My father Erwin A. Thompson: "Your short term goal will soon be realized."

My brother Gary Thompson: "Don't worry about the stock market, invest in family."

My sister-in-law Patty Thompson: "Opportunity knocks on your door every day--answer it."

Myself: "Be prepared to modify your plans."

These were a completely perfect fit for each of us.

My father? Well, heck, he was about to pick up a gold medal award for his poetry book!

My brother is dedicated to several generations of family, and lets the rest of the world roll by him.

My sister-in-law is all about positive attitude and greeting adversity with grace.

Me: My life is a study in flexibility.

Our time in Branson was pleasant and fulfilling. Pop claimed his Stars and Flag Book award onstage at the Mansion Theater. The rest of the time was spent enjoying the Veterans Homecoming Week. And, I finally got to meet Pat Avery.

Branson is the Las Vegas of the Midwest without the gambling. There are 100 theaters there offering glitzy country-music style entertainment. So, you gotta go to some shows. Our first show was part of the awards ceremony. The second show was on the Branson Belle Showboat. Wow. It's like a mansion. Pop was one of the four veterans chosen to be honored at the start of the show.

The Branson trip was the kick-off for Pop's birthday week. From there we went to a company meal on his birthday, November 9th...and an appearance at two creative writing classes at Alton High School.

Pop, the old man of the mountain, wowed them.

My father, Erwin A. Thompson, turns 94 this November 9th. What could make a better birthday present than winning an award for a book you put a lifetime of heart into?

That's just what happened when his poetry book "Worth Remembering: The Poetry of Our Heritage--a family and friends poetry anthology and some of the stories" won a Gold Medal Award.

We'll pick up the Stars and Flags book award during Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, Missouri. It'll be a family trip with my brother Gary Thompson and his wife Patty joining Pop and me.

Click here for a list of the winners.