Greatest Generation

Being privileged to have known scores of Americans known as 'the greatest generation', I attest to the reality of their greatness. Herein, greatness will not reference those who went off to war to defend the interest of their country, but it will be about those who served gallantly on the Homefront and taught us brilliantly with their life's example. Herein, I shall briefly refer to 4 of my in-laws who also were themselves siblings. One was my father-law; two were Aunt-in-laws; and one was an uncle-in-law. I am proud to have married into this 'greatest generation' family. They were HENRY(Sport), GEORGE, LELA, and POLLY. That generation is now gone but before their demise, I took a lesson in life from each of them which is serving me and my wife for a lifetime. HENRY, the FARMER in Mississippi. In Henry, right from the start, I found acceptance, honor, and respect. For the longest time, I have believed that there was something very special about farmers. They symbolize the meaning of trust and hope and maintain high expectations. These qualities were very real in my father-in-law, Henry. GEORGE, the BUSINESSMAN in Berkeley, Ca. Uncle George was a veteran. He shared many things with me but none as potent or memorable as the one about his business operations and how his clients appreciated the quality of his craftsmanship. He indicated to me that at times the workload was such that he raised his prices to decrease his clientele, but they refused to go elsewhere because they loved his craftmanship. LELA, the ENCOURAGER in Mississippi. When a very young minister, needing high doses of positive feedback, both her belief in me as well as her support of me through her attendance at my Bible classes spoke volumes and filled me with confidence. POLLY the REALIST in New Orleans. After the Katrina hurricane, I came across a great read about people from Louisiana. I discovered that they love their state and do not tend to uproot for other places of residence. Some people would rather die than relocate. Things changed after Katrina. I met Aunt Polly twice. We visited her once in New Orleans during the mid-'70's, and after Katrina, she visited us at our home in Sacramento. After Katrina, her brother, Uncle George, moved her to California. Aunt Polly was a gracious lady and a realist. She loved New Orleans, but after Katrina, she resolved to let it go. 050223PS