12 Days of Christmas still going

On Dec. 28, Raymond Carey’s “Farewell Christmas Tree” poem lamented that Christmas had ended and his tree must go back to the storage shed. A gentle reminder to all that the Christmas season begins, rather than ends, on Dec. 25.

The Christmas season lasts for 12 full days — thus the words of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” On Jan. 6, after the 12 days of Christmas, the church celebrates the epiphany, when Jesus’ glory was manifested in an epiphany to the wise men.

Therefore, do not take down that Christmas tree just yet. Celebrate all of the 12 days of Christmas with joy, peace and goodwill toward all people. 

The Rev. Jeff Fisher

Waco

Top 10 predictions for 2010

With the New Year upon us, I have drawn up my predictions for 2010:

* We will be out of Iraq and Afghanistan by year’s end and Osama bin Laden will be granted honorary U. S. citizenship.

* Ralph Nader will announce his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination for 2012. Sarah Palin will run for governor of Guam.

* Baylor football will win the Big 12 and face TCU in the Orange Bowl.

* U.S. oil companies will admit to collusion and profiteering and gas prices will drop below $1 per gallon.

* Tiger Woods will win the 2010 Demolition Derby.

* South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford will become a Cistercian monk.

* Baylor’s board of regents will ask Bill Underwood to return as president.

* Andy Rooney will have nothing to say.

* Pigs will fly.

* Hell will freeze over.

C. W. Christian

Waco

Organ donors sought this year

I have always known I would like to be an organ donor when I die. Now that I am married I have made certain my husband knows my wishes also.

This decision is the only one that makes sense to me as I won’t need any of my organs after I am dead.

Recently, a young lady named Lisa has come into my life who last year was added to a heart transplant list. I have shared with her that I would love for her to have any of my spare parts if I should die, but I do not know when and where I will meet my demise and if it would work out for her.

Please think over and share your wishes for organ donation with your family. An unexpected death is a heart-wrenching experience where relatives sometimes cannot see past their grief. Knowing what your loved one would like done would make it so much easier at that time. It would be a way to honor them and could also save another person’s life. I would be so grateful if it would save my friend Lisa’s life.

Angela Carothers

Hewitt

Passing job onto next generation

At the end of February, I will retire from my job with the federal government after 33 years and four months of service.

My father — who imparted great wisdom to all his seven children before his death — retired from Chrysler at the age of 62. He said it was time for a younger man to have the opportunity to have a good job. After that he worked at menial part-time jobs to help supplement my mom’s income.

He has been gone 12 years, but his lessons have stayed with his children. We have all done well, and now I know it is time for me to step aside and let a younger woman or man have this opportunity.

I wish my successor the best. Working for the federal government is definitely one of the best jobs out there. So if you see an old woman sitting on her porch in Whitney, just rocking and reading, please know that I am enjoying every minute of it.

Sandra Gilbert

Whitney

Grateful for Lorena’s support

I have a grandson who plays for the Lorena football team, and I have supported them every week. I want to tell readers that what I experienced this past season has been a great community and school. They came together and supported each other in every way possible.

Week after week the support for these athletes was outstanding. Lorena had a great year and we are so proud of them.

We hear of so many bad things going on involving youth. Well, I want to say there are good things going on in Lorena and these kids are great.

I congratulate every one of them. If you have the opportunity, please tell them how proud you are of them as well. Also, to the coaches we say “thank you” for a great year. Thanks again, Lorena, for a year that we shall never forget.

Beverly Bridger

Waco

Less construction expansion

As our climate changes, we need to come up with better solutions to help animals such as polar bears and wolves find a place in this world as well.

Contractors need to be thinking about building within cities instead of building farther out. They’re hurting our environment and raising the costs of food as there is less land to grow crops on.

Seawalls are being built on the coasts in order for people to live next to the oceans. These seawalls are also hurting our planet.

When getting ready to purchase a home this new year, please keep these things in mind. Coming up with new ideas to help our environment will not only help us now, but for many generations to come.

Alicia Curione

Waco