Times change but one's past does not. Today a diploma from a prestigious university hanging upon the wall of a large house with a Dodge Ram parked in the driveway has become the American dream. There was a time when callused hands sweat from an honest day's work and a man's word were the barometer of civilization with family the core of all. This is a story about the trials hardships and triumphs of a rural family back in the day. ANDPoetry of a very special prairie philosopher as he matured throughout the 20th century.