Friday, January 21, 2011
Dad, I remembered from when I was little...how I carried your coffee outside to you while you were setting blocks, adding on to the house little by little. Those were some of my favorite times as a little girl. You always made me feel loved and accepted. You would come home from work and ask, "how're all my little chickadees!" and we'd laugh. You loved mom and all of us and spent your life making sure we were all taken care of. You were a good man, a good husband, a good father and a good neighbor. You taught me how to love and respect people. I'm so glad your father decided he would bring his family up to Michigan from Arkansas, get dropped off under a tree in Galien and find farm work. One decision in grandpa's life made all of us possible! You settled in Niles and worked your garden with your beloved tractors. Now, however, I think you may have the acreage you always dreamed of in life, "up there!" THAT makes me happy. You always said you were grateful to be here, knowing many of the "boys" you fought with in Germany had not made it home...and you never forgot them. Even in your last days you thought of them. You are an inspiration to us and to many people whose lives you touched. My work is to continue what you started...to love the people I meet. Somehow that comforts me to know we can carry on your legacy and give to our children, and their children, the gift of caring for others and knowing Jesus. Love you dad...Pat
