Thursday, March 16, 2006

Thursday Talk

Hubby and Son made it to their destination among the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Grandma is happy and enjoyed receiving her George Foreman Grill and her book that were sent with them as gifts. Who doesn't like presents? Today Son is to tour Indiana University.

Yesterday the Congress held a joint session to welcome and listen to a speech by the newly elected female president of the African country of Liberia. First woman president. She thanked the people of her country, she thanked them for their courage to make the country better, and she thanked President Bush and the American people for their support and strong resolve to force out a tyrant. She made a point of saying Liberia does not want patronage from the US. They want to be a full partner striving for independence in the world. The American embassy in Monrovia is the most evacuated embassy in the world and it has been evacuated 9 times in the past 15 years. She promised there would not be a 10th time needed to rescue Americans and dependents out of the country for safety.

She is a strong woman. Her vision is that Liberia is the U.S. success story in Africa. Wish her well.

Ryan Theodore was a chef in New Orleans. He had a deep faith in God and he was a big smiler. During the evacuation of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina he drove his family to Sealy, a small town just west of Houston, to safety. After the hurricane he was left with his family and the clothes on his back. He kept smiling.

Carol's at Cat Springs is a far cry from Sweet Lorraine's and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, but it is the fanciest restaurant in the small town. He took the opportunity to start anew and make a name for himself.

He was known as Theo. His story was told on the front page of the Houston Chronicle in October. His story of success over adversity. He was interviewed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram earlier this month, touted as one of the few chefs that had been successful in Houston after leaving New Orleans. His friends say his life was never better.

Theo was a husband and a father. He and his wife were raising his nephew who they took in at the age of 3 when Theo's sister died. They had no children of their own.

Veronica Theodore and Theo were to celebrate their 10th anniversary this year. He was a bear of a man, standing 6-foot-8 and he was a gentle man. The town of Sealy wrapped their arms around the family as they settled in and provided everything for them.

Theo told the Houston Chronicle, shortly after moving to Sealy, "I've lived in big cities all my life, and now I see cows and horses and they're not on milk cartons. It's like I've died and gone to Mayberry." The community is devastated with the loss.

Tuesday his 1998 Ford Explorer rolled over on FM 2187, six miles northwest of Sealy. He was en route to a benefit in Houston. He was not wearing a seat belt . He was ejected from the SUV and died at 3:21 p.m., according to a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Ryan Theodore chose to live a positive life. He smiled through some tough times and inspired those around him. He took opportunities that came his way and built a better life for his family. He was full of life, living the dream.

Rest in peace, Theo.

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." - Indian Proverb

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