First time I remember meeting my uncle David. I was splitting firewood. I started to get tired and he showed me a better way to swing the axe. I was able to split alot more logs and easier. Later that day we went fishing for perch and didn't do too bad. Great first memories!
I learned that God will bless you in ways you woukd never imagine. I leaned to drive a Blazer and a tractor at 10 years old. I learned to shoot a gun and cook. Heavy loved a home cooked meal. I learned to have a good time without money. I learned to love the country and love people like family even if they they aren't. I learned to be humble and kind. He taught me to slow down. He was very good at taking his time. It used to drive me crazy, but now i understand. Oh! And he taught me calculus! To my amazement he came home sweaty, tired, and dirty from working outside all day, and saw me struggling at the kitchen table. He sat down and helped me! He continued to help me until i passed with an 88 average. I never knew he was so smart I only saw his hard work and hard play. Yes i learned to have respect for others not knowing what hidden talents people may have. He continued to impress me as an adult when he began to estimate million dollar projects for refineries long into retirement. I learned hard work. Boy could he assign hard chores as a kid in Long Branch! He would take pleasure in getting us dirty. He would give us a deep laugh as he lay in a shady spot with his head leaning on his igloo lunch box. I learned it was better to be the boss lol. I learned that life can be hard but you need to focus on the good stuff and if you fail keep on trying. We didn't talk a bunch about love but we had a silent understanding. He loved to get a hair cut on the front porch, a get good shave with the old fashoned foam brush and bowl. No shaving cream. He would say some things don't need fixin. Heavy taught me how to miss someone, but he told me we would see each other on the other side and I believe him. REST IN PEACE DUTY. We love you, Jolene