Family pictures

A little over a week ago, dad had his fifth heavenly birthday. Everybody dies. I understand that. It's the natural order. But I sure do miss our Saturday morning coffees and chit-chat. I miss talking guns, family genealogy, computers, religion, and other things with him. Dad could converse intelligently on a wide array of topics. He was well-read but also just a smart man. I'm thankful that he didn't linger for a long period while suffering. I hope that his faith and medication gave him comfort during those last few days he was alive in March, 2018. Dad had a stroke on or near March 13, 2018, and was gone three days later. He loved to read science-fiction, and was always giving me a book he'd just finished. He also liked to piddle around in his shop, a little fifteen by thirty prefab on concrete pillars. He did some gunsmithing, some reloading. A year or two before he really got bad, I helped him repair the small deck attached to that building, and he was proud as a peacock when we finished. I wish I'd hugged him and told him I love him more often. Below is one of the last -- perhaps the very last -- pictures of dad with all of us. I wish I knew exactly when the picture was made. The old truck pictured here belonged to a long-time neighbor and farmer. Dad had it for many years, and it has now gone to our preacher, who uses it for him own farming. I can remember many a time using that truck to haul one of dad's riding lawn mowers to Russell Springs for repair. It was loud and proud.