Dad's birthday is today. i find myself feeling so lonesome for him. Even though i had him for only 8 years, the memories of him seem like 100 :) Dad was a wonderful provider for his family. Took his family to church (not 'sent'). Then the officer's club at Chanute AFB, or the Redwood Inn in Rantoul, IL or the Tea Garden, in Champagne, IL for lunch. Or Sunday afternoon drives - to nowhere :) Friday night drive-in movie with a stop at A&W for poppa burger, momma burger and baby burgers. Loved our mom more than words can explain. Loved us kids too ;) As an officer, he and mom attended a lot of functions that required them to dress 'formally'. WOW! what a beautiful couple! Dad enjoyed cooking for his family - great chili, amazing cheesecake, homemade potato chips and ALWAYS a chocolate/chocolate cake for my [and Lynn Jackson McFadden's] birthdays (both in december). I can still see the tomato plants, Dad grew,outside our front door, that dad was so proud of. I see him sitting John Alan Jackson in a chair, wrapping a sheet around Alan's shoulders, and buzz cutting Alan's hair. Dad always made sure we kids understood the word respect (LOL - if you understand what i mean). i often wonder how life would have been had God not taken him home so soon. After [almost] 50 years, gosh, i still miss him so much :( I LOVE YOU DAD. from your 'black-eyed varmint <3