Tribute To Henry Washington

When I met my father-in-law some 32 years ago, there were several things I noticed right away, he loved his wife, he almost never left his green, tufted living room chair and everyone that entered his home had to eat something. He was what you would call the salt of the earth type of person and I appreciated many things about him. If he knew you needed something, he did his best to help you and one of my fondest memories was when I was managing a law firm not far from his home. I needed a tire on my car but had not been able to afford one. I had only been married a few years and had a new baby. But when my boss came in, he said, "I enjoyed talking to your father-in-law today." That confused me because I did not know my boss knew Dad. Then he went on to say, "He's downstairs putting a new tire on your car." That's the Henry Washington I loved. Oh there were times when he was feisty and pig-headed but you just had to overlook that and admire him for being a caring, responsible man. Before Mom passed, he took her to plan her funeral and he did the same for himself, right down to matching his suit with the draperies in the room he picked to be viewed in. He always wanted to plan and pay for everything with cash; a sign of living through The Depression I presume. At 94, he had lived a long and full life and I knew he was now at peace and probably enjoying being with Mom again and both of his sons. But as memories flooded to my mind at his funeral, tears filled my eyes. I kept thinking of the times he sat with my parents and how he and my Dad enjoyed fishing together. I hope he and Daddy take time now, to sit together once more, and fish in the abundance of God's Heavenly streams.

Look out Cleveland, Micah is driving....

Praise the Lord! Micah passed his permit test and is now my official chauffer. I can tell he is not going to take this opportunity for granted. Oh how this brings back memories of the days when my precious Dad took the time, each day after work, to spend time with me. Showing me the techniques of the task, being patient as I made blunders. He was such a wonderful man. I bet each one of my sibblings, in fact, even one of my nieces had the same maneuvering difficult at the same location. The people that live near this location finally had a metal guard put up. hahaha I guess it is something about that area and how the ice forms but we all, as new drivers, slid upon the curb in front of that house. My Dad never yelled and I am sure there were days he really gripped the sides of his seat or tried to put on the brakes as he rode in the passenger seat. I always thank God for giving me such a wonderful Dad and I pray that I will be able to take his example and use it to train and encourage my son. Beep....Beep...Look Out...Student Driver Is On The Move!