Red Crosier June 7, 2009

Clarence "Red" Crosier was his name. I'm sure you can guess where the nickname "Red" came from. Some of his red hair has trickled down the family tree. Although I never met my grandfather, I am reminded of him by those few highlights of red in my daughter's mostly blond hair. My father never had the opportunity to meet him either. My dad was only 6 months old when Red was killed in WWII. William was born while Red was fighting for his country. Sadly, he never made it home to meet his baby boy. My father was never as much as held in the arms of his dad. I have always found that particular fact to be heartbreaking, especially now that I am a mother. My father has been heartbroken and haunted by the loss of his father his entire life. He has made a point to know everything he possibly can about his heroic father. I don't doubt that when my dad is thinking about what kind of man, father and human being he wants to be that he thinks about his father and the kind of man he was. Although Red was not physically present for my father, he was and is a powerful and positive force in my father's life.