April 05, 2008 01:47 am
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A plea to parents
To the editor: How far should a parent go? As far as you have to.
Because teenagers today have a minefield of risky behaviors to navigate — Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Sex — with powerful influences like peer pressure and mixed messages from pop culture, and technologies such as the Internet.
Fortunately, there’s one influence in your teenager’s life that trumps them all. You. So take action.
Let them know just where you stand on risk-taking and its consequences. And spell things out, because it’s the contract both you and your teen will be living by. Set clear rules with your teen for safety and guidance. That’s right, getting them to agree to the rules and understand the consequences gives them more responsibility and every teen wants that.
And yes, do keep close tabs on your teens. Know where they are and who they’re with. Cell phones make it easier than ever to just “check in.” It’s not saying you don’t trust your teen, its saying you care. Get on the Internet, too. Familiarize yourself with the kind of content they might be exposed to.
Above all else, one of the most powerful things you can do for your teenager is to set a good example when it comes to drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Respect them, be honest with them, be clear with them and they’ll do the same.
Everyone wins.
Samantha Stroube, parent
and member of IMPACT Corsicana, an initiative of Drug Prevention Resources, Inc.
Remembering Cpl. O’Brien
To the Editor: On March 27, Corley Funeral Home assisted with the funeral of Cpl. William David O’Brien. Cpl. O’Brien was killed while on patrol in Iraq. Cpl. O’Brien was one of our local young people serving currently in Iraq. And he also gave his life in the service of our country. His family wished to lay him alongside others who answered the call to duty at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.
We put out several requests to local law enforcement for assistance to transport the body, accompanied by his family and friends to Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. The entire Rice Police Department answered this request from the funeral home and the family. Sheriff Les Cotten of the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department also rendered aid to this fallen son of Navarro County, and his grieving family.
We ask that Sheriff Les Cotten and the members of Rice Police Department and Deputy Scott Stephens be acknowledge for this job well done. They honored our community and the family of Cpl. William O’Brien who gave his all, not only for his country, but for freedom loving people across the globe.
We also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Corsicana Police Department for assisting with local traffic control, and escorting the procession from Corsicana Municipal Airport to the funeral home upon the arrival of the remains of Cpl. William David O’Brien, and also for assisting the funeral procession to access Interstate 45 following the service at Northside Baptist Church.
Capt. Kenneth Kirkwood, Sgt. Todd Morris and the A shift, and Sgt. Jimmy Hensley and the C shift, we appreciate all you were able to do. Deputies Kris Matthews, Frieda Wafer and Sgt. Johnny Lake, we also acknowledge your service to honor William David O’Brien. Our special thanks to Navarro College Police for their assistance as well.
Toby L. Ratliff, funeral director
Douglas E. Wilson, general manager
Talk about friendly ...
To the Editor: Thanks so much to the friendly people in Powell. I had a flat tire and while changing it at their post office, I had so many people ask me if I needed any help. The friendly employee at Bancroft’s Pecans loaned me an Allen wrench. One especially friendly man had every tool imaginable in his truck. He let me borrow them which made the job much faster. One gentleman even showed this city boy some tips to make my “pit stop” go much quicker. I never knew that was where you were supposed to put the jack! That’s probably why my jack always fell over in the past. Because I am someone who prides myself in beating my previous record time when changing a flat tire, I’m better equipped now after my experience in Powell. Finally as a religious man, I have to give credit to God for being so active in Powell that morning through all of these folks. The people of Powell really inspired me that day. Thanks again!
John Coker
Thankful for treatment
To the Editor: Don Harvey wrote an excellent letter in your March 16 issue regarding life-saving advice. I’d like to add something very important — his advice doesn’t apply only to the “guys” out there.
During a recent checkup in January, I complained of fatigue and mild chest discomfort. My primary care physician, Dr. William McHenry, remarked on my family history of heart disease and the fact that women’s symptoms are quite different from men’s. He did not want to take any chances and immediately scheduled me for a consultation with at cardiac specialist at Baylor Heart Place at Navarro Regional Hospital. That consultation led to a stress test and an angiogram that revealed 90-percent blockage in a major artery. Ultimately, bypass surgery was performed at Baylor in Dallas.
Due to the fast, competent action of the doctors involved, I now have a successful bypass of an artery often referred to as the “widow maker” (or in my case, “widower maker”). My prognosis is excellent, and my husband and I are so very thankful to Dr. William McHenry, Dr. Shelley Hall, and Dr. Baron Hammon for giving me a new lease on life.
So, “gals,” don’t wait or ignore symptoms — have your doctor check you out. It could save your life!
Nancy Y. Ryan
Kudos to Youth Expo crew
To the Editor: Youth Expo ... Wow! Just wanted to say what a great job everyone did. The whole barn was clean, everything was decorated nice. The banners and all the decorations were done first class. The sale and steak dinner on Saturday, well, all I can say is wow. Great job.
Camille McCain
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