I've always been glad you were born.

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. "I've always been glad you were born," I told him, and he laughed.

Here are some things I've learned from him over the years:

• Baked potatoes, Bush's beans, green salad, and string beans make an excellent breakfast.
• There are exceptions, but statistics do tell you important things.
• A little kindness goes a looong way.
• Some things are worth doing even if Mom is the only one who knows the reason why.
• Always send people away from your garden with a sack full of produce.
• Expect a man to open your car door.
• Stick with your commitments.
• If you hear people out and treat them well, they'll most often like you even if you have to tell them no sometimes.
• Be careful with money. Keep track of where it goes, and don't spend it needlessly.
• Don't cut corners on having good food in the house.
• Make decisions in view of the long-term possibilities.
• Pray and study God's word daily.