endev42 - documenting the meaning of life

Date Submitted: January 27, 2018

The responsibility that we have toward one another, that is to our family first, then our neighbors, and last, to our nation.  No matter what our station, our wealth or lack thereof, this principle should be paramount, for it is what gives life its meaning.  Without it, we are no more than self-centered, selfish, and generally unprincipled human beings.

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I had the privilege of serving for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, and when I was much younger, saw combat as a crewman in a Navy torpedo bomber in World War II.  So I served my country in two different ways, but my devotion was paramount.  In Congress, I was both a lawmaker, but also a problem solver for a host of constituents who came to me with their problems.  I served, if not with great distinction, at least with honesty and industry and retired with my reputation intact.

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Most of my life has been that of an academic, teaching over 12,000 students at Old Dominion University, going back to 1950 when the institution was simply a two-year branch of the College of William and Mary.  That career has also lent itself to ethical standards and relationships combining friendship and professional encouragement.

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My late wife and I raised two children, a girl and a boy, both of whom have enjoyed successful careers.  My daughter gave me two grandsons, and one of them gave me a greatgrandson.  I am now on the cusp of reaching the age of 93.  God has granted me many years, enabling me to survive a dangerous war, having a long and happy marriage, two children and grandsons who have brought mostly joy with just enough glitches to make me appreciate the former.

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As a Christian believer, I have no fear of death and thank God daily for the blessings noted above.