The Ten Commandments, The American President, Overboard, Top Gun, Firefox, Dune, Guarding Tess, Field of Dreams, Day the Earth Stood Still, Forbidden Planet, Sister Act, Eragon, any Harry Potter, any Sean Connery 007, any John Wayne
Television
American Idol, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, M*A*S*H, All in the Family, Jeffersons, Judge Joe Brown, Judge Greg Mathis, Wheel of Fortune, Gunsmoke
I was born in Longview to very strict zero tolerance parents.
I was given the name Tim, which means "Honor of God" or "Honoring God", and that is still a Work In Progress.
Dad liked to move, so by high school graduation I attended 5 different schools and moved 8 times, so I didn't make lasting friends till high school.
Mother realized I had a difficult childhood, so when it came time for graduation, I had no idea what my graduation present would be, if anything.
I walked across the stage and received a diploma of graduation, when I got home I received something I cherish even more as time goes by, "a guide to a full and useful life" my mother composed and typed for me for graduation.
TO TIM
The mile-stones we've passed together since God gave you to me (one of the most precious gifts in the world) are a part of my thoughts each day: the day you first looked at me and smiled; the day you first reached out loving arms to me; the first time you sat alone; the day you took your first step; the first time you said, "Mama"; your first day in school; the day you were baptized; then all too soon this day --- GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL!
As you developed on the way to this day, at times you ventured away from me -probing, testing, seeking to find your own evaluation of the world in which you live; your own identity. After each such venture, you came back to me seeking reassurance that you are loved; for discussion of the problems you encountered; for guidance to meet the next stage of growth. I thank God you permitted me to have these discussions!
As you continue your growth into manhood, you will at times be faced with the responsibility of making the right decisions with no person available for discussion. It is for this reason I offer you a guide to a full and useful life.
Keep your faith in God. Remember to thank Him for your many blessings. Obey the commandments. Be ready to admit your mistakes and ask forgiveness, for He has promised to forgive. Pray for strength, wisdom and guidance. Be ready to help those who need your help with joy and gladness. Be kind.
Remember it takes a lot of courage to be "SQUARE"!
Your "Identity"?
You are a child of God ! In His love for you He has made available the tools for
a full enriched life -- all you have to do is use them.
Best wishes from one who loves you very much.
Mother
I had no idea at the time, how important what mother wrote would become, till in 1998 she suffered a stroke, and mentally, the mother that wrote this was gone. Our roles reversed, I moved home on September 25, 1998, sold my place, and have been her caregiver ever since. She is now 91, so her "guide to a full and useful life" is even more important. When I feel the stress of being her caregiver, I read it, and the load does not seem so heavy.
Looking back, my high school years were my best. Here are some of my classmates at our 30 year reunion on June 29, 2002.
(In memory of classmate Glenn "T-Bone" Bumgardner)
From birth to today, life is a lesson to be learned.
Experiences can break you, or strengthen your character.
The lessons I learned:
I do not Lie, Steal or Cheat.
Expressions I developed through my experiences are:
HONESTY is the best policy.
ACTIONS speak louder than words.
GIVE what YOU want.
You come into the world with nothing, and you leave with nothing, but while you are here, you have your TRUTH, HONESTY and personal INTEGRITY, and no one can take that from you, unless you let them.
