My father's dad was rather...
Illustration
My father's dad was rather a failure. He could speak little English; and even that with a thick German accent. He never tried to improve his speech. He had a humble job as a plasterer. He never made it big. But perhaps worst of all were his self-destructive tendencies of excessive drinking and compulsive gambling. Finally his marriage was severed and he left, never to see any of his children for forty or fifty years. He died more or less alone, strangely brought back to the same nursing home where his earlier-abandoned wife also died.
In reaction to this, my father developed a strong sense of "name." He would do nothing to dishonor his name. He kept perfect credit and I never remember him breaking a promise. His word to someone reflected upon his name. My father never became rich -- most preachers don't -- but he has a "name" which is better than riches.
In reaction to this, my father developed a strong sense of "name." He would do nothing to dishonor his name. He kept perfect credit and I never remember him breaking a promise. His word to someone reflected upon his name. My father never became rich -- most preachers don't -- but he has a "name" which is better than riches.
