words of Ricochet’s Claire Berlinski came to mind: “…I don't think it's so unreasonable to think Western civilization won't survive. Very crazy people have nuclear weapons these days or are close to acquiring them. It is possible, with such weapons, to end the world in minutes. …” To which many of the Christian faith respond by saying yes, we read the last chapter in the book and from that perspective, it’s a pretty sure bet that things will get worse before they get better. Is there a silver lining there someplace? Again, from the words of Ville Du Havre, written in 1876 after having lost his four children at sea, along with his finances in the Chicago Fire of 1871, and shortly before losing his own life:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Such grace, you say, such strength of devotion and faith, and I would agree. Life is short, but certain things are eternal. This weekend, I was pleased and blessed, blessed beyond words to reconnect with that which transcends politics to inform life itself. What has been described alternately as a “veil of tears,” or an adventure, is in reality a gift from the Author of the freedoms we on this site celebrate, venerate, and defend. Through trials and victories, I’ve found that it is best to stay grounded in one’s faith and family. As Bill Buckley noted, though the world fall down around us, I still remain confident in the knowledge that my Redeemer lives.
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May '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
The way I look at it, if the world goes to Hell in a handbasket, we'll be too busy taking care of each other to worry about more than what's in front of us. The worst of times are often full of opportunities to act on the better aspects of our nature and to become who we hope to be.
All kids have a movie they must see over and over, I think. My nephew's is The Polar Express. On reflection, we probably could have introduced him to something that doesn't encourage yelling quite so much. "All aboard!"
He never sits still like that, though. Did your grandson make it through the whole movie?
Jun '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
"Uh oh" is repeated about every two seconds by my 20-month twin nephews. Enjoy him, they are a true wonder at that age.
May '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
In September, I went to visit my friend in Sweden. I had a hilarious week playing Candy Land with a little cheater who didn't speak English and I didn't know the proper words in Swedish to defend my rights. By the end of the week, though, I had her saying, "Holy Cow!" and "Oh, my goodness" constantly. All these months later, I can still hear her saying it in the background when I talk to her mom on Skype. It's like having a little parrot point out the odd things you say a little too often.
May '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Dave Carter:
My son-in-law did me the honor of taking me to a local gun show yesterday. ...My own tastes tended toward a very hefty revolver that fires shotgun shells (which tend to stay in the target rather than passing through him, the wall behind him, and into another residence).
The Judge? I'm intrigued by it, but have never shot one. People who criticize guns are people who have never been around them or taken the time to understand them. They're an important part of our pioneer spirit and self-determination. I live in the land of Davy Crockett and Lewis & Clark and the graceful reminder (Arch) that *we* are the Gateway to the West. I grew up north of here in corn country among some of the most excellent pheasant hunting land in the Midwest. Every young person should experience having wild game brought home, then watch the process of preparing the bird for a meal. It's unfortunate that a very natural part of human survival has become obsolete and a foreign concept to many living in big cities. It's, also, an important lesson many could learn about being self-sufficient.
Dec '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Amen.
May '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
An especially beautiful post, Dave. Thank you.
This morning at Mass I watched two of my sons (ages 13 and 7) shifting in their seats and craning their necks, trying to get a better view of the adorable red-fuzzed baby looking over her mother's shoulder two pews up. They were completely smitten.
Later we attended the county's Rally for Life. So many good people who have been protesting abortion for decades. I felt ashamed for how little I do.
The story of the hideous crimes of the abortionist in Philadelphia has shaken me.
May God bring us back to center.
Oct '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Andrea Ryan
Dave Carter:
...My own tastes tended toward a very hefty revolver that fires shotgun shells (which tend to stay in the target rather than passing through him, the wall behind him, and into another residence).
The Judge? I'm intrigued by it, but have never shot one. People who criticize guns are people who have never been around them or taken the time to understand them. They're an important part of our pioneer spirit and self-determination. I live in the land of Davy Crockett and Lewis & Clark and the graceful reminder (Arch) that *we* are the Gateway to the West. I grew up north of here in corn country among some of the most excellent pheasant hunting land in the Midwest. Every young person should experience having wild game brought home, then watch the process of preparing the bird for a meal. It's unfortunate that a very natural part of human survival has become obsolete and a foreign concept to many living in big cities. It's, also, an important lesson many could learn about being self-sufficient. · Jan 23 at 2:26pm
A revolver that fires shotgun shells? I'm intrigued as well...
Edited on Jan 23, 2011 at 3:31pmDec '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Just an outstanding recap of your glorious weekend, Dave. I proudly share your membership in the bitter-clingers fraternity and your interest in the Judge. "It is well with my soul" is a breathtaking testimony of faith. "My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought My sin not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more It is well It is well With my soul" Thanks for the excellent post!
Edited on Jan 24, 2011 at 9:48amRe: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Mike, Andrea, and Paulebe, yes indeedy, I'm looking at the Judge. Extended five-round cylinder, and barrel length ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 in. Heavy piece of iron, it shoots .410 shells or .45 cal rounds. The videos show a healthy kick, but the stopping power is the key to this weapon. Me like very much.
Sep '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Whatever happened to Glaser Safety slugs?
May '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
So, now we know why you didn't want to spend much on your new laptop. Priorities. :-) My neighbor bought a Judge, but he hasn't shot it, yet. It's definitely big and heavy, but kind of cool.
By the way, your grandson is adorable.
Aug '10
Re: God, Guns, and Grandchildren: A Singular Weekend
Thanks, Dave, for the wonderful post.