Grandpa Cecil. …where I got my good looks. Three brothers, Cecil, Faye, and Babe. Two pairs of overalls, each. Work overalls and go-to-church overalls. Sisters Iva and Wanda cooked pies all day for church fundraisers in their eighties. Cecil, an excellent electrician and machinist, could not find work during the depression. His family was in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. He earned money to feed his family by working as a “honey dipper.” With a bucket and a rope, he bailed outhouses. His daughter, Aola, sackcloth dress and no shoes, picked okra for a penny a pound. She was six years old. Aola, my mother, went on to have a family of six. She became an author of twenty historical romance novels with a series selling seven-million copies. Dad was kicked into the Oklahoma oilfields at age 15, had a 34-year Fed career, then served as the first FRESHMAN chairman of the New Mexico State Senate Education Committee. Fifth of six children, and I was the first of only two to get a college education. The four-year degree took eight years. My earliest of my dozen college jobs was wearing a trash bag as a rain poncho while cleaning stadiums of trash. It is viewed in hindsight as my bucket-and-rope job. When Mom called and asked if I needed money, my response was always, “I got this.” Political issues are being driven like locomotives* with division and fear. Vote for Cecil’s America, even though it was a hardscrabble world. Support the Good People who provide Faith and Hope even when the times are tough. Vote Cecil.
The legacy gifts still held by many millions of Americans. THE TEN THINGS I AM I am honest… Not because someone is watching me. I am kind… Not because others won’t tolerate poor treatment. I am a good worker… Not because the work is being inspected. I am helpful… Not because I think I’ll be rewarded. I am a teacher… Not because teaching is my job. I am courteous... Not because of the Golden Rule. I am patient… Not because it is in my nature. I am hard working… Not because I am driven. I am loving… Not because those around me are always lovable. I am an echo. A legacy of America’s Greatest Generation
#MichaelVandergriff This kind of life builds character, wisdom and an appreciation for self-suffiency and thrift. It's how I grew up, too. So, I'm with you and Cecil. But we are raising a generation of snowflakes who see the government as a benevolent benefactor. I will always believe that challenges are good and make us stronger. And this nation needs a lot more strong people with good character.
I’ll bet nobody messed with Cecil. Nobody messed with Stump, aka Michael Vandergriff either. Hard work ethic helped build the US. Thank you for your wisdom and humor.
It's a great reminder Michael (and as always, thank you for sharing your world) that we need a new generation of Cecil's. Although we have some in our country that fight like Cecil, we're in a sad state of decline. And yes, please vote for "Cecil's America". I am really concerned that time is not on our side anymore. I pray daily to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ it's in his hands, but I am beyond worried for my 8 Grand Children... Peace to each of you.
Great post! Love it. Very cool family history. And let me add… vote ONLY if you have educated yourself on the issues and understand what you’re voting for. Otherwise … stay home.
Loved this….and the romance novel portion of the story!! 😏
If I vote for Cecil I damn sure can’t vote Trump! He wouldn’t recognize the man, wouldn’t respect him, and would just use him for his own ends.
The world need’s more Cecile’s and his family. Not just in the USA. If I would be eligible to vote in November I would vote Cecile. Follow my heart as well as my guts.
Author. Speaker. Trainer.
5mo*Cecil’s Dad, “Daddy Pete,” drove the first AT&SF locomotive over Raton Pass, border of Colorado and New Mexico. Grit.