Wishing everyone a happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year

2017 has been a year of great change we have seen too much violence, hatred of "groups", corruption, far too many in prison/jail with limited employment opportunities once they get out, families torn apart, unlimited addiction to screens, politics so divisive and hateful it is shameful, weather emergencies, fire outbreaks, mind blowing wealth for the few, etc.

But there is also beauty. Love. Friendship. Prayer. Thankfulness. Blessings. And relationships with God/Jesus. Gains in medial fields dealing with terrible medical conditions and diseases.

I wish everyone a happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

If there are those in which you have adverse relations with perhaps now would be the time to get rid of that drama.

I wish this great nation the United States of America become more reflective of the people meaning the citizens. Benefits. Jobs. Security.

I wish all other nations peoples the same.

Take care and may God bless you all.

To my little girl August 3, 2017 edition

My little girl.
My angel.
My darling.
I miss you so.
I love you...so.
I think of you with every breath I take.
Over these years you have grown so much. When I compare all the photographs, your drawings/artwork, and the videos (i.e. some before you were born, then when you were born, and so many. Your childhood is documented and I am so proud of you. You were our blessing from God and I thank him for you - your family - your brothers - your mother - etc.
I hope you grow up with confidence. With passions. With curiosity. With a thirst to learn. With thanks for all you have as so many care about, and love, you. Many you have never met. I hope you work hard. Enjoy reading books. Loving nature and the outside world away from Reston. I hope you try...hard. You were blessed with a strong mind and a fast learner. You truly can do anything if you absorb materials, books, sources, experts, and work hard. Go above and beyond.
Your mother carried you with the medical complications that could have resulted in a miscarriage. Everyone prayed for you during those months. I loved you before you were born and each minute afterward. We were the most excited parents in the world when you were born and you were...beautiful. Our hearts will always be linked throughout your life.
I have to go now.
Love forever

Dad

August 3, 2017

Cool Christmas 2016 moving gifs

Wishing you, and yours, a wonderful blessed Christmas 2016.

Enjoy.

Happy Mothers Day 2016

Wishing all mothers a Happy Mothers Day 2016.

Prayers to those whose mother's have passed away.

Life, and time, are very precious as are mothers.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

Prayers to those in the path of the winter storm & in need 1/21/2016

January 21, 2016 they tell us that in the Washington DC area, where I reside, we can expect between 12 - 24 inches of snow.

Since it has been my experience, since 1991 in this area, that if there is one snowflake falling traffic, which is already the worst in the nation, comes to a halt as the world's worst drivers flood the streets and highways.

Fortunatley, unlike Washington DC which had to apologize for NOT being ready for a winter snowstorm even though it has been predicted from the Farmers Almanac to Weather.com to the local news for weeks/months, there are many hard working profesionals who are prepared to not only clear the streets but to help those in need (i.e. food, shelter, clothing, etc.) but there are also good people/neighbors who go above and beyond to help.

My prayers go out to the sick, elderly, and poor not only in this area but across this nation and beyond.

As is the case every moment of everyday I think of, love, miss, pray for, want the best for, etc. my beloved children. No matter where you are, or where you go, I love you....always. Dad.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

Great song from the 1970s and memories of days gone by

Eclectic.

Yes it is a real word that I have used occasionally.

No I didn't misspell it (though I am guilty of many misspellings and violations of the rules of grammar in many of my blogs, posts, etc. but I try) pertaining to "electric".

Yes I am an Elvis Presley fan and I enjoy so many of his songs from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Some of which are well known and many others (the vast majority) are exceptional but not widely known by the general public including man Elvis Presley fans.

Back to eclectic. That is how I would describe my musical preferences. If it is of quality, sung with passion and real vocal talent, then odds are I would like it...as my song collection/playlists affirm.

The video of the song "don't pull your love" is one of the songs from my teenage years/youth that I enjoy. Not only do I listen to this song but I have some great memories associated with it. Music, and songs, have the ability to "move" us. To take us back to a certain time, place, event, etc. as is the case with this song.

Though I consider myself, and the IQ tests confirm YIPPEE, intelligent I still (after 52 and soon to be 53 years upon this earth) can't grasp that one's voice can be transferred by a microphone unto vinyl records, online streaming, cds, dvds, etc. Nonetheless I am glad that Edison gave this world, among many he achieved in his lifetime, the gift of recordings.

To think that someone, individually and/or collectively, wrote the words and then added a melody thus creating a song that is associated with a time long ago AND that still is enjoyed is remarkable. Hats off to every song writer, musician, singer, etc. Job well done.

Before I end this post, and thanks for reading, I was captivated by an hour long restoration project involving the largest pipe organ located in Atlantic City (I spend the weekend there once and I have special memories of her - of us - what once was). Here is the trailer via YouTube:

Eclectic.

It applys to my taste in music, among other things, as well as my interests outside of; God, family, friends, passions, everyday life, etc.

The two videos contained in this post are interesting, and involves talented and passionate people, and I hope you concur.

Take care and may God bless you and yours...always.


Jeff Schrembs

2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Music I'm listening to 0 August 3, 2015 edition

Old age.
Six letters.
It's a trick and not...a good one.
It never gets better.
Everyday is another opportunity to find something else has gone wrong.
If I wasn't, as I have been these 5 years, already at the highest level of depression thinking about it would make me sad. And yet my faith will never waiver and I thank God for my loved ones, friends, fellow man, etc.

Well, enough of the "all is fine" speech. Did it cheer you up?

I came across this song called "all these years" and for some reason it stuck. https://songspace.com/app/#/catalog/allenthompsonmusic/song/68978

From my ears to yours.

Enjoy.

Jeff Schrembs

Delicious summer salad recipe

  Yeah I can cook. Always have. Always will.

Think it is only a woman's "job"? No. Come on man it's 2015 and women have enough to do. I have always believed, and put into action daily, that cooking, like all other activities inside the home and out, should be evenly divided/undertaken.

Don't think it is manly? Ok Mr. Misguided. I'm 6 foot 1 and 195 pounds and there is nothing "unmanly" about cooking/baking/grilling/etc.

Generally speaking anyone, over the age of 18, who can't cook either has never really tried - was never really taught - or whose bank balance allows restaurant reservations 7 times a week.

Baking? Yes indeed. Everything from homemade fudge to brownies to white divinity. Shout out to my grandparents for teaching me at an early age.

Grilling? Check

Salad? Try this recipe and let me know because I have enjoyed it for years.

SERVINGS: 6 - 8 

The traditional recipe calls for 2 heads romaine lettuce (washed and tear into bit size pieces) but I prefer to change it up with 2 large bags of "spring mix" (aka; baby salad).

2 cups pecan halves (toasted)

3 (8 ounce) can mandarin oranges

Dressing

1⁄4 cup vinegar

1⁄2 cup vegetable oil

1⁄4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 small red onion, chopped

1 teaspoon dry mustard

4 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons of sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Note - if you prefer more dressing simply double the ingredients.

Place lettuce and mandarin oranges in salad bowl.

Under low heat, on stove, put in 2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 cups of pecans. Stir, and add additional tablespoons of water if needed, and flip the pecans until toasted.

Combine dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until well mixed.

Make ahead and refrigerate until ready to toss with salad.

CONGRATULATIONS you are done and you are in for a treat as this salad is delicious.


Feel free to leave comments and/or share this recipe via social media or with friends and family.

Take care and may God bless you and yours...always.

Jeff Schrembs

7 second chances

I was thinking about how my steps have taken me to the place in which I am. Was it happenstance? Was it by design?

I waived it off and instead I thought what if I were given 7 second chances about my life with the conditions that  (a) I could not purposely alter major aspects (b) each second chance had to be about a certain time and (c) it could not involve the same people.

Here are my 7 second chances:

Try # 1 - I would have prayed more for my mother and my little sister, Kimberly Ann Schrembs throughout the pregnancy, who (so very very sad) was born alive but died shortly thereafter due to a blood issue that (medically speaking) possibly could have been prevented.

Try # 2 - Approximately 1976 = I would have stayed at work longer so that I would not have been able to play football which, per the surgeon was a "million to one incident", I snapped the tendon in my right index finger (my throwing, and writing, hand) requiring major surgery and the placement of metal pins.

Try # 3 - Approximately 1974 = I would like to take a walk again (and these were routinely for several miles) with my grandmother and just enjoy being together and find a way to tell her how much I loved her and thank her.

Try # 4 - Approximately 1976 = I would try to absorb more about, and this only occurred once and was never spoken of again, my grandfather told me about his family.

Try # 5 - Approximately 1977 = I would have put a letter my preacher Brother Richard wrote to me, when he presented me with a rare and beautiful bible, in my pocket instead of (accidentally) throwing it away. Out of all the things I have "lost" throughout my lifetime, and many would be shocked with disbelief to learn of the details, this bible is (thankfully) in my possession to this very day.

Try # 6 - Approximately 2010 = I would have said yes to a (repeated) request.

Try # 7 - Current = I would find a way to simply, and with a sincere heart, let others know how much they have meant to me and how much they...mean to me.

Jeff Schrembs
2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The day the music died (Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper) - video by Waylon Jennings

Photograph of Jeff Schrembs

This photo of me was taken on July 19 2013 and it is dedicated to each of my children who I; think of, pray for, miss, love, am proud of, and wish only the best for.

May God bless you all.

Dad (aka Jeff Schrembs)

Sins of the Father? (by Jeff Schrembs)

When I last laid eyes upon you the facts are that I was ill. More ill than I let anyone know.

I had a large cancerous tumor leaking blood into my throat. It was cancer and I needed medical care and surgery. I was very sick. No telling how long this tumor had been there and when it was combined with my other medical issues became…lethal.

This is a fact that to this day refuses to be acknowledged by those I thought I…knew.

Why? Why is this? Are the scars on my neck, and on my heart, not enough? How about the surgeon who cut out this large tumor? How about the head of Pathology at INOVA who confirmed the tumor and the thyroid was cancer? How about the fact that the ENTIRE thyroid had to be removed because of the cancer? What about the head of Radiology at INOVA who held my hand while I underwent sessions of scans, of radiology, of iodine treatments, all of which confirmed how sick I was and was necessary to limit this cancer from spreading.

While I was in the pre-surgery room I thought of my children. Of my family. Of my hopes for the future.

When I thought it couldn’t get any worse. It did. And it has.

However, I have done everything I know to get better. It is hard to get better when your world is destroyed, your loved ones kept from you, and legal matters hover over me bearing a weight that would have brought others….to their knees never to recover.

Each day I have thought of you. Prayed for you. Hoped for you. Worried about you. Loved you. Nothing will every change that.

Sins of the Father? Regardless of if they are small, large, or many I take responsibility.  There is no need to debate any longer. No need to take sides. No need to do anything but…heal. In order to heal, to truly heal, will take time and commitment and third party help. I welcome the opportunity.

I’ll gladly face a time, a place, in which we all can be honest. Even if that means years of work. Nothing is more important. This isn’t about money and it isn’t about…anything else other than for you and I, and for us, to rebuild whatever we can…while we can. I owe that you to. You owe that to me.

Though these facts are true what has enabled me to go on has been my faith in God, in Jesus, and our purpose here on this earth which includes me being your Father. This is an essential, and fundamental, fact/right that has been upheld by EVERY civilization upon this earth.

It is a fundamental right recognized by our own US Supreme Court.

Besides it being a right it is also a…responsibility. One that I cherish and one that I want to reaffirm.

In the Bible there are times when the law, and the truth, have been on “polar opposite” sides. But (sadly) there are far too many people are confused about Jesus, and/or God, but they know enough to know the story when the woman was brought before Jesus (during the time he walked upon this heart some 2000+ years ago) and accused of being caught in the act of adultery. Adultery takes two doesn’t it? Where was the man? Why was he not brought before Jesus and/or threatened with stoning?  This aspect of the Bible is commonly overlooked but it shows the hypocrisy. The fact that just because many stand against the few doesn’t make it right. Doesn’t make it true.

During this heated demand for justice, as the crowds grew larger with chants of “death” and or “stone her”, was made by the people who carried great power within the Jewish Temple what did Jesus do? He bent down and with one finger he wrote in the hard stones of the road. Not in dirt but in rock. Not spoken but written. The same type of streets are visible today in parts of Israel.

(Note: The first writing in stones was by God and given to Moses in response to requests by the Jewish people. This was to be the “law” and even before Moses made it down from the mountain he threw the stones down to the ground and broken them. These laws were willfully broken by the people. Moses had to return again to God and get a second set of stone tablets. The cost of these laws was (initially) the death of 3,000 people. The second time stones were written by God, Jesus in human form, was not laws…but…grace and love. This is the new covenant).

The words he wrote were (to paraphrase) “let him who is without sin cast the first stone”.

These words were so truthful, made by the hand of the Lord himself, that the crowd diminished. The “law” of the Jewish faith, which required her to be stoned (and again not the man), had been broken. It was done without words but based upon the power of God and the power of truth.

As the woman held onto Jesus’ leg and gave thanks Jesus uttered the words “go and sin no more”.

This event (literally) changed the life of this woman forever. She is known in the pages of the New Testament.

This story confirms that the truth and the law are not always the same. That it takes courage to stand up for what is right. For what is true.

This story confirms just how beautiful, and (wholly) just, Jesus was. His grace was on display every hour of his life. His life, and lessons, resonated throughout Rome and it changed the world. But he is much more than a story. He lived. He breathed. He was beaten and scrounged. He suffered immeasurable pains.

During the day of his crucificition he was physically beaten to a heartbeat of death then came the burdens, and the darkness, of our sins. Our sins were carried into God personified. Into a spirit that was sinless. The only man (person) who ever walked this earth without sin. He took our sins over a period of hours. It is unimaginable the pains he went through.

It was at this time that Jesus cried out “My God my God why has thou forsaken me” . This is the only time he called his Father “God”. For this was when he knew the pains, and the ugliness, of sin.

Then after all of the prophecies were fulfilled he cried out “Abba (Father) it is finished” as he gave up his spirit and his humanly body.

No disrespect to other religions, or faiths, but they believe that the blood of “bulls and goats”, sacrificed each year to the high priest, cleansed their sins for 1 year. I choose to believe that 1 single drop of Jesus’ blood cleansed us all, if only we recognize/accept/be thankful/be joyful, etc., and that includes every generation since…and to come.

These facts have enabled millions upon millions of people to be sustained. To comfort them. To enlighten them.

Jesus, and his life, contrary to public opinion is NOT a religion…but a relationship.

Contrary to many “faiths”, including the Jewish faith, the blood running through our veins does NOT come from the Mother. This myth dates back centuries. But the facts are that a child’s blood comes from it’s Father.

That is why God choose a virgin in Mary as Jesus carried pure blood. Sinless blood. This is also WHY Jesus could not be born of a human male with lineage, or otherwise, to King David (as the ancient prophecies had stated). Hence, his lineage had to go back to King David though the virgin Mary. There was no other way and yet many (sadly), in other faiths, try to use this as a “technicality” to say that Jesus was not a descendant of King David. How can anyone deny they are not “related”  to the one that carried them for 9 months in their womb? Absurd.

In order for Jesus to walk this earth, and die for our sins, he had to be in human form. He had to be…born. The miracles he did, the words he spoke, and the love and grace he shared confirmed (for anyone to see/affirm) that he was the “living God”.

Yet, again in other faiths/religions, they try to have it both ways. They say/acknowledge that Jesus was a “prophet” but they fail to accept that he was God’s only son. In these faiths no other prophet was able to (including but not limited to); heal, raise the dead, heal lepers (who were condemned and were not even allowed to be anywhere near people without leprosy), have God himself say from the heavens (witnessed by many) that “this is my son in whom I am well pleased” on several occasions.

What type of Prophet commits blasphemy? Absurd x 2.

And then to be raised from the dead and glorified is not something that should divide us…but cause use to celebrate. To know firsthand how much God loves us all. To put our faith in God. In Jesus. And to understand that prior to Jesus there was the 10 commandments. After Jesus these laws, though important, were secondary to the relationship between each of us and God/Jesus as ordained by this giving of his life…for our sins. Not just mine. Not just yours. But for…ours (collectively).

It is not within our limited capacities to understand why God does what he does. But we should never deny what occurred. When it occurred. To detract into conversations about “why” is unnecessary. The point is that he sent his son, who he loved, to walk among us and then die…for each of us. Isn’t that enough?

The love that God had for all of us, in order to SEND (as in the Bible he SENT) his only son to die for our sins, is something that should never be; forgotten, minimized, and/or whimsically stated (verbally or otherwise). It is something that I believe with all my heart.

I am thankful to God each day for my children as they are; strong, intelligent, gifted, beautiful, loving, talented, caring, funny, passionate, handsome, and yet (as we all are)…imperfect. That doesn’t mean anything other than the fact that we are all…human.

As humans we have to be aware of time. Of seasons. Of our own mortality.

Too much time has gone by since I last saw you. Since I last hugged you. Since I last heard your voice. I hope, and I pray, that the time will come soon when this will change. When it does I will do nothing to dishonor the opportunity for my intentions are true.

I will always put my faith in God and in faith in man to (ultimately) ascertain the truth. Though it may not be easy it is…incumbent. It is…necessary. It is…essential.

I will continue to pray for my own children. For my own family. For friends. For loved ones. For neighbors. For every children on this earth. May we, individually and collectively, find a way to not only make this world a better place for one another but for those whose names, and faces, we will never see. For in doing so we honor God, and Jesus, and we redeem the blessings bestowed upon us. Even in these darkest hours I know this to be….true.

With love always.

2013 - All Rights Reserved (by Jeffrey Schrembs)

Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School

In my 50 years on this earth I have known; sadness, loss of loved ones, love, heartache, heartbreak, etc. as it is all “part of life”. What is not supposed to be part of anyone’s life is for innocent children, and adults, to be murdered. I have, as many have I am sure, run the emotional gauntlet from sadness to anger to sadness to praying to researching to watching to crying to thinking about my own children (and crying some more).

This murderer was (apparently) diagnosed with a form of autism. Much as been made about this and I am sure that much more will be discussed.

I know firsthand about autism as I have a son who has been diagnosed with a form of autism. He is (including but not limited to); loving, caring, strong, brave, intelligent, passionate, gifted, handsome, and I wouldn’t trade him (nor would I any of my children) for anything in this world.

He, and his siblings, are the “best” of their mother and me. Not one moment of one day goes by that I don’t think about them – worry about them – love them – miss them – pray for them – want the best for them – and would do everything humanly possible to protect them.

It is my hope that children, and/or adults, are not (in any way/shape/form) adversely affected by having a similar diagnosis of autism to this murderer.

To anyone who would try to “connect the dots”, and infer that having autism played a major role in these killings, needs to walk a thin line because some of the most beautiful, talented, and loving children and adults also have a form of autism.

Worth noting is that I am thankful everyday that my son’s mother had the courage, and the drive, to seek out medical care for my son at an early age. She was, and will always be, my hero pertaining to what she did for our son. I wish I could tell her just how much…

Between her unrelenting acts, and the excellent treating doctors, we were able to; get some answers early on, formulate a working plan for home, work with his school,  and I am proud of the young man that he has become.

To me it doesn’t matter what color he was, what his diagnosis were, as he was (pure and simple)…evil. He had every opportunity to stop himself and he CHOSE to kill over and over and over. It is so sad. So against all I believe in. Against all I know that is good on this earth. Everything I feel in my heart.

Since I first learned of this TERRIBLE, unimaginable, and horrific event I have thought so much about the victims and their family/friends/loved ones/etc. I know that they are devastated and that as I type these words they are inconsolable. They are grieving. They are crying. They are dealing with something that is an abomination and goes against…everything.

Earlier I saw photographs of these children and the tears just started. This tragedy goes further than the eye. Further than the mind. It goes to our very…soul.

I don’t know what, if any, “good” will come from this but I pray that the waters will  not be muddied by the murders medical diagnosis and/or gun rights debates but that the focus is on (a) helping the family/loved ones of the victims {now and in the future} and (b) working on NOW to ensure that this never is allowed to happen again.

The United States of America, when it puts it’s mind and heart to it, can achieve anything. We need to put pressure on our government to divert resources to protecting our children…and our lives.

Elections have divided us and this shouldn’t be about politics…but what is right. What is necessary. The victims deserve to be honored in every way possible and their names written into our minds and hearts…forever.

Here are the names of the victims of the senseless massacre that (sadly) occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut:

CHILDREN

Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female (age 6)
Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male (age 7)
Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female (age 6)
Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female (age 7)
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female (age 6)
Dylan Hockley, 03/08/06, male (age 6)
Madeleine F. Hsu, 07/10/06, female (age 6)
Catherine V. Hubbard, 06/08/06, female (age 6)
Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male (age 7)
Jesse Lewis, 06/30/06, male (age 6)
James Mattioli, 03/22/06, male (age 6)
Grace McDonnell, 11/04/05, female (age 7)
Emilie Parker, 05/12/06, female (age 6)
Jack Pinto, 05/06/06, male (age 6)
Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male (age 6)
Caroline Previdi, 09/07/06, female (age 6)
Jessica Rekos, 05/10/06, female (age 6)
Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female (age 6)
Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male (age 6)
Allison N. Wyatt, 07/03/06, female (age 6)

ADULTS

Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female (age 29)
Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female (age 47)
Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female (age 52)
Lauren Russeau, 1982, female (age 29)
Mary Sherlach, 02/11/56, female (age 56)
Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female (age 27)

Proof positive that "feeling blue" IS really...blue

To all of those who are, including me, “feeling blue” it has now been proven that you ARE really – really – blue.  As confirmed in this scan when you are depressed it shows up as the color blue versus “normal” (what exactly is that nowadays”?) being yellow.

Here’s hoping that there are “brighter days” (think yellow) ahead for everyone and let’s not have (caution – Elvis Presley analogy – shocker coming from me isn’t it?) a “Blue Christmas” other than on our Christmas Music Playlists.

Take care and may God bless you all.

Love means never having to say you're sorry...NOT

  In a galaxy far far away (i.e. in the 1970's) one of the greatest tear jerker movies ever made was released. It's name said it all "Love Story".

 

I won't play spoiler so if you are part of the "new generation", who knows nothing about this movie, then (a) I DARE YOU to rent it - watch it - and not cry (and YES 1 tear constitutes crying) and (b) this article is not for you.

 

To the "seasoned generation(s)" (how do you like that word I used "seasoned" as opposed to "old"?) you know that THE memorable line, in the movie, was "love means never having to say you’re sorry". Pause to reflect. Still pausing. Pausing some more. Through pausing.

 

Anyway IN THE REAL WORLD saying you’re sorry IS important especially when it comes to those you love. If you don't think saying you’re sorry, or really being sorry, is not important then ask yourself this "are you willing to lose the greatest love of your life" OR "are you willing to permanently damage your relationship with those you care most about" (memory lapse alert=I forgot to add the question marks so here they are?)?

 

To take it a step further it is more important that you FEEL SORRY - that you understand the other person’s point of view - that you learn from your mistakes - and that your ACTIONS (not when you get caught or when it is too late) reflect the reality of you being sorry.

 

They say (don't ask me who they are because I am still finding out who I am in certain areas) that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" and this is also untrue because over these past 2 years I have learned a lifetime of "lessons", and (sadly) the deterioration of relationships that meant/mean the world to me, and real lessons are not...easy.

 

NOTHING will ever replace the interaction between the ones we love.

 

NOTHING will ever replace the knowledge, the heightened senses, and the soul turning inner feelings, of falling in love...with the...one. The one that you waited for. The one you hoped for. The one you longed for. The one that you just...knew.

 

To those who haven't found "the one"...don't give up.

 

To those who have found "the one" then never let loose - never stop listening - never stop improving - never stop telling them how much they mean to you - never stop loving - and never EVER take them for granted or minimize their needs. When God puts you together with "the one" he never says it will be "easy" nor does he promise "the status quo". As each year passes there should be a RENEWAL of the relationship keeping the aspects that "work" for both and striving to improve/change/etc. the aspects that..."don't". Only by this realization, commitment, and effort can one lay their head down at night with a loving heart not worried about what tomorrow will bring (concerning the strength of the relationship).

 

I used to think that not drinking, not doing drugs, not going out to parties/bars/etc., being a good Father, never pursuing anyone else (for one night or otherwise) working hard, trying, etc. was..."enough". It wasn't. The life lesson I learned is that not only was it NOT ENOUGH but that I should have known, with every cell in my being, that it wasn't and that I should not of fallen into the "trap" of complacency.

 

For those keeping score, or who may be familiar with my online writings, you may be aware that I was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago. This was in addition to an "alphabet soup" of medical diagnosis/complications and very real mental/physical/emotional problems with adversely affected me 24/7.

 

You ask "how do we get from love story - to life lessons - to your illness"? Well, Mr. and/or Mrs. Impatient let me tell you. But first, because I can, I will play the "pause card" and make you read the next sentence (lesson learned...don't rush me).

 

There are those, both near and far, that I NEED (and are and have been deserving) to hear me say "I'm sorry" not because I can form the words and speak them but...because I am...and I have been and I wish I had the chance earlier.

 

It's like the saying ("them again"...who are they really?) that goes "if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there, is a sound made" (or something to that effect)? Well, what if you are sorry - have been sorry - have changed for the better (in many many ways) and yet the persons deserving of hearing these words aren't around and/or don't provide you with the opportunity to convey these earnest feelings? Are you still...sorry? The answer is YES and the real answer is YES and you should never forget it and work, 24/7, to replace the lives/memories/moments (of each person deserving of hearing the apology) with ones of; happiness, love, understanding, acceptance, joy, peace, etc.

 

In summary, movies have their place. Words have their place. Actions have their place. But none of these, individually and/or collectively, can ever replace the exchange of a heartfelt/sincere interaction when one conveys the words of "I'm sorry" regardless of IF or WHEN the other person(s) accept the apology. That, my online friends, is the point of this story and it is especially true when it is...a LOVE story.

 

 

An open letter to Lisa Marie (by Jeff Schrembs)

August 17, 2012

Dear Lisa Marie:

35 years ago, and 1 day, you lost your Father and no one will ever know the pains you have had to endure/bear all these years.

Throughout the years I have seen a constant division between certain family members, and members of the Memphis Mafia, and EPE. This was a topic and I routinely discussed with my friend, who (sadly) died before his time, Todd Morgan who rose through the ranks at EPE. I would never disclose the specifics of our conversations but he respected my opinion as I did his.

Over the past few years we have lost so many of those who Elvis; loved, worked with, befriended, trusted, etc. With each passing day the remaining members of the Memphis Mafia, as we all do, grow older and the loss of their friend (i.e. Elvis Presley) never…diminishes. There is no doubt that they, individually and collectively, loved Elvis and carry with them regrets.

I have always believed that events in ones’ life, or a series of events, should ALWAYS be put in context. That people can disagree and yet respect one another. That loving, and caring for, our “fellow man” is not just applicable to those nearby or that we are related to or that ended up on the right side of a position.

I have had the utmost respect for Elvis’ charitable endeavors and I am proud to know that you, Lisa Marie, have carried on with giving of your time – your heart – and monetarily.

I ask you now, Lisa Marie and EPE, to please consider that (literally) millions of Elvis Fans Worldwide would like, as would I, to see each member of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, and each member of their immediate family, etc.) formally recognized – appreciated – respected – and embraced by you and EPE. I ask this not because of any “gain” on my part but that time is never guaranteed and that there needs to be true healing between the parties (publicly and privately).

I wish that you never had to grow up without your Father. I wish that God had granted Elvis more time so that he truly knew how much he meant to all of us…and future generations. That he was given time to heal (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.). That he was able to spend more time with you. That he was given the respect, and appreciation, he earned and deserved from the “critics” and “award nominating agencies”.

Some of my most cherished photos, of your Father, is not him onstage but reaching out to hold a child – visiting children in a hospital – bringing a little blind girl onstage – smiling while hugging a child with cancer – and/or kissing an elderly woman and thus bringing an immediate smile to her face.

These “acts of kindness” come from the heart and Elvis had, among other things, a huge heart and the world was better off for it. I have always stated that there is honor in kindness – honor in forgiveness – and honor in giving others another chance. In accordance with these genuine gestures I now have authored this open letter to you.

I have lived long enough to know the beauty of a simple gesture and that small steps can lead to honest dialog and communication. This is what I hope, and wish, for…now.

In closing, I will continue to wish you, EPE, and each of your family members nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs
2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Just Funny August 1, 2012 - Trust Fall gone bad

Is VH1 biased against Elvis Presley? by Jeff Schrembs 2011 All Rights Reserved

I recently watched a "re-run" on VH1 about the "100 Greatest Artists of all time". Having never heard of this program before, but knowing the history of VH1 and MTV and others in the "mindless minion media", I watched it hoping that it would be based upon facts. When I saw that they had Elvis Presley ranked as "eighth" I reminded myself about the inherit bias against Elvis that (sadly) remains. However, the same media who try to "re-write" history about Elvis and/or try to minimize his influence and thus his success always find a way to make money off of his name. Such is the case with VH1.

Many of the singers, and bands, that were in the top 20 deserved to be there. However, for every "reason" given for artists/bands to be in the top 100 or top 10 or even number 1 Elvis met/exceeded these artist/bands in the same category (i.e. influence, record sales, number of hits, etc.). Any rational person, using the FACTS versus the hype and/or political correctness, would have to agree that Elvis Presley is/was/forever will be the greatest entertainer/artist who ever lived...period.

To add "salt to the wound" when the Beatles were awarded "number 1" they allowed a comment, while attempting to justify the Beatles being number 1, of: "Everyone before and after the Beatles were influenced by the Beatles". I am sure that (sadly) far too many VH1 viewers would just nod their heads and believe that what was said was true and yet nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone of the Beatles, from the time they first played to long after they broke up, credited Elvis Presley with being the greatest influence to them. In fact, John Lennon said it perfectly when he said "before Elvis there was nothing".

Elvis sold more records, had more number 1 hits, had more top ten hits, and had a much longer career than the Beatles. Even after Elvis' passing, sadly on August 16 1977, Elvis has "outsold" the Beatles every year since his passing (in record sales) except one year when the Beatles "re-released" their catalog.. These facts (apparently) mean nothing to VH1 and it seemed like VH1 structured their "poll", and the episode(s) that aired on VH1, to not only minimize Elvis' accomplishments but also wanted to gloss over Elvis' influence. Inasmuch as Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide continue to support the life, and legacy, of Elvis Presley when it comes to 'standing up" for Elvis publicly and demanding that the facts about Elvis be told Elvis Presley Fans have "fallen short" in this aspect. It is long past time when Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide started to DEMAND that the facts about Elvis, and thus the proper respect/appreciation/accolades/etc., be presented....accurately...every time.

Watching this VH1 charade reminded me that during Elvis' lifetime he was never given the amount of respect, by the press and by his own peers, for his talents. In fact Elvis' only Grammy Awards were for his Gospel Album/performances. This was not an "oversight" by the Grammys, or every other member of the press/award shows, never to give Elvis the awards that he earned and that he deserved.

99.9% of the "artists" (note: I want to exclude Country Music and Gospel Music from this statement) today use digital enhancements because they can't sing or they can't sing well. If they were required to sing LIVE, as Elvis Presley did from 1969 until 1977 and every concert venue was SOLD OUT, and move around (and Elvis moved like no one before or after) they would sound like...sub par amateurs. These "artists" rely on tricks to entertain their audience. From having background dancers, to light shows, to special effects, etc. they do everything but sing and they do this because they CAN'T sing and if the audience heard them really sing it would be a debacle.

Elvis Presley sounded EXCELLENT in Concert with no enhancements. Elvis kept his lights, manned by his long time friend Lamar Fike who (sadly) recently passed away, to a handful of colors. Elvis had a great band, great backup singers, and a great orchestra and each of these TRUE artists have said that "Elvis' musical/vocal abilities were the best they ever heard". They also make note of Elvis concert appearances as being "out of this World". I happen to agree with them not because I am an Elvis Presley Fan, and I am, but because it is a FACT and facts do matter regardless of if it is a conversation "one on one" or a written blog or even if it is on TV and that includes VH1.

I guess that asking VH1, and much of the media/press/music business, to state the facts is asking too much. I realize that VH1 doesn't care about the facts, and they are entitled to their opinion, but to be a "music channel" and to dismiss/minimize the talents and accomplishments of the greatest musician/singer/artist/performer ever (whether it is in this "poll" or 24/7) in the case of Elvis Presley? VH1, the Grammys, and many other members of the press and the music "industry" facts are not important. Perhaps when they are held accountable, by Elvis Presley Fans or just individuals who want the truth, then they will put as much emphasis into the truth as they do into hyping other "artists" who are (wholly) inferior to the many talents of Elvis Presley. This isn't to disrespect other "artists" but simply to state the facts and facts should matter even when it comes to VH1.

"Nuff said".



Take care and may God bless you.



Jeff Schrembs



www.ElvisCollector.info