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The Last Pfile @ ORU with
Thanks to All
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I often fantasize about how exactly I will receive my Oscar for
Best Picture. It may seem silly now, but when the opportunity arises
I will be glad I did. "Uh, thanks, uh, everybody."
But should one wait for the climax of life to thank those responsible?
Well, no, but one should wait until the thanks means something.
A note of gratitude means more from the lips of James Cameron then
from a psychopath. Although, I hear, they are both hard to work
with.
This being my last Pfile, I thought it appropriate to wait until
at least the third paragraph before I introduce the thesis: "Uh,
thanks, uh, everybody." Hopefully, after three years of writing
stories (over 60 stories to date) and editing (over 75 newspapers),
such a note means something.
In no particular order (but hopefully not too boring):
To Jan Love and Dr. Hamilton - while our relationship started
out rocky (they correctly assumed after reading my first few columns
that I was seditious), we have all mellowed to an understanding:
I don't promote the violent overthrow of the city of Tulsa and they
will let me write all of the stories about Pres. Clinton that I
want. And especially to Jan whose encouragement and suggestions
have made for much better stories and far fewer errors than otherwise
possible.
To Dan, Cameron, Rebekah, Stephanie, Jesse, Jenni, Joy, Tia, Eric,
Mynda, Brett and the many others I have worked with and learned
from at The Oracle. They have had to put up with my temper, frustration,
late stories, and worst, my humor. Pray for their healing.
To all of the other "Goodbye" articles that I have read
over the years. I'm just glad I could contribute a small part to
the deluge of self-indulgent stories. Oh, who am I kidding. All
modesty aside - I have contributed more than my fair share. If articles
written in first person constituted an endowment, I would have half
the campus named after me. And a special thanks to Rebekah for showing
me what not to do.
To the students, and faculty of ORU over the past three years.
Thanks to those who have encouraged me with your words of …
uh, encouragement. The greatest feeling a writer can get is to hear
that he is read, and occasionally enjoyed. And a very big thanks
to those who don't read, or don't like my stories. The worst feeling
a writer can get is to hear from you. Thanks for not letting me
know.
To my proof readers (Sam Pfanstiel, Brett Torres and Tamara Hallman).
I didnt' want you too proof this section because I wanted to surprise
you. Thanc you. You guy/ gall make me look much betterest thin i
wood look if you didnt' read my stuff befor it would go to press.
Tho I do fill that I have gottin better over the ears.
To the walls in The Oracle computer room. Thank you for not having
ears, and especially for not having a mouth. I'm glad that many
things that I have said rashly, and in anger have been swallowed
by the black hole. I just wish that such a void could follow me
around. But since it can't I guess I'll need to practice self-control.
To Mark Steele, for pioneering the Spiritual Analogy and the melding
of humor with godly insight. I haven't matched your eloquence yet,
but I believe I've made up for it with my verbosity.
To the English students and staff who have encouraged me (Liane,
Neal, Prof. Mark Hall, etc.). It means a lot to a writer when other
writers read their work (their works can be found in the Promethia
available in the English Department). The fact that they take the
time to read my ramblings is very flattering.
To the faculty, administration and especially to the Roberts'
family for putting up with my sense of humor for three years now.
I have never tried to be offensive, but I know that at times I have
been. Please forgive me.
To the many who have provided inspiration for articles and put
up with me when I've had a deadline. Brian Ambrose, Royce Gonzalez,
Fellowship, Michael Floyd, Maddy Hoch, my poor family, and many
more who I will hit myself on the head when I remember their names.
To God who gave me this sense of humor, and then has enough of
one to let me use it without striking me dead when I do. I pray
that I can use my life and talents to share the love of Christ with
a dying world who so desperately needs love, a laugh and a hug.
I'll try to make them laugh, and Tamara, my wife to be, will give
them a hug. Hopefully together we can show and give them love.
I know that I have a lot more to learn, thank you ORU for giving
me time and the opportunity to learn what I have. I'll miss you.
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