Men are what their mothers made them.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Families. What can you say about them? My family consists of a total of six members, including my two parents, Kathy and Monte. I have two sisters, Melissa and Katrina, and a younger brother, Zack. These five people mean more to me than anyone in the world. I cannot express my gratitude.
Like all families, we've been through some good times, and we've been through some bad times. I remember when us siblings would fight constantly, head over heels. But as we grew older, we began to understand each other, and I think we make a wonderful family, just as we always have.
My father, Monte, is a great dad. Honestly, he really is, and has put so much effort into helping his kids grow up with good sense. Sometimes he trys to model us a little too much in his image, but that's too be expected, isn't it? My father recently retired from Federal Express, where he was a Captain, flying a big McDonald Douglas MD-11. He may have taken off his flight suit but he hasn't given up his big machinery! He is now my mom's personal chauffer as they tour the country in a comfortable motorhome. Dad, you are my role model and I am the luckiest son on the face of the planet.
What can a son say about his mother? That I love you! Only good things, of course, cause a mother can never do anything wrong. My mom, Kathy, has been such a supportive force for me, more than she will ever realize. Regardless of how many times I come home with dirty hands, she looks past the crime and to the heart of her little boy. Mom, I thank you, and will always try to love others with the love you give me. In some ways I am at a disadvantage as I seek to find a woman to bear my children -- how can anyone compare to my mother? (It's true, I don't just say it so she'll surprise me with a mint chocolate chip shake ... but they sure are yummy... =)
My sister Melissa's life has changed dramatically as she is the proud parent of my beautiful nephew, Matthew. Melissa married a wonderful man, Kevin, who is the older brother I never had. He is also the systems administrator of tementene labs and primary operator of extreme.org.
Katrina, the next in line, is living one of her dreams -- spreading joy and knowledge to many little first graders. Grown as she is, her students are still quick to point out that they've never heard of a `wabbit.' Katrina has one of the most gentle hearts I have ever encountered and I can only pray she can know the awe I have for her.
Zack, my "little" brother, is now bigger than me, faster than me, and smarter than me. He might have to work at that modesty a little bit: he's just turning out to be such a stud. I am lucky every chance I get to show him something I have learned; for in teaching it do I actually understand. Even moreso, I find myself learning much from him. He has graduated from Purdue and is now a fully productive member of society! I can honestly say that as an older brother, I couldn't be more proud.
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When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.
—Mark Twain