This story written by my father Erwin A. Thompson–now 95–is a continuation of my POP ON MONDAY series. It tells the story of what my father calls “Big Men”–that is men of great character. In the normal round of a day in Army life, should they protect a good seargent and risk their own positions?…
Today is D-day. And, my parent’s 69th wedding anniversary if my mother had lived to see this day. My father’s story of “The Hardest Decision I Ever Had to Make,” did not happen on D-Day, but it seems right to post it today as we remember those dark days of World War II and the…
Sitting around talking one day…as we do…Pop recalled seeing two movies that reflected his views and experience with the govermental policy of Emminent Domain. He could recall the gist of each, but not the specifics. After some extensive Google research I found them: “Wild River,” and “Fire on the Mountain.” You’lll see the reviews of…
Noun 1. plutocrat – someone who exercises power by virtue of wealth have, rich person, wealthy person – a person who possesses great material wealth. (from Free online dictionary) Our family is made up of just folks. There’s a joke in our family that whenever we feel we’ve stumbled into some unexpected wonderful situation that…
Make sure to read Part 1 of Pop’s International Music stories! This set of stories written by my father Erwin A. Thompson is part of the ongoing Riehlife series “Mondays with Pop.” At 95, he continues to be a masterful storyteller who loves history, music, and culture. He was a reluctant traveler compared to my…
This set of stories written by my father Erwin A. Thompson is part of the ongoing Riehlife series “Mondays with Pop.” At 95, he continues to be a masterful storyteller who loves history, music, and culture. He was a reluctant traveler compared to my mother (Ruth Thompson). But, once launched, he engaged with the people…
It’s that time of year. Will it flood? If so, how high? My father’s history of what it was like to farm around th floods gives us some good historical context. –Janet As I grew up I was aware of the river’s “flood stage,” but only as a matter of interest, not survival. The Riehl…
My father, Erwin A. Thompson, turns 95 this November 9th. My birthday present to him is to establish an annual Second Mile Award. The holder of the 2010 award receives: –a $500 honorarium, –a certificate designed by my niece, –publication on Riehlife of the nomination essay. The deadline for nomination essays is November 9, 2010–my…
My father Erwin A. Thompson turns 95 this November 9, 2010. He’s had quite a life. Here are some highlights from his life of character and contribution. Make sure to read “The Second Mile Award,” and “What is the second mile?” HOW A FOLK TREASURE WAS RAISED In 2005, Erwin Thompson was named a “folk…
I’ve been listening to the song Stephen Foster’s 1854 song “Hard Times Come Again No More.” You’ll see the lyrics below. Then, this evening, my father sent me this story to post about the hard times of Christmas 1934. May they come again no more. –Janet ______________________ Hard Times: Christmas, 1934 by Erwin A. Thompson…