Some of my fondest memories of my father are ones formed of our many outdoor adventures! Seems like I was always following him around in the woods or in a field; somewhere where the wind could touch our faces! From jumping ditches; fishing in Back Bay, quail and deer hunting in the fields of North Carolina, dove hunting in Chesapeake, fishing all night at Lynnhaven beach, even digging for bottles here in Norfolk. My dad was happiest when out of doors! But, if he had to be indoors, he truly loved his gospel music. We sang our way from Norfolk to North Carolina and then back again nearly every weekend in the seventies! When we got to my grandparent's house we would all gather around the organ and share those great old songs that lift the spirit. And, when I was grown and living out of the area I couldn't leave without singing a few with him. I just thought that I would share a few thoughts on the richness of my father's life. He truly enjoyed life! And I am so glad that he was able to enjoy the bonus of those months from January of 2011 to now. He had some struggles, but we were also given just a little more time with him. And I'm so glad that each of you who will read these lines got just a little more of him. He was rare gold and I know he's up there just singing away with the angels! Thank You John Shepard