Port Lavaca Mayor Jack Whitlow declared “Mental Health Week” at Memorial Medical Center, Monday, May 23, where the Charlie Rose DVD “The Mentally Ill Brain” was shown by NAMI -Victoria.
Pictured from left to right are Randy Snider, NAMI-Victoria Board Member; Patsy Weppler, NAMI-Victoria President; Jack Whitlow, Mayor of Port Lavaca; and Michael Snider, NAMI-Victoria Board Member.
To learn more about NAMI, visit the web site:
www.namivictoria.org or find them on Facebook under “NAMI Victoria”.

Dads are a special breed. Not better, nor more important than moms, just unique in ways God made them to be. Maybe God made man first because He knew that man was going to take a little more time and attention. And maybe God knew how much responsibility would be placed on men – to provide, protect, lead, and love – and saw the wisdom of making him a little bigger and stronger physically than his “completer”.

Dads seem to be made physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually to need and enjoy challenge and adventure. Watch little boys at play and it is easy to see “a man under construction”. They are rougher than little girls, and generally more active. They are very physical. Little boys grow up to be builders, warriors, and mountain climbers. They are usually more daring than fearful…probably why God made mothers, sisters, and wives to balance out the testosterone, and increase the likelihood of a male’s survival to maturity.

My dad is 86 and has taught me a lot of things that I wish to share with you.

1. An appreciation for God’s creation. Dad was no “tree hugger”, but he taught me to appreciate everything from wildlife and cattle to the majestic mountains to tender garden plants. All of these were God’s creations to Dad and to be cared for and used appropriately.

2. Put others first. I remember when we were attending church at Timber Ridge, when families had a hardship a special love offering would be received. One day Pastor Baker told us that a family needed special help, and I saw Dad dig into his wallet and give the best he could. Then the Pastor called Dad and Mom forward and presented the offering to them, because we had just had a storage building burn and the congregation wanted to help us. I remember Dad cried! He always wanted to help others, but it touched his heart that someone would help us!

3. Embrace people who are different. Everyone was a potential friend to Dad. After most of us kids were out of elementary school, Dad and Mom went and found other kids, those who had some kind of handicap, to share our home with. I cannot remember all the kids names, but I do remember a down-syndrome child, Teresa, who, because of our working with her, learned to be a productive member of society.

4. Patience is a virtue. Dad demonstrated the importance of working through a problem rather than just giving up and judging the problem unsolvable. No matter what task he undertook, he would stay with it until it was done, and done correctly.

5. Nobody’s perfect. Dad accepted the Lord shortly after I was born, so I never heard him use a swear word. I did see him get upset – even very angry – but he never stayed mad. I have said many times that I never saw Dad or Mom sin, but they never claimed perfection!

6. Appreciate the experience, no matter the outcome. I know in Port O’Connor, we get used to “catching”, but Dad taught us the joy of “fishing”, even if the stringer was empty when we returned home. A day in the outdoors was great…”If we catch fish, that’s a bonus.” To this day, I enjoy fishing and hunting, but will never do it alone – I always want to share these experiences with others.

7. Love your wife, unconditionally. Dad and Mom had 62 years as husband and wife. I remember Mom not feeling good a few times, and saw Dad get home from a hard day’s work and still fix supper for us kids. We never liked those “meals” because they were always “one course” – everything went into the same pot! “It will all mix anyway,” was his explanation. When Mom was dying, Dad was there every step of the journey, loving Mom and, by example, teaching me to love Joane unconditionally.

8. Take pride in your family and encourage them. Maybe it was because we lived in Oklahoma, but “seldom was heard a discouraging word…” Dad taught me that just because we were poor, we never were inferior. When I received a scholarship to attend a new university in Tulsa, Dad helped me take the old GMC pickup, that had been painted with a brush, and get it spray painted. I am sure I had the oldest vehicle on campus, and the only pickup, but most everyone wanted to double date in it.

9. Never try to impress the crowd. I never remember Dad playing golf. I have a set of clubs, but rarely get to use them. I remember playing with Thurman Fountain, a great golfer, who never made long drives, but were always well placed. He said, “Drives are for show, but putts are for dough.” Dad always taught me that even when misunderstood by the crowd, if I did what was right, I impressed the Lord and that was what I should be doing.

10. Be in church. Dad and Mom never sent us to church; they always took us! I remember once when we were moving, we had to miss Sunday services, and Dad continuously apologized to us for having to miss church. We did not attend big churches, and with five kids plus our extras, we made up a chunk of attendees. It was not that missing church was a sin, but it was a way of us telling the community that we loved and served the Lord.

Dads, as we help you celebrate your special day, I trust that you can find some lessons my dad taught me that will help you be a better dad for your children. Happy Father’s Day!

I’m a firm believer in the old saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” God puts us in people’s lives for a purpose and this past Saturday, I was put directly in front of that line of thought and once again, the Power of Prayer.

I walked into the flight school and there stood a family that would soon remind me how many of us who walk this earth often take for granted that, every day, we have with us the people we care most about.

A smiling face greeted me, and I will forever remember Reyna Martinez’s excitement that morning. As I learned their story and became familiarized with the family, tears swelled in my eyes. Twelve-year-old Reyna recently began to experience migraine headaches and in turn, has spent many hours at the hospital seeking a diagnosis.

Her father told us, “I stood outside and kept thinking about what we could do to lift her spirits after one of the doctor visits in Austin. Then, I remembered how Reyna’s face lit up when she was around the planes at Wings of Freedom.”

Indeed, this girl’s passion for flight is apparent. Her father, Joel Rodriguez, took her to the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week and she was one of the 98 young girls whom Dianna Stanger took on a helicopter ride in April of this year. “It started out after my helicopter ride,” Reyna explained. “You see how things are from the air and it changes your perspective.”

Since then she discovered her passion for flight; she unfortunately missed out on other recent aviation events due to doctor’s visits. “Reyna is a devoted student; this has also affected her schooling,” Reyna’s mother, JoAnn Benevidez said to me.

With all of the negativity in their life, Joel decided to seek advice from a close friend who is a pilot, Michael Solomon. And he knew just where to reach him – the Calhoun Air Center location in Victoria.

While Michael was not the voice on the other line, Beckey Boyd Gooden’s was. Following a series of questions, Joel opened up to Beckey. “I guess it was because it was someone new that listened to me, I felt comfortable talking to her and told her about Reyna’s condition. I never dreamed we would be standing here today because of it.”

A couple of phone calls and emails later the family was invited on a discovery flight around Victoria and Calhoun County on Saturday, June 4th.

“It just overwhelmed me,” Joel said. “She brings so much light to our lives. Many times we pray Matthew 5:16 in seek of comfort.”

Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

“This has been the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a hard week, but this has helped us get through it,” Joel said. “It feels like our prayers have been answered, I was telling Reyna. We’re very positive about the future.”

Then it was time to take flight! Airport manager, Steve Plunkett, flew the family over Victoria, Port O’Connor and back along the coast. He even flew them over their home! Plus Reyna flew the Cessna 172 Skyhawk for awhile. The excitement on her face was overwhelming once they landed.

Reyna radiates with excitement as she prepares for her Discovery Flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk.

Although Reyna still feels like a normal person it’s difficult to ignore the constant pain; in addition, she worries about her family and all of the medical expenses they will bear. “I’m really grateful; I feel really special,” she said as she stepped out of the Cessna. “This experience helped to melt the pain away.” Even though she is only 12, Reyna is one of the lucky people who know exactly what she wants to be when she grows up.

“I thought it was just a place where planes flew in and out of,” said the young girl. “I didn’t know there was so much going on out here. Is it ok if I come back tomorrow?”

As Steve said good-bye to family, he turned and hugged the 12-year old, “Reyna, it was a privilege.” And indeed it was for all that were blessed to be a part of such a life-changing experience. I don’t think it was just me who was teary-eyed by the end of the flight.

It’s important to remember how this family’s life was forever changed because of the Power of Prayer. It’s also important to put time aside to help others because we never know when the tables will turn. My prayers go out to this family. I wish you well, Reyna and hope to fly with you someday. Till next time!

Joel, Reyna and JoAnna pose for a photo they will cherish forever.

An account for donations has been started at IBC Bank at H-E-B in Victoria, Texas to help with Reyna’s medical expenses and upcoming surgery. Please help contribute with a monetary donation, the account number for Reyna Martinez is: 2810282897.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
Keegan & Zac Short

Susan Roberts will be teaching clogging at the Baptist Church in Seadrift every Tuesday this summer starting on June 7. The beginner classes will begin at 1 p.m. and the intermediate classes will begin at 2 p.m. The beginning classes are open to both kids and adults.