[FLRon]

My dad died when I was just 12 years old, yet in that short amount of time he imparted two bits of wisdom in me that has never left me.

1. The value of hard work. My dad exemplified hard work and was determined that I would understand what a day's work was like. Living on a small farm there was no shortage of hard work. Many times I wanted to be playing baseball with my friends, but more often than not there was work to be done. By the time I was 10 I was doing a full day's work.

2. Never let anyone make you think you are less than. I remember walking downtown with my dad when a man approached us on the sidewalk. This man was wearing a suit and I immediately felt intimidated and looked away from the man. My dad saw me do this and stopped to inform me that I was never to lower my eyes again when anyone approached me because no man is better than any other man.

While I missed a lifetime of lessons when he was taken from me so soon, I still cherish the few memories I have of my dad.