I pondered greatly what to say about my father in his chapter of the book.   He was a very strong man, and quite set in his ways.  I

thank him for what he has taught me throughout my own life.   He posessed so much knowledge, and he was a very intelligent man,

although he didn’t have a college degree.  I witnessed my father educating himself, by borrowing stacks of books; and studying late at

night,  while the children and my mother slept.  My Dad pursued his studying, and also got job promotions through hours of intense

concentration.  He took civil service exams for the State of Hawaii, for employment with the City & County of Honolulu.  And amazing as

he was,  he scored #1 on the top five people to be considered for that job promotion.  I got it bad enough just trying to complete a

homework assignment.  I was very proud of his achievements.  I was a young teen of between 13-14 at that time, observing my father

excel in many things for his family.  My other siblings were young, and didn’t quite appreciate all that he did for us.  Hopefully now as

adults, they will appreciate the ground work and foundation he set for us.  He was very serious with us, concerning school; for

education was the utmost importance to him.  I thank him for the knowledge he has given me about the Lord God....Although I fall

off the band wagon alot....and I’m far from perfection....But I try to live by it, and many times fail.....I will get up on my feet, and try again;

as he always said.  "Don’t give up, and keep on trying, it won’t be easy....and nobody is handing it to you on a silver platter! 

And  he did get selected for the position, that he tested #1 for.  He remained with that job, up until his death in 1991.  I was

trying to make a point of perserverance in life, which helped him to succeed.  He set such a good example, but I didn’t have the same

determination,  like my father had.  Thanks to my father, I had a little bell in my head, that warned me at times of  things; that I shouldn’t

do.  I stayed away from drugs, and I was never an alcoholic;  and  I think if not for him I would’ve been all that for sure.  We need to love

ourselves first,  before you can love another.  Thank you Dad for everything,  you have done for us......love you.