A Dark and Stormy Night

Final Encounter

   "Can you pray for Melba?" my friend asked me. "Sure," I said. But seconds later I wondered what and how I was to pray for her.

   A small crowd encircled Melba's frail body as she lay on a hospital bed. She had been secretly battling cancer for years and now it looked like her time was almost up. I had known Melba since my years with a choral group back in college. She was among the prettiest, smartest, most talented --- always running around organzing, always with a checklist and making sure everyone was on time, on costume, on cue, and ready for action. I always admired her from a distance. Years later, we bumped into each other's lives because of our involvement in cooperative church activities, occasional reunions and through my TGIF emails. After all these years, there she was --- still in the heart of the frenzied activities.

    But today, it was incongruous to see her lying still for once ... gasping for air. I realized this could be the last time our paths would cross. Who would have imagined our lives would have intersected this much and that I would be among the last to say good'bye?

   So how did I pray for her? Well, I knew she was listening; I knew she had faith in Christ; I knew she was aware she was going to die. What else was there to pray for? I simply prayed for a smooth transition from here to eternity. It's sad because I will never see her smile BUT it's joyful because I know exactly where we will meet again. It's so much easier to say good'bye to a fellow believer because of the certainty of what is in the other side.

   Well done Melba. You ran a good race. It's time to rest now. I told Melba I was going to dedicate this edition to her and she smiled ... actually, I think she giggled.

   TGIF people!

Wisdom from Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Political Reconciliation
Contributed by Shag of New York

The last thing I want to do is hurt you ...

... but it's still on my list.

A Dark and Stormy Night
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

This is a looooong Halloween Joke originally sent by Dulce of Vancouver, B.C. way back in 2009

Bob Hill and his new wife Betty were vacationing in Europe... as it happened, near Transylvania. They were driving in a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It was late and raining very hard. Bob could barely see the road in front of the car. Suddenly the car skids out of control! Bob attempts to control the car, but to no avail! The car swerves and smashes into a tree.

Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his wife unconscious, with her head bleeding! Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to get her medical assistance.

Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light. He heads towards the light, which is coming from a large, old house. He approaches the door and knocks.

A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, "Hello, my name is Bob Hill , and this is my wife Betty . We've been in a terrible accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone?"

"I'm sorry," replied the hunchback, "but we don't have a phone. My master is a doctor; come in and I will get him!" Bob brings his wife in.

An older man comes down the stairs. "I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor; I am a scientist ... However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had a basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory"

With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her downstairs, with Bob following closely.

Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries, so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table.

After a brief examination, Igor's master looks worried. "Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion ..." Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more.

The Hills' deaths upset Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory, which houses his grand piano. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house.

Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. His eyes catch movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty's hand twitch, keeping time to the haunting piano music..

Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise, marking the beat! He is further amazed as Betty and Bob both sit up straight!

Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory.

He bursts in and shouts to his master:

"Master, Master! .....
The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music!"

Videos of the week:

Amazing Foot Puppets
Contributor: Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Cute. Original. Funny.

Relaxing in Nature
Contributor: Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Rodney said this video will help you from the stress of the elections. He's right. Beautiful nature and a peaceful music.

Better Photos With Your iPhone
Contributor: Mike of New York

I'd like to welcome Tony to our TGIF family. Tony is one of those people who avoided the 21st century for years. A few days ago he stepped into the future and purchased an iPhone. This video will help you iPhone users take better photos.

Look Ma, I'm a Gymnast!
Contributor: Tom of Pasadena, CA

She's another one of those people who didn't understand they were supposed to have limitations. Have a safe and fun Halloween! TGIF!