Memories:

CBD (Cousin Billy D.)…..Mama Jean’s nephew…..My grandmother.  Mama Jean’s older brother’s (Taylor Mason) son (Billy D. Mason)……..Wow.

CBD was the final Mason in that tier!

I remember visiting and staying with my Missouri Family in the summer months - Of course those were my younger days.  CBD was always a sign of strength to me…..More specifically his face.  His face would tell me everything.  His forehead, his eyebrows, his deep set eyes perched slightly above his strong high cheek bones………his lips moving outward to display those “beautiful bright teeth” which would relax everyone and draw folks to him.  Next, hearing his deep well arranged words flowing out of his mouth…

....Such Courage, Such Pose, Such Knowledge, Such Structure, Such Determination, Such Command Presence, Such Control, and Such Character……and if you happened to look deep into his eyes as he spoke…..You felt those words…….Just thinking about it brings “chills” to me…..He was such a MAN!

Now, let’s not forget that “perfectly positioned” toothpick between his lips as he continued sharing his knowledge of life in terms of challenges and successes….Whether I was talking with him on the telephone or sitting with him in Kentucky, Missouri, or California….He was always a “source of strength”.  He had this “radiant glow” about him that commanded you to stop whatever you were doing and listen to him…..

When I would look up and see his face or hear that voice…..I knew that I came from a “Courageous Stalk” and that "nothing was impossible".

Thank you, CBD, for carrying our torch!  I salute you and I love you!  Just know that we “all” must now carry your torch.  And believe me, I shall.

Continued love and support,

VM and Family (Your California Family)

PS: I sit here looking at a photograph that was taken in the 1800s of my great grandfather Lee Mason-----your grandfather…..And I see that same “strength and character”.

You will be missed, but never forgotten.

One of the main attributes that Dad had was that he was a realist.  He always wanted us to deal with our problems proactively.   He didn't deal with "what ifs", he dealt with "what is."

It's this same attitude that's going to get us through the tough times now and in life.  "What ifs" are full of regret but when you deal with "what is" you can begin to move forward. 

That's not to say that he wasn't hopeful because he was, but when you address a situation head-on, you take the lead and you own it.  It doesn't own you.

Thanks for life lessons, Dad.