DAD

Born in 1916, in Elroy Texas, Bernard Carl Pearson was the only boy in a family that included three girls. His dad Carl Bernard Pearson was a blacksmith. Dad went to school in a little red building that is now the volunteer fire department building in Elroy. An adventurer at heart, he went to a business school in San Antonio so he could help manage his dad's blacksmith business. World War II called Dad where he served in the Army Air Corp as a 1st Sergeant in a Finance operation in Belgium. There he meet my mother, Irene. They got married, moved back to US after my brother was born in 1946, then went back to Belgium for a short stay when I came along in 1948. He eventually decided to move back to Austin and later to Houston. Through the years, Dad modeled life principles that would have great impact on us boys. He taught us to not judge a person by the color of their skin. He taught us to treat everyone with respect. He taught us to work hard and save money. He taught us the value of family.

When Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he did not give up on life. He continue working as long as his mind allowed. When he could no longer work, he still work around the house doing as much as he cold. Even when he could no longer move his muscles, he still did not give up. I remember a funny incident when he was in the nursing home. His orderly (a women) was moving him from his bed to his wheel chair. She told us to watch his face. As she lifted him, his hands slide from her waist down to her hips - then he smiled. She said he like hold on to her hips. Dad knew how to enjoy life - no matter what.

In John 15:15 Jesus said, "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." I believe Dad tought my brother and I the things his dad tought him. My last word to him before they laid him to rest was, "Thanks, Dad, for being my friend."

Today my children are grown. My daughter and grandson are living with Carol and I. Gage is my friend.