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A Tribute to Chris
Dear Kip,
When I saw the red envelope that Jerry brought in with the mail, I knew it was likely a Christmas card and glanced at the return address label in the upper left corner. And I saw only your name. I knew instantly that Chris had passed on.
But you stepped in to send the scheduled Christmas card and Christmas letter. It was so generous of you to carry on that tradition, since it was Chris’ project for both of you. And I also understand your not continuing that tradition, unless another family member steps in. Not only is it not your personal passion, but somehow it seems like it’s time to move on.
I joined Ricochet on September 22, 2012. I was a “lurker,” dying to comment, so I took the plunge — and my comments were generally well-received. Bonus! I had found my home. Aside from a years-ago, moderator-interrupted dustup with 
I do not live on the computer, but I do live here. Ricochet is my home — and I ain’t going nowhere!
I was recently asked to put together a few words to share at a company picnic – this is the result. Our work involves the preparation of Structural Engineering plans and specifications. The mention of ‘Rhett’ in the text is to a newborn in our little group. You can check us out 
Political commentators spend most of their days following the awful things happening in the world. Bad news, after all, is what dominates the news cycle.
Androcles, a young Roman slave, sought escape in the wilderness from his unhappy life. Finding respite in a cave, he found himself face to face with a lion. The beast was anxious only for the removal of a thorn from his paw. Upon its extraction by Androcles, the lion submitted to the man, caring for him. After being captured as a runaway some time later, Androcles was sentenced to death-by-mauling within the coliseum. However, the lion let loose upon Androcles was one and the same who had benefited from the slave’s earlier kindness. Instead of attacking the defenseless man, the lion lay at his feet, whereupon both were released by an astounded Roman governor.
Many years ago, my husband and I were invited to a small dinner party by friends of ours. We didn’t know the other people who attended, but I had heard of one of them. Her name was Peggy. She was a minister at the Church of Religious Science in Huntington Beach, CA and was living with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. At this point, she was confined to a wheelchair and was there with her husband. Someone who knew her but hadn’t seen her in a while asked her how she was doing. She answered, speaking with some difficulty, “I’m just fine in here.” I felt her smile and her face was glowing. I was so moved by the peace and joy she had found.
