Sister's Day

.by Jake Cannon on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:48pm.Be the kind of lady that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Crap, she's up!" Sister, life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don't, just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it. Today is Sister's day, send this to all your sisters.

I LOVE YA Sister'!!!
To the cool ladies that have touched my life. Here's to you!! A real Sister walks with you when the rest of the world walks on. Send to all your Sisters because the fake ones won't!!




                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Let Time Stand Still

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11:34pm.If only time could stand still for a few days, just long enough for me to catch up on a few things, maybe important things, I missed along the way. I could visit some old friends or spend a little time with my kin folks I haven't seen in some time. I feel that I have missed too many hugs and hand shakes. Close family ties are slowly slipping away. Phone calls just doesn't seem to be satisfying. I just finished watching the movie, "August Rush". The young boy longed for his parents for eleven years. He felt in his heart, that if he just kept listening to music, it would bring them together. I know for sure that I am getting too old to watch that kind of touching movie. Being away from family for long periods of time can and will become stressful. We should make everyday count where family is concerned. All you young cousins, nieces and nephews, review your lifestyle, and please make every effort to stay in touch with your family. Say "I Love You" as often as possible. God bless our family, Uncle Jake and Aunt Carrie.

.

To My Brother, With Love & Memories/Happy Birthday June 27

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 2:01am.I was three years old, and at times I thought those handlebar rides on my brothers bike would be my last day on earth. Jess, my older brother, would place me on the handlebars and we would ride eight or ten miles one way to the old swimming hole. Four or five of those miles were on the old highway 84 towards Dothan, Alabama. The swimming hole was used by many kids from Jakin, and boy was the water for ever cold! Jess said that I was a little on the butterball size, and I should not sink the time he threw me in the creek, which was at least ten feet deep. He said I just floated, that is after I came up from the bottom of the creek. I don't think I took that ride back down 84 ever again, that is on that bike. The bike rides did continue, until one day while we were going home from a trip to Burkett Store for an RC and a moon pie. Just before we reached the house, my foot slipped off the front finder and my ankle bone was cut off. I can remember laying on my back on the front porch while mother bandaged over the missing end of my ankle. I don't think I was allowed to ride that bike again. Don't worry, a couple of years later during sugar cane season, my brother Jess and three of our older cousins were down in the woods walking back towards the cane mill. They had a single shot BB gun and they decided they would take advantage of me one more time. They lined up in a row ten or twelve feet in front of me and gave me the BB gun loaded and ready to fire. I was about three and they said they would count to ten, run and I could fire the gun at them. Guess what! I shot Jess in the ass. The BB had to be dug out. I don't know why he ask me: why didn't you shoot at the other three! When my brother reached the age of fifteen and I was four, our lives changed greatly. Our mother passed away, and I lost my brother until he returned from the Army. I guess he was twenty or twenty one years old. Even after he returned from service we did not get to spend very much time together. After Carrie and family moved to Brandon, Florida, my brother and I started spending some grown up time together. So, from 1975 until now, it has been a blessing to spend time with a brother who you respect and love. Thanks Jess, for being a man and a brother, who our mother and dad would be very proud. Although this coming June 27Th will be your 83rd birthday, I feel we still have many more years of joy together.

Honeymoon May, 1965

Carrie and I were married in Columbus, GA May 30, 1965.  A nice church wedding with the reception at T and Myrtle's home.  My dad was our best man with other friends from work were present.  We made our way to Atlanta, GA and spent the first night at the Stone Mountain Lodge.  The honeymoon suite was large and they claimed we were the first couple.  The bed had large bed post with a canopy over the top.  I felt I was in a maze with the clouds falling on me.  We left and headed for Gatlinburg, TN.  Oh!  We stole the  key to the honeymoon suite.  We spent most of the week in Gatlinburg, and traveled in North and South Carolina.   Great time and well deserved!!!


Joe, Addie & Jake

A day of fishing at Pine Mountain, GA
Jake, Joe & Addie

I Will Not Give Up!

Well, after writing a few articles since 2007 about our country, our public school system, and a few "food for thought" items. I have never seen and heard so many of my friends and family members, who are so concerned about our future. Prayer is very prevalent for our country, when you attend church, in Sunday school and in our family time at home. I know! Many people out there do not wish to hear comments about prayer. I am so sorry if these comments offend anyone , but prayer is so much a part of my life. To inform everyone who might read these articles that appear in the Dothan Eagle under "letters". You can go on line and pull up the Dothan Eagle web and read all the comments to the articles written daily under opinions. You will be very surprised at how different people might think about a subject than you. Reading some of these comments will let you understand a little better, why its so important to have more than one party making decisions in Washington. The thing that bothers me so much of late, so many men and women within the same party are disagreeing with each other on the direction of our country. I just hope and pray, sorry I used that word again! The articles I read on line and in the news about the "slipped in" taxes in the health care bill, signed into law by this president.

I will not give up my dignity. I will not give up my "paid for" property. I will not give up my firearms, passed on to me over seventy years ago. I will not give up my freedom to worship. I will pray to my God whenever and wherever I choose. I will continue to tell people about Jesus. I will respect our leaders of this great country, and let them know when I think they are wrong. I will not become a socialist thinking person, (to transfer industry, etc. from private to public or government ownership.)I do not agree with communism,(the theory of a social system in which everything is held in common, private property being abolished.)... I love my country because of what the constitution promises to every citizen. What more can I say! Did I go overboard?



Jake Cannon

Dothan, Alabama

Concerned about 'change'

How long will it take until we, as Americans, will not be able to recognize this country?  The environmentalists have bought out most of our politicians in Washington.  The teachers union has created a complete disaster for our school system.
The cash-for-clunkers was a winner!  I read that the taxpayers only lost $26 billion.
This new bureaucracy created in Washington by this administration has spent billions of dollars---borrowed dollars that the American people did not approve.  The debt is now so large and no government leader has any type of plan to pay it down.
How much does the media really know about corrupt operations going on in our government?
John Adams said: "But a constitution of government once changed from freedom can never be restored.  Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."
I am worried that our country cannot wait two more years to make adjustments in the "changes" that are taking place, many behind closed doors.
Here in Alabama, the Democrats have had control of the Alabama legislature for more than 136 years.  Please go to http://www.alabama2010.com/ for information on what is going on in our state.
I am waiting for the day we can get back to more independent-thinking Americans, who believe in the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and one nation under God.
Jake Cannon--Published in the Dothan Eagle 7/28/10

Jess Cannon Jr

Comments on a family reunion   Hey This is all great!  Let's all Pray This will be the beginning of a great Reunion for the Cannon Family, Thank you Jake For Just being you, And the great help you have in Carrie, Julie and Jolie , We Love you all. We just Love it. Jess and Shirley,
Sunday, October 17th 2004 - 07:50:19 PM

Julie, Jess & Faye

 To all kin folk out there in e-mail land. Julie Cannon has recommended that each one of us write down some old "funny happenings", which took place in your family in the past. The old "first generation" group had so many funny things which took place in their life time. Jess Cannon Jr can tell you about the time, when my Dad, Jess Cannon Sr had Jess Jr rocking our baby sister Faye when she was only a few weeks old, in an old rocking chair in the old home place. Jess Jr was really giving the old rocking chair a workout, when one of the rockers broke and backwards they went and Faye ended up under the bed. Dad was not too happy with this type of rocking! This is the kind of funnies I'm talking about. We could have a good list to read to everyone next reunion. Thanks, Jake    (My Little Sister, who rolled under the bed.  After her oldest brother turned over backward, while rocking her.)                                                                                      
                                                                                                              
Saturday, October 16th 2004 - 08:00:29 PM

Jess Cannon's 80TH Birthday Celebration

Jess and Shirley
Lutz, FL

 Hello everyone! My brother Jess Cannon Jr. will be celebrating his big 80TH birthday this coming June 29TH in Tampa, FL. given by his children. The event will be held at the Tampa Palms/ Compton Park Clubhouse in Tampa, Fl. Jess is doing very well after his heart operation a few weeks back. We know this will be a great day for Jess and we wish him the very best in the years to come. We love you. Bro., Jake
Friday, June 22nd 2007 - 04:47:26 AM

The Election Is Over!

Well, the long election is over, and now we must get on with our lives.  I have always been supportive of our serving president and leaders of our great country.  We must now set aside disappointments and pray daily for our leaders.
Our country has many problems to work out and it would be helpful if we, as a country, would include in our daily operation of government the guidance of our lord and creator.  We have left prayer out of so many things that affect our family, our daily lives and our government.  I pray that we, as a nation, will wake up and review our priorities.  We need a strong leader in Washington who truly has the country's welfare at heart.  We cannot afford to be split on everything that affects our country.
The past eight years have been full of blaming our president, one party against the other.  Pray for our new president and vice-president and new leaders in Washington.  Pray for and support our local public schools and our great teachers, who really do have our children's future at heart.
As a nation, we know very well the problems in
Washington.  What part can we play in supporting our great city of Dothan?  Get involved!
Jake Cannon
Published in Dothan Eagle 2008

Start The New Year Off Right

Do you need a "second chance?"  Maybe a chance to square things with a love one.  A mom or dad you had words with a few years ago.  Hurting words spoken, sometimes go for years unresolved between two people who really love each other.  We can feel sorry deep inside about things we might say or do to a friend or love one, but if we put that pride aside for a short moment, and explain why or say I'm sorry, our "second chance" begins.  The bad feelings inside no longer exist.  A new beginning is offered for those friends and love ones we care about so much.
Our city was rated one of the cleanest cities in the United States and also one of the best cities to choose for retirement.  I think I am correct on this statement.  Anyway, why not make it the friendliest and most caring city?
Let's search our hearts and clear up any overdue, unresolved family and friend problems.  Life is so short and I think we all deserve a second chance.  In my book, a caring family is everything.  I challenge all moms and dads and family members at this coming holiday celebration, make sure all little "hang ups" and family problems are resolved.  Start the New Year off with a "new beginning" and a "second chance" to get it right.
Jake Cannon, Published in Dothan Eagle Jan. 01, 2008

Wake Up; Get Involved

Should we respect our laws and elected leaders? The Bible instructs us to respect those in authority over us. We have the voting system to elect our leaders. Our forefathers did their best in setting up policies and guidelines for our lawmakers to follow.
Should we appoint Judges for life? Should we have time limits for our elected men and women who work on our behalf in Washington?
In the past, we have had people working into their 80's and 90's.  Tired decision makers who have served their time. The welfare of our country, schools and families are at stake.
Wake up, America. Do we really need two parties? Why can't we just elect men and women who can think and do their job "independently" and vote yes or no?
The two parties we now have can't work together. Independent means "free from the influence or control of others."
Locally, we are calling names and slugging each other. Pretty soon, some wise person in Washington will ask France to send America four or five more Statues of Liberty to place at crossing borders in Florida, Canada, California, Mexico, Arizona and other sites of entry.
One day, we will change the name of our country to "United States International."
We are headed into a time of confusion and of doubt in our leaders. We are losing American pride in our free country. The God-fearing people of this country must start praying daily for our decision-makers and leaders.
America must regain the respect of all countries and somehow bring this war to an end. We can't just be staying there to protect oil fields.
Too many of our leaders in Washington are more concerned about self-preservation, protecting that big check and their lifetime retirement.
Wake up, Americans, and get involved.

Jake Cannon
Published In Dothan Eagle 2008

Food For Thought

One recent Sunday, I heard a sermon from a young pastor who poured out his heart with concern about our country and the changes that could very well take place in the near future. We all know that some people cannot buy all of their daily needs each week, while others are able to buy congressmen and other Washington officials.
A good example is the crisis of our economic condition, which was created by a few of our leaders in Washington and our government taking chances and making bad decisions instructing mortgage companies.
Today, I received a letter from Sen. Jeff Sessions stating that he would strongly support a fair but vigorous investigation of possible wrongdoing.
Many far-left writers complain about inequality. They say that inequality undermines economic well-being. I, like most of you, believe that we should help those who are less fortunate. Every person should be able to work and save for their future.
If we had a fair tax system, our progressive taxation system could very well reduce extreme inequality. But, our tax system must work correctly and fairly.
The only people we have working for our well-being are people we send to Washington. Let’s keep their feet to the fire!
Let’s start with accountable government and reduce big government. Spending in Washington has been out of control for years.  Jake Cannon, Dothan, AL, Oct. 29, 2008

Poor Quality

I would like to comment on the Jan. 16 letter, “We’ll never learn.”

First, I would like to explain what the word “poor” means: “Having little or no money; without means; needy; miserable; wretched; unfortunate; feeble; deserving of pity; unproductive; of inferior quality. Inadequately; with little or no success; without spirit; somewhat ill; out of sorts.”
The letter stated, “Northview and Dothan High School are producing such poor quality students” and “The reason for this poor quality of high school education is the poor quality of teachers.”
I feel the letter writer owes the students and teachers at these two schools an apology. On his knees would be best. Each one of these students is a living, human being. They may have some problems in their lives, but they are trying to learn and, some day, have the American dream.
These teachers were not just given their degrees. Many of our teachers have worked hard and hold as many as two Master’s degrees. Some have even more credit to their education.
I agree, our government wants higher graduations of students to compete with other countries. The blame game against our teachers does not cut it. The letter writer should go down to both schools and sit in on a few classes, then write his degrading letter.
Jake Cannon
Dothan
Jan. 22, 2009

Who Is Looking Out For Us Old Folks?

Well, it’s started! I, and many others were notified by mail on Oct. 27 that our Medicare Advantage Plans monthly fee will be increased by 100 percent in 2010.
It really is more than 100 percent because the preferred plan will now have $10 and $15 co-payments for doctors and $200 per day for a hospital stay.
In other words, this Alabama insurance company has given itself a bailout before Washington comes up with a plan.  Who is looking out for us old folks?
Members of Congress — especially the upper house of Congress, which is the Senate — should read the Bill of Rights. Guess what? It guarantees certain rights of the citizen, you know, the American people. We older American citizens can now start to be concerned about our future. It may be too late.
If prayer is included in the decision making, it must be behind closed doors or in secret. Which is fine, as long as prayer is included, because in my opinion, our country is headed in the wrong direction without God’s guidance.
Those czars should be instructed that America does not need to be transformed. America is the greatest country in the world. They should advise their boss to stop the wasteful spending, balance the budget, and then all of them should go back to their home.
Before they leave, I would instruct them that the American people will not accept Socialism.
You see, our elected friends on the hill will never use Medicare or an Advantage plan when they retire. We elect them to office and they vote themselves benefits and salary increases.
Our great country is very much in need of “all” Americans getting involved in daily prayer for our leaders.
Jake Cannon, Dothan, AL,  Nov. 04, 2009

Stimulated!

It’s 4:57 a.m., and I can’t sleep. The stimulus has gotten to me. I dreamed last night that a decision has been reached in Washington. Each one of us will soon receive our own printing machine, capable of printing our own money. The only hang-up is we must send Washington half of what we print.
That’s still not bad! We won’t need to worry any more if bad decisions are made by congressmen. From now on, each family can just spend their way out of daily problems. You know, the same as our government. Spend, spend, spend!
You know what? I save, save and save, until I’m able to purchase some of the big-ticket items. No monthly payments, no interest paid. My parents taught me to live within my means, help out as many less fortunate people as I could, and that I would be blessed. They were right.
I look back over my 70 years living in this great country, and it just doesn’t make sense how we have replaced good old common sense with ungodly regulations.
Education funding may be put on the back burner again. It has been on and off, cut and increased and now I don’t know where they left it. We don’t really care about our teachers, students’ success in learning or upkeep of our school buildings and equipment. How can our government not put the education of our young people at the top of the list?
I have been over-stimulated with the mess in Washington. I feel it would do me good to take my car out into a muddy field and do figure eights until the rubber on the tires is gone.
You want to hear other people who are frustrated? Go to Ray’s Restaurant and sit at the front “Table of Knowledge.” I’ve been going since 1983, and now I don’t know what to believe.  Jake Cannon, Dothan, AL.

Time Is Passing

Letters to the Editor, Published: August 19, 2009
More than 50 years have passed since we graduated from Jakin High School in Jakin, Ga. The old school is gone, the gymnasium is gone and all that remains are trees and weeds.
Three classes — 1956, 1957 and 1958 — attended a reunion, and we all agreed that we still have our memories and they will last forever. This is why we have class reunions, our wonderful memories, and to see old friends.
If those memories are still in your heart, you can just drive by where the old Jakin High was once located and you can still see the silhouette of that grand old building, the outline of old rooms where we learned and made friends and, in many areas of our lives, patterned ourselves after one or more of those dedicated teachers. I even named my first daughter, Elizabeth, after one of my dear teachers.
We did have a few of our dedicated teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Davis, Mrs. Sybil Still, Mrs. Lois Cannon and Mr. C.L. Brooks, who is 98 and was the principal in the early 1950s. Thanks to Mr. Brooks and to all the wonderful teachers who taught at Jakin High for showing daily that you cared. I feel blessed by attending that little school way down in Southwest Georgia.  Jake Cannon, Dothan, AL

Billy's Smile

Flowers blooming in the dead of winter-

Little birds looking for seed-

Morning comes and goes-

Dew falls and goes away-

Sunny and bright early morning-

No tears today..., B.H.H., 1991

This poem was written by Billy Hayes, my nephew, in 1991, and given to me after his death.

I know many have read Billy's poem, which he wrote in 1991.  I still go back and read his words once in a while.  Makes me wonder just what Billy was thinking when he ended this poem with  "No tears today"!

God And Country

Jakin High School -----the year was 1954 and I was in the ninth grade. My dear teacher was Mrs. Dola Mae Evans. Our class was given a chance to enter an essay contest and compete with surrounding county and city schools.
We were told to write at least three typed pages on America, and how we felt about our country compared to other countries. We were to comment on our freedoms, rights and laws compared to other governments.
I can still remember the first few words of my essay: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth, so has man created ways and means of building a better America."
Would our students today be able to use a phrase from the Bible in a class essay? Just asking!
We are talking about our forefathers. Men who came up with "In God We Trust." Men who thought it worthwhile to engrave the "Ten Commandments" on areas in Washington, D.C., so our leaders and visitors would be able to read and be reminded.
The problem now is, the "Thou Shalt Not" has no meaning in the hearts and minds of so many Americans.
Let's not forget Independence Day, commonly known as July 4Th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776.
Make this a special day for all families in America. Remember the great sacrifice so many Americans have made for this great country.
I mentioned "prayer" for our country in an article back in April. I did have one comment from someone, who stated: "depending on prayer for eight years under Bush, was what got us in this pickle." Well Sir, I will never give up on prayer.
We need a city-wide revival, with all churches participating the same week with the concentration on "God's blessings upon our country and our leaders." All churches must be re-stimulated in doing God's will.
Is that asking too much? (Dothan Eagle, July 4, 2010)