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Today is my dad's birthday. He was born on June 24, 1917; 91 years ago today. He was born in Douglas, North Dakota. He was delivered by his grandmother who was also the midwife for the area. My dad lived a carefree childhood life in small town North Dakota and Minnesota. He learned to drive at a very young age and was the designated driver on the long drive to the east coast when he was fifteen. He went on to study business at the University of Minnesota and actually met J. C. Penny when the store founder made a surprise visit to the store dad was working in up on the Iron Range in Hibbing, Minnesota. Dad eventually followed the calling into the ministry and graduated from Drew Theological Seminary. He went on to serve as a minister for over forty years. He was married to my mom for fifty one years and they had six children together. (I am number four!) My dad never quit and we were not allowed to, either. If we started something, we had to finish it even if we never attempted that activity again. My dad always said "Dig your heals in!" That was his way of saying finish the task. From my father I learned perseverance. I also learned commitment and the necessity of the great "follow through". Valuable lessons well learned. Thank you, Dad. And Happy Birthday! Love, Jean Helen