In about 1918, B's father was in college in Billings, Montana. He lost his girlfriend in the 1918-1919 flue epidemic. We don't know if this is why he stopped going to college or if there was another reason. However, he still had a desire to go to college. He graduated from Montana State College around 1931. He passed on this value of education to his children.
My own father would have loved to go to college but knew it wasn't possible for him for numerous reasons. When his sister wanted to go to nursing school, he helped out some with the finances so that she was able to go.
While growing up, my father and mother, who was a teacher, emphasised the importance of a college education on many occasions. All five of his kids graduated from college. When the youngest decided to become a medical doctor they helped him realize his dream.
Both of these fathers, along with their wives, have had an impact on their descedants. The things that they valued has been passed on, through their children, to their grandchildren. Many of their grandchildren have gained college degrees.
On December 20 we had the opportunity to see our youngest son gain his Ph.D. This is the first doctorate degree on B's side of the family and the second on my family's side. (The first being a MD). I am proud of all that he has done to get to this spot in his life. Equally, I am thankful for his grandparents who placed a high value on a good education that has been passed down through the generations. I know there will be generations to come who will benefit from this also.
My camera hasn't returned from the doctor's office yet but our son shared the ones his wife L took.
We are also very thankful for our great daughter-in-law who supported him in many ways that enabled him to accomplish this.
