August – A Month of Remembrance

Stephen Baker
August 12, 1916 ~ October 30, 1985

Anna Marie Baker
August 10, 1919 ~ July 22, 2006

The month of August represents my parents to me. Both my mother and father were born in August and they were married during this month. I have many childhood memories spending the Dog Days of Summer (August) at the New Jersey shore on vacation with my family. We always seemed to have a cake celebrating something: August 3 was my parent's wedding anniversary, followed by my mother's birthday on August 10 and then my father's birthday on August 12. One month and we were done with anniversaries and birthdays for mom and dad.

Now that both of my parents are gone, I look at the month of August as a time of reflection and remembrance. And, I recognize that I have so much to be thankful for knowing that I was raised by such loving and strong willed parents who instilled in their children a sense of pride, responsibility, and independence. I know both my older sister and my twin brother would agree that we were indeed fortunate and blessed with parents who raised their children knowing what they knew best – hard work will reap you benefits and treating people with respect will lead you along a path of satisfaction and success.

Both of my parents came from very modest beginnings. My father, born in northwestern Pennsylvania, was a 1^st generation American – his parents immigrated to the United States from what is now the Czech Republic. My mother, born on a farm in Southern New Jersey, always seemed to stick to her roots, feeling comfortable out in the yard, tending to her garden.

Mom and Dad were both impacted by the Great Depression and had to cut short their studies to tend to family responsibilities. Mom and Dad were survivors. They taught us by example and demonstrated to us that commitment came first and everything else followed. If you are committed to your relationships, studies, and your work, success would follow.

So, Mom and Dad, I have many happy memories and I thank you for them. I know that I am who I am today because you instilled in me a sense of pride and self-respect. I carry this with me today. And for that, I will be forever thankful.

Your Loving Son,
John