A True Christmas Story

Carl, my father never finished grade 8. His family was poor; he had to work on the farm. His dream was for his son to get the education he did not. The last time I saw him alive was Christmas 1995 in his nursing home. A nurse was in the room and she mentioned how she wanted her son to go to university. I said to her, "You know, that was our dream, too. And you know, it has come true. I teach in the university down the road." Then, I turned to my father and said, "Yes, we have made it. We have done the job." He died the next day. I can think of no finer conclusion and tribute to his life than this scene. As I left, he said, "Don't forget me." Yes, dad, I have not forgotten you; we are passing forward your dream to others now. My mother and father shared the same values, worked hard for them, and your humble servant here can only thank them by working hard to advance the same values. This is a true story, my story. Dr. Rux