by Lou Sharon

Jasper is the life story of an ordinary man. Marilyn Thomsen has written, 'While it takes courage to achieve greatness it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary.' Most of us cannot relate to today's headline stars either through everyday living, acts of valor, or acts of depravity. Jasper neither sought nor achieved fame. He sought, but failed to find great quantities of gold not for power but to provide more comfortable living conditions. His outstanding characteristic was honesty, both personal and external. His fierce pride did not preclude his innate humility. Notwithstanding a demeanor that sometimes seemed grim, even dour, he had a subtle sense of humor that occasionally manifested itself surprisingly. Never acquiring great material wealth, his treasure was in his family - his progeny - none of whom ever gave him cause for shame. Jasper's name will not be entered in history books, but those who knew him will remember this semi-precious stone - this solid rock of Gibraltar who influenced their lives. He was a taciturn man speaking only when he had something of substance to add to the conversation. The delft blue on the cover is in recognition of his Dutch mother, Nancy Bardmas Kellogg. In this writer's opinion today's world could use more persons of their ilk.