Letter From Dad..

All of you know that I was born in the 30's & grew up in the 40's & 50's with parents who didn't have much in the way of material things. My dad lost a house during the Great Depression of the 30's. Money was scarce. I watched him drain his old 1936 buick every winter night to keep it from freezing because he could not afford the antifreeze or the needed the money elsewhere.   And Mother. Well, she was a sure believer in left overs & peanut butter sandwiches,& homemade dresses.  Children should say "yes ma'am", "no sir" & "thank you"  She gave way more to life than she ever recieved, but was thankful for everything she had.  Their marriage was a good one that lasted 42 yrs.  Their best friends were their neighbors that lived just a hand wave away.  I can see them now, dad in his overalls & she in a house dress with adish towel in one hand.  It was a time for fixing things. Back then when things were broke you fixed it whether it was a lawnmower, screen door,radio or what ever. It was the simply way of life.  Waste meant that you did not know the value of a dollar or you had plenty of them. Throwing things away meant that you thought there would always be more. But then my father died & I saw the pain in my mother. Sure I hurt then,but I still had a lesson to learn many years later...Then my mother died, & on a clear winter night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was suddenly struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there just isn't any more. Sometimes what we care about the most gets all used up & goes away...never to return....So..while we have it..it's best we love it & care for it...& fix it when it's broken...& heal it when it is sick..  This is true for old cars, dogs that have gotton old, children with bad report cards, aging parents, & marriage.  We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.  There are some things that make life important & you are one of them & all of your family are one of them.  Treasure what you have. Go to bed every night with peace & love in your heart......Remember that there are no guarantees for tomorrow........