by Todd Genge

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

This is a true story of a soul who was called Thomas Lloyd Genge. That man was my father. He was and is the driving force in my life. In 1996, he changed the lives of my brother and I in a way that can never be forgotten. I'll never forget seeing a 1975 Ford Ranchero pull up with a man in it wearing a purple bandana, with a smile big enough to light my world.

Things were dark and looked very bleak in my young life. About to be evicted from our apartment, my mother went to stay with a friend, as well as my older brother. My uncle called my father who I had not seen for 11 years, to tell him what was happening. My brother informed me that my father wanted us to come live with him in Oregon and experience some stability. I spent the last night in the apartment alone, and prayed to God for a sign to help me make the decision. I received the sign I was looking for, and when the sun rose, it was time to step forward. My mother and brother arrived to remove the last of our belongings from the place, and just then my father appeared. I told my mother "I won't even consider leaving, unless you say its okay." Knowing what was best she replied, with tears in her eyes, "I think you should go with your father." I know speaking those words was very hard on her.

My father then got out of his 1975 Ford Ranchero, forest green in mint condition. He walked up in flip flops and a purple bandana, not knowing exactly what to say, which I could relate to. Unsure how to greet a man I really had never met, I hesitated, then threw my arms around him and embraced my father.

My father, brother, and I drove to Oregon reacquainting ourselves. When we arrived, we were received by my fathers wife with welcome arms. My father then proceeded to take 3 months off work just to spend time catching up with us. We did everything fathers and sons experience together, and in rapid time. Those were the greatest days of my life.

In time my father told us he needed to go back to work, and we didn't argue. He had spent so much time and effort in making up for lost time, we were happy as could be.
He began working for Robben heating and air conditioning. My father told me I had two choices, go back to school or start working. Being a young man, I wanted money so I opted for getting my GED and getting a job. Within six months, I received my GED, my drivers license, secured a full time job, and started college. Looking back, it was a 180 degree turn from my previous accomplishments. He was such a powerful inspiration,

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