Gratitude Post # 14~ All I Need~

I have all I need and all I need I have. I need nothing more. I am blessed beyond measure and I am thankful.

My father n law was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was so very humble, generous,and benevolent. He was a country doctor for fifty plus years in a rural area of central Louisiana. He had more living heart patients than most of the specialist. The big city doctors sent their patients to him because he was a great diagnostician

I never saw the man finish a meal before the phone rang or a patient would come by the house. He was always available to everyone. He never took more than he needed and sometimes he did not even get paid, but they were self-sufficient. Sometimes he was paid in chickens, venison, eggs, vegetables and other items that could be
bartered.

He never turned anyone away. Never... anyone sick was seen. When he closed his practice his office call was six dollars. The AMA wanted to honor him in New Orleans, but he would not go. He gave all the credit to his wife. He said that he was just doing what he loved. He did not need accolades or awards. That was not his style.
His joy came from knowing his family was happy and cared for. He loved his family.

I will never forget when he died. We found out just how much this amazing kind and humble man was loved by all. If kids needed glasses, they got them. School could not afford milk for lunch, he provided it. There are so many wonderful stories about him. He co-signed a loan for a car for someone. He saw a need and met that need, but he did it with out recognition because there was a need. This little town loved him dearly and they showed it. I have never seen so many folks cry in mass. The church was so full that people had to stand outside the church to attend his service. It was a beautiful sight to see how much they loved him.

This is the kind of men my sons have grown up to be. Papa lead by example and never raised his voice. My hubs has some of his dad in him, but a lot of his mother too. Through the generations we see nephews that have Papa's personality. It keeps his spirit alive. I am thankful to have know him. I am thankful that he loved me. I am better because of him.