My Dad, How do you describe the man who fashioned your young life and helped you to be the man you became? I have always said if I could be half the father my father was, I would be the second best dad in the world. He taught me that " I could do all things thru Christ who strengthened me." And I believed it. I don't think there is a thing my father couldn't do, and by his example, that I couldn't do. I think the most important thing he taught me was a reliance on God. From the time I can remember, he prayed at each meal, he was always reading his bible, he was visiting the sick, at home or in the hospital, he was setting up with those who had died, or visiting their families, he was driving to Austin to testify for PTA to some congressional committee, he was coaching, plowing, going to work, and going to church. I don't think I can remember a moment when he wasn't busy. He was always fair, oh, I got my share of whippings, but I deserved them and more. There was a time or two, when I thought for sure I was dead, like the time, we were driving home from work, it was dusk, and there was a mosquito flying across the windshield. He said, "kill that mosquito" and I swatted it with the back of my hand. The windshield cracked. I sat there thinking, "I am dead." After a moment of silence, he said, "did you kill it." I said yes, and he said good, and never said another word. I remember asking him for advice, and he would say, "what do you think you should do?" After I spoke, he would normally say, then that is what you should do. On the rare occasion he might ask me if I had thought about some other solution just to get me thinking. He served his country, and had some Great War stories. I remember that Andria had asked dad to write his history as she was supposed to do an interview for school. I think mom said something like, he wrote 40 pages about his time growing up and thru the war, and only 3 pages about after that. He stood up for his principles, and they were based on sound biblical teachings. On second thought, I don't think I stack up too well compared to him! But I know I wouldn't be who, what or where I am without his love, teaching, correction, support and guidance. I don't think that God could have given me a better example to follow than my Dad, Thanks Dad, and thank you God for putting me in his care. Tim