Stories from the Golden Throne
by
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Too often, regrets come too late
(Th is column originally was published in Th e Odessa American, a
daily newspaper where Berkheimer was managing editor. )
His death came less than a month shy of his 15th birthday.
It was only 2 ½ weeks ago, but the lingering feelings now are more of guilt
rather than grieving.
Some people might say, “He was just a dog!”
Nevertheless, the guilt remains – because I think of how much I neglected
him during recent months and the past couple years.
I think about how we sometimes made him wait too long for some fresh
water or his supper.
I think of how we sometimes yelled at or scolded him for bothering us or
getting underfoot when all he sought was a little attention in exchange for the
unceasing love he off ered us.
Often, all he wanted was a little neck rub, a few pats on the head, some kind
words or a couple minutes of ball throwing.
Even at 14 years old, he bounded after the ball, a stick, or his bone as if he
were a puppy, and he would bring it back for more throws even though his hind
quarters didn’t work too well anymore.
We could tell, too, that he was losing his hearing and smelling abilities while
his eyes were glazing over.
His name was
only 6 weeks old.
He was a “schnoodle” – part poodle and schnauzer – with bushy white and
gray hair that was only half as curly as a poodle’s.
He provided our family with many years of enjoyment.
I guess it was almost a sin what we did to him during his last couple months.
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About the Book
This book deals with a wide range of subjects in more than 70 short selections that can be read in a few minutes. The subjects range from serious to sensitive, to humorous, compassionate and political. Many stories are both compelling and refreshing, as they concern issues and incidents that have a timeless nature. Some evoke empathy with a unique angle and power to pull at the heart. Some dwell on moral gray areas. Other articles concern major issues facing our nation today. The length of the articles and format of the book allow readers to pick up the book at any time, and spend 10 or 15 minutes reading a couple articles to completion. Then they can lay the book aside without feeling they are caught in the middle of something with a need to continue. One reader wrote: “This is writing that focuses on the seemingly simple pleasures, frustrations, quandaries and confl icts in life. But just because it’s presented in a simple, accessible, straightforward manner, doesn’t mean it doesn’t run deep. “I think anyone can relate to the author’s reactions and insights which color the vignettes, and upon refl ection, they open a door to the complex dynamics that lie beneath. They provide insight and food for thought that keep popping up in your mind, long after you’ve read what seemed like a simple enough story. Reading them a second time, you realize what a wealth of substance is presented in what you thought was a humble package.”
About the Author
The author was a newspaper reporter and editor for 28 years, and he worked as a coast-to-coast truck driver for 13 years. He is now retired and living in
He was a reporter, copy editor, city editor, news editor, managing editor and editorials writer during his newspaper career. He worked for daily newspapers in
The judges said the editorials written by Berkheimer “exemplify the care and concern projected on the editorial pages of The Daily Herald” – the newspaper at
The judges added: “Berkheimer simply bores in without being boring, stating his case, citing his evidence and reaching his conclusions while demonstrating that the declarative sentence is not a lost art.”
Berkheimer said: “I strive to write with a common sense approach about ordinary issues and topics that often face the average person.”
He added that he believes many of the feelings and thoughts in this book are shared by folks everywhere – people who just have not had the inclination or skills to put them into writing.
This book also includes his tips for organizing and presenting speeches, articles and debate.
Berkheimer was born and raised in
He studied business communications at
He is widely traveled throughout the contiguous 48 states,