My oldest brother David has been searching the archives and has discovered a wealth of information for our family tree.   In a recent e-mail he sent an extract from the Supplement, New Liskeard Speaker, February 25th, 1916.

One sentence captured my attention – “BIRTHS – EDWARDS  To Mr. and Mrs. Milford R. Edwards, Couttsville, on Sunday, February 6, 1916, a son.”

That son (Chester Hutchings Edwards) was my dad.    He was the first son in the family with an older sister, still living today, named Grace.     He ended up being the middle child because my uncle was born while my grandfather was overseas in World War I.

I am thankful today for my dad.   He had such a diversity of skills and interests.

• like his mother he enjoyed bookkeeping – I believe at his peak he was keeping track of 27 bank accounts with the modest help of a calculator – no spreadsheet, no formal training.
• like his father he enjoyed farming – He raised sheep, pigs, cattle, chickens, geese, etc on the beautiful farm he purchased from his uncle in 1946.
• He and my mom had 7 children.   They taught us, loved us, prayed for, punished us, encouraged us and provided a godly example in many ways.
• In 2004 God brought my dad’s life on earth to a close.    We weren’t there as he crossed into eternity but I had the rich privilege of preaching his funeral sermon in Northern Ontario.   The recessional at that service was The Hallelujah Chorus – a majestic piece of music composed by Handel.

I’ll write more later today or tomorrow.  Thank you Lord for this son, born on Sunday, February 6th, 1916 who trusted your Son and helped his son trust as well.    I have been richly blessed.