Fifty Years in a Flash

   Fifty years ago on this date Mayre Lou and I had our first child, a red headed boy that has brought much joy into our lives. It is hard to believe that all these years have gone by and that we have a child that old.

   Several years back, Dwayne and his wife Karen started a private school right outside of Davidson, NC, Beginning with 7 students, the school has grown to over 200 kids in grades K-12. They have already graduated 2 senior classes and are achieving a growing reputation in the Charlotte area. Who would have believed that this couple could have done so much in this short a time? I know they have had a lot of help from a lot of people, but they were the driving force behind the whole project. Mayre Lou and I have watched with pride the way the whole school has grown and prospered.

   The one trait that I saw in Dwayne as he grew up, especially through high school while he was still at home. was that of, what I would term, discipline. He was diligent both in his school work and his running. On school nights he would disappear after supper until all his homework was done. On weekends he would run his training routes so as to be the best he could be in that life as well. He just seemed to work very hard at being all he could be. He got a good education and used it to succeed in the working world, leading to where he is today. Of course, as most of us honest men know, he over married and Karen has been an important partner in his life and work. Along with raising two good kids, he has been blessed in many ways. He has also blessed many families and students through this school.

   Now Donna and Doug, our other two brilliant children have their own achievements and families that we could brag about, but, after all, this is Dwayne's day, and he is getting old, so I'll leave the others till a day of their own.

   Even at this stage of my life, with so many things in the past, I know that doing my best in whatever I undertake is the way to go. It may not always lead to success in the eyes of the world, but it will be success in my mind, because I know I put all of me into it, and there are no regrets to be had when that is the effort.

   Dwayne is my example and I am grateful to have it.

   Thank you, son. Your mother and I love you very much.