Welcome, 2009!! It is my expressed wishes that you have a wonderful, glorious, and healthy 2009. However, before we all look ahead, how was your 2008? What were the highlights of the year? For me it was somewhat of a struggle. With the recent death of my son, there were portions of the year that went badly....it's just going to take time. I did have several wonderful things happen to me this year. I taught two new classes at school (Novels and Bible Literature), was appointed to serve on the Pike County Community Foundation Board, and was asked to be the Assistant Athletic Director at PCHS. I enjoyed getting closer to several members of my church this summer when we traveled to New Orleans to do missionary work. I love my church, I don't know what I'd do without them. I continued working on my very close relationships with close friends and family members while enjoying a year of good health. I also broaden my horizons by developing new interests by exploring new and different things in my life. I read more and tried to develop new meaning with life.

As far as resolutions are concerned, I can only say that I hope in 2009 to continue my pursuit of knowledge. I want to continue working on becoming a better teacher, developing a working knowledge in technology/computers, and getting more in touch with God. What are some of your New Years' Resolutions? Whatever they are, I hope they all come true.....Happy New Year.

Christmas

Christmas in Pike County is rapidly approaching. Children all across the county, state, and the world are getting anxious about the holidays. Most young people concentrate on buying and receiving presents, gathering with family members, or just being away from school for a time.

During the "rush" of the season, many people forget that it's a time to rejoice. It is this time that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ occurs. Some people forget what He did for us. He died on the cross so we could be forgiven for the sins we committed and are still committing. I hope we all take some time this season to reflect on the lives we are living for Him.

Christmas time is usually a time for joy and happiness. Often, fond memories of Christmas" past come to light. I can still remember my early Christmas' with my parents. I vividly remember the Christmas' I've had with my own family, of my sons while they were growing up. I still remember Kyle's last Christmas with us. As joyful as the season is, a part of me is very sad this time of year. My grandmother passed away on Christmas in 1975. It was her favorite holiday and that year didn't make it one of my favorites. Losing my son in November, 2007 made last year practically unbearable and probably won't make this year any better. I just try to make the most of it and keep in mind the "reason for the season".

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday. Just remember Jesus Christ is responsible for the season and the celebration. Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanksgiving

Wow, can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving already! For some people, its their favorite holiday of the year. I can well remember most of my recent Thanksgivings. My wife puts the turkey into the oven the night before and when I awake on Thanksgiving morning, the smell is incredible. I never try to eat much prior to the big meal and I always leave the table stuffed! I also enjoy all the leftovers for days to come.

Thanksgiving though is truly a time to count our blessings. Give thanks to God for all we have and ask that he blesses us all for years to come; afterall, being with family at Thanksgiving is a very important time. There is nowhere I'd rather be than with my family. What are your thoughts about Thanksgiving? What makes it special to you? Do you have a special memory of the holiday?

Veterans Day

Of all the special programs we have at school, the Veterans Day Program is -by far- my favorite. Our program yesterday was highlighted by special speakers, an introduction of some Pike County War survivors and music sung by the PCHS Swing Choir. It also included the presentation of the colors and T.A.P.S. for those who died defending our freedom. Overall, I think students were well behaved during the program, but I also often think that many of them have no clue as to why we actually observe this special day. I'm very thankful for all the freedom we have in this country, despite all our recent economic problems. We have the freedom to vote for the candidate of our choice, the freedom to attend school wherever we want; to come and go as we choose. Many countries don't have that and few high school students really know this or even care. Last Sunday at church we concluded our service with an inspiring version of "America the Beautiful". When I think of Veterans Day, I truly realize that God shed his grace on our nation and I simply say.....thank you Veterans and God Bless America!!

Thoughts Behind the Name

Many maybe wondering about the thoughts behind my blog title. True, I do love cats of all kinds (Tigers) and as you've probably noticed by viewing my blog that I have the prettiest cat in the world!! However if you've been to my room you also know I love the Kentucky Wildcats. I have many pictures hanging on my walls at school/home portraying my beloved Wildcats. I travel to Lexington, Kentucky often to watch them play football (I have season tickets) and of course the tradition-rich basketball. At times it's difficult being a UK fan, especially surrounded by so many Hoosiers, but most of the time it doesn't bother me. So if you don't like my Wildcats......keep it to yourself and I won't bug you about your favorite college team, OK?

I've loved and been around sports all my life, but up to a couple of years ago, I knew nothing about NASCAR. I have to admit that my son Kyle got me interested in the sport a few years back. He always loved Jeff Gordon and rarely cheered for anyone but him. However with my new interest in the sport, I have always admired Gordon for his achievements, but it's his partner, Jimmie Johnson, who I really like. Johnson won the Sprint Cup Championship again this year, making him only the second person in the history of NASCAR to win the title three years in a row! My sons and I attend the Brickyard 400 in Indy every year and Johnson has won the race two of the last three years!! Nevertheless, Hendricks Motor Sports in the best in Stock Car Racing and Jimmie Johnson is the man!

Remember the Time.......

I just celebrated my 56th birthday in October and I know most people think that's old. How often do you think of the days-gone-by?? Here's what I remember: eating pie that were made with REAL crust, hot summer's day eating watermelon outside to cool off, riding my bike to everything, having a faithful dog at my side (I miss King, my German-Shepherd), sleeping in a house w/o air conditioning, Christmas with the family (Great!), hunting with my dad or playing ball with him, gas wars....17 cents a gallon!! going to movies for a dollar, 10 cents for a soft drink or an ice cream bar, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon (I voted for him!!), Vietnam, Neil Armstrong, Mercury missions to space and watching them on TV at breakfast or at school, the Tate-LiBianca murders, Marilyn Monroe, watching the first Super Bowl-Go Packers! Blizzards (not the kind you eat either), watching TV with no cable or satellite and TV and there being no TV on after midnight!! I remember going to high school football/basketball games when almost the entire student body cheered.....home or away!! I remember when Ford Mustangs came out and the fact that most new cars only cost $3-6,ooo. Wow, I'll probably think of more later, but if you view this blog, I'd appreciate it if you'd add to the list.

I'm so proud of this picture. This is my Missionary Group picture from New Orleans this past July. The couple in the middle of the picture is Marvin & Juanita Hamilton. They are the couple we worked for all week and the picture is taken outside their home, 300 yards from the levee in New Orleans. This is my group from Main Street Presbyterian Church in Petersburg. This experience was one everyone should attempt. It helped bring me closer to everyone and it was very important for me to help do God's work.

No, this isn't Jerry Garcia, Ringo Starr, or Tommy Chong, it's Vance Hays!! This picture was taken in New Orleans this past July when Vance and I were on a Mission Trip.....and they don't say it doesn't get hot in Louisiana! Though not a particularly striking pose, Vance is my best friend in the world and I love him with all my heart.

Sydney2

Both of these pictures are of my cat, Sydney. She is very devoted to me. She sleeps with me at night and always follows me around the house. She meows for me when I'm not home and lets me have it when I return! I've been blessed with several wonderful pets in my life, but Sid is my all-time favorite. Susan and I have two dogs; Abby and Cody (Dakota); however, Sydney runs the house! I always tell people/students that she is the most beautiful cat in the world, don't you agree?

Sydney

Ryan

This is my son Ryan. He has become a great man; good husband and provider. His birthday is July 30. He and his wife Brooke live in Newburgh. Ryan works at Belmont Freight in Evansville. He loves UK Football/Basketball and often goes to games with me. He has become a big NASCAR fan as well. We go to the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis every year, a tradition that we established when Kyle was alive. They got me hooked on it!! Ryan took after his mom, he's simply a good person and makes friends easily. I'm so proud of him!!! He's my best friend.

Charlene Fox

With my wife Susan, this is Charlene Fox. She was Kyle's girlfriend at the time of his death. As you can see, she is beautiful and is greatly loved by my wife and me. Charlene graduated from Tecumseh High School last May and now attends USI. She lives in Evansville at school, but spends most weekends with her mom, brother, sister, and her niece in Lynnville. You may have seen her at a few functions at Pike Central or when she was a cheerleader at THS. She also worked at Main Street Video in Lynnville. If I had a daughter, this is who I'd choose. She remains a huge part of our lives.

Kyle's Gravestone

This is my son Kyle's final resting place. His funeral was held on November 7, 2007 and was the greatest funeral I have ever witnessed. Dr. Douglas Low and LeAnne Kelley both spoke eloquently about Kyle and what he meant to everyone. The Pike Central Swing Choir w/Vance Hays agreed to sing two of Kyle's favorite songs when he was in the choir, "Full Control" and "Friends". A recording of "Blessed Be the Broken Road" was played during the ceremony because Kyle had sung the song at "Senior Solos". To cap off the funeral, St. Mary's Life-Flight helicopter flew overhead at the conclusion of the graveside service; it was spectacular!! This stone is beautiful and I hope viewers of this might someday go to Augusta Cemetary to see it.

Tribute to Kyle

My entire blog is dedicated to the memory of my son, Kyle Steven Stuckey. Kyle was born on August 27, 1986 at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville, Indiana and he died on November 4, 2007. Kyle had grown up to be a wonderful man; one quite independent, very loyal to friends and relatives, and extremely competent in his job.

Kyle graduated from Pike Central High School in May, 2005 and embarked on a career in medicine during his senior year at Pike. In the spring semester of his senior year, Kyle enrolled at Ivy Tech in Evansville in the EMT program and actually finished up his training (with the highest grade in the class) in May, 2005-before actually graduating from high school. He started work at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville in July, 2005. There he worked as a phlebotomist for six months before being hired at Warrick County EMS in January, 2006. He stayed on at Warrick until September of 2007 when he had an opportunity to return to St. Mary's and work as an EMT in the emergency room of the hospital. He loved his job and St. Mary's, working with old friends and meeting a lot of new ones. He truly wanted to be the best; and was.

His sudden death has been quite a blow to the whole family. As a father, one's worst fear is losing a child. I don't deal with his death very well from time to time, but the last year has been very rough on us all. My wonderful wife has suffered greatly, battling depression and the pressures of her job. My son, Ryan, has also fought off horrible feelings of Kyle's passing and now is my only living son. Kyle's grandparents have also suffered terribly during this period of time. I can only wonder what other people are feeling for their loss. A couple of friends of Kyle's have actually had tattoo's made in order to remember him.

Having close friends such as Vance Hays and LeAnne Kelley have both been very supportive. My church means the world to me and the opportunity to serve God, because I know God is taking care of my son. I can only hope that one day we will be reunited with Kyle in Heaven and we'll be together forever.

So, my blog is in support/memory of my son Kyle who resides in Heaven. He is with me everyday and will always be with me. Having the love and support from family and friends somehow makes everything in my life OK.