Family

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It was a time when giants walked the earth, and heroes lived among us. Their strength was unlimited, and their hearts were always pure. With arms wrapped around us, we were carried to bed. They were greater than gods they were our fathers.

Some memories fade but those of our fathers only grow deeper. They set a course for our lives by living their own. My dad was crippled by the war, but his spirit never quit. No matter the pain, he got up every day and lived a full life. He carried mail, tended bar, trapped muskrats and went to church. We often disagreed but he never turned his back on me. I learned about honor, faith and integrity by watching him every day. At the time, I did not know he was so smart, but as I grew older I learned he was even more than that.

My dad was a humble man, one who never gained at another's loss. He and his generation knew hard work and never left a job undone. Few were college graduates but all had the wisdom of ages. They lived through a depression, fought evil to save a world and came home to lead families, never asking for rewards or expecting praise for living their lives with honor.

That generation left its mark on history and a nation. As we watch them fade into history we know their lives preserved and increased all that is great about America. Most of them were heroes who never claimed the title. Most of them were strong who never took advantage of the weak.

The fathers of that generation made history just by living their lives. They sought no fame and never envied another's fortune. Whenever I watched them together I knew there was a special bond among all of them. After the war, many of them never ventured beyond their hometown. They had seen enough of the world.

Our fathers never viewed themselves as heroes or saviors. They never expected awards or glory for what they achieved. Their reward was to go to work everyday and provide for their families. As the winter years of their lives fade into eternity we best honor them by living what they fought and died for: faith, family and freedom. These words were etched on their hearts we need to etch them on our souls.

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