The Ripple Carries On

As most of you know, I now work at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow (CFA). Yesterday, 5/5/11, camp received a phone call from a new camper mom looking for me. She is a past girlfriend of Woodle and had talked about me while they were dating. Since he talked highly of me, she trusted what he said years ago and was willing to send her kids to the camp were I worked. I am still waiting to talk to her - phone tag - but I just love how the ripples just keep going. Woodle - you are loved, your are missed, and you are still making a difference.
Allison

People Are Crazy

Every time I hear Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy", I smile and think of Woodle. I can hear him saying, "Beer is good, People are crazy"

He may be gone, but his spirit still soars. Love and miss you my friend.

Woodle's Dog

Jenny asked me to post (and now a week later I remember!) this about Woodle's dog. Who was the person that came to visit in his last few weeks and talked to Jenny about taking his dog? Please contact me or Jenny.

Thanks!

Watermelon Postulate

In his hand writing, Woodle wrote: If something happens to you and you think it sucks at the time then you can see this as a Big Fat Watermelon...Have you ever sat down and ate a Big Fat watermelon? - Well, having eaten that watermelon and survived just fine the next time something shitty happens to you that you must eat. Then you can look back at that last Big Fat Watermelon and deduce that since you ate that watermelon - this one ain't shit. Woodle '96

Aug 2008 Reunion

Please watch for updates on the next CGS Reunion Aug 8-10, 2008

Follow this link for up to date info

http://cgsreunion08.blogspot.com/

Lisa Shimer Chick Message

Message from Shimer - I added in the picture of "The block" we tagged for Woodle. I realize you can not read it, but it was a great bonding moment for the group.

Lisa writes:
Woodle's memorial was a great tribute to the guy he was & how we will always remember him. Tears and laughs all at the same time. We know those of you that were not able to make it, were thinking of him and his family. The video tribute brought back people faces & memories some of us had not thought of. We all got safely to Frontier camp for more visitng, food & story telling. Woodle must of been watching over us & laughing since we were in nice clothes - he didn't want any of us to have to change a tire. We also took a bunch of pictures & signed a block on the wall in the Frontier Corral that had NOT been written on. We had a little camp fire before everyone had to leave. I wanted everyone to have something to remind of us Woodle & the memories we have that we can hang on to. I gave everyone a horseshoe. We all remember him and Dancer, wearing a cowboy hat & not wearing a shirt.This was something I thought of since we couldn't have the others. Anyway, after I got home, I realized there was more to this horseshoe. When you put 2 of them side-by-side - it makes a "W" for Woodle & turn one sideways & it makes a "C" for Camp. Thank you BA for the Woodle Alphabet. Also a few were linked together - kind of like the barrel of monkies we had when we were kids. The opening in the horseshoe is a sign of Woodle that he's wrapping he's big arms around us & picking us up. Dave Vincent talked about that at the service. For those of you that left early or unable to come. I ask that you get a horseshoe in memory of Woodle. If you can't find one(because you don't have a Tractor Supply in Dallas!) let me know, I'll send you one. Those of you that got one, send someone else one that you know will want one & that may not get this email. Something so simple, now with so much meaning . Woodle could make the simplest things mean so much. When any of ya'll pick it up & or look at it, remind yourself - there is another one linked on each side of you or if we all hold them up next to each other - we've made a bunch ofW's. I brought one to work this morning - It makes a good paperweight & I can see it everyday!!

Jenny, I hope you get this. It was nice to meet you.

Harris Glass if you get this I need your address.

Allison can you post the watermelon quote

Love ya'll
Lisa

Memorial Services

The memorial services for Woodle were very nice and appropriate. Lots of music and pictures. Tina and her husband did a great job creating a video tribute with pictures from birth until now, complete with songs.

The gathering at Frontier Camp was nice. Once Dean brought the food out, the bonding and catching up began. Close to sunset and is when we really started to let loose. I think our visit to the corral helped and gave us all a place to really feel as one. After a refreshing dip in the lake,let me tell you, it was a full moon if you know what I mean(who can resist!), we wrapped up the night at the Rockin' S (PK Pizza, Wayne Dogs, Red Dogs, etc). I think Woodle would have enjoyed watching the generation of camp staff become one. From what we can remember, Jay Craddock led the pack starting his staff career in 1982 taking us all the way to Andrea Walters and Dean who both currently work at camp, but also worked with Woodle.

Thanks to all who made the journey to Eastland and Camp and all those who were with us in spirit. We will miss our friend, but know he will always be with us pushing us to grow greater and laugh more.

Front: Jenny, Joanne

Second: Shane, Amy, Kim (baby Reed), Jenny's friend, Shimer (I'm pretty slick aren't I? twins I could never tell apart - sorry), April

Third/Fourth Row: Allison, Mitch, Shimer, Tina, Ryan, Holly, Andrea, Ryane, Kim

Last Sitting Row: Allan, BA, Bubba

Back Row: Tyson, Andy, Dean, Jay, Paul

P/O was MIA for this picture!!!!!!