Honor. Courage. Commitment.

Did you see this story?

Boy made honorary Marine before death

Updated: Tuesday, 01 May 2012, 10:01 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 30 Apr 2012, 6:51 PM EDT

• Elisabeth Rentschler

FLORA, Ind. (WLFI) – 12-year-old Cody Green has always admired the strength and courage of the marines. At 12:35 Saturday afternoon, it was the Marines admiring the strength and courage of Cody.

Cody had leukemia since he was 22 months old, but beat the disease three times. Although he was cancer-free, the chemotherapy lowered his immune system and Saturday afternoon, he died from a fungus that attacked his brain. Members of the Marines decided to step in and do something.

“They decided Cody, with the strength and honor and courage he showed through the whole thing, he should be a Marine,” said Cody’s father David Snowberger.

Cody was given Marine navigator wings and was made an honorary member of the United States Marine Corps. For one Marine, that wasn’t enough, so he did even more.

“The night before Cody passed, he stood guard at Cody’s door at the hospital all night long for eight hours straight,” said Snowberger.

Cody was a fifth grader at Carroll Elementary School and, if you asked anyone, could only be described in one way.

“He was a comedian all the time,” said Snowberger. “I mean, nothing was ever negative. He was just always happy, always worried about everybody else.”

That’s why it made it so tough for Carroll Elementary Assistant Principal Roy Hufford to make the call to students. This call, he hopes nobody should ever have to make.

“Basically, I just said that it’s with a heavy heart that we have to let you know that Cody Green, a fifth grader, has passed away,” said Hufford.

On Monday, trees outside Carroll Elementary School were decorated with green ribbons, Cody’s favorite color. Students also wrote messages on green balloons and then released them in Cody’s honor.

Although there were tears, there was also laughter, as everyone took the day to celebrate the life of Cody Green.

A memorial service for Cody Green will be held at Carroll Elementary School on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. All contributions will be donated to the cancer unit at Riley Children’s Hospital.

12 Year-Old Cancer Victim Cody Green Becomes An Honorary Marine

Posted by Andrea Ryan on Thursday, May 3, 2012, 12:42 AM

12-year-old Cody Green had been seriously ill for much of his short life, but his courage impressed the Marines. (Daily Mail)

By: Andrea Ryan

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

These are the core values that define a U.S. Marine. Along with their solemn code of Semper Fidelis, it is what makes elite warriors of the few and the proud and distinguishes them as individuals bonded together by loyalty and enduring greatness.

Cody Green, a young 12 year old boy in Indiana battling leukemia, shared these characteristics and the local Marine Corps recognized them. With the “strength and honor and courage” he showed through his long struggle to be rid of his disease they decided to make the brave, young admirer of the U.S. Marines an honorary Marine, himself.
The Daily Mail has the bittersweet story,

Throughout his short life, young Cody Green had admired the bravery of the U.S. Marines.

But after years spent battling leukaemia, it was the youngster’s courage fighting cancer which inspired his heroes to honour his bravery.

The 12-year-old from Indiana had suffered from the disease throughout his life. First diagnosed just before his second birthday, he had beaten leukaemia three times – but the chemotherapy had reduced his immune system and, last weekend, he died from a fungus which attacked his brain.

And standing guard outside his hospital room that night was a local Marine named Mark Dolfini who was so moved by Cody’s continued cancer battle that he decreed the 12-year-old to be a honorary member of the elite military unit. …

Cody’s repeat cancer battle inspired the local Marines, who thought ‘he’s fought as hard as any marine has and because of that we’re going to honour him’. …

The youngster’s father David Snowberger told local station WLFI: ‘They decided Cody, with the strength and honour and courage he showed through the whole thing, he should be a Marine.’

When Cody’s condition took a turn for the worse on Friday night, his family got in touch with a local Marine who said that he would rush to the hospital to be with the boy during his final hours.

Former Marine Mark Dolfini, 39, who was introduced to Cody through Mr Snowberger, presented the boy with a flag and Marine navigator wings. …

In keeping with the Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, latin for always faithful, the Marine stood post outside of Cody’s door all night, saluting Mrs Green as she went in and out of the room, right up until Cody passed on Saturday.

‘The night before Cody passed, he stood guard at Cody’s door at the hospital all night long for eight hours straight,’ Mr Snowberger said.

Mr Dolfini, who was initially hesitant to go public for fear it would take away from Cody’s story, spoke with MailIOnline, telling how he knew he had to spend the night guarding Cody’s door because it was what he deserved.

Honour guard: Mark Dolfini, 39, a local Marine, was so moved by Cody’s story that he helped make the 12-year-old an honorary Marine before he passed on Saturday due to an infection related to cancer. (Daily Mail)

Dwight Moody once said, “character is what you are in the dark”. May this poignant story be an inspiring reminder that great virtue does exist and may the inner strength of Cody Green live on to carry his family through.

List — Top 100 Love Songs for Weddings

No, I’m not getting married. But my latest “hobby” is making list of music to put on my iPod. Here is one of the lists that I have been working on. You never know when somebody will need a list of love songs for their wedding. I always like to be prepared. Top 100 Love Songs for Weddings

#	Song Title	Year	Artist
1	Let’s Get It On	1973	Marvin Gaye
2	The Rose	1980	Bette Midler
3	Love Me Tender	1956	Elvis Presley
4	Thank You	1999	Dido
5	More Than Words	1990	Extreme
6	Building A Mystery	1997	Sarah McLachlan
7	It’s Only Love	1977	The Beatles
8	Let’s Stay Together	1972	Al Green
9	You’re The First, The Last, My Everything	1975	Barry White
10	I’ll Be There	1970	The Jackson 5
11	Nothing Compares 2 U	1990	Sinead O’Connor
12	I Got You Babe	1965	Sonny & Cher
13	Wicked Game	1989	Chris Isaak
14	Wonderful Tonight	1978	Eric Clapton
15	Faithfully – 1983 Journey	1964	The Beatles
16.	And I Love Her – 1964 The Beatles And I Love Her	1979	Cheap Trick
17.	I Want You To Want Me	1984	George Michael/Wham!
18.	Careless Whisper	1971	The Carpenters
19.	Superstar	1971	The Carpenters
20.	I Will Always Love You	1992	Whitney Houston
21.	Endless Love	1981	Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
22.	I Would Die 4 U	1984	Prince
23.	Always	1987	Atlantic Starr
24.	That’s The Way Love Goes	1993	Janet Jackson
25.	Maybe I’m Amazed	1970	Paul McCartney
26.	P.S. I Love You	1964	The Beatles
27.	Alison	1977	Elvis Costello
28.	Your Song	1971	Elton John
29.	Wild Thing	1966	The Troggs
30.	Feelings	1975	Morris Albert
31.	Fallin’	2001	Alicia Keys
32.	Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic	1981	The Police
33.	I’ll Make Love To You	1994	Boyz II Men
34.	Time After Time	1984	Cyndi Lauper
35.	This Boy	1964	The Beatles
36.	Best Of My Love	1977	The Emotions
37.	She’s Got A Way	1971	Billy Joel
38.	I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)	1993	Meat Loaf
39.	Three Times A Lady	1978	The Commodores
40.	It Must Have Been Love	1986	Roxette
41.	I Just Want To Be Your Everything	1977	Andy Gibb
42.	First Time Ever I Saw Your Face	1972	Roberta Flack
43.	Nobody Wants To Be Lonely	2000	Ricky Martin
44.	Unchained Melody	1965	The Righteous Brothers
45.	I Need Love	1987	LL Cool J
46.	Love To Love You Baby	1976	Donna Summer
47.	I Want To Know What Love Is	1985	Foreigner
48.	My Heart Will Go On	1997	Celine Dion
49.	Eternal Flame	1988	The Bangles
50.	How Do I Live	1997	LeAnn Rimes
51.	Baby, I Love Your Way	1976	Peter Frampton
52.	Hero	2001	Enrique Iglesias
53.	Roxanne	1978	Sting & The Police
54.	Tell Me What You See	1965	The Beatles
55.	I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing	2002	Aerosmith
56.	Here And Now	1989	Luther Vandross
57.	Don’t Speak	1995	No Doubt
58.	Crazy For You	1987	Madonna
59.	Stop To Love	1986	Luther Vandross
60.	Total Eclipse Of The Heart	1983	Bonnie Tyler
61.	How Deep Is Your Love	1978	The Bee Gees
62.	Heartbreak Hotel	1956	Elvis Presley
63.	I’ll Follow The Sun	1964	The Beatles
64.	Open Arms	1982	Journey
65.	Breathe	1999	Faith Hill
66.	You’re The One That I Want	1978	John Travolta w/ Olivia Newton-John
67.	Happy Together	1967	The Turtles
68.	I’ll Stand By You	1994	The Pretenders
69.	You Don’t Bring Me Flowers	1979	Barbra Streisand w/ Neil Diamond
70.	All Out Of Love	1980	Air Supply
71.	Secret Garden	1995	Bruce Springsteen
72.	We Belong	1985	Pat Benatar
73.	Un-break My Heart	1996	Toni Braxton
74.	I Will	1968	The Beatles
75.	You’re In My Heart	1978	Rod Stewart
76.	This I Promise You	2000	NSYNC
77.	Unforgettable	1991	Natalie Cole f/ Nat King Cole
78.	I’ll Be There For You	1989	Bon Jovi
79.	Girl	1965	The Beatles
80.	All Cried Out	1986	Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam w/ Full Force
81.	Iris	1998	Goo Goo Dolls
82.	More Than A Feeling	1976	Boston
83.	By Your Side	2000	Sade
84.	If I Fell	1964	The Beatles
85.	Love Will Keep Us Together	1975	Captain & Tennille
86.	Never Tear Us Apart	1988	INXS
87.	I Feel For You	1984	Chaka Khan
88.	Alone	1987	Heart
89.	I Can’t Make You Love Me	1991	Bonnie Raitt
90.	Woman	1981	John Lennon
91.	Here There And Everywhere	1966	The Beatles
92.	You Are The Sunshine Of My Life	1973	Stevie Wonder
93.	(Everything I Do) I Do It For You	1991	Bryan Adams
94.	You’re Still The One	1997	Shania Twain
95.	You Are So Beautiful	1975	Joe Cocker
96.	Always On My Mind	1982	Willie Nelson
97.	Because You Loved Me	1996	Celine Dion
98.	Melt With You	1983	Modern English
99.	Save The Best For Last	1991	Vanessa Williams
100.	Words Of Love	1964	The Beatles

From Here To The Moon And Back

A friend of mine made a video for her friend who lost their 2-year old daughter. One of the songs that she used was “From Here To The Moon And Back” by Dolly Parton. This song was from the movie soundtrack, “Joyful Noise.”

Abby did such an amazing job making this video. It’s got to be one of the hardest things to make. I made a video for my mom and I was amazed that I could see through my tears while I was making it.

I had never heard that song before, so when I was watching the video, I was a mess. Seeing the pictures of the little girl and listening to the lyrics of the song, it was so touching. Thanks to Abby for introducing me to another song I had not heard.

Just a warning, if you are feeling a little blue or missing someone, thinking of someone or PMSing… make sure you have some tissues ready while you listen to this.

Here are the lyrics to the song.

From Here To The Moon And Back
By: Dolly Parton

I could hold out my arms, say “I love you this much”
I could tell you how long I will long for your touch
How much and how far would I go to prove
The depth and the breadth of my love for you?

From here to the moon and back
Who else in this world will love you like that?
Love everlasting, I promise you that
From here to the moon and back
From here to the moon and back

I want you to know you can always depend
On promises made and love without end
No need to wonder how faithful I’ll be
Now and on into eternity

From here to the moon and back
Who else in this world will love you like that?
Forever and always, I’ll be where you’re at
From here to the moon and back
From here to the moon and back

I would blow you a kiss from the star where I sat
I would call out your name to echo through the vast
Thank heaven for you and to God, tip my hat
From here to the moon and back
And I’ll spend forever just proving that fact
From here to the moon and back

Life is Too Short

I saw this on my prima (cousin), Jennifer, Facebook page and wanted to share it. As I have said before, it’s the simple stuff that will get you through the day and/or your life. Thanks for posting it Jenn!

Sugar Wafer Cookies

Today at work, someone mentioned Sugar Wafer Cookies. I have not had or thought of sugar wafer cookies in a long time. But when I went shopping after work, one of the things I got were some sugar wafer cookies.

 

So me being me, I had to get all three flavors they had there, Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate. Well, I was patient and I waited to eat them after I got done with my dinner. I was so excited about eating them. They looked so pretty on the plate. I ate one, then two and then a third one. Well, after the third one, I was done with them, I forgot how sweet they were or it could of been the grape Kool-Aid I was washing them down with. But, I digress, the cookies were what I remember. I guess being a kid, you like things that were sweet, but as an adult your tastes change.

Maybe I think I like them because my mom liked them. I remember every once in a while, there would be a package of sugar wafer cookies in the house and before I knew it, they were gone.

So, I have had my fill of the sugar wafers. I’m going to take the rest of them to work to share with my co-workers. Hopefully that next thing that someone says at work doesn’t get stuck in my head!

 

 

Neil Armstrong… An American Hero.

 

Neil Armstrong (August 5, 1930 – August 25, 2012)

 

American icon Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, died Saturday (Aug. 25) due to heart-surgery complications.

“Neil Armstrong was a hero not just of his time, but of all time,” said President Barack Obama in a statement. “Thank you, Neil, for showing us the power of one small step.”

 

 

Neil A. Armstrong
1930 -2012

You made us all proud. Rest in peace, Neil.

Statement from the Family of Neil Armstrong
Saturday, August 25, 2012

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

“Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

“He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

“As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.

“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

“For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

——-

Further information may be found at www.neilarmstronginfo.com.

 

R.I.P. Neil Armstrong

The Streets in Heaven

The streets in heaven are getting more crowded every day. I know everyday people pass away and life goes on. But when someone, a celebrity, dies, it makes me sad.

Yesterday, Jerry Nelson (July 10, 1934 – August 23, 2012) who was a puppeteer, best known for his work with The Muppets died. His voice was also in the characters from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and various Muppet movies and specials.

Jerry Nelson with his muppet character, The Count von Count.
(Larry Busacca/Getty Images for AFTRA)

One of his characters was one of my favorites from Sesame Street… vampire Count von Count.

I loved the Count. Even to this day, I catch myself doing the Count laugh, “AH AH AH AH AH!” I could be counting books and then all of a sudden; “One application… AH AH AH! Two applications…” I wonder if anyone else does that?

Like I said, I know people die, but when it’s someone that you remember from your childhood, even if it’s just a voice, it’s sad.

Here is a video of the Count and Cookie Monster. When I found this video and watched it, I starting to crack myself up! Even after all these years and me, being a wise (semi-wise) grown-up, I was laughing out loud.

Check out how Cookie Monster imitates the Count at the end… too funny!

So thank you Jerry Nelson for making my childhood and adulthood a little funnier!

Happy Birthday, Brad Keesler

Today is my nephew, Brad Keesler’s birthday. Brad is 25 years old today! I remember when my sister, Cynthia, told me when she was pregnant with Brad. And ever since that moment, I have been 100% in love with him.

Brad Keesler (2011)

I am the luckiest Aunt in the world to have such a wonderful young man as my nephew.

I hope you have a fantastic birthday, Brad. The best is yet to come and you are a shining star!

I love you more than words can say. Thank you to my sister, Cynthia and brother-in-law, Dan for bringing Brad into this world and to my niece, Pam for just you!
Your Aunt

And, what kind of Aunt would I be if I didn’t post a picture of when you were little??!!

Young Brad Keesler

To what Brad is up to, check out his website:

Thank you for visiting the website of Brad Keesler, trombonist. Here you you will find information about me, various multimedia files, upcoming performances

Laugh for the Day

I saw this on my cousin, Vickie’s Facebook page. I wonder who comes up with this stuff?
Zombie Fingers

Song of the Day — Stuck In The Middle With You

Song of the day — “Stuck in the Middle With You” (1973) by Stealers Wheel.

 

 

Growing up, I would have sworn on ten Bibles that I thought George Harrison sang this song. I have no idea why I thought that. I really wasn’t a George Harrison fan, so there wouldn’t be any reason I would want this song to be sung by him.

Then, as I got older a and a little wiser… I found out the Stealers Wheel sang this song and you never guess who was a member of Stealer’s Wheel… Gerry Rafferty (Joe Egan was the other member of the group)! I know, did you know that?

It amazes me that I know anything at all! I didn’t care for this song when it first came out. It was only when I got older that I learned to appreciate the music from the 70’s.