The inspiring 2014 commencement address at The University of Texas at Austin given by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and a Navy SEAL for 36 years, offers valuable instruction for every person who wants to change the world for the better.
Brother Melvyn Amrine was a pastor and church planter in Little Rock, and across the country for many years. Now 83, he was diagnosed with Altzheimer’s Disease about three years ago and usually spends his days sitting just inside the garage watching the world. His wife of over 60 years, Doris, was inside preparing for a ladies prayer meeting and went out to check on him. She was panicked when she found him gone. She called her daughter who called the police and an alert was issued.
Mel was about two miles from home when he was spotted by Sergeant Brian Grigsby and Officer Troy Dillard. He could not tell the officers where he lived but was adamant that he was going to get flowers for his wife for Mother’s Day the next day. He had bought flowers for her every Mother’s Day since their first child was born. The officers said they had no choice. Mel was not going home. He was going to get flowers for his wife.
The officers radioed in that they had found the missing man and would take him home. But first they made a stop at Home Depot. The flowers were not the right kind; Mel wanted cut flowers. They went on down the street to Kroger where Mel knew exactly what he wanted. When he stepped to the cashier to pay for the white roses, he did not have enough money. Both officers reached for their wallets to pay the difference. Officer Dillard was just a little quicker.
Doris and the ladies had been praying that Mel would be found and rejoiced when the call came that he would soon be home. Doris, however, was not very happy that Mel had walked away. But she said when she saw the officers and Mel and the flowers and his big smile coming up the walk, her heart broke with thanksgiving. “It’s special, because even though the mind doesn’t remember everything, the heart remembers.”
This touching story, already shared around the world, reveals the heart of a man with enduring love for his wife. It also reveals the kind and caring hearts of two policemen who appear to find joy in helping.
The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock announced today that former Bishop Andrew McDonald passed away at the age of 90.
Bishop McDonald served in Little Rock from 1972 to 2000. While he may be remembered for his years of ministry as a Catholic priest and bishop, I want to highlight an important legacy he leaves behind: His pro-life work.
Bishop McDonald stood for life during a time when many believed abortion “on demand and without apology” was inevitable. He organized the Respect Life office at the diocese, and he helped lead the annual March for Life in Little Rock.
Bishop McDonald was also a supporter of the Unborn Child Amendment—now Amendment 68 to the Arkansas Constitution—preventing public funds from being used to pay for abortion. In 1988 I helped lead the effort to pass the Unborn Child Amendment, and was able to start Family Council in part because the amendment campaign succeeded.