Family First: What Family Means to Me

It was the summer of my freshman year in high school…I remember the day as if it were just yesterday. My buddy and I were outside goofing around when these two “sophomore” girls came walking by. One of them, was this really good looking blonde…wearing old faded jeans. Stars hit my eyes and I was in puppy love.

It didn’t take long before I got up the nerve to ask her out on a date. Two things occurred: first, I knew I was a good salesman because I had to convince her to break up with this other guy and then…she had to pick me up. Why? I was only 15 and didn’t have a driver’s license. Ha…yes, I asked her out and then said she had to pick me up because she had her license. The other significant thing that came from me getting up the nerve to ask her out…was that my dating days were over and I had a locked-in date for the next 7 years. We dated through high school and college. I’d say that she proposed to me in college…but I know you wouldn’t buy that!

Marilyn and I have been married almost 33 years! It’s crazy how time goes by so fast.

The Lord has blessed us with four grown kids. Two girls and two boys. Each has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. They are followers of Jesus!

We have two who are married and two “on-deck” waiting for the right guy/gal to come along. In addition to an amazing daughter-in- law and son-in-law…we have an awesome grandson! And another grandchild due to arrive next summer.

Over time, I look forward to sharing stories of each member of our family and some of the things we believe in.

One of the greatest downfalls of America, is the decline of the family. I’ve said many times how we need more men to be “dads”. Any man can become a “father” in a moment of passion. It takes committed love and time to be a dad. I am at peace with my family who knows me as a dad!

I’m not perfect….neither is Marilyn or our kids. Yet, our hearts are in the right place and we strive to be good citizens. As you’ll come to understand, our moral compass comes from God.