This past week I enjoyed attending and taking photos at the Easter Egg Hunt and festivities at Community Hope Church in Montezuma.
      More than 700 youth and families attended the community event on Saturday, April 19. It was open to families from across the county and area. You were not required to be a church member or even attend church to participate.
      There were bouncy games, face painting, train rides, Easter Egg Hunts for youth from preschool to fifth grade (including special needs youth), photos with the Easter Bunny, popcorn, snowcones, lunch of hot dogs and chips and lots of fellowship.
        It’s a great event and wonderful way to reach out to families with the good news.
     I had to take several breaks throughout the day to rest up. I also took time to enjoy a grape flavored snowcone. I’m glad there were plenty of chairs around to rest up.
       As a journalist, small-town community events are one of my favorites to cover. I also enjoy covering the Poweshiek County Fair. This year will mark my 26th taking photos of kids and their prize-winning animals at the county fair. I’ve never missed covering the swine show. I’m now taking photos of kids of kids I photographed 20 plus years ago.
      There are also community events such as the Fourth of July parades and festivities in Montezuma and Grinnell, the Brooklyn Flag Festival and various other community gatherings such as Montezuma’s Summer Nights.
        This year’s Brooklyn Flag Festival is being held in celebration of the town’s 175th birthday.
       Having grown up in Oklahoma, which didn’t become a state until 1907, communities are not near as old as Montezuma (1848), Brooklyn (1854) and Grinnell (1854).
    My hometown of Tulsa has been around for a number of years prior to statehood. The town was incorporated on Jan. 18, 1898. By 1890 the town sheltered approximately one thousand people. In 1900 the federal census reported 1,390 residents, and at 1907 statehood Tulsa had a population of 7,298.
        Today, the town has 410,722 residents. Toss in all the small towns, and there is a million folks. I’ve always said that all big towns are is a bunch of small towns.
       I grew up in the Florence Park Neighborhood about five miles from downtown. Most of the homes were built in the 1920s. My folks paid $9,000 for my boyhood home in 1959. Today, some homes in that neighborhood sell from between $270,000 and up to a half million.
       I’m proud of my hometown and my upbringing. I’m thankful for all the experiences life has afforded me from growing up in Tulsa, throwing newspapers in the 1970s with my mom, going back to school in my late 20s and 30s and moving to Iowa where I met my lovely bride, Debbie.
Moving on 
       My colon cancer healing journey continues onward. My surgery wounds are healing nicely. I meet with an oncologist in the hospital and again a week ago. At the recommendation of my surgeon, I will be taking a three-month regiment of chemo starting May 5.
       I should be done in time for the Iowa State Fair and the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion.
     I’m thankful the cancer was contained within my colon. There was no indication that it had spread. The chemo is being done as a precautionary measure to make sure I am cancer free and have the best chance of a more positive future.
     Treatments will include a two-hour infusion every three weeks in West Des Moines and four chemo pills daily for 15-days with a week break.
      I remain hopeful that I can still get out and about and stay on the move while taking the chemo. I’m a firm believer that healing comes from not only medicine, but staying positive, laughing, spending time with family and friends, praying, continue doing good things and enjoying life.
      I’ve always had that kind of approach to life.
     As I’ve mentioned before, I’m so thankful for all the prayers, support, cards in the mail, Facebook greetings and much more through this journey. I’m so thankful that my cancer hasn’t spread and that my future is looking bright.
       Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.

        As I continue to heal from my colon cancer surgery, I am slowly getting out and about more.
      On Saturday, April 12 Debbie and I along with our oldest nephew, held our second annual Montezuma Business Expo and Craft Show.
        We took this event over last year and decided to keep it going. It had previously been under the direction of the former Montezuma Business Boosters.
       We had many new vendors this year and a study stream of attendees. Many of our vendors reported good sells.
       Getting the word out about these kind of events is always a challenge. We advertise through Facebook and that does reach out to many. We also hang up flyers in Grinnell, Brooklyn and Montezuma to get the word out.
       We are very appreciative of the Montezuma Schools and custodial staff for use of the school’s central gym, chairs and tables and making this community event possible.
        That evening, Debbie and I and rest of my Iowa family enjoyed supper out. It was my birthday supper, only six months late. It doesn’t bother me as time spent with family is time well spent.
       Debbie signed and sold nine copies of her newest book in the Hope Series, “Accidental Reveal,” at the show.
        This is Debbie’s fifth novel since the spring of 2018 and fourth in the Hope Series. Her other book is titled, “Mister Christmas.” It’s a novella that she released in the late fall of 2023 about an Iowa town that almost didn’t have a Christmas celebration.
          Following is the synopsis and bases of Debbie’s Hope series of books.
         Hope Iowa is a small town full of everyday people. Like most small towns, people in Hope usually know your personal business, sometimes better than you do. But they also are the first to bring a casserole and offer a shoulder to cry on when tragedy strikes. Some people have secrets they are desperately trying to hide while others’ lives are an open book. Some are longing for the day when they can break out of their small-town chains and others are hopeful to return home. Join our journey as we tag along and learn about the lives of the fine folks of Hope, Iowa.
         Together, Debbie and I have now published eight books.
       This includes my own book of 75 newspaper columns entitled, “Good Things are Happening,” that was released in October 2024.
        I picked up the “Good Things are Happening” focus on life while in college in the 1990s at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
         I was a non-traditional student in my 30s in school. I overcame many obstacles along the way in earning my degree.
        No matter the outcome of a test or assignment, I just kept pushing myself. I never gave up. I also learned the importance of getting help.
        I attended many tutoring sessions in English, math and chemistry.
       I spent my evenings working as a custodian at the university. I listened to lots of Bible tapes to build my faith and along the way. I picked up the “Good Things are Happening” slogan listening to the Word of God.
It’s been an important part of my life ever since.
       The other day I was interviewing three Montezuma high school girls, two of which are seniors, for a future article. When I was done with the interview, I told the young ladies that know matter what life brings them, don’t ever give up.
       I spoke briefly of my struggles with high school English and how I went on to attend one of if not the top journalism program in the world.
       I encouraged them to keep going and not let the world’s distractions get in their way.
       I hope my encouragement helps them along their life journey.
     On a side note, I meet with an oncologist this week to talk about the possibility of going on a six month regiment of chemo to make sure I am cancer free.
     The surgeon feels that he got all the cancer. However, there was a small strand within the cancer that raised some concerns that it might have started to spread. 
      I want to do what is going to give me the best chance at a cancer-free quality of life in the coming days and years.
       I do appreciate all the prayers, thoughts and cards in the mail and support through this journey.
     You are the real heroes and I appreciate each and every one who has taken the time to send me a kind note and a pray to God in Heaven.
       Thank you!
       Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.

       Debbie and I drove to Grinnell last week to run a couple errands and pick up some much needed groceries.
         We stopped at the Dairy Barn for a late lunch and I mentioned to a couple of the young ladies at the cash register that I had cancer surgery a couple weeks ago.
            “Ice cream will help you get through it,” one of the young ladies said.
            She’s right, I love ice cream.
I’ve also learned in life that family and friends are also a big part of the equation. 
            If it wasn’t for all my family and friends flooding Heaven with prayers, I couldn’t have gotten through all this.
           And having a strong, faith-filled wife has been an important part in helping me meet this challenge head on.
            Debbie has been by my side the entire time.
            What a blessing!
            My surgery went well and as the surgeon told me, “I do this all the time.”
Amazingly, I’ve had very little pain from the surgery.
            I was at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines for 10-days and nine-nights.
            I had a number of nurses keeping an eye on me and most were very good at their job.
            In the early going, nurses were poking and prodding me almost hourly. They were constantly checking my blood sugar and drawing blood for this and that.
            I only had one set back in the hospital when I had to have a tube put in my nose to drain my stomach. That was not a pleasant experience. It caused me to get a terrible sore throat and I couldn’t hardly swallow.
           The tube came out three days later and the next day I was able to eat solid food for the first time in a week. I enjoyed toast and bacon for breakfast.
            At the writing of this column, I have been now home for just more than a week.
           Outside of getting tired on an occasion, I have my color back and I’m feeling stronger every day. I have no plans to run a marathon in the future, but I will be back to my old self soon.
        I’m also meeting with an oncologist later this month to talk about going on a six-month regiment of chemo. The surgeon got all the cancer, but there was a strand within the cancer that looked as if it might have tried to spread that caused some concern. The chemo is being suggested as a precaution and to make sure all is clear. I’m going to do what is best for my future.
           And while in the hospital, I wrote a sermon. I didn’t put it on paper, but I have it my heart. You never know what the future holds.
         I’ve reached out to many friends and family via Facebook Messenger, text and by telephone and enjoyed sharing my story and talking about the goodness of God.
           Many shared their thoughts and prayers with me prior to my surgery. Following are what some of my friends and family had to say.
           “We are PRAYING,” a long-time friend wrote. “I believe God led you to all the right places and early so this would be discovered and you can get it out and on the road to healing. Be encouraged that these people are experts and all will go well.”
           “We have been praying for you in my Sunday School class,” wrote a friend of the family. “Love ya and hope you’re back to normal soon.”
         “We will pray that your surgery will go well and that all cancer will be removed,” wrote a friend in Oskaloosa. “Also for quick and complete recovery. I speak peace over you and Debbie.”
            “Prayers for you,” a friend in Tulsa wrote. “God has you and will take care of everything.”
            “Speaking the peace of God over you,” wrote a friend in Brooklyn.
         “We will be praying for you,” wrote a friend and her husband in Tulsa. “We feel confident that the surgery will go well. I know that anxiety of going under the knife. Listen to worship music over and over.”
            My friends sent me a photo of Jesus in the operating room guiding the surgeons. It brought tears to my eyes.
            “Praying for you in this journey,” wrote a cousin in Oklahoma. “I hope they get this figured out and get you back on the road to good health.”
            There are so many more kind words, thoughts and prayers I could share. This is a small sample and I appreciate them all.
            My family and friends make me the richest person in this world.
          I’m already looking forward to a trip this early summer to my native hometown of Tulsa for a cousin reunion. It’s going to be great to see everyone and reconnect.
            Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.

          The encouragement, support and prayers that I have received since learning earlier this month that I have colon cancer has been heartwarming and comforting.
         I learned of the nasty cancer during a colonoscopy at the Iowa Clinic. At the writing of this column, I will be operated on at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines later this month.
      The surgeon will perform the surgery with the aid of a robot. The technology that is available in the medical field is quite amazing.
       I’m expected to be in the hospital until I am able to eat solid food. I’m hopeful to come home in a few days.
        According to the surgeon, this is a routine surgery that he does often and both Debbie and I are confident that all will go well.
            I’ve spoken to some who have had this type of surgery and all have gone on to live healthy lives. That is what I am expecting, too!
            One person I spoke to said her husband had colon cancer and he has been going strong for 18 years. Another said their sister had the surgery and she is doing great some 15 years later.
            I’ve lost around 80 pounds in the last 10 years, from my heaviest at 352 pounds. It hasn’t come off fast or easy. I’m working hard to eat healthier and it is bring positive change.
          This cancer journey came about in early December when I began experiencing stomach pains. I visited my doctor, then a  specialist in the endoscopy department at the Iowa Clinic on Feb. 7. That led to me having a CT scan in late February and the colonoscopy earlier this month.
            Drinking that nasty cleanout solution is no picnic.
            It’s the worst part about the ordeal.
           I do not know any other details of the cancer, but I am thankful that it was discovered at what I believe is an early stage.
          When the surgeon told us that I had cancer, it was a shock and tough pill to swallow. My first thought, “I’m going to beat this.”
          Growing up, I would have never thought about getting cancer.
       Outside of a few rare cases, my family doesn’t have a long history of the nasty disease. My mom had breast cancer that ended up spreading in her body. She passed away in September 2009 from complication of the disease 12 years later. 
           I’m proud of the fight she put up and more proud of her stance in life. My parents taught me so much, including the importance of keeping the good book in my heart and mind.
          It’s kept me out trouble, encouraged me, guided me through my challenges and dreams and kept me moving forward in life.
            I’m thankful for all the life experiences along the way.
            Here is what some of my friends and family wrote about this cancer journey.
           “We are praying for you and believing that you’re going to be well again,” my cousin in Arkansas wrote. “We love you, J.O.”
           Another cousin told me not to be a tough guy and to ask for help or pain medicine if I need it. He then went on to share about his health journey. I think he should write a book.
           “You will be fine,” he said. “Try to enjoy the rest.”
           “You will surely be in our prayers and I will believe for the hand of God to reach down and touch you,” a school chum wrote.
            “Please take care of yourself and fight through,” another cousin said.
            “I have full faith that you will come thru it with no problems,” a cousin in Oklahoma said.
            “You and Debbie are in my prayers for a successful surgery and a complete and swift recovery,” a high school classmate wrote.
           “Your health journey was my first prayer this morning,” an older cousin said. “I am glad you have a good faithful wife by your side to support you along the way.”
            “I’ll pray for you and Debbie,” one cousin said. “Don’t worry about going under the knife, the doctors are pros.”
           Another cousin in Florida encouraged me to stay strong and believe in the Lord’s power to heal. She suggested that I listen to a song, “Peace in Christ,” by Claire Crosby, which I did.
           “We will be here for anything you need that we can provide,” she added. “I know you have so much support around you.”
           Another fellow and good friend took time during a visit on the telephone to pray with me. He said it was his best Methodist prayer, which made us both chuckle.
           “Good Things are Happening,” a former classmate wrote me. “Believing with all my heart you will be good as new after the surgery.”
            There have been so many kind words and prayers sent our way and I appreciate them all. I’m looking forward to beating this cancer and getting back to my love of life and newspaper work. I thank you for your support and prayers.
             Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.

         I checked off another milestone in my journalistic career last week at the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union State Basketball Tournament. I was there to cover the game between the Montezuma Bravettes and Algona Bishop-Garrigan Golden Bears.
      Even though the game didn’t turnout like I and all Montezuma fans wanted, being at state courtside is quite an honor.
        Only the top eight teams in each division from Class 1A – 5A advance to state.
        And for Montezuma, this was their sixth trip in the last eight years. I’ve covered five of the state games as the first one I was on hiatus from journalistic work.
     I covered the Montezuma boys at state in 2019, 2020 and 2021, when they won the Class 1A state basketball title.
       That was quite an experience watching that game unfold and witnessing the team, the fans and just being a part of that winning atmosphere.
       And I’ve covered the Grinnell girls’ basketball team in 2019 at state and the Grinnell boys’ basketball team for a three-year stretch at state in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
       And as often happens in Iowa during state tournaments, a round of ice, snow and cold hit the state.
      The weather in this state can turn on the bad switch on a moment’s notice. It can be 75 degrees one day and the next it will be 20 degrees or some other ridiculous ice cold temperature with a half foot of snow.
After hearing the initial weather reports from last week’s weather, at first, I was using the “wait and see” approach about attending the game on Wednesday, March 5.
       As the weather reports kept rolling in, Debbie and I decided it would be best if I booked a motel room and headed to Des Moines on Tuesday night.
        The state basketball tournament goes on, even in bad weather. 
       So, that is what I did. I was able to get a room less than a block from the Wells Fargo Arena, so walking there was no problem.
       It was great to be courtside at the tournament. It’s one of the many life opportunities that I have enjoyed since returning to college and earning my degree.
     But more importantly, it’s the players, their families, the kids, the coaches and the fans that make it special. And I get to be there and watch it all.
      Now that the tournaments are nearly finished (the boys wrap up on March 14), it’s time to think about spring sports.
        There’s track and field events coming and softball and baseball will get underway in late spring.
On the college level, the basketball conference tournaments get underway this week with the March Madness brackets being announced on Sunday, March 16.
         Then it will be three weeks of basketball games and more games to watch at the Parker house. 
         Then toss in college softball.
      Debbie and I are big fans of softball, especially the OU Sooners. We enjoy watching them play on television and have seen the Sooners live on several occasions at Iowa State University in recent years. We also traveled to the University of Kansas last March and watched two of the three game series.
         They are amazing, having won the national championship four years in a row. And they currently are the only D1 college softball program to be undefeated with a 22-0 record. That’s a great record for a team of freshman and transfers.
        Now that the Sooners have moved to the Southeast Conference, we had planned to attend the games at the University of Missouri-Columbia in a couple weeks.
       However, getting tickets is next to impossible. In fact, the games at MU are all sold out and we missed out.
       We talked about traveling to Fayetteville to watch the Sooners take on the Razorbacks, but those tickets sold out almost as quickly.
        Plans are underway for a  cousin reunion on my mom’s side later in the spring in Tulsa. We might have a chance to get tickets and watch the Sooners in Norman during that trip.
       Our dream is to someday attend the college world series in Oklahoma City and hopefully have the chance to see OU and many other nationally ranked teams.
        On a side note, now that I am 65 years of age, I can get a lifetime Iowa fishing license. That sounds like a good summer activity.
        Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.