Since Mrs. Elchert is the author of this book, and these seven sons also belong to her, she is equally as proud of them. But not so much so that they will outshine the four sisters, who are showing promise of following in their mother's footsteps.

Rose, of course we know, has finished her work here on earth, and of her we are all proud. Marilyn has a fine husband and four lovely children. Betty has not been married very long but her future looks very promising. And dear thirteen- year old Vicki, when I lovingly look at her and sigh, " Every mother should have at least one old-maid daughter," she throws her arms in the air and says, "Don't look at me." And so now Mr. Elchert, who is the light of my life, wants to brag a little about his sons, and who can blame him?

Most of his sons have either gone to college or have it in the foreseeable future.

Greg is an internal auditor; his company flies him to nearly every state in the Union, and even to other countries. He served in the Marine Corps for four years. His family lives in Akron, Ohio and they have four children.

Dave has a family of three children. He is a plant manager. His firm, located in Frankfort, Indiana, makes camper trailers. Dave had a three year tour in the service.

Mike served three years in the Army, and most of that time was spent in Germany. He has one daughter and is an inspector in a local factory.

Tim has been in many parts of the country. He has one son, and at the present time he is studying law.

Nick is in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, and he hopes to start college when he gets back. He has one daughter, and she has never seen her daddy.

Ben is a freshman in high school, and all of his time is taken up with science projects and football practice.

Chris, our youngest, is eleven years old, and in the fifth grade; he too loves football.

So now you have had a look at this big family, when they were babies, when they were little tykes, and now when most of them are adults.

And even with the work and worry and hardships, and all that goes along with all of the joy, don't you think they are something to be proud of? We do.

(End of Chapter 17)