By Jim Langham

There are certain times when I can still hear my parents’ voices, even though they have been gone for many years, very special moments representing certain traits I continue to admire in them.

One of those times occurred at the conclusion of meal time at our house as I was growing up. As we got up and walked away from the table, my dad would always say, “Elnora, thank you for the wonderful meal.” He was always grateful to people who had put forth an effort that translated into some gift to him. It is a trait that I have sought to carry on in our generational living.