Book excerpt: Larry learned early on that a mans hand-shake is his bond. To this day he retains that bond as well as one of honesty and compassion for others in all his dealings. Most men are honest, but at times ambition or greed can influence the best of intentions. Although Larry had a humble beginning, he rose above it to become a very successful man and was able to change dysfunctional living practices with his own family. He instilled love, honesty and respect in their upbringing all the while exhibiting patience and understanding. His greatest love is for God, his family, friends and nature. That love has been an inspiration in the writing of both Poetic Expressions and now his autobiography. Larry also managed to take time out of his busy schedule to work with other kids as noted by all his years of coaching baseball and never missing any event that they were involved in, even if he had to leave work early. His love of nature is unequalled. Larrys descriptions have the ability to take you there. Sometimes that love of nature has resulted in butting heads with preservationists as to timberland and renewable resources. This is especially so with them filing lawsuits to stop burnt and diseased timber harvesting. A sense of humor didnt pass him by either as noted in his autobiography again and again, as he says, a man without mirth is akin to a horse without hooves. For both must tread lightly upon the rocky roads of life. To sum it up Larry quotes an unknown author, the rigors of senior years may prove to be very challenging Have we put up a good fight throughout or is it the confusion of genes and how they are inherited to blame?