Page 25 - 4-22-17 RP FINAL Flipbook pdf

THE POWER OF TAKING THE PLUNGE

Fortunately, her dad, who was nicknamed,
"Ham," saw me for what I was; a boy who
needed a man's example. In the very short time
I spent with him and his wife Patsy and other
two daughters, Brenda and Kim, I learned more
about being a man than I realized. I was a grown
man myself before I realized the influence he
had on me. The main lesson that he taught me
was that anything worth doing takes patience
and perseverance. That repetition is the mother
of skill. He never used those exact words, but
his example was clear. He was truly the example
of a real man. But like all teens, the puppy love
vanished, and Debbie kicked me to the curb. I
was so devastated, not because of losing her,
but because of losing the family that I had
grown to love and admire. I’ve since become
dear friends with Debbie, (and yes Debbie, you
know I’ve forgiven you, even though you totally
destroyed my life — Only kidding!)

It was such a joy to visit Ham after I became an
adult. Just a few years ago, Ham left this life on
earth, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to
attend his funeral. His son-in-law, Don
Tompkins and I, (both former Marines) folded
the American Flag that was draped over his

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