We will know happiness; we will know sadness.

1- Once I drank in life, once I search for new places and new faces.

I left home when I was eighteen, joined the Army and I enjoyed my life.

I saw 14 countries in Europe and drank, dances and knew laughter.

I came home in 1980 and I learn. Dear Grandparent, were getting older.

I learn that the good people will get older and leave us.

2- I volunteered for wars and when I came home. Grandfather had passed.

Dear sister did not tell me. Broke my heart. I wished I told him.

He taught me how to live.

3- I held my children at their birth; I held my grandchildren at their birth.

Became my best day. Today I became an old man, and my grandchildren are becoming men.

All my mentors are gone; dear sister Holly is in heaven, mother and stepmother left

my world. My father and stepfather, my grandfathers. I speak their words now.

My grandfather Wayne would love my garden, and I remember him telling me often.

My home is a place for love, leave your anger on the front porch. Four brothers had

left my world. drugs and alcohol stole their minds and souls.

I try to remember the good days and I learn too late. I should have been kinder and

I should of listen to them. Each of us are different. Some of us, like me.

I am a brick house, and some people are built on sand. Now I listen,

now I pay attention to my children, my grandchildren. Like my father Jack told me.

Listen, think and then speak. Be kind.

Life is a teacher. We will know happiness and we will know sadness.

John