I am the oldest of dads five children with our mother Mary. My dad wasn’t a gentle man or father but I learned he loved me the best he knew how to or could. He taught me to be tough and fight as a child and and to stand up for myself. He also taught me to be responsible for my actions as an adult and fix it on my own. Dad taught us to work hard and do the job right or don’t do it at all. I have good memories of my dad teaching me to roller skate, fly a kite, shoot guns, fishing, camping and hunting. My favorite memories of all is when he brought me my first dirt bike and was so proud of me for riding it like him. It’s important to make amends when needed and I am grateful that we did years ago. I pray peace on his troubled soul from his own childhood memories and know I will see him again when we cross over to the other side of life.