How is it possible to determine the best advice from the man who guided me in purpose, direction, integrity, responsibility, ethics and so much more throughout my life?

I know, everyone believes their Dad is better than mine. Not so. There are no greater men on earth. Yes, it's possible there are men who are his equal, perhaps yours. But, there are none better.

Dad grew up in extremely rural Maine, the youngest of 10 (or 12?). With an 8th grade education he found a way to support his own 10 kids. We were a handful, I can say.

He started was a plasterer. An amazing plasterer from the old school. Yea, that's right. He brought up 10 kids on a plasterer's wage. Every day, no matter how exhausted he was, he'd stop by the store and pick up candy in his lunch box.

In between his first and second job he'd take time to play baseball in the back yard with his own team (us) and a bunch of the neighborhood kids. Everyone loved going over to the Cormier house to play. Dad was the reason.

It would take an epic novel to tell the stories about Dad when growing up. That is in process. But, as for his advice, he always shared his view of the world as he saw it at the time. I'm forever grateful that he would include me in those conversations.

He taught me his common sense approach to business, family, faith, and human decency. I'm amazed how much my decisions today seem to mimic his.

All 10 of children grew up to be self-sufficient in their own business. How impossible does that sound. All 10 in business for themselves in one way or another. None have spent a night in jail. That may seem like a strange thing to mention but when you think of it, all 10 children have become law abiding, productive citizens of our country. That could be a record for a big family. Not even the Kennedy's can make that claim.

I love my Dad more than he will ever know. He, along with my Mom, is the rock I have built my life upon. Thanks Dad!!