From Triumph to Tragedy, in a Matter of Minutes

[Beestie]

My grandfather's first job after Ellis Island processing in 1913 was a coal miner in West Virginia. He fell victim to Black Lung disease when my mother was but six. She spoke proudly of her father and of her uncles who labored proudly in the hills of West Virginia to provide for her and her sisters.

Decent, hardworking people.

I tucked my six-year old son and five-year old daughter into bed last night humbled and grateful for the sacrifices made by others for the benefit of those who were to follow.