A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.Welcome one and all to the best rest area on the Internet. My name is John and I live in the great state of Illinois. I say it is great not because I like all the cornfields, but because I have called it home for the past 41 years. In those 41 years, my life has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. I guess it is true that when God shuts a door He opens a window for you. I don't want to bore you with all the details about my life, but if I had to do it all over again I would not change a thing. I hope that my other pages will give you an idea of some of the things that I enjoy, so I hope you will take the time to check them out.
I truly feel that I have been blessed with a family that symbolizes what love really is. When I was born my mother and father chose the name John William for a very good reason; John was my father's name and William was my mother's brother's name. I never met my Uncle William because he was killed in the Vietnam War before I was born. My father also passed away on April 29, 1987. Though both of these great men are no longer with me in life, I carry their spirit with me every where I go. I only hope that I continue to make them proud to hold their beloved names. William, continue to watch over me and keep me safe. Dad, I miss you, and though I never said it much when you were alive, I love you.
My mother's name is Jacilyn, and she is the most wonderful woman that I know. She has been there every step of my life encouraging me, supporting me, and trusting that I will make the right decisions. By no means have I been a perfect child, and I am sure that li'l ole me has raised her blood pressure on more than one occasion, but her unconditional love for me has never stopped. I respect her for the love that she shares with God and her family. She has instilled in me values that I have grown to admire. She has given me the love and care that has made me who I am today. Mom,
Having siblings oftentimes makes me feel as though I have been cursed. I can say that because I am a middle child. Ask any middle child and they will say the same thing. My older bother's name is Bobby Jo and he has set the standards for which me and my younger sister have had to follow. Don't tell him I told anyone this, but as a young kid there was nothing more in this world I wanted then to be like him. He has not been perfect, but he has always given 100% in whatever he sets forth to do. He has always picked himself up and gotten back on the horse to try again. His opinion means a lot to me and I respect him for the encouragement and support he has shown me. At times our self-pride has clashed, but down deep both of us knows that blood is thicker than water. He also has two of the most beautiful daughters. He made me an uncle and I hope that I have fulfilled that role admirably. My two nieces mean the world to me. My life would not be the same without them. Bob, Brandi, and Jackie, I love you all very much.
My younger sister's name is Jody, and she is the best sister anyone could ever hope for. It is difficult not to be protective of a younger sister, but I have to remind myself that she has grown up and become a wonderful wife and mother. Jody is more than a sister, she is a wonderful friend. I picked on her growing up, but the advice she has giving me over the years I will never be able to repay. Jody has 2 of the most wonderful kids I know, Jordan (Li'l J as I call him) and Chelsi. When I see those kids smile it brightens the world as well as our hearts. Jody, Li'l J, and Chelsi, I cannot say how much I love you all.
My family means the world to me. They have always been there for me. I could write forever about all the fun times we have shared. We have laughed together, we have cried together, and we have mourned together. We spend most holidays together every year because that is where we all want to be- together. I am proud of who I am because my family has been there every step of the way. What I have achieved, they have achieved with me. In May, 1997, I achieved something that I never thought I would. After 6 tedious years, I had finally graduated from Illinois State University. As I walked out of the tunnel on my way to receive my diploma I looked up and saw my entire family standing together. All my life they have supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me. For that brief, shining moment I was the happiest and proudest son, brother, and uncle in the whole world.
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The One I Love...My Wife
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