I read this on a poster outside the delivery room while waiting for my first great-grandchild to be born.  I had to share it:

          Before you were conceived, I wanted you

          Before I knew you, I loved you

          Before you were here for an hour, I would have died for you

          Such is the Miracle of Life.

Today is the 100th anniversary of my Dad's birth.  He was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved with his mother to a small town called Cairo, NY when he was around 13 years old.  He had to quit school after the 8th grade to go to work to help support his mother and little sister.  He worked very had all his life and everything he ever did was for the sake of my Mom and my sister and I.  I never remember him speaking a harsh word to my Mother (she was always "Dear", never Alice!!)

The only shelacking I ever remember getting from him was with a hairbrush when I was wearing a wet bathing suit. ( I think I was about 8) My grandmother had come down to the creek where I was swimming and told me to come in and help with the dishes.  I called her "stupid".  He came after me so I ran into the bathroom and locked the door.  The next thing I knew, here comes Dad in through the window, hairbrush in hand.  He sat down on the toilet, put me over his knee and let me have it.  Afterwards he told me he did not spank me for sassing my Grandma, even though he did intend to give me a lecture and make me apologize. He spanked me from running from him.  He died on Oct 7, 1967. I love you. Dad.  XXXOOO

Hello, All.  After several attempts I have finally mastered the blog site!!  My daughter, AmoScribo, will be proud of me.  Hopefully I can contribute to our site with some NJ news.  Will need all the encouragement I can get!!