William Howard Gore was my maternal grandfather.  He was born in the territory of New Mexico (before statehood) in 1906, or as he liked to call it, “aught six”.  He only completed the third grade, not because he dropped out, but because that was the extent of schooling available at the time.  In his career, he punched cattle along the Chisolm Trail, worked as a self-taught aircraft engine mechanic, built and ran a small family motel and restaurant, and served as a local Magistrate.  His recipe for chili rellenos was legendary.  Pilots who had been stationed at Cannon AFB often scheduled training flights back to the base with just enough layover time to include a quick run back to “Zia Lodge” for to-go orders. Almost 20 years ago, my mother was discussing the family recipe with a waitress at a local Tex-Mex restaurant, and was suddenly escorted back to the kitchen, where she and the owner discussed whether the laborious preparation could be streamlined for the menu.  The restaurant…. Anita’s !

Having lived through the depression with a young family (my uncle was born in 1929 and my mother in 1931), my grandparents were dyed-in-the-wool FDR Democrats.  During the “dust-bowl” days, they trekked from New Mexico to California and back looking for work.  Meals and money were scarce.  However, they survived, and through hard work, determination and faith, they carved out a small family business that they operated into their 80s.  My grandfather was born on January 3, 1906, and died on January 2, 1996, the day before he would have turned 90.  I think of him around this time of year, and remember his gentleness, good humor, and “hands-on” ability to fix just about anything.  Most of all I remember his favorite saying, which captured his life philosophy: “Act justly, seek (love) mercy and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8b).  I update my professional and personal goals annually (not exactly New Year Resolutions).  The goals vary from year to year, but I hope they are aligned with my grandfather’s wisdom.