I know I was supposed to write about a specific memory with you Dad, but I could not. It would take a book and I am not allowed that type of room for this project. What I remember and have and will carry with me, because it has become who I am, is the adventurous spirit and love of geography and everything that lives within its regions. The vacations and camping and day trips you took us on instilled in me a love and interest in life of all forms. You would allow me the freedom to pick a direction and to stop at whatever interested us. You allowed Bryan and me to explore and learn lessons of history, love, and sometimes pain and tragedy. We learned that life was to be celebrated, respected, and revered for all that it is and will be. You taught us that there are lessons in everything we see, touch, and feel. Nothing is to be taken for granted. We traveled to Oregon, Nashville, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas, Minnesota, and everything in-between that c caught our attention. You never hindered our adventures and I always believed we were rich because of what we learned. You always supported me 100% in whatever I wanted to venture into; my first organ, my first guitar, the clarinet, basketball (which I was very bad at), track, and any animal that I drug home. You allowed us to have everything from a rooster that chased the mailman to gerbils (which I now find very repulsive), fish, parakeets, hamsters, guinea pigs, dogs, and the list goes on. I was encouraged to try new things (and I did) and to experience life. All these lessons have made me who I am and I have you to thank. I love you Dad. Thank you for letting me live to learn to become good at what I do. I teach others to learn and experience the life and the earth that God has given to us. Love you forever, Me (For those of you who aren’t in the know: That is how I, Gene’s daughter Sherri, always singed my letters to Dad)