My Father.....the early days

I received these pictures of my father a few years ago. They are very special, because as long as my father was alive, I never saw any pictures of him as a child, or a young man. As a man, he was married for 33 years, had seven children, and seven grandchildren at the time of his death. There have been an additional six grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren born since he died in 1990 at the age of 56 years old. The closer I get to that age, the more I realize how young he was when he passed away.

My dad at age 4. This pic was taken in 1938. I don't know where he is at, but it looks like parents all through the ages have taken the obligatory "kid on a pony" picture.



This pic was taken in 1941. He was seven years old at the time. What strikes me the most about this one, is how much he looks like his grandson Justin.



My parents before they were married. What a handsome couple. It's cool to think about how many people are in the world today, because of them. My mom still gives that exact look whenever she is aggravated.




My dad in his Navy days. He was out of the military by the time any children were born.





My mother has this one framed in her bedroom. I would swear this man isn't even my dad, except he looks so much like his grandson Matt.



It was really nice to receive these pictures from a relative and see my dad before his "Dad" days began. I see his looks and personality carried on today in his children and grandchildren. I wish he could have been here with us longer!