Randy Hermsen

Randy Hermsen, 54, of College Place died Dec. 7, 2009, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Arrangements are pending at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St.

Just this morning, I was told the news.
I couldn’t believe it and am a little confused.
How could a guy that makes me laugh all day,
Decide to just pick up and walk away?
I thought you would handle it longer than you did,
You never gave up and you never hid.
I watched you go through some hard times.
Whether you were innocent or convicted of your crimes.
You were the one person that would never stop,
And you always found a way to come out on top.
So, it surprises me that much more
That you were the one to walk out the door.
You were a beacon for many, a champion of hope,
And you were the rock people hung to when they just couldn’t cope.
When I felt I couldn’t take the hostility any longer,
You stepped up and made me stronger.
When I just wanted to lash out and fight,
You helped me find the path that was right.
I enjoyed your humor no matter how racy,
You kept me sane when all around us was crazy.
We all know that you left and aren’t coming back,
And we are hurt that you didn’t call us to help you pack.
But we know what happened and understand
That things don’t always go quite as planned.
We all hate the fact that you are no longer here
But no matter how far you went, you’ll always be near.
Because, in my heart and memories you always stay,
And I will think of you each and every day.
You were one of the rare people that made this world a better place
And I wish so bad that I could tell you to your face.
I will miss you Randy, you were truly a great friend.
But more than that, you were my brother by the end.
So rest now, as you deserve to do,
And know that your fight with cancer is through.
You have so much life that will go unsung
And I hate that it’s true that only the good die young.

I miss you chief and wish I could tell you that I have not met many people quite as important as you.

A morning with Joe

On Wednesday, June 3^rd, Walla Walla Community College, with the assistance of Phi Beta Lambda, opened the doors of their theater in the Health And Science building for award winning local author and business entrepreneur, Mr. Joe Cooke, who spoke to an audience of students and Walla Walla residents on the topic of Creative Entrepeneurialsm, ‘The Road Less Traveled’. Here is a sample of what happened on this bright and pleasant morning for those unfortunate few that could not attend.

With an introduction of Mr. Cooke and his impressive accomplishments, including his college education, previous businesses, seats in office, and a mention of his publishing company, Cannon Publishing Group, Joe Cooke takes the stage and instantly captures his audience with a soft, welcome personality. His discussion on entrepreneurial success begins within Mr. Cooke’s own history and travels through his own ups and downs into the present.

Determining the message behind today’s discussion comes quickly as Joe not only talks about what one needs to succeed, but shows it in his speech, and that thing is passion. With an eloquent presence and skilled speech, Mr. Cooke brings the audience through a range of feelings from amused to inspired as his words find their way into each attendee’s ears and shoots to their motivation centers.

After his presentation, Mr. Cooke generously comes into the crowd and connects with many members of the audience, even staying well after the discussion to carry on community rich conversations with a few remaining people from the audience.

Through the day, the college was abuzz with the quality of this presentation and some individuals that attended were suddenly finding their passion again, rethinking their dreams and goals, and asking, “Why aren’t I getting my business started?”

From the grotto!

I have burned an idea through my head for some time now (possibly a year) and, as the planets align or the fates spin (whichever great destiny you may subscribe to), I have determined that NOW is the time!

The foundation of the Infinite Inkwell Writer's Guild has been set and the structure which sits upon said foundation is being developed!
Currently, our membership sits at two individuals. If you live in the Walla Walla area, have a sincere passion for writing, and would like to gain membership, contact me here or on Facebook.

We will gather for regular or semi-regular meetings. The goals of these meetings will range from writing challenges to network enhancement or any other discussion topic which will enhance our writing or publishing agendas.

Friendship

I was recently offered a quote by poet and essayist, Samuel Johnson in which he stated, "There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity." In addition, I was asked what my views on this comment and friendship are. In regard to the quote, I would be inclined to see wisdom with this statement.
It is my opinion that confidence is a key element of friendships, or any relationship (as well as loyalty, communication, care and willingness among many factors). Confidence, by the Oxford dictionary definition is: 1. Firm trust. 2. A- feeling of reliance or certainty. B- sense of self reliance; boldness. This characteristic is two sided and, in order to be true to itself, must display both sides equally and harmoniously in order to succeed. First; and possibly the least recognized side of confidence is the ability to be true to one's self. If a person cannot be honest with the self and instead, uses self deceit, honesty with others will be impossible. Self deceit is the worst form of deceit. The second side of confidence is the ability to offer your loyalty to others as a form of communicating your own worthiness. A person that is true to himself will often be recognized as a person that will be true to others. If confidence emanates from all involved individuals, the relationship's success will be likely.
To return to Samuel Johnson's statement; one would see the friendship line being drawn to integrity by way of confidence. Pulling definition again from the Oxford dictionary, integrity's definition is given: 1. moral uprightness; honesty. 2. wholeness; soundness. -1. rectitude, decency, honor; probity. 2. entirety, totality. Honesty; this is one of the most important aspects of life and is sadly, too often overlooked.
If one were so inclined (as I am about to be) to paraphrase Mister Johnson's quote in an attempt to simplify the meaning, one might say: Friendship is not possible without the firm trust in the honesty of one's self and that of another. In an effort to try bringing this discussion to a close; I would like to reflect on one of my own relationships in order to convey the importance of integrity and confidence.
Eleven years ago I met a person that was soon to become the closest friend I have ever known. When we began our friendship, I was up front and honest with what I was looking for in friendships and also what I was willing to give in return. Since then, we've had disagreements, arguments and even fights. At times, truth has felt more like a deadly blade than a productive tool and at times things were grim. Fortunately; two children, a new home and surroundings, and a truckload of communication has come to pass and my dearest friend (and wife) is still as close to me as my own skin. We are successful because we both firmly trust each other's honor.
This is not an isolated occurrence. I attempt to offer the same relationship pattern to most people I encounter in some way; to a childhood friend I have known since middle school; to a fellow employee I might spend hours working along side; to an instructor that offers time and knowledge; even to the stranger I hold a door for. The feeling isn't always returned but when it is, the new relationship has a solid foundation in which a strong friendship can be built.