DAD

�Most people are lucky enough to have a special man in their life, but I have had two, and I am dedicating this page to them! First, there is my dad, Larry Long SR. Although he died when I was very young, I do have some memories and then my mom told me the rest. He was a very special man! He was a trucker, who always put his family first and would take my brother on the road with him alot (I was too small to go). He always told me he loved me bushels and bushels full and from here to the moon and back. To this day I hear that ! He was the type of guy who would find a stray dog along a haul and take it 100's of miles back home by us, "because even a dog needs a home and to be loved." He never met a stranger, "just someone he didn't know yet," and he'd give up his last dollar if someone else needed it. He and my brother, Larry, were professional clowns at childrens hospitals, nursing homes, or any other good cause any time Dad wasn't working. He loved life to the fullest and it was a great loss to the world when he died while on a haul in 1970, but he won't be forgotten.

But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
Anonymous

The certificate and flag. Given by The United States of America honors the memory of Harrell D. Boykin. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the armed forces of the United States
George George Bush
President of the United States

Song playing is called "Daddys Hands"

The second man was a very special friend of my mom and dad's. He had 13 children of his own, yet when He met and married a women who had two children of her own ages 4 and almost 13. He took them all on as his own NEVER showing favoritism between his children and his "STEP" children. When the girl was about 5 or 6 he bought her a genuine Indian doll which she loved very much and his 4 year old daughter Liz ripped the head off of it and His 'STEP' daughter cried for 2 days telling him that he loved Liz more then her and he heard about it for years to come, lol.
Then when she was about 7, he bought her a Miss Beasely Doll which went everywhere with her, including on a plane trip from Chicago to Arkansas. Well on a lay over, she had left Miss Beasley at the airport by accident and as soon as she noticed she wanted him to tell the pilot to turn around and go back and get Mrs Beasley. The "STEP" dad tried to explain he couldn't do that and all she said is "YES YOU CAN," you're Daddy, and they have to do what Daddy says to do." LOL Needless to say he heard about that too for years to come. Poor man, thank god he knew she loved him and was joking. Then as the kids got bigger he was there for both good and bad times. He was there when his Son, Ronnie, and "STEP" son Larry decided they were bored and vandalized a school. He was there when the 5th grade principal said he was going to retain his "STEP" daughter because she had a speech problem even though she had all A's. In fact, he said some stuff to the principal that I won't put in here because this is a family oriented site. LOL Needless to say, she went on to the 6th grade. He was there as both "STEP" kids thought they found the right one, (several times each) supporting in the good and bad times. He never told them you can't do it, just try your best and thats all you can do!! He was there for 6 (grand) kids as Daddy because the so called men that made them vanished. He ran hotels and his"step" daughter was always beside him moving stuff, hauling stuff, helping any way he'd let her. He called her his Tom and to the day he died she was his Tom. Thanks to him, she can do alot of fix up stuff most females can't. The reason I put "step" like this is because I hate that word!!!!!! He didn't step on the kids and they didn't "STEP" on him. They loved each other and they were family, but something was realized while he was real sick. He was a STEP, He STEPPED up to protect them. He STEPPED up to love them. He STEPPED up to defending them. He STEPPED up to encourage them, and most important He STEPPED up to show them they were his kids!

Background Set lovingly made special for Heide. In memory of Two Special Dads I did not have the privelege of meeting and wish I did!!!!!
~Mary~

Harrell Dallas Boykin
(Harrell)
4-13-26 8-22-01

Lawrence Franklin Long Sr.
(Larry)
3-25-34 12-18-70

I am that little girl all grown up and
will always be Daddy's Tom!
My oldest daughter, Lori made a page in
memory of Dad. Please check it out at: http://www.geocities.com/paleface909/index.html Please remember to sign her guestbook.