Tribute to Ron from Roger

I have permission from Roger to post a tribute he wrote to Ron on his 50th birthday. Dortha


Happy 50th Birthday, Ron,

Wow, where does the time go? At first it seems impossible that 50 has snagged one of us. But, really as I look back on soooo many phases and periods and events and places and experiences and looks, I guess it must take 50 years to get all of that in.

What a pleasant experience it is to reminisce through our boyhood together: remember the sandlot baseball in Paul's Valley, the bedroom across the breezeway without heat, mowing lawns, riding our bikes to A&W "for a cold one", climbing the pecan and apple trees, shooting BB guns, playing marbles, building model airplanes, going to church, hunting with Granddad, fishing at the river or the pond, watching pigs slopped and cows milked, getting a strawberry cola at the feed store, playing the knife game, going to the cattle auction and on and on through our boyhood together.


Then, perhaps we did less together during junior high and high school, but we roomed together, argued quite a bit (testing our independence), and kept track of each other. I'll never forget when you left for the Air Force. Dad's heart was broken and he wept openly. Although I appreciated the use of your Chevy Impala SS, I quickly realized how big a hole it was in my life to not have you around. It taught me a lot. How glad I was when you were stationed in MO and started coming to Springfield every weekend. Just to have you back around seemed so important and I was so glad.


Through marriage, kids, houses, cars, softball and a lot of growth, we have watched each other not as close in distance but so much closer in heart. Because---I speak for myself---I absolutely realized how special my brother was and how unique our relationship was (and is). There will never, can never, be another person to take your place. Nor would I ever want anyone to. Ron, you are one of the kindest, nicest, best men I have ever known. I appreciate you more now than you can realize.


Here's to a celebration for your birthday (slightly after the fact, but you missed the 28th for a very good reason). I hope you take great satisfaction in the fabulous man you are at 50.


Annie and I are very glad to give you and Vicky a little "getaway" as a birthday gift and we look so much forward to spending time together in Scottsdale next month.


God bless you is my prayer. You are loved so very much,

Always your brother,

Roger