WHEO Radio...in cooperation with various community partners...has officially launched a countywide campaign to collect and distribute school supplies to underprivileged children in the community as the new Patrick County school year approaches. WHEO is working closely with Kevin and Paula Polachek, who are well-known for their outstanding charity work in the community, a host of local businesses, the Patrick County Recreation Department, and Patrick County Public Schools.
Concerned citiens are asked to purchase school supplies anywhere they so desire and drop them off at collection sites throughout Patrick County. If you prefer, you may also make monetary donations that will be used by campaign volunteers to purchase school supplies for needy students. Donations of school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, packpacks, etc.) will be collected over a two week period and then distributed to Patrick County's schools that will then direct them to the students who need them the most.
Collection boxes have been placed at these participating business establishments: MNM in Ararat, Orchard View Market in Woolwine, M&M in Critz, Poor Farmer's Market at Meadows of Dan, Bengle Outlet in Stuart, Stuart Tire and Auto Center, Lowes Foods in Stuart, Dollar General in Stuart, Food Lion of Stuart, Wal-Mart in Stuart, Lighthouse Grill at Fairystone, and the DeHart Park Pool in Stuart.
If you desire to contribute money, make checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund. Send your contributions to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Richard Rogers, or to SunTrust Bank, 114 W. Blue Ridge St., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Vicki Collins. Again, make all checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund.
WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive volunteers will visit various local businesses on Sat., Apr. 2nd, and will have lists available of specific school supplies that will be needed. Also on Apr. 2nd, patrons of the Dehart Park Pool who use their pool pass and bring school supplies will receive a free soft drink. Those who pay the daily pool fee will get a 50-cent discount with the donation of school supplies.
Rising prices and poor economic conditions have left many Patrick County families financially strapped and many youngsters in our community might have to go without adequate school unless we act as a community of concerned citizens to address this growing need.
Persons wishing to donate school supplies are reminded that the best time to purchase them will be during the state sales tax holiday that will extend from Fri., Aug. 1 to Sun., Aug. 3.
My thanks to Kevin and Paula with whom it is always my pleasure to work, Patrick County Public Schools, the Patrick County Recreation Department, participating businesses, and concerned citizens. i appreciate your support of the first WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive! God bless you and God bless the future of our county, our young people!
Love :O)
Richard
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Welcome Home Tribe!
With pride, our community welcomes home a group of young heroes called the Virginia Tribe! The Patrick County state champion 10 and under baseball team returned home late last week after competing in the USSA World Series in Lexington, S.C. While the Tribe did not win the World Series, this outstanding group of young players did bring home a consolation trophy.
After losing their first four games of the tournament and being placed in the consolation round, the Virginia Tribe came back to post two consecutive victories and earn the championship and team trophy in the USSA World Series consolation bracket. Each of the players also received individual trophies. The strong finish capped a remarkable season that was highlighted by a state title and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in South Carolina during the World Series. Each of the players, their parents, and their fine coaches should be as proud of their performance this season as our commuity is of them. It was a great honor just to make it to the World Series. The players have been outstanding young ambassadors for our county throughout the season...and we proudly welcome them back to Patrick County, home sweet home!
Congratulations to team members Trevor Belcher, Tucker Brown, Cayden Dalton, Landon Gunter, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Eli Horton, Will Hylton, Jacob Martin, Nathan Perry, and Austin Vernon. The Virginia Tribe is coached by Laine Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Garry Brown. We commend the parents of these players for their dedication, support, and encouragement. Also to be commended are the citizens in the community who supported fund-raising events that generated over $10,000 to pay for the team's trip to South Carolina.
A special event is being planned to honor the Virginia Tribe baseball team as well as the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor and Major League All-Star teams, all of whom have had outstanding seasons. Kevin and Paula Polachek and I are organizing the event which has been temporarily placed on hold until the Major League All-Stars season is completed. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations that have made donations that will help to make the post-season event possible. Stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for details on when the "Welcome Home Heroes" celebration will take place and come out and honor the youth of our county!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
After losing their first four games of the tournament and being placed in the consolation round, the Virginia Tribe came back to post two consecutive victories and earn the championship and team trophy in the USSA World Series consolation bracket. Each of the players also received individual trophies. The strong finish capped a remarkable season that was highlighted by a state title and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in South Carolina during the World Series. Each of the players, their parents, and their fine coaches should be as proud of their performance this season as our commuity is of them. It was a great honor just to make it to the World Series. The players have been outstanding young ambassadors for our county throughout the season...and we proudly welcome them back to Patrick County, home sweet home!
Congratulations to team members Trevor Belcher, Tucker Brown, Cayden Dalton, Landon Gunter, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Eli Horton, Will Hylton, Jacob Martin, Nathan Perry, and Austin Vernon. The Virginia Tribe is coached by Laine Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Garry Brown. We commend the parents of these players for their dedication, support, and encouragement. Also to be commended are the citizens in the community who supported fund-raising events that generated over $10,000 to pay for the team's trip to South Carolina.
A special event is being planned to honor the Virginia Tribe baseball team as well as the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor and Major League All-Star teams, all of whom have had outstanding seasons. Kevin and Paula Polachek and I are organizing the event which has been temporarily placed on hold until the Major League All-Stars season is completed. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations that have made donations that will help to make the post-season event possible. Stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for details on when the "Welcome Home Heroes" celebration will take place and come out and honor the youth of our county!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
Monday, July 14, 2008
Go Tribe!
Congratulations to the Virginia Tribe, the inspiring youth baseball team from Patrick County, on an outstanding season that has earned it the right to compete this week in the U-Triple S World Series near Columbia, S.C. The team, comprised of players age 10 and under, won the Virginia state championship in route to a record of 16-7 this season.
The Virginia Tribe began play with two games on Monday, July 14th in the World Series, competing against the best team from this region and across the country. "It will be a once in a lifetime trip" for the players, said coach Lane Dalton. He noted that the parents of the team members are just as excited about the World Series experience as the players are.
The Patrick County team is looking forward to the stiff competition that they will face in South Carolina this week. "We're a complete team. We hit, pitch, and play defense well," said Dalton.
My best to the Virginia Tribe in the World Series! The team's roster includes Nathan Perry, Trevor Belcher, Eli Horton, Austin Vernon, Will Hylton, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Jacob Martin, Landon Gunter, Tucker Brown, and Caden Dalton. The Tribe is coached by Lane Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Gary Brown.
Whether they win or lose in the South Carolina World Series, this team is a true champion and their conduct on and off the field has been a source of inspiration to country citizens throughout the season. We want to show the team just how proud we are of them when they return home from the World Series. The Great Day in the Morning Show will sponsor a congratulations and welcome home party for the team after the series. I am joining Kevin and Paula Polachek in planning this event. Stay tuned to my WHEO morning show for the latest details on how the team is doing this week, and when and where the welcome home (hopefully, victory celebration) event will be held.
Most of the players on the Virginia Tribe were also members of the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor League All-Stars which were playing for the District 3 tournament title in Blacksburg until the tournament was abrubtly cancelled. After shutting out Montgomery County Friday night 3-0, the Patrick County All-Stars were preparing for a rematch with Blacksburg, the only team to defeat them, on Saturday. However, just as the team was preparing to leave Saturday morning to return to Blacksburg, coach Dalton said in a message left on the WHEO answering machine Sunday, "we received a call from the district director saying the tournament had been cancelled as Patrick County had elected to go no further than District 3 and as most of the players were coming to the World Series. "I really don't know what happened," said a Dalton. Apparently tournament officials awarded the tournament championship to Blacksburg and apparently Patrick County finished as the runner-up, added a baffled Dalton. If more information becomes available on this very puzzling turn of events, I'll share it with you.
Hopefully, the Tribe's players will put this very unfortunate situation behind them and will be ready to play their best in South Carolina. Congratulatins once again to the Virginia state champion Virginia Tribe 10 and under baseball team. We're behind you all the way! You are champions in every sense of word!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
A proud Tribe fan,
Richard Rogers
The Virginia Tribe began play with two games on Monday, July 14th in the World Series, competing against the best team from this region and across the country. "It will be a once in a lifetime trip" for the players, said coach Lane Dalton. He noted that the parents of the team members are just as excited about the World Series experience as the players are.
The Patrick County team is looking forward to the stiff competition that they will face in South Carolina this week. "We're a complete team. We hit, pitch, and play defense well," said Dalton.
My best to the Virginia Tribe in the World Series! The team's roster includes Nathan Perry, Trevor Belcher, Eli Horton, Austin Vernon, Will Hylton, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Jacob Martin, Landon Gunter, Tucker Brown, and Caden Dalton. The Tribe is coached by Lane Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Gary Brown.
Whether they win or lose in the South Carolina World Series, this team is a true champion and their conduct on and off the field has been a source of inspiration to country citizens throughout the season. We want to show the team just how proud we are of them when they return home from the World Series. The Great Day in the Morning Show will sponsor a congratulations and welcome home party for the team after the series. I am joining Kevin and Paula Polachek in planning this event. Stay tuned to my WHEO morning show for the latest details on how the team is doing this week, and when and where the welcome home (hopefully, victory celebration) event will be held.
Most of the players on the Virginia Tribe were also members of the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor League All-Stars which were playing for the District 3 tournament title in Blacksburg until the tournament was abrubtly cancelled. After shutting out Montgomery County Friday night 3-0, the Patrick County All-Stars were preparing for a rematch with Blacksburg, the only team to defeat them, on Saturday. However, just as the team was preparing to leave Saturday morning to return to Blacksburg, coach Dalton said in a message left on the WHEO answering machine Sunday, "we received a call from the district director saying the tournament had been cancelled as Patrick County had elected to go no further than District 3 and as most of the players were coming to the World Series. "I really don't know what happened," said a Dalton. Apparently tournament officials awarded the tournament championship to Blacksburg and apparently Patrick County finished as the runner-up, added a baffled Dalton. If more information becomes available on this very puzzling turn of events, I'll share it with you.
Hopefully, the Tribe's players will put this very unfortunate situation behind them and will be ready to play their best in South Carolina. Congratulatins once again to the Virginia state champion Virginia Tribe 10 and under baseball team. We're behind you all the way! You are champions in every sense of word!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
A proud Tribe fan,
Richard Rogers
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A Taste of Summer!
I always look forward to the annual rite of summer that takes place in early July each year. No, as patriotic as I am and as much as I cherish our American freedoms, I am not referring to the Fourth of July celebration here. But annually around America's Independence Day observance, the gardens of Patrick County begin yielding one of the most tantalizing of all their bounties, delicious, irresistible, vine ripened, homegrown TOMATOES! And nothing makes as simple and satisfying a summertime meal as a good old-fashioned homegrown in Patrick County tomato sandwich.
No other dish seems so adequately to capture the "taste of summer" as the traditional southern tomato sandwich. Some folks practically live off of them during the summer. Nothing quite hits the spot on a hot, steamy summer's day than a refreshingly palate-pleasing homegrown tomato sandwich. Although some variations are popular, the general consensus seems to be that the perfect ingredients of a homegrown tomato sandwich should be two fresh slices of white bread, covered with a generous topping of mayonnaise on both sides and graced with several healthy slices from the heart of a fresh-from-the-garden, juicy, vine-ripened tomato, grown with tender care and "drippin' with love":O)! Sprinkle on (to your personal taste) some salt and pepper (I apply freely from the shakers myself), top with the second slice of mayo-smeared bread, and enjoy a summertime sensation that is fit for a king or a country boy like me. In fact, the most cunning connaisseur could not resist the unmistakable burst of flavor that this southern delicacy draws from our tantalized tastebuds.
For me, the 10-month wait (from September through June) and craving for this summer favorite ended on July 1st when I enjoyed my first homegrown tomato sandwich of the season. The first of many to be consumed this summer, it featured one of the first fruits from the crop of renowned Patrick County tomato grower, James "Spot" Ray, my stepfather, who is widely known for carefully nurtured tomato crop. With advancing age and a declining energy level that goes with it, Spot has cut back somewhat on his crop this year but he still spends considerable time in the garden and the fruit of his vines is no less than sensational in flavor. "The Tomato Man," as Spot has affectionally been nicknamed, still gives his tomatoes the same care and attention that they have always received. His tomato plants are always immaculately cultivated, staked, mulched, watered, and manicured to produce a product that has been the centerpiece of my family's summer diet for as long as I can remember. How could this gourmet ever make it through the "dog days" of summer without my highly-touted, freely-consumed tomato sandwiches. Thanks to my stepdad and the many other tomato growers of Patrick and surrounding counties that keep so generously and skillfully supplying the main ingredient for "a taste of summer" that few can resist!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day" and a bountiful tomato crop!
Lovin' it,
Richard
No other dish seems so adequately to capture the "taste of summer" as the traditional southern tomato sandwich. Some folks practically live off of them during the summer. Nothing quite hits the spot on a hot, steamy summer's day than a refreshingly palate-pleasing homegrown tomato sandwich. Although some variations are popular, the general consensus seems to be that the perfect ingredients of a homegrown tomato sandwich should be two fresh slices of white bread, covered with a generous topping of mayonnaise on both sides and graced with several healthy slices from the heart of a fresh-from-the-garden, juicy, vine-ripened tomato, grown with tender care and "drippin' with love":O)! Sprinkle on (to your personal taste) some salt and pepper (I apply freely from the shakers myself), top with the second slice of mayo-smeared bread, and enjoy a summertime sensation that is fit for a king or a country boy like me. In fact, the most cunning connaisseur could not resist the unmistakable burst of flavor that this southern delicacy draws from our tantalized tastebuds.
For me, the 10-month wait (from September through June) and craving for this summer favorite ended on July 1st when I enjoyed my first homegrown tomato sandwich of the season. The first of many to be consumed this summer, it featured one of the first fruits from the crop of renowned Patrick County tomato grower, James "Spot" Ray, my stepfather, who is widely known for carefully nurtured tomato crop. With advancing age and a declining energy level that goes with it, Spot has cut back somewhat on his crop this year but he still spends considerable time in the garden and the fruit of his vines is no less than sensational in flavor. "The Tomato Man," as Spot has affectionally been nicknamed, still gives his tomatoes the same care and attention that they have always received. His tomato plants are always immaculately cultivated, staked, mulched, watered, and manicured to produce a product that has been the centerpiece of my family's summer diet for as long as I can remember. How could this gourmet ever make it through the "dog days" of summer without my highly-touted, freely-consumed tomato sandwiches. Thanks to my stepdad and the many other tomato growers of Patrick and surrounding counties that keep so generously and skillfully supplying the main ingredient for "a taste of summer" that few can resist!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day" and a bountiful tomato crop!
Lovin' it,
Richard
Monday, June 30, 2008
Taking Pride in America on her Birthday
Happy Birthday, America! Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are being enjoyed by many of you who are taking it easy this week, traditionally a time for vacations, as the 4th of July celebration draws near. Let's not get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget just how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America.
I sometimes disagree with our government policies, and I am ashamed of government's response (more correctly lack of resonse) to many of the problems facing our country. However, I am a proud American who feels fortunate to live in this corner of the planet. Sure we have some idiots running the country right now (especially in the United States Congress) but the fact of the matter is that we are blessed to live in a country that was founded as a nation that places its trust in God. Unfortunately, over the years, we seem to have gotten away from God as a society and a country. As a result this drift away from God, I think our country has suffered much in the process. Sure, this is still the greatest nation on earth but that position of world preeminence is being challenged. God and country are inseparable in my opinion. And until our nation once again is becames "one nation under God" and reassumes it's positon as a people and a nation that can truly say "In God We Trust," our beloved country will continue to decline on the world stage. This return to our roots and the intentions of the founding fathers includes positing the Ten Commandments in public buildings and making a place for prayer in our schools. AMEN!
So as we observe our nation's independence and celebrate Ameria's 232nd birthday on July 4, 2008 (a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776), let's all be grateful and proud to be Americans. Let's also lift up our country in prayer asking that, as Lee Greenwood said in his popular contemporary patriotic song, "God Bless the USA" or, as the great Kate Smith inspired us in song with Irving Berlin's famous lyrics "God Bless America"!
Speaking of the upcomg holiday...with gas prices near $4 and rising, this might be a great year for a "staycation"...a vacation or 4th of July celebration close to home. Dehart Park will offer the perfect setting for a family outing this Friday, July 4th as the 6th annual 4th in the Park Independence Day Celebration and Car Show take place. The festivities will include one of the largest car shows in the region, a patriotic parade, pool activities, food, games, pool party, exhibits, vendors, live music, and a giant fireworks display to cap a full day of fun and fellowship in one of our most beautiful community resources, Dehart Park in Stuart.
The Vesta Community Center will serve as the setting for the annual 4th of July bluegrass and Old Time Music Competition. In addition to the music competition at three levels, children, teen and adult, a quilty show and food and games for the children will be offered.
The Blue Ridge Passage Resort at Meadows of Dan will also present a fireworks display on the night of the 4th of July.
Whatever your plans for the 4th of July, take pride in our country and thank God for the opportunity to live in this great land. Happy Birthday, America!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
O:)
Richard
I sometimes disagree with our government policies, and I am ashamed of government's response (more correctly lack of resonse) to many of the problems facing our country. However, I am a proud American who feels fortunate to live in this corner of the planet. Sure we have some idiots running the country right now (especially in the United States Congress) but the fact of the matter is that we are blessed to live in a country that was founded as a nation that places its trust in God. Unfortunately, over the years, we seem to have gotten away from God as a society and a country. As a result this drift away from God, I think our country has suffered much in the process. Sure, this is still the greatest nation on earth but that position of world preeminence is being challenged. God and country are inseparable in my opinion. And until our nation once again is becames "one nation under God" and reassumes it's positon as a people and a nation that can truly say "In God We Trust," our beloved country will continue to decline on the world stage. This return to our roots and the intentions of the founding fathers includes positing the Ten Commandments in public buildings and making a place for prayer in our schools. AMEN!
So as we observe our nation's independence and celebrate Ameria's 232nd birthday on July 4, 2008 (a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776), let's all be grateful and proud to be Americans. Let's also lift up our country in prayer asking that, as Lee Greenwood said in his popular contemporary patriotic song, "God Bless the USA" or, as the great Kate Smith inspired us in song with Irving Berlin's famous lyrics "God Bless America"!
Speaking of the upcomg holiday...with gas prices near $4 and rising, this might be a great year for a "staycation"...a vacation or 4th of July celebration close to home. Dehart Park will offer the perfect setting for a family outing this Friday, July 4th as the 6th annual 4th in the Park Independence Day Celebration and Car Show take place. The festivities will include one of the largest car shows in the region, a patriotic parade, pool activities, food, games, pool party, exhibits, vendors, live music, and a giant fireworks display to cap a full day of fun and fellowship in one of our most beautiful community resources, Dehart Park in Stuart.
The Vesta Community Center will serve as the setting for the annual 4th of July bluegrass and Old Time Music Competition. In addition to the music competition at three levels, children, teen and adult, a quilty show and food and games for the children will be offered.
The Blue Ridge Passage Resort at Meadows of Dan will also present a fireworks display on the night of the 4th of July.
Whatever your plans for the 4th of July, take pride in our country and thank God for the opportunity to live in this great land. Happy Birthday, America!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
O:)
Richard
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A Short Life Well Lived!
Family, friends, and neighbors paid their final respects to my friend Brandon Dillon, 7, of Stuart, during a very touching funeral service Saturday morning in the chapel of Community Funeral Services in Stuart. The service was conducted by the Rev. Jim Churchwell, pastor of New Life Community Fellowship, and Dr. Clyde DeLoach, former pastor of Stuart United Methodist Church with music provided by Debbie Bennett and the Southern Prophets. Brandon, the loving youth who inspired our community during his courageous fight against leukemia, was then laid to rest at Patrick Memorial Gardens. After the graveside ceremon, Brandon's sisters, Tiffany and Sara, and with other children and adults released butterfly-shaped balloons that soared skyward symbolizing to me the freedom from disease and suffering that Brandon now enjoys in Heaven.
Even though Brandon's life was very brief, it was certainly well lived. In fact, we can all gain much insight into the way God wants us to live our lives by looking at the way Brandon lived his. As Rev. Churchwell said during ceremony, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared." This sandy-haired youth truly lived his life from moment to moment, never complaining about his situation or wasting a minute. When he was able, Brandon, who was filled with optimism and zest for life, was always on the go, drawing the most from each precious moment of his life. Brandon was one of the most loving children that I have ever met, and he didn't mind telling you that he loved you either. I will never forget the warmth that filled my heart when he spoke the words "I love you" to me from his death bed. Most of all, Brandon cared for other people above himself. He loved his mother and sisters dearly and did not rest until he knew they were happy, safe, and secure. Brandon also cared deeply for other people. Nicknamed "the little preacher boy" because of his strong faith in Jesus, he would often put his hand upon the forehead of family members and friends and say a special prayer uniquely tailored to their particular needs or circumstances. Yes, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared" for others.
The measure of a life is not in the number of years lived; the quantity of possessions obtained; or the amount of riches, fame, and fortune acquired. The true measure of a life is the love that we give freely to others and the enrichment that we bring to their lives through our words and deeds. Brandon devoted his short life to living fully, loving tenderly, and caring compassionately for others. Life is a gift from God never to be squandered or to be taken for granted. Brandon's life only lasted 7 short years, but his was undoubtedly a life well-lived.
Speaking personally, Brandon has served as a inspiration to me to try to make some changes and improvements in my own life. Just as he did in life, even in death, this young man (the word "boy" just doesn't seem appropriate in reference to Brandon because of advanced maturity) can serve as a role model and example to all, young and old alike, of what being a Christian is all about, loving God and serving our neighbors above ourselves.
Brandon is now marveling at the wonders of Heaven in the presence of Jesus, but his life still speaks volumes to my heart and to the hearts and lives of the many others who knew and loved him. I am proud to have known him and inspired by what I learned about life from him. I know that I can do a much better job in living my life having for just a brief moment in time watched and admired him as he lived his. I am sure that the first thing God said to Brandon upon his arrival in Heaven was "well done, my child, well done." Brandon Webster Dillon's life was well-lived, indeed! God rest his soul.
Please keep Brandon's family in your prayers, and in honor of his memory, please join me in seeking in our own lives to..."live, love, and care".
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
Even though Brandon's life was very brief, it was certainly well lived. In fact, we can all gain much insight into the way God wants us to live our lives by looking at the way Brandon lived his. As Rev. Churchwell said during ceremony, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared." This sandy-haired youth truly lived his life from moment to moment, never complaining about his situation or wasting a minute. When he was able, Brandon, who was filled with optimism and zest for life, was always on the go, drawing the most from each precious moment of his life. Brandon was one of the most loving children that I have ever met, and he didn't mind telling you that he loved you either. I will never forget the warmth that filled my heart when he spoke the words "I love you" to me from his death bed. Most of all, Brandon cared for other people above himself. He loved his mother and sisters dearly and did not rest until he knew they were happy, safe, and secure. Brandon also cared deeply for other people. Nicknamed "the little preacher boy" because of his strong faith in Jesus, he would often put his hand upon the forehead of family members and friends and say a special prayer uniquely tailored to their particular needs or circumstances. Yes, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared" for others.
The measure of a life is not in the number of years lived; the quantity of possessions obtained; or the amount of riches, fame, and fortune acquired. The true measure of a life is the love that we give freely to others and the enrichment that we bring to their lives through our words and deeds. Brandon devoted his short life to living fully, loving tenderly, and caring compassionately for others. Life is a gift from God never to be squandered or to be taken for granted. Brandon's life only lasted 7 short years, but his was undoubtedly a life well-lived.
Speaking personally, Brandon has served as a inspiration to me to try to make some changes and improvements in my own life. Just as he did in life, even in death, this young man (the word "boy" just doesn't seem appropriate in reference to Brandon because of advanced maturity) can serve as a role model and example to all, young and old alike, of what being a Christian is all about, loving God and serving our neighbors above ourselves.
Brandon is now marveling at the wonders of Heaven in the presence of Jesus, but his life still speaks volumes to my heart and to the hearts and lives of the many others who knew and loved him. I am proud to have known him and inspired by what I learned about life from him. I know that I can do a much better job in living my life having for just a brief moment in time watched and admired him as he lived his. I am sure that the first thing God said to Brandon upon his arrival in Heaven was "well done, my child, well done." Brandon Webster Dillon's life was well-lived, indeed! God rest his soul.
Please keep Brandon's family in your prayers, and in honor of his memory, please join me in seeking in our own lives to..."live, love, and care".
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Heaven Welcomes My Friend, Brandon!
I lost a dear little friend with a big heart today! Brandon Dillon...the beloved 7-year-old Stuart boy who inspired our community with his courage, his concern for others, and his passion for life...died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, peacefully and victoriously ending his 5-year battle against leukemia. Since age 2, Brandon suffered from acute lympoblastic leukemia, a form or leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells.
Brandon inspired the founding of Faith for the Miracle, a Christian ministry that serves children with cancer or rare diseases and their families. Tammy Bowman, who founded the ministry with her husband Brad, said Brandon was a most remarkable child. "Brandon was very special to me and he was the first child in our ministry. I love him very much, just as if he was my own. We called him our little preacher boy. He loved the Lord so much," said Mrs. Bowman.
The quality for which I will remember Brandon most is his unselfishness, his concern for other people above himself, and his sensitivity to the needs of others, especially to his mother, Tammy Dillon, and his sisters, Tiffany and Sara, whom he loved so much. Brandon never asked for anything for himself without first asking many times for these things wanted or needed by his mother and sisters. He was one of the most protective children I have ever known. He was also very concerned about the well-being of the other 5 children served so far by Faith for the Miracle, asking Mrs. Bowman several weeks before his death to make sure that the other children served by this non-profit ministry are cared for. "Brandon asked me to make sure that I fought for the other kids and helped them," said Mrs. Bowman.
Thankfully, in the weeks and months before his death, with the support of Faith for the Miracle volunteers and many other caring citizens in the community, Brandon had the opportunity to enjoy many special moments, including catching his first fish (a large trout), becoming an honorary fireman, riding a 4-wheeler for the first time, taking a flight in the Air Care helicopter, enjoying appearances by Disney characters at a party given in his honor, going to Chuckie Cheese, singing his rendition of Alan Jackson's song "Small Town Southern Man" on my radio show, visiting the Richard Childress Racing shop, going swimming, and, most special of all, recently visiting his father whom he had not seen in 5 years. In one of his last outings, Brandon asked his mother about 2 weeks ago to bring him to see me at the radio station. On that memorable day, I introduced Brandon to the WHEO staff, gave him a tour of the radio station, and interviewed him for my show. Everyone on the staff took to him immediately, and Brandon became a part of our radio family.
Brandon's survivors include his mother Tammy Dillon; his father, Jeffery Richards; his stepfather, Benny Carter, his sisters, Tiffany Alice and Sara Ann Dillon; 2 brothers, Chris and Willie Lamb; and his grandparents, Virginia and Roger Dillon and Betty Deal.
On behalf of the family, special thanks are extended to the staff of Hospice of Patrick County for their loving care and compassion. The local Hospice of Patrick County team worked so hard to make sure that Brandon was as comfortable, happy, pain-free, and as well cared for as humanly possible in the last weeks of his life.
Brandon touched many hearts during his brief earthly life, especially mine! During the past several months, I have been blessed with opportunities to celebrate his life, to have him on my radio show, to attend his party, to see his joy and enjoy his company at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, and to sit by his bedside and hold his hand as he prepared to join the angels of Heaven. Last Sunday evening, I was sitting there by his bed against a wall completely covered with cards and tokens of love from his many friends and well wishers, and he asked me for a hug. After our friendly embrace, Brandon looked at me and whispered "I love you, Richard." Believe me, the feeling was mutural and that sentiment was shared by countless people in our community and beyond.
Remarkably mature beyond his 7 years, Brandon graced this world for only a short while, but he certainly left an indelible mark upon my heart and the many others who knew and loved him!
No more suffering, no more pain, Brandon has conquered cancer! Jesus welcomed him home today! So long, my friend, Brandon...until we meet again on Heaven's playground!
I love you, Brandon!
Your friend,
Richard
Brandon inspired the founding of Faith for the Miracle, a Christian ministry that serves children with cancer or rare diseases and their families. Tammy Bowman, who founded the ministry with her husband Brad, said Brandon was a most remarkable child. "Brandon was very special to me and he was the first child in our ministry. I love him very much, just as if he was my own. We called him our little preacher boy. He loved the Lord so much," said Mrs. Bowman.
The quality for which I will remember Brandon most is his unselfishness, his concern for other people above himself, and his sensitivity to the needs of others, especially to his mother, Tammy Dillon, and his sisters, Tiffany and Sara, whom he loved so much. Brandon never asked for anything for himself without first asking many times for these things wanted or needed by his mother and sisters. He was one of the most protective children I have ever known. He was also very concerned about the well-being of the other 5 children served so far by Faith for the Miracle, asking Mrs. Bowman several weeks before his death to make sure that the other children served by this non-profit ministry are cared for. "Brandon asked me to make sure that I fought for the other kids and helped them," said Mrs. Bowman.
Thankfully, in the weeks and months before his death, with the support of Faith for the Miracle volunteers and many other caring citizens in the community, Brandon had the opportunity to enjoy many special moments, including catching his first fish (a large trout), becoming an honorary fireman, riding a 4-wheeler for the first time, taking a flight in the Air Care helicopter, enjoying appearances by Disney characters at a party given in his honor, going to Chuckie Cheese, singing his rendition of Alan Jackson's song "Small Town Southern Man" on my radio show, visiting the Richard Childress Racing shop, going swimming, and, most special of all, recently visiting his father whom he had not seen in 5 years. In one of his last outings, Brandon asked his mother about 2 weeks ago to bring him to see me at the radio station. On that memorable day, I introduced Brandon to the WHEO staff, gave him a tour of the radio station, and interviewed him for my show. Everyone on the staff took to him immediately, and Brandon became a part of our radio family.
Brandon's survivors include his mother Tammy Dillon; his father, Jeffery Richards; his stepfather, Benny Carter, his sisters, Tiffany Alice and Sara Ann Dillon; 2 brothers, Chris and Willie Lamb; and his grandparents, Virginia and Roger Dillon and Betty Deal.
On behalf of the family, special thanks are extended to the staff of Hospice of Patrick County for their loving care and compassion. The local Hospice of Patrick County team worked so hard to make sure that Brandon was as comfortable, happy, pain-free, and as well cared for as humanly possible in the last weeks of his life.
Brandon touched many hearts during his brief earthly life, especially mine! During the past several months, I have been blessed with opportunities to celebrate his life, to have him on my radio show, to attend his party, to see his joy and enjoy his company at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, and to sit by his bedside and hold his hand as he prepared to join the angels of Heaven. Last Sunday evening, I was sitting there by his bed against a wall completely covered with cards and tokens of love from his many friends and well wishers, and he asked me for a hug. After our friendly embrace, Brandon looked at me and whispered "I love you, Richard." Believe me, the feeling was mutural and that sentiment was shared by countless people in our community and beyond.
Remarkably mature beyond his 7 years, Brandon graced this world for only a short while, but he certainly left an indelible mark upon my heart and the many others who knew and loved him!
No more suffering, no more pain, Brandon has conquered cancer! Jesus welcomed him home today! So long, my friend, Brandon...until we meet again on Heaven's playground!
I love you, Brandon!
Your friend,
Richard
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