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A Family Album

AuthorHouse

Contents

Author's Foreword.......................................viiAbout the Author........................................ixI. Family...............................................1II. Love................................................21III. Children...........................................40IV. Folks...............................................64V. Photos...............................................82VI. This About That.....................................96VII. From The Land Of The Forgotten.....................114VIII. The Golden Years..................................130IX. Farewell............................................148

Chapter One

Around the kitchen tables and within your family circles, the living substance of our nation is born, nourished and spread about our great country.

When I visit the place where I was born, I think of the care and love within my family circle and all the many experiences that had so much to do in making me who I am.

My earliest book was written within the hearts of my mother and father. No school, private club or social association has ever been able to furnish the warmth and understanding that my family gave to me.

The vital roots that nourished all that is good and worthwhile, in this world of ours, are exemplified in the family unit. Bitterness, hatred and jealousy have no place in a family.

The members of my original family remained together for a period all too brief. Separated from it my thoughts forever return. Then, when I took the plunge, I carried the world of my parents into the foundation of my new family circle. Of these I give to you ...

          A LOVING WIFE


    We wish you
    good health
    joy
    and special people
    in your life.

    We wish you
    many wonderful
    blessing
    and the crowning
    of a loving wife.


          DAD'S DAY OFF

    Dad planned to clean the garage today
      and store all the winter things away.

    But a little boy called out a plea.
      Hey Dad, come play ball with me.

    Dad put aside the work he planned to do
      and played with me till the day was through.

    At bed time, I thanked him for playing ball
      and told him, he's the greatest dad of all.

    He smiled and gave me a hug and a kiss
      then told me, no day will be as happy as this.


           OUR OLD HOUSE

    Our old house was not a castle,
      but I sure was happy living there.

    Our old house gave many blessings
      and had so much love to share.


           THANKS MOM

    Thanks mom for teaching me the difference between right and wrong
    and helping me to grow up safe and strong.

    For not caring how long the road,
    how tired you were, or how big the load.

    Thanks for the hugs that eased my fears
    and the kisses that took away my tears.

    For helping me to settle down, start life's climb
    by taking it one step-at-a-time.

    For teaching me to hold my head up high
    and hold fast to dreams, so they don't die.

    For darning socks, turning collars and my first tie.
    For baking all those cookies and my favorite huckleberry pie.

    But for most of all, thank you for taking care of your little boy
    and filling my heart full of love and joy.


          MATER

    Mater told me
    waste not want not,
    so I eat everything
    she puts in my pot.

    Mater punishes me
    when I am bad.
    Gives lots of hugs and kisses
    when I am sad.

    It's just mind over matter
    so they say,
    so pay attention to Mater
    then go out and play.

    I must say good-bye now
    It's time to go
    Not that I want, but
    because Mater said so.


          FATHER'S DAY

    He turned me to the sunshine
      and encouraged me to dream,
    Fostering and nurturing
      the seeds of self-esteem.

    And when the winds and storms came,
      he protected me just enough.
    Yet, not too much, for he knew someday
      I had to stand up and be tough.

    His constant good examples always
      taught me right from wrong
    Placing markers for my pathway
      that will last a lifetime long.

    I am my father's son
      I am his legacy.
    I hope today he feels his love
      reflecting back from me.


          A LETTER TO DAD

    There are many things
    I like to tell you, face to face.
    It's too late now for
    I failed to find the time and place.

    So in this special letter,
    I'll try to express, at least in part,
    The feelings that your passing
    have left within my heart.

    The memories of childhood days
    and all that you have done,
    To make our home a happy place
    and growing up so much fun!

    The memories of those walks we took,
...