Up to 3rd Grade

The early 70's... a time when a parent didn't think twice about allowing a child to ride their bike a couple of miles to pick up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, from the local liquor store.  It was also a time that I believe that both parents and neighbors accepted the responsibility and notion that it "takes a village to raise a child"... My mom knew everything I did and didn't do before I told her (or didn't tell her!) HAHA

My first grade teacher was Ms. Warren.  I remember her smile.  She was nice.  I remember playing with my friends Mark Lane, Eddy Smith and Damian Dominic.  If I wasn't playing outside with one of them, I was probably in the house with mom.  I don't remember homework much.  I had to keep my room clean, but I did that anyway.  I don't like disorganization.  Yes, even then.

My second grade teacher was Mrs. Hebeil.  I believe she went on to become a principal for Bellevue Schools.  I had two third grade teachers, as I was held back a grade.  Mrs. Rubin and Mrs. Kowker.  Mrs. Rubin was nice, I remember her smile.  I don't think Mrs. Kowker had kids by this point in her life.  She tried very hard.  Although I know we didn't connect, she was a caring person.

I remember passing the Zaunka's house every day from school.  An old German couple.  Everyone said stay clear of them.  The town actually held a meeting to remove them from the city.  (I keep telling myself it was the early 70's.)  I stopped by all the time to pick up cookies, great chats and Mrs. Zaunka's smile.  She was a friendly, loving "grandma" in my book.  One day they were gone.  Their house is still there.  Maybe I will buy it one day.  A VERY small house, probably the size of a large garage!

I was surrounded by people who loved me, knew me (even if I didn't know them) and certainly knew who Mrs. Bush was!  I always felt safe.  I never felt a lone.  Yes, at times I felt that someone was watching me (not in creepy sort of way) more like mom looking out the crack of the curtain kind of way.  Even if I wasn't on my own street.

I remember swimming lessons.  They threw a quarter in the big pool and made us go get it.  Ya, right.  I had never been swimming before, really!  They were trying to drown me I tell you!  As you guessed, they didn't and I lived to tell about it.

A lot was getting ready to change.  We were getting ready to move from Bellevue to LaVista, we were going to share a house with my Sister Sharon (Birth mother) her husband Larry, Shawn, and Danny.  Talk about enough in the house.  At some point Larry Jr. and Jerry lived with us as well.  The year was 1976, hello LaVista, NE here we come!

2013 Week 1

I have decided to combine two disciplines, and yes I need to catch up a few.  I am going to share one photo each week and one word that represents what I am grateful for.

GRATEFUL WORD: Time
Week 1, 2013 photo:

Mildred Irene Bush (My Mommy)

About the writer…

Royal D. Bush was born and raised in the Omaha metro area raised in a single parent family, with his Mother Mildred.  His first many years of life were spent in Bellevue, where he and his mother attended church at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue.  Eventually Omaha became home, where as a young adult, Royal began attending various worship services with friends and family before finally calling MCC Omaha his home, where he went on to serve as Minister of Hospitality.

In 2009, Royal founded Inclusive Life; a Nebraska, nonprofit, multifaith based organization that offers care and services to all without exception; religious, nonreligious and spiritual.  He continues to share his belief and message that “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.  You are not alone.”

His current project is sharing a 2 hour “You Retreat” that will be offered monthly in Omaha.  It will focus on allowing people to experience themselves in ways perhaps not experienced before or often. 

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES

Religious, nonreligious, spiritual, we serve all without exception.

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

OFFICE (402) 575-7006          TEXT (402) 909-1668

info@inclusivelife.org

http://www.inclusivelife.org           www.facebook.com/inclusivelife

Before Kindergarten, Bellevue, NE

I was born in 1967 at Children's Hospital.  My family was living in Bellevue at the time.  I recall times prior to being in Kindergarten at Bertha Barbara Elementary School.  

I remember that we lived at 307 East 16th Street and that I had a dog named Tags (a black lab.)  She was outside in her pen with no chain but she never tried jumping.  She was a good dog, was always there to lick my face.

I know that next door the McCoy family lived.  Mom babysat for Gary and Loraine.  Lisa and Lori and I would play often.  Across the street two families, one was the Johnson family and the other was the Lane family.  To the other side of us was the Smith's (big family) and when they moved the Park's.

I remember hanging out with mom, spending time in the yard.  I remember we had a lot of ferns, on the East side of the house.   I had a sand box.  And I knew I had a lot of toys.  Match box cars, legos', GI Joe stuff, Lincoln Logs and so much more.

Mrs. Elefson (not sure on spelling) was my first teacher.  I liked school.  I liked her.  I remember playing games, the sand box in the class room, nap time, playing house and building wooden train set tracks under her desk was "big deal"????!!!

I remember walking downtown with mom and there always seemed to be kids with us.  I am not sure who they are, but there was always kids with us it seemed.

I remember going trick or treating and wearing my superman costume.  We would get caramel apples, popcorn balls, and good candy.   It was great!

A new day, a new year

I went to see Les Miserables at the theater during the holidays.  I really enjoyed the experience.  The story was incredible.  One of the many great quotes, for me, was "To love another person is to see the face of God."  A friend of mine has shared many times that something for Christians to strive for is to see "God" in others.  Seek out their passion, love and talents and help celebrate those gifts with them.

Regardless of your religious, nonreligious or spiritual beliefs, I think there is something in that quote for us all. I believe that the true spirit of God is that of happiness, forgiveness, and healing.  So for me, to see the face of God in others, is putting your baggage in the "parking lot", putting that persons baggage in the "parking lot" and loving them for exactly who they are.

Perhaps if all "Christians", and followers of organized religions would share this belief, we would have a happier world, more peace in countries, inclusive communities and families without outcasts... and a bit more love in this big blue planet we call Earth.

Happy New Year to you, your family, and your friends.  May peace, love and compassion be with you and from you.

Rev. Royal D. Bush is the founder of Inclusive Life, where he serves as a multifaith Chaplain.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.” 

Chaplain Royal is available for Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Grief Support, End of Life Planning, Hospital Visits, Baptisms, Blessings, Dedications, Officiate Weddings, Officiate Funerals, and other Pastoral Care.

ABOUT INCLUSIVE LIFE…

Inclusive Life Pastoral Services.

Religious, nonreligious, spiritual.  We serve all without exception.

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105    

OFFICE: (402) 575-7006  TEXT: (402) 909-1668