Today is my dad's birthday. I am so thankful he is celebrating his birthday with my mom, free from sickness and old age. I miss them both so much.  This verse was circled in my dad's bible: For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Jesus Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Dad knew his salvation in death was a free gift from God and he honored that by living a very good and honorable life. Love you Dad. ❤️

Don is my half brother.  Robert, Carol and I shared the same father with Don and Dotty. My early memories are of Don's visits with my family in Seal Beach as he was stationed close by. It’s not every elementary school kid that can say their  brother is in the Navy! To see Don in uniform for me meant he was brave, adventurous, and important. I studied the way he put his uniform together carefully placing a quarter in his middle of his tie before folding it to make a perfect knot. 

 I loved visiting Don and Lil over the years. Watching them with Kelly, Steve, and their grandchildren was a treat. Viewing Don’s model ships and his car projects always left me wanting to know more. His hobby of photographing birds seemed so satisfying to him. To receive his greeting cards with one of his prize bird photos attached was pretty special. Maybe his quiet alone time outdoors was a time to reflect on the full life that he led.