Stories about my family (better get a hanky). These are recent stories - the rest are in my latest book, "Walking Through Adversity."

Sydney goes from a tear to triumph. Recently, I watched Sydney practice a very difficult solo dance. There was a move she just couldn’t master.  I was so proud of her to want to perform a solo in front of hundreds of people since she’s an introvert.  After the practice, she got in the car and faced away from me.  I asked her if something was wrong and she just nodded her head no. I asked her if she wanted to forget the solo dance and just concentrate on the other dances. She turned to me with a tear in her eye and a look of total determination and said, “No I have to overcome my shyness and do this.  And I WILL.”  A few short months later she performed the solo at a regional dance competition and won the highest award for her category.  She was invited to an advanced NY studio to grow even further. I couldn’t be more proud!

Jonathan emerging as a Military Leader - After several trips to Texas, and one each to Alabama, Mississippi, Washington, DC, and Arizona I was ready for a break and found it in Annapolis, Maryland at the US Naval Academy. Jonathan is now a Firsty (Senior) at the USNA. He is graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in just two more semesters. In September, his mother and I attended Parents Weekend. We attended classes with him, watched him in leadership roles with the underclassmen and went to a dinner with his company and the other parents. We toasted the students and they toasted us - it was an awesome evening. However, the highlight was going to an USNA football game. Before the game Jonathan was actually invited to the Superintendents Private Tent before the game to meet the Secretary of the Navy and many other naval dignitaries. Then after the game we met the parents and company at a tail-gate party. We were honored to talk with high ranking naval officers and even a Navy Seal returning from the war-front. I love traveling, my job and working with senior military officers but watching Jonathan developing into an officer and accomplished leader was definitely a highlight of my entire year. This was even sweeter with the knowledge that I was about to see my other son returning from four months overseas as a US Marine in the Pacific. I am beyond proud of them both. I am thankful they are both better men than I ever dream to be.

I'm running for two people dad - I flew to San Diego to watch the graduation of my oldest son (Jason) from Marine Basic Training. My father was a US Marine as well and he met us at the graduation. The culmination of 18 years of hard work as a parent (and of course failures as well) came on Friday when I was speaking with Jason alone for a minute and we told each other of our love and respect for each other. As he stood in front of me, my mind raced through the years. I remembered something he told me a few years before about running. He is a very gifted runner. When I asked him how he could be so fast, he told me, "It's easy dad, I am running for two people. Since you are a paraplegic, I am running for you too dad." My little boy is a man now and ready to run his own races and soar on his own wings. I am in a word - proud! My little boy Marine flew away ready for the adventure of life to truly begin. The job of parenting never truly ends, but phase I is complete.

The Last Pitch - On Jonathan's last baseball home game of his senior year, he participated in what is called Sr. night. His team finished with an incredible 23-3 season and they headed for the play-offs. After the game, each Senior was introduced and they ran around the bases one at a time as the rest of the players and coaches cheered for them one last time. Then each father threw a pitch to his son. When it was my turn I rolled out to the mound and wound up to throw. As the ball left my hand, I remembered the first time I played catch with him, the first time he caught the ball in the air at a game and the time he pitched a no-hitter in Jr. High. I also remembered his first day of school, his first date, the day he received his drivers license, the time I taught him to shave; but what I remembered most was our first steps together. You see, he was born on the same day I was told I would never walk again - yet, a year later we took our first steps together. All of these memories moved me to tears as he caught the ball and he ran to the mound and hugged me. What stuck me as awesome was not his playing baseball on the varsity team or their stellar winning season - it was the fact that Jonathan was hitting home runs in life! But life moves on and the following morning I drove six-hours to Corpus Christi to make "the last pitch" to FBC Portland (http://gulfcoast.worldweb.com/PortlandTX/). The last time I was here in October, my message was cut short due to a gall-bladder attack during the evening service. It was great to renew acquaintances with the Pastor Charles Higgs and Danny Quintanilla who both helped me so much after the gall-bladder attack and ensuing surgery (see "The Gall of it All" at RobBryant.Com - 2000 ministry update). This time I spoke without having to have major surgery and spoke to the Sunday evening service, schools on Monday, a youth rally Monday night, and a Men of Promise banquet on Tuesday night. There were many decisions for Christ (14 professions of faith). I also stopped by the DynCorp Corpus Christi office on Tuesday. After I spoke to the men of Corpus, I drove six hours back home, slept for five hours and went back to work. From baseball to church to work, we must be ready to throw the next pitch when God, family, jobs or life calls.

Two piles of clothes - I have several jobs around the house since my wife works as well. Among them are dishes, taking out the trash, laundry and folding clothes. For years, I did the latter and ended up with four piles of folded clothes and I never really gave it much thought - it was just a reality. But two years ago, a Marine Sergeant came to my home and took Jason away to Marine Basic Training. I will never forget waving goodbye to him as he rolled down the driveway, around the corner and out of sight. The house seemed emptier somehow and I was OK until folding clothes the next day and I realized there were only three piles of clothes and I cried for an hour. However, soon I was used to the idea and soon three piles seemed OK. After all, Jason was on his own and doing fine, not only as a US Marine, but as a college student as well. Soon, my heart was filled with joy once again. Two years later, we returned from the Naval Academy where we left Jonathan and as usual, I was doing the laundry and folding clothes. After a few minutes I realized, there were not four piles of clothes, there were not even three piles, there were only two. The veracity of this moment hit my heart like a freight train. I went back to my chore and finished folding the clothes gently laying them in two piles. I knew what I had to do, but it was not easy. I rolled through Jason's empty room, through the adjoining bathroom, through Jonathan's empty room and back to the den. The tears began to flow and after a few hours it was all out of my system - there were still only two piles of clothes, but what I had in my heart was so much greater. I gladly trade the four piles of clothes for 18 years of wonderful memories and two terrific sons who are following their dreams and making me so proud. Besides, now I am free to follow bigger dreams that stretch out before me like train tracks stretch to the horizon and into infinity.

Four Heroes in One Day - One of the highlights of visiting my son Jonathan at the US Naval Academy was watching his entire class march on the parade field carrying weapons in perfect unison. Then later the same day, they took to the parade field again and retook their oath to the US and to the US Naval Academy. The midshipmen and the US Flag went by while the Navy band played the Marine Hymn several times. Each time, my dad or oldest son (both US Marines) looked down at me sitting in my wheelchair. They knew what I was feeling and reached down and helped me stand. What an honor to have my US Marine son and father there as my youngest son marched by as a US Naval Academy Midshipmen. I fought back the tears as pride swelled within me. I turned to both of them and told them they were two of my heroes. None of us could say a word as the moment put a lump in our throats. Words were not necessary anyway, we could feel each other's love and admiration. Soon after, my dad, Jason and I were walking around the US Naval Academy yard and stopped by the information center. A man was sitting behind a table giving information. We asked him for directions and he patiently told us how to get there. Just as we turned to leave, we saw his nametag. He not only was a retired admiral, but won the Congressional Medal of Honor. I asked him, "Sir, what did you do to receive such an honor." He replied, "In WWII my ship was the only ship to actually attack mainland Japan. We disguised our ship as a cargo ship and hid our guns. We knew we were probably going to die, but as the Captain, I encouraged my men to be the best of the best. They rose to the occasion, besides freedom was stake and the tyranny of Japan had outraged us so much that we willingly risked our lives. When we were within range, we pulled out our weapons and sank three Japanese ships and damaged four more. We caused so much damage so quickly that they were confused enough for us to sneak back out to sea." As I listened to his bravery, I wondered how many times I had played it safe and walked away from my mission in life because of high stakes. I had just met my third hero for the day. On the final day of Parents Weekend we all departed at different times, over the course of three hours. Each of us hugged Jonathan and said our good-byes. I could tell something was on Jonathan's mind, so I arranged to stay an extra hour with him. We took a drive together and he told me how hard the academy was and that he was under such pressure to excel. He told me he didn't just want to finish - he wanted to finish well. He turned to me and said, "Dad, I need encouragement." A tear rolled down his cheek as I told him over the next hour how special he was and how much I admired him. I told him he was doing something that few people in the world could do. Finally, I told him about the Admiral I met, and that Jonathan was an even bigger hero to me. I told him that each of us is a hero if we give it everything we have. As I continued encouraging him, he sat up straighter and strength seemed to flow through him. He slowly transformed into a rejuvenated man right before my eyes. He turned back to me and said, "Thanks Dad. You are my hero - I love you Dad." Now I was the one who was reduced to tears. I dropped him back off at the academy and he marched back in with a new-found confidence. God reminded me that anyone can be a hero if they are encouraged. Words of encouragement are like adrenaline to the soul and human heart. Do you want your children to be heroes and believe you are too - all it takes is encouragement.

A Fatherly Moment in Time - After over three weeks on the road to Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Germany and Ohio, I was home for Thanksgiving. It began with a flight from Detroit to DFW at 6AM with an incredible sunrise. It reminded me that the brightest days are yet to come and there are so many new adventures ahead. I arrived at 8:30 and was picked up at the airport by my two sons. I beamed with pride at my Marine and Naval Academy sons who both were home from college for the holidays. They were tall, good looking, funny, strong and so smart (yes ladies - one is still unspoken for). We drove home then to Grandma's house for a feast for kings. We had three wonderful days together before Jonathan went back to the Naval Academy and Jason went back to college. It was pure bliss. There are defining moments in time that come and go and we must be ready for them. They are fleeting moments that can pass us by if we fail to recognize them for what they are - a fatherly moment in time. For instance, what I remember most about my time with my father is not the big things that parents spend huge amounts of money in preparation for like expensive Christmas gifts, long vacations, etc. I remember the father-son talks, playing catch, camp outs, going to a game together, fatherly advice - but most of all - his time. These moments passed - but I will remember them as long as I live. I had moments like this with my boys too (along with great adventures) when they were younger and I wrote about them in my new book. But this Thanksgiving both of my boys were home and I wanted to capture a new moment in time - and it happened. With Jonathan it happened in just five minutes on our pier when we talked about life. It was if time stood still as we exchanged our thoughts and feelings. It was a strange combination of two men talking and a father and son conversation. It ended with a hug and words of respect and love - the moment was captured for all time. With Jason it was over a cup of coffee as we discussed our goals, dreams, aspirations and family. It too ended with a hug and words of respect and love. Fathers don't miss your moment in time. They will pass whether you capture them or not. Today you can capture a fatherly moment in time that will never be forgotten. Happy Hunting Dads! Your fatherly moment is ready to be captured - are you ready - your children are.

Which is bigger, a kayak or an aircraft carrier dad? - One evening we drove to the San Diego Bay for fun while in California on business. Jonathan (my youngest son) and I rented a kayak to see the San Diego Bay. We saw many beautiful sailboats and other huge ships, but then we looked across the bay and saw the Nimitz, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. It dwarfed everything else on the horizon (including the massive downtown buildings). Jonathan and I looked at each other and we knew what had to be done. We steered the little kayak straight toward it. The only challenge was that it was all the way on the other side of the bay (we were not supposed to do this, but what man is not a little boy at heart). With huge ships, tug boats, large sailboats, ferries, and enormous yaughts passing by, this was certainly a challenge. Once we committed ourselves, there was no turning back. We were so excited, we forgot to look behind us for passing boats. One was right beside us and diverted its course to miss us thank God. Soon between the wind and wakes from ships, the waves rose to 2-1/2 feet. Within a half an hour, we were on the other side and paddled right up to the Nimitz. Several Navy men watched us curiously and waved with huge smiles as we went from stern to bow of this enigma (truly a military city on water). After a short rest, we made our way back across without any further incidents. As I looked at the large shoulders of the man in the front of the kayak (my son Jonathan) I was so glad that I still had a son at home to share adventures with. Ah the joys of being a kid at heart.

"Rob, smile as much as you can...." - I drove through an hour of heavy DC traffic, then five hours of gorgeous scenery through the Appalachian Mts. I drove over skyline drive and allowed the cool air blow through the car. I love this drive and the time went quickly, but the reason for the trip was not very pleasant. After arriving at my mom's house outside of Roanoke VA, I spent the night at her house. In the morning we drove to a local hospital to see my step-father. I can remember him weighing 160 pounds and playing golf by the hour. Upon entering the room, I was shocked to see him looking like a shadow of his former self. He barely weighed one hundred pounds due to a long fight with sickness. He was emaciated and had scars all over from sores caused by diabetes, cancer, chemo and resulting surgeries. He was in tremendous pain and it was difficult for him to speak. While trying to help him turn over, he looked into my eyes and said, "Rob, smile as much as you can, because you never know how you are going to end up." "Ok Pop," I said through tears, "I will." Mom and I talked for another couple of hours before I left. I cried during the drive to my dad's house and realized how short life is. The rest of the weekend was spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains and we watched sunsets over the mountains in front of Dad's house as spring storms threw lightning bolts at the ground. It was a breath-taking site and I smiled the whole time following the advice of my stepfather. I have never heard anyone on their death bed say, "I wish I had accomplished less, or loved my family less." It is always the opposite. I am all the more determined to make every day count after listening to advice from my dying stepfather. Every once in a while when facing adversity, I remember his advice and begin smiling whether I feel like it or not - my heart always follows.

Pop goes Home - Within a 24 hour period, I tore a ligament in my wrist and had to go to the hospital, Jason backed his truck into our car in the driveway causing major damage and most importantly, my step-father passed away. I rearranged my schedule and was in Virginia within 36 hours. My sister Kay picked me up at the Greensboro NC airport and we drove the hour and a half back to mom's house. Kay warned me not to hug mom, because she was OK until anyone touched her, then she collapsed with sorrow (understandable). So I fought the urge to comfort mom and just talked with her for a couple of hours. Finally when I could not stand it anymore, I pressed my index finger up against her forearm like I was testing the consistency of fruit. When mom asked me about it and I told her, "that was just a test touch and more testing will follow if the tests do not produce negative results. All testing is inconclusive at this time and a written report will be submitted when the test is concluded." She smiled and then laughed. When neither of us could resist hugging each other any longer, I gave her a hug and sure enough she broke into tears. I held her as she cried and I cried too. Pain this deep takes time and we are going to give her time to heal (although some loss we learn to live with and never do fully recover). The funeral went well and we drove to the graveside. Pop was a US Marine and two war veterans removed the US Flag from the top of the casket, folded it, said some very moving words and handed it to my mom. It was a very moving ceremony for the veterans in the group. It was so painful on the ripped ligament in my wrist, but I stood up as best I could. Later at the house, mom placed the flag with Pop's other war memorabilia. I told Pop under my breath that I would honor the flag for him the next time I saw it. Little did I know I would have the chance within days. Over the next three days, I visited with mom's friends and my brothers, sisters, aunts, grandmother, and my uncle John. Mom and Pop were foster parents for years and many of them came to the house. It was great seeing my Uncle John who is maybe the funniest man I know. As an example, he walked out of a funeral restroom and said, "The name of the soap in there is, When the Party is Over." Both of us deal with hardship using laughter, so we told jokes over the next several hours and hopefully helped many people with the pain they were feeling. I flew back home, got a few hours sleep and flew to New Orleans on business.

This Flag is for you Pop - While in New Orleans working we drove to two sites and met many ragin' Cajun's, and ate at incredible seafood/Cajun' restaurants. Just as we were leaving, a thunder-storm hit so we waited inside for it to pass. I glanced outside and a security guard was lowering the US Flag in order to protect it from the rain. However, she was unaware the flag was dragging the ground as she unhooked it from the hoist rope. I immediately remembered Pop's Flag draping over his casket and rolled out into the rain to lift it up off the ground. It took her another minute and I was completely soaked by the time she finished. She thanked me and ran back to the security shack. I rolled back inside and my associates asked me why I had done it curiously. "My Son, Father and deceased Step-Father were all US Marines, and seeing the flag drag the ground and not doing something about it bothered me." I was also thinking that we work for the Department of Defense. Also hanging over my fireplace at home is a US Flag that flew over the US Capitol in my honor after breaking the Guinness World Record for Rowing. But mostly I did it for my Marine step-father who we just buried." Pop - I'll never forget you, your courage or your last words to me.

GO NAVY - I worked till noon and then Jonathan and I flew to Washington DC. We landed at midnight due to weather conditions in the South. Jonathan was impressed with the fact that our 2000 Model rental-car was waiting for us at the airport (a benefit of being a Hertz #1 Gold member and AA Frequent Flyer). We drove by way of the Capitol, White House, Arlington Cemetery and all of the memorials along the Mall area. The leaves were changing to every color of red and yellow imaginable and the lights in DC were gorgeous at midnight. We drove 50 more miles to Annapolis Maryland to the Naval Academy. We checked into a very nice Sheraton that had no hot water and it was hilarious to hear Jonathan take a shower. We slept five hours before attending a meeting where all new Naval Academy candidates were assigned to a Mid-Shipmen for a day and went to classes with them and even slept in the dorm with them. Jonathan had a great time (he wrestled with many of them until 2AM) and even talked with the Navy Baseball Coach who recognized his name from his application - YES. The parents were given a tour of the campus. My guide was a graduate of the academy and I gave her my business card since she is looking for a job with a government contractor and she wants a job in quality control so she may end up working for me someday soon. It would be my honor to work with her. I drove along the coast for a few hours taking in the sights including gorgeous sailing vessels and old lighthouses. The Naval Academy sits on the Chesapeake Bay and the buildings are so beautiful yet many date back over one hundred fifty years. We also went to the Navy-Toledo game and participated in Navy yells and traditions (although Navy has yet to win a game this year). We bought a bunch of Naval Academy souvenirs and then drove down to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore that rivals the walkways in New Orleans, San Antonio and Atlantic City. We ate on the bay at the famous City Lights Seafood restaurant. We made a pact that we would return here in 4-1/2 years when he graduates from the Naval Academy and eat the same meal of steak and lobster. We walked around the bay and saw the lights and sailboats before driving back to the Washington area. We checked into a Marriott Suites Hotel and Jonathan actually had a separate bedroom in the same suite. This is one of my favorite DC Hotels and it is known for its made-to-order omelets and waffles so breakfast was incredible. We drove to Dulles Airport and flew stand-by back home. It was a perfect father/son weekend. Words cannot express how proud I am of Jonathan for his commitment to Christ and the twelve years of hard work it took to be a candidate to the US Naval Academy. He is twice the man and academian I ever dreamed of being. All he needs now is a nomination from a congressman. We believe this is done since a four star General I work with called Congressman Joe Barton and told him all about Jonathan. It is in God's hands now. Miracles surround my life (and now my children) so I won't be surprised to see Jonathan with a $120,000 tuition and $100,000 flight school fully paid compliments of the US Navy! Go Jonathan; thank you God and GO NAVY!

My brother "Smart Rob" - I was up by four AM and in the air by sunrise. The ground slowly changed from shades of brown to white the farther North we flew. Two hours later I was descending over the suburbs of Chicago with deep snow covering the city like a huge white comforter covers a king size bed. The roads were the only stark contrast and they looked like a giant game of "Pick up Styx," as they headed in every direction in seeming disarray. After a quick layover, I was off again for another two-hour flight bound for the East Coast and one of my favorite parts of the world in the winter - New England. I landed in beautiful Providence, RI and boarded my sleigh (rental car) and drove through the rolling hills of RI and lower Mass. Within an hour I was in my little brother's driveway. He is my stepbrother, and remarkably, his name is Rob also. For years he was known as "Little Rob," in order to distinguish us apart. However, he changed his title to "Smart Rob," years later. His name turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy and we all have come to agree with this title since he earned a PHD in Business Administration. He also works for IBM as a consultant in the "hot" field of Knowledge Management. I was bursting with pride as I saw his gorgeous New England house and saw his beautiful family composed of his wife Debbie and their one-year-old daughter Rachel. I spent two wonderful days with them in front of a cozy fire and we caught up on each other's lives. This trip to see him was fortuitous for two reasons. First of all, four out of six of my other siblings were coming to my house for Christmas and I would not have seen him otherwise. Secondly, within three months he is moving to Charlottesville, VA to begin his job as a full-professor at UVA and I was able to congratulate him personally. I forgot the hustles and bustles of the world and was just lost in my brother's love. As I left and hugged "Smart Rob" goodbye, I told him how proud I was to call him my brother.

Looking in a mirror - As I look at my boys - I am looking in a mirror. They are young versions of me with many of my strengths and weaknesses. Parents, it is so important to do the right thing (especially when it is hard) and be examples that our children can emulate. My boys are twice the student and four times the man I am and they're doing their best - just as I have tried. Of course we will fail and fall short (God knows I have), but if they see a lifestyle of trying to do the right thing - they will do the same. Parents look in the mirror - if you don't like what you see - you better change for your children's sake, because I guarantee years from now you will look into the mirror when you look at your kids. They are You - and you are Them. We are not responsible for all of the decisions they make, but they normally follow the general course we have taken. The lowest lows of my life were when I fell short and God and my children let me know about it.

I-Day at USNA - Then came the day I have excitedly anticipated and equally dreading - Induction Day for Jonathan to the United States Naval Academy (http://www.nadn.navy.mil/). I met Jonathan at Dulles airport four hours late due to weather and then met Wanice and my parents in beautiful Annapolis, MD. We slept a few hours, then drove out to the Academy. After we parked, Wanice and Jonathan went ahead to begin processing. I could not find an elevator and had to go the long way around, so I almost missed Jonathan as he went into Alumni Hall to begin his transformation into military life. He shook my hand and I could find the words, so I told him I was proud of him and he told me he loved me." No other words were necessary as there was too much to say and not enough time. My little boy walked away and I would not see him again until he was a mid-shipman in the US Navy several hours later. Wanice, I and my parents walked around the scenic and tradition-filled campus and saw the chapel, John Paul Jones' crypt guarded by US Marines, listened to the Academy band, ate lunch and attended a very informative briefing for parents. We were told that this class had one of the highest SAT scores in the academies history (1308) and that our 1,200 mid-shipmen were chosen out of over 14,000 very qualified applicants. The US Naval Academy is the fifth most selective college in the world. Finally, the parents watched as our children took the oath of office as the Blue Angels flew over tipping their wings. It was one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever attended (right up there with Jason's graduation from Marine Basic Training). Parents were allowed to say one last goodbye after the formation was dismissed and we tried to say in fifteen minutes what would take a lifetime to say. I simply told him that he had prepared for this moment all his life and he had everything he needed to be successful right there in his own huge heart. We said goodbye and he turned to me, shook my hand, and said "thanks dad." I had looked forward to hearing those words from him for 18 years. They were as sweet to my ears and as soothing to my aching soul and proud heart as I ever could have imagined. It made all 18 years of hard work worth it. As my little boy walked away in his uniform for the final time, I noticed that he no longer walked as a child. His stride was confident, purposeful and powerful. He transformed into a man right before my eyes. He was not only a man, but an officer candidate at the US Naval Academy. I realized for the first time that the initial part of my job with him was complete and the reins were now in his hands. I will see him in August at the end of his Plebe Summer training. This will be Jonathan's new home for the next four years as he earns a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Naval Academy - I am beyond proud.

Where's Christmas? - Christmas is upon us again and I was looking for my Christmas Spirit. I was at the mall watching people shuffle past each other and didn't find it there. I watched a few of my favorite Christmas movies, and although they were heart-warming, I didn't find it there. I looked at our Christmas Tree covered with festive bulbs, shining tinsel and topped with an angel - but I didn't find it there either. I didn't find it in my bank account, large house, wonderful job, new vehicles or even my family or friends (whom I love dearly). I didn't even find it in the fact that my two military sons were home for the Holidays. I was so perplexed by this feeling, that on at 2AM on Christmas Eve I went outside in the 30-degree air to talk to God about my dilemma. "Where's Christmas," I asked Him not really expecting an answer. I prayed and listened for 15 long quiet minutes - but to no avail. I was ready to go back inside when it happened. I was sitting by the pool when the automatic pool sweeper powered up. It began slowly moving on the bottom of the pool. For some reason this seemed profound to me and I turned the pool lights on and watched. Although the bottom of the pool appeared to be clean, as the sweeper went by it was picking up silt and a few leaves and actually left a clean trail behind that was noticeable even to the naked eye. Suddenly it occurred to me what I had to do. I asked God to forgive my sins and take the trash out of my heart that may not be noticeable to others, but was filthy in God's eyes and was robbing me of my Christmas Spirit. Within seconds I was a new man. The Spirit of Christmas filled me and everything around me. I turned my eyes to the night sky and it looked like all of the sequence in Las Vegas was thrown into the air. Why hadn't I seen this before? I saw the North Star that looked so bright it could have led the Wise Men to Christ all over again. The moon was so bright and large it seemed like I could reach out and touch it. A dove in the distance was singing praise to its maker and calling to its mate - this filled my heart with love. A train whistle sounded through the darkness as it passed through our small town. This reminded me of a childhood train under the tree and other past Christmases rushed through my memory. These thoughts brought me such joy that peace. They filled my heart and love spread through my body like a drop of dye spreads through clear water. I took a deep breath of the cold night air and it refreshed me and renewed my spirit. I rolled back into the house with Christmas Spirit coursing through my veins. You see, Christmas was all around me, but I could not see it through the darkness caused by the sin in my heart. Merry Christmas everyone - may God enter your heart and renew you as well.

"Striking Solid Goal" - New Years for my family always includes bowl-games, family and goal sharing. The first two don't need explanation, other than to say the games were great and it was wonderful having both boys home for the holidays. However, the latter needs further explanation. Each of us set at least three goals and tells the rest of the family about them. In this way we can encourage each other. These are not just resolutions that are soon forgotten. We record them and we keep track of our progress. I encourage you to do the same. If you set three goals and accomplish one, you are ahead of folks who set no goals at all. I achieved my goals and many more last year. Wanice's last year was to be the best teacher she could be - she has been nominated at the "Teacher of the Year" from her entire district. Jonathan's last year was to go to the Naval Academy - he is there! Jason's was to do great at school - he and his fiancé' are both doing great at Tarleton University. I submit to you that this works. Go for it.

Rockets Red Glare - We spent New Years Eve with old friends until after midnight. It was so special to begin the year with friends that we share so many wonderful memories with. Then we went back home for the real festivities. Forty college age kids came to our home for a bon-fire, fireworks and all-night games. Our family brings in the New Year with a bang. This begins by shopping for fireworks, bringing them home and splitting them up into four piles. We set up launching pads in our backyard. We began at dusk with many teenagers taking part. We began with small fireworks, followed by rockets then artillery shells. The finale was our version of a Roman Candle War - not for the faint of heart. We played games until the sun came up and I had the time of my life with them. We laughed so hard we were hoarse for days. It was a perfect way to bring in the New Year! However, the highlight for me happened while shopping for the fireworks. Jason and I were riding on my motorcycle from stand to stand looking for the best deal on the largest fireworks. We stopped at one and talked with an older woman working alone and she was very cold. She mentioned that she could use a hot cup of coffee. Jason and I drove a few miles to other stands and picked up a cup of coffee for her and drove back to her. Jason handed it to her and we left before she could pay us. She was overwhelmed with such a small kindness. It is the memory of her look of appreciation that made my New Year special. Don't forget to bless others along the way - you will receive more than you give.

One Last Look – Now that our boys are out of the house, we no longer need our large house, so we sold it to a family with three young children. I am so glad children are going to live there so the exciting saga of the life we lived there can continue. After packing and passing through the door the last time, I turned and looked back into the house one last time. It was if I was transported back in time to many wonderful moments. In my mind’s eye I could see and hear my two son’s saying,

• "Dad, I’m on the honor role."
• "Dad, let’s play catch,"
• "Dad, thanks for taking me fishing,"
• "Dad, how can I tell if a girl likes me?"
• "Dad, do you want to go to a movie with me?"
• "Dad, that was a great ski trip,"
• "Dad, can I borrow the car?"
• "Dad, do you like my girlfriend?"
• "Dad, I’m joining the marines,"
• "Dad, I’ve been accepted to the Naval Academy,"
• "Dad, I’m getting married,"
• "Dad, thanks for everything, I love you."

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I closed the door for the last time and went to my new home. One chapter of my life is closing and another exciting one is opening, but I am glad I took one last look. God’s speed boys, I love you too.

Jonathan finishes his first year at the USNA - I flew to Dulles Airport in DC and drove to Annapolis to watch Jonathan complete his first year at the US Naval Academy. He finished the year with a GPA over 3.0 (it must be nice to be that smart). We had a great weekend which included sailing in the huge Chesapeake Bay, staying at the Wyatt's house on the bay (Jonathan's wonderful host family), eating at the famous Phillips Seafood restaurant at the Baltimore Harbor, but the highlight was "Climbing Herndon." The tradition began in 1937 and continues today. At the end of the first year at the naval academy, the Plebes (freshmen) have to climb up a steep 22 foot tall monument called Herndon and replace a sailor cap with a sailor hat at the very top. It sounds difficult enough, but the upper classmen cover it with grease making it a slick and treacherous feat to say the least. Most years there are broken bones, bruises, busted lips and broken teeth. What the students have to do is work as a team putting the larger students at the bottom, then smaller students make several tiers until a small yet strong student can remove and replace the sailor cap. The problem is exaserbated in that they are all leaders and over achievers and therefore make it difficult to act as a team. It was very difficult and after two hours of effort, steam literally rose from the students as they burned countless calories and flexed their collective muscle before accomplishing the task in one of the best times in recent years - 2 hours and 5 minutes. Jonathan and his classmates are no longer Plebes - they are now "youngsters" and have the privilege of yelling at the new incoming Plebes in September. I am beyond proud of him and his class.

A weekend at Dad's - On Memorial Day Weekend, I drove the gorgeous route from DC to Roanoke through the Appalachian Mountains. I love this drive but it was additionally special in that I was going to see Dad and two of my brothers. When I arrived the sun was setting over the mountains and we talked until the fingers of the sun disappeared and Bull Mountain slowly disappeared from view for the day. I sat listening to my dad's wise words and cherished them like gold. There will come a day when I will long to hear his voice and it will be silenced except for the echoes of his voice in my heart. On Saturday, my youngest brother and I helped Dad with a barn foundation, split wood and with his new horses. He is seventy-two years old and neither of us could keep up with him. However, the highlight of the weekend was just relaxing, talking, reminissing and laughing until our sides hurt. My youngest brother is a professor at UVA and also a highly sought after consultant in Knowledge Management. My oldest brother is the plumber at a small university in the mountains nearby. Despite our differences, we love each other and are proud of each other. My two year old niece and I played on the floor together for hours and she rewarded me with a hug - the hug was as great a reward as my yearly bonus - it melted my heart.

What's better than fishing in Galveston? - I took Jonathan, my youngest son, and two of his friends deep sea fishing in Galveston, TX. Before fishing we ate at great restaurants, walked along the beaches, the boys played football and Jonathan chased girls (the other two are going steady and didn't even look). On Sunday we took the boat out 75 miles from shore and we caught a few shark and red fish and no one got sea sick - it was a successful trip. However, the highlight for me was riding my hand cycle for twenty five miles along the beaches as fast as I could. It was cool to watch people's faces as I shot by and saw the encouragement I gave them. What's better than fishing in Galveston? Encouraging people and sharing the Gospel is more rewarding than catching fish as it will last forever.