I know I said the same things last year about my father, but it still applies. I have grown closer to him over the past few years and I'm so thankful to God for the blessing He gave me in my father. I have added a few more things, so I hope you are blessed...Well, I always tell people, "If it weren't for my father, I would probably stay single." He has been the best example of what a real man is. He has every quality, plus more.  He exemplifies the love of Christ, he loves and respects my mother (always willing to help her out in ANY way...even does the laundry and dishes for us every day!), loves his children (four girls...never complained about the fact that he has four girls either), he always leaves the seat down, and is probably one of the most intelligent men I've ever met. Most of the time he knows the answers to a hard question, and if not, he'll find out for you. He remembers everything, and he has never steered me wrong when it comes to advice on anything. I always try to listen and obey what my dad advises because if I don't, there has always been a consequence. I am proud to have a father like that. People tell me, "Well, your parents could be wrong." I tell them, "Not mine." I know my parents aren't perfect, but they have always been a Godly example and are certainly filled with God's love. Their advice comes with Godly wisdom and years of experience, and they always prayerfully consider every answer, so I know I won't be lead astray. I'm thankful for that. It has protected me from so much. He constantly seeks out my mother's advice, shows her the utmost respect, and never says one negative thing about her, in front of her or behind her back. To me, that is part of what a real man is. Someone who has respect for their wife. Just to show you a small glimpse of the kind of husband my father is, the kind I hope to have after 37 years (on August 24) of marriage, and also to see a little more of what my

mother is like, I have included at the end of the poem, the tribute my father wrote to my mother on their 35th anniversary. It will bring tears to your eyes.

I am also proud to have inherited his writing talents, drawing ability, great personality, greasy hair, and wonderful sense of humor. He is one of the funniest men I know. He has also been a tremendous inspiration to keep going and never quit, not matter what...even in the midst of the hardest circumstance. That has meant a lot to me. I could go on, but I think you can see what a great man he is. :)

He is also my best critic and a great source of encouragement. He has helped me with just about every poem I've ever written. He carefully reads them over and corrects any mistakes I have made. This one, however, he cannot correct.  This comes from my heart and doesn't quite say enough about the incredible dad I was blessed with. I love you, dad.

Your words of wisdom,

your words of praise,

have helped me through,

the worst of days.

I see God's love,

in the way you live.

I feel His touch,

in the way you give.

I hear His voice,

even when you speak.

And I see His strength,

when you are weak.

You are my father,

sent from above.

and what an example,

of God's great love.

I will forever,

be thankful to you.

For all the times,

you have helped me through.

So while I have,

this moment right now.

I want to thank you

and show you how...

much I love you.

Instead of this weeks Check it out website, I have something even more special to "Check Out!"....

As a surprise, my dad had this tribute published in a local paper. It still brings tears to my eyes as it has to many of my friends. I know you, too, will be touched...

A tribute to my wife on our 35th Anniversary....published in Our Town paper,

August 1998. By: James Sangiorgio ...

Next to my salvation, the best thing that ever happened to me was Madeline becoming my wife 35 years ago. She is my best friend, my best counselor, my best companion - through the hard times and the good times. She has stuck by me when other women would have walked out - and I've given her ample reasons to leave by my actions and lifestyle in the past. Her warmth, love and enthusiasm for life have kept me going when I despaired to the point of not wanting to live anymore. Her smile and cheerfulness have been a constant inspiration in the midst of gross discouragement. Her zest for life and the things of the Lord has caused many to accept Him, starting with her own family. Her deep love for God is infectious and genuine - and so rare. Her beauty is a reflection of her inward being - she shines and glows and makes it a joy for me to come home. She holds things loosely and even things she's just acquired she gives them away with a free heart.

She's been an outstanding mother to four girls. She welcomed and loved each one in a unique way as infants and as they got older, her counsel and her prayers are ever ready for their use.

She's made a home out of even the worst conditions we've lived in. Her brightness and desire to please have permeated each place we've lived in - and we've lived in some awful surroundings.

She's welcomed my own mother into our home in her sickness and old age and has catered to her to make her feel good.

She's gone far beyond duty, to real love: love that astounds me and overwhelms me at times.

I found a plaque and gave it to her some time ago. It says: "God Has Blessed Me With You"

God has been bountiful to me but He's exceeded anything by giving me my dear wife. He has indeed blessed me.

I look forward to getting old with her and spending eternity with her. My wish for every man is that they would get a wife like my treasure - MADELINE.

I wrote the above on our 25th anniversary and the passage of ten more years only makes it more real. And I also add at this time that our dear granddaughter now has the privilege of having such a great "Ma," her word for Grandma.

With love from a grateful husband....

This comes from the friend I asked for prayer for the cyst on her leg. She is doing better, but the cyst is still there. Please continue to pray for her and the following....Keith, 40ish - I'm guessing. I had his son in nursery school a couple years ago. Married, father of two. He had a brain tumor pushing on the optic nerve. It has been removed. They don't know yet the extent of any damage - if any. Please pass it on, asking for prayer.

Thanks.

CLASSIFIEDS

FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 8 YEARS OLD. HATEFUL LITTLE DOG.

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FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 COCKER SPANIEL - 1/2 SNEAKY NEIGHBOR'S DOG

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FREE PUPPIES...PART GERMAN SHEPHERD - PART STUPID DOG

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GERMAN SHEPHERD 85 lbs. NEUTERED. SPEAKS GERMAN. FREE.

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FOUND: DIRTY WHITE DOG. LOOKS LIKE A RAT... BEEN OUT AWHILE..BETTER BE REWARD.

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1 MAN, 7 WOMAN HOT TUB -- $850/offer

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AMANA WASHER $100. OWNED BY CLEAN BACHELOR WHO SELDOM WASHED.

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SNOW BLOWER FOR SALE... ONLY USED ON SNOWY DAYS.

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2 WIRE MESH BUTCHERING GLOVES: 1 5-finger, 1 3-finger, PAIR: $15

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TICKLE ME ELMO, STILL IN BOX, COMES WITH ITS OWN 1988 MUSTANG, 5L,AUTO, EXCELLENT CONDITION $6800

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COWS, CALVES NEVER BRED... ALSO 1 GAY BULL FOR SALE.

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83 TOYOTA HUNCHBACK -- $2000

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STAR WARS JOB OF THE HUT -- $15

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SOFT & GENITAL BATH TISSUES OR FACIAL TISSUE 89 cents

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FULL SIZED MATTRESS. 20 YR. WARRANTY. LIKE NEW. SLIGHT URINE SMELL.

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FREE 1 CAN OF PORK & BEANS WITH PURCHASE OF 3 BR 2 BATH HOME.

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FOR SALE: LEE MAJORS (6 MILLION DOLLAR MAN) - $50

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NORDIC TRACK $300 HARDLY USED, CALL CHUBBIE

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BILL'S SEPTIC CLEANING "WE HAUL AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS"

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SHAKESPEARE'S PIZZA - FREE CHOPSTICKS

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HUMMELS - LARGEST SELECTION EVER "IF IT'S IN STOCK, WE HAVE IT!"

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GET A LITTLE JOHN: THE TRAVELING URINAL HOLDS 2 1/2 BOTTLES OF BEER.

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HARRISBURG POSTAL EMPLOYEES GUN CLUB

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GEORGIA PEACHES CALIFORNIA GROWN - 89 cents lb.

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NICE PARACHUTE: NEVER OPENED - USED ONCE SLIGHTLY STAINED

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AMERICAN FLAG 60 STARS - POLE INCLUDED $100

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TIRED OF WORKING FOR ONLY $9.75 PER HOUR? WE OFFER PROFIT SHARING AND FLEXIBLE HOURS. STARTING PAY: $7 - $9 PER HOUR.

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EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: QUEEN SIZE MATTRESS & BOX SPRINGS -$175.

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OUR SOFA SEATS THE WHOLE MOB AND IT'S MADE OF 100% ITALIAN LEATHER.

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JOINING NUDIST COLONY! MUST SELL WASHER & DRYER $300.

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LAWYER SAYS CLIENT IS NOT THAT GUILTY.

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ALZHEIMER'S CENTER PREPARES FOR AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

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GAS CLOUD CLEARS OUT TACO BELL.

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OPEN HOUSE BODY SHAPERS TONING SALON FREE COFFEE & DONUTS

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KELLOGG'S POT TARTS - $1.99 box

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FULLY COOKED BONELESS SMOKED MAN - $2.09 lb.

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FOR SALE BY OWNER Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica.  45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000.00 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last weekend. Wife knows everything.

About my poetry:

We are all on a journey through life. Some of us get lost, some search for the truth, some have found the truth, and sometimes we all need a little "service station" along the way to continue on. These poems were written for that purpose; for those seeking to find life, for those who have it, but need a little lift, for those who have strayed and need directions back, and for those who just need a little encouragement. It is for every day living, experiences, heartaches that lead us to the realization that God is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. I pray my poems minister to your heart, and give you the energy, direction and encouragement that you need. If you ever wished to be removed, please send me an e-mail and I will remove you, no hard feelings. :) God bless.