Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am most thankful for my upbringing right here in Mathews County by two loving parents. They taught us by example. Their love for us was obvious.

A strong work ethic was always in place. Dad got up in the dark to milk the cows before heading off to make the drive to NASA. This routine was repeated when he got home. Mom was a great homemaker and helped with the many chores on our small farm.

Depending on the season, the chores varied. Planting and harvesting crops from the fields and garden fed the family and our animals. Having enough corn and hay in the barn were nearly as important as canning and preserving food for the seven, later five, of us to last from one season to the next.

Foundational in the Diggs home was our faith. Again, Mom and Dad led by example, taking us to church and teaching us Christian principles and values. These teachings, this kind of love, has made all the difference in my life.

As a retired teacher and senior citizen, I am keenl...