Road rage

Last Friday night, I had an experience that, as I told my good wife, represented two more reasons why I need a weapon.

Reason number one: I got onto I-17 northbound at Thomas Rd. at about 10:30. A little more than one mile north, just prior to the Camelback exit, the left side window behind me (back seat window) exploded inward. Glass everywhere. The 'explosion' was pretty dang loud; scared the heck out of me. I seriously thought that I was under attack and that someone had taken a shot at me. I reached for a weapon to return fire, but..... imagine my disappointment at not finding one.

Thankfully, I was able to maintain composure and quickly dialed 911 and pulled off at the Bethany Home exit and parked my now wounded vehicle in a vacant lot and awaited the police. Two of Phoenix's finest soon arrived. Nice guys. They took a look around the vehicle and came to the conclusion that it was more likely a rock that someone had thrown at me that caused the damage, since no bullet or remnants were found in the vehicle. I think I'll just stick with the "someone shot at me" version. It sounds better. In any case, I'm glad it didn't happen one window forward. It would have been a shame to have had my handsome face messed up by the glass.

I made it home without any further incident, although the ride was a bit noisy and windy. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me to put plastic or anything over the gaping shotgun-blast hole in my window. As a result, my car had a visitor in the night. A cat decided to explore the interior and leave its mark. My car doesn't smell very good. Now you know reason number two.

The support of good friends

Many years ago (boy, that makes me sound way too old), my father taught me a lesson that I will never forget. I don't remember the circumstances that gave rise to the occasion, nor do I even remember the exact words that he used, but he taught me the importance of having friends, particularly good friends. At the time, I didn't appreciate the lesson that he was trying to teach me. Over the years, however, I think I've come to that understanding.

The last few years in particular have brought me many experiences that have helped to teach me the importance of good friends. Some of those experiences have involved a lot of laughter, fun and great times together. Other experiences have involved sorrow and pain, such as the very recent passing of the son and grandson of some very dear friends. Despite the changing circumstances, however, the one constant that seems to stand above the rest is the love and support of good friends.

I am sometimes left emotionally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and concern toward those who are grieving. If it is overwhelming to me, I know that it must provide some measure of strength and comfort for those whose grief seems almost insurmountable.

I am likewise amazed at the capacity of those who find themselves in terrible circumstances to pick themselves up and continue forward. Of course, the ability to do that is often the result of having good friends and family nearby, and it is always the result of having a solid spiritual foundation and knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan for his children. That knowledge, that foundation and those friends, while they may not diminish our grief, certainly increase our capacity to bear the trials that are placed before us.

I have been so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many people that are good, solid folks. And I've been overwhelmingly blessed with incredible family and friends.

1/31/08 - Glendale, AZ - Performing before a packed, standing-room only crowd at Ironwood High School's auditorium on Thursday night, members of the school student body participated in an invitation only talent show. In all, 12 different talents were presented to the sold-out crowd. The Sahuaro Ranch Ward was well represented by Nick Quintana and Dallas Perkins. Although an official "place" was not received, an honorable mention is worthwhile for Nick and his band, aptly named "Dick Cheney and the Misfires", who worked their magic in the first half of the performance, playing and singing a tune that until that moment, was previously unheard of by this writer. The guitar and drum work was sweet. This was not your father's rock band and as I sat enjoying the moment, I thought of the saying "If the music's too loud, you're too old." I, for one, am still not too old.

Placing 2nd in the overall competition, Dallas tickled the ivory with lightning fingers, playing a stiring rendition of Jon Schmidt's "All Of Me." Kudos to the setup crew, who this year had the foresight to do something with the grand piano (open it up?) so as to allow the audience to actually hear the music. However, thumbs down to the same crew, who had the piano situated in such a manner so as to obscure the keys from view of most in attendance. Those unable to see Dallas work the ivory missed out on part of the performance. During an after-concert interview with his friend and home teaching companion, Jarret Sharp, Dallas was overheard to say, "I do it for the audience." Humbly said, Dallas. Humbly said.

Those interested in seeing, or better yet, hearing, a video clip of the first part of Dallas' performance, the following link should take you to it. Turn up the volume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEY2Z9hUvKE