honest and forthright, and had other estimable values. He also tended to be cross (justifiable I submit) and not a very good listener (mostly because when I saw him, he was so tired). He mellowed with age, and he forgave his son for his transgressions, just as I suppose he was forgiven.

I tried.  I tried to be a good listener.  I think I was a good provider.  I am filled with love for my sons, and am comfortable expressing that. 

You guys have different challenges - different even as between the two of you.  Obviously, your children (in Kevin's case) are in a better position to evaluate you than I, but Kevin has two great kids.  I think they will be even better young adults, and older adults as well.  Kevin, you have worked hard and worked far from home, but your efforts to get home and to be involved are laudable. Your high sense of values has yet to completely reflect in Jake's and Jo Jo’s behavior and thinking, but it will as they mature.  I salute you.  You have done better than I in many respects, and I am proud of that and ego centered enough to think that perhaps I helped.