I've talked before about people that have influenced my life when I was a child. Today I'd like to talk about a man that lived next door. He, his wife and a son and daughter. Mr. Edward West. Anyone who knew of how my sister Jean and I grew up knew that we did not have what you would say was a good father. I guess it wasn't his fault, because he had mental problems. I guess Mr. West knew that I needed a father figure, so he was there to show me some attention every once in a while. One day while visiting, his daughter Diane was rolling her hair while sitting at the kitchen table. Mr. West was sitting there too, and Diane jokingly told me to curl her daddy's hair. Well of course I had never heard of such a thing, and in my house this would be unthinkable. There was no joking around in my house. Everything was housework, homework, this work or that work. In fact, I never remember laughter in the house unless of course uncle David was there. So curling a man's hair just for laughter sake, was unfamiliar to me. But Mr. West laughed and said (go ahead Joan, let's see what you can do). It was these little things that endeared him to me.
It's the little things, the little moments that a child stores in their hearts and remembers. It's not the beach vacations, nor the expensive gifts. It's the little moments when you pour out your love through a gesture. That moment when a child knows that you truly care about them that is remembered. I hope each and every one can understand that fact. It's just the little things that will be remembered a lifetime. Every time I see one of those sponge hair curlers the door opens to that special place in my heart where Mr. West's memory is kept. Such good memories.
Until next time, Willard and I both wish you health and happiness. God bless and God save.