My precious daddy nor my mother grew up in the best of times nor circumstances.  They both had rough childhoods, but they made sure that their 4 kids would have the best.  The best of "Unconditional Love, the best life lessons to build our character, the best of morals as to be kind, compassionate and loving individuals towards others, and years and years of laughter.

GOD SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST...............AFTER THAT, FAMILY!!!!!!!   AND THE "THOM AND BARBARA BATES' KIDS," WERE TAUGHT THIS LESSON AND LIVE IT EACH AND EVERY DAY.   THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF WEALTH, MONEY OR MATERIAL ITEM THAT CAN HOLD A CANDLE TO THE VALUE OF THE LOVE WITHIN OUR FAMILY.

I THANK YOU MY BELOVED DADDY AND MOM.

GOD BLESSED THE 4 OF US KIDS WITH THE BEST PARENTS THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE EVER ASKED FOR.