The Crane: Lifting each other up!

As much of the book and my life demonstrate clearly, my father was the strongest influence on my life. When he passed in 2023, it had a profound impact and sparked more writing. I could hear his voice saying "share the stories." The Crane was a nickname that he gave me. No he wasn't a bird watcher and it's not some veiled Karate Kid reference. Dad was a large man. Like every Dad I knew as a kid, he had his own chair in the living room. Dad's recliner was the post dinner destination each evening. Dad, being 6'4" and at his largest about 450 pounds, he needed to relax after a long day. When he had to get up, I'd hear "Crane!" From anywhere in the house I'd come running to see an outstretched arm, hand open. I'd wrap his thumb in a strong grip; lean back and stand him up. He could have stood on his own, but he was asking for a hand. A hand that might make it just a little easier for him, and frankly it usually ended with him hugging me once he was standing.This book is intended to help, to give you a lift. Can you do it on your own? Sure, we all muddle by and we are all able to get ourselves going just like Dad could stand up. Working together it made things a bit easier for him and I felt great for helping him up. You're up, you're doing better than you know. Enjoy this hug.