Pessimist vs. Optimist

Raoul’s Two Cents: May 30, 2025

My Buddy

I stared at the text message from the wife of my old buddy, Ed Landry: “I have a report on Ed.” The last time I heard from Ed, he had trouble breathing so I knew this wasn’t good.

A former fireman turned full time missionary — Ed mentored me in my early walk with Christ over 30 years ago. He never took himself seriously … always ready with a joke. The only time he was serious was when he talked about his faith. At the time we met I had abandoned my artistic ambitions and resigned myself to being an obscure “mountain man” in a marble mining business that my grandfather started. He saw potentials in me as an artist and introduced me to computer graphics. Together we created a series of short Christian manuals that changed the lives of so many people. I recall a dramatic tale of a depressed husband holding a gun in his hand intent to end it all. But he sees one of our manuals left on the table by his wife. He reads the gospel, puts down his gun and becomes a new man. Many more fascinating stories connected with those manuals.

In his quest to spread the gospel, Ed has always found himself in strange places. He and another American missionary were somewhere in a far flung village in Africa. Because of their skin color, they attracted the villagers in the middle of the jungle.

“What are we supposed to do?”

“I don’t know. But since we’re here and we’ve got an audience, let’s just preach the Gospel.”

So they preached. They didn’t speak the language but they preached with outstretched arms for what seemed like an eternity. It was pitch black when the sun went down because there was no electricity. (I know this for a fact because I’ve been in Nigeria where it was so dark I couldn’t see my hand in front of me.) As the crowd dwindled, they noticed something was hanging on one of their hands. It was a walking stick.

“Where did this come from?”

“I dunno, but whoever hung that stick came in limping but probably walked home.”

(In case you’re interested, Ed has several adventurous articles in Travelingboy.com.)

The text message said my old goofy buddy refused chemo therapy and opted for hospice care at home. I believe this is his 3rd bout with cancer. It looks bleak. Many are praying for him. We know his hope and assurance is with the Lord but it’s this transition process that drains our emotions.

I apologize for sharing something that’s probably irrelevant to you. It’s just that Ed is a giant in my world. I’m sure you have your own heroes who’ve run the race and finished well. Here’s to Ed and all the unsung heroes of our world. What a joy and a blessing to be touched by their lives.

Ed, I know you’re reading this. I love you, my buddy! Thank you for all the blessings. Reserve a place for me up there. We still have much to talk about.

TGIF people!

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” — J.K. Rowling

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” — Mark Twain

“Friends are the siblings God never gave us” — Mencius

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

I liked this short animation of “Death and the Lady: When the Grim Reaper Knocks.” Reminded me of our protective dogs.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Agnes of Washington, DC

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!

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