Wayne's World
Today marks one year since James' father, Wayne, died. It actually begins the anniversary, in that he died on fathers' day, June 15. So both days are anniversaries.

I didn't know James' father very well. I don't think many people knew him well. He was very quiet. Shy, really. When I talked to him, he always looked down to his right, like a little boy who was about to get in trouble. Not that he was weak. He was anything but weak. Just terribly shy.

He loved watching automobile racing and was the source of James' passion for the sport. Before every race there was always a series of phone calls about the race. They would discuss who was on the pole, who would win and a variety of other race-related topics that were beyond my knowledge. As soon as each race ended, the phone would ring and they would discuss the results of the race.

Wayne was an airplane mechanic for the Air Force. He could fix anything and fix it well. James said he used to take his bicycle apart (all the way!) and lay each piece out for cleaning, then put the whole thing back together again. I don't know about you, but my dad just sprayed mine down with a water hose...if I was lucky!!

Wayne's other passion was his dogs. He walked them for miles every day and even cooked them steaks! I'm sure all the dogs in town were jealous of Wayne's dogs!

My favorite thing about Wayne was that he chose to marry Yoshimi (and here). He could not have done better.

I know this is a particularly hard week for James. I hope you all will keep him in your prayers. Thanks.