Everyone believes in something.  Years ago, a prominent Pastor told me "Every man needs to stand for something."  I agree.  For my Dad, Robert Potts, education was something he believed in strongly. 
       Upon graduation from Spring Creek High School, Daddy enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University.  In order to help himself through college, Daddy drove a bus.  In those days, a bus picked up kids in the area Daddy lived in to  provide transportation to college.  So, Daddy drove the bus.
       Every day,  he would get up and go to the barn.  Then, he drove the bus, then he attended class and then, went to the student union to wait on those riding the bus.  He drove the bus home and then went to the barn.  One day, I asked him when he studied.  He said "I paid attention in class and then, I studied when I could."
       He graduated from SLU with a degree in Dairy Science.   Upon graduation he wanted to go to vet school but, at that time, LSU didn't have a vet school so you had to apply at Texas A & M or Auburn and they didn't accept many out of state candidates. 
       Daddy taught school for several years even though he didn't major in education.  I asked him once how he got started teaching.  He said that one year, about a day or two before school was to begin, he got a call from the principal of the local high school.  The guy needed a science teacher and he thought about Daddy.  Daddy taught that year and for several years after that.  He was very intelligent in the field of science. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that gene. 
        Recently when I was visiting with Daddy in the nursing home, one of the things he mentioned was his pride that me and  my two sisters got college degrees.  I honestly didn't think that was a big deal but it was to him.  He was proud that all three of his kids had gone to college.  I graduated from Mississippi College, Mitzi graduated from Southeastern in Hammond with a degree in economics and Deana graduated from Southeastern with a degree in education.
        From the time I entered the ministry Daddy stressed the need for me to attend seminary and then, to get my Doctorate.  It was never a question in  his mind that I had to do those things.  David never was one to say "I'm proud of you" or "I love you."  That just wasn't him. But, after I passed my oral examination for my Doctorate, I called Daddy on my cell.  He said "Son, I'm proud of you."  Yeah, I teared up.
        Daddy's belief in education led him to run for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board several years ago.  He served on the board for several years but this year, he decided not to run again due to failing health.  This past Monday night, the board recognized outgoing members.  My sister, Deana, her two boys, David & Daniel & my Mother went to the meeting to represent Daddy. 
        Everyone has things they believe in... things they will invest time or money in.  For Robert Earl Potts, it was education.  I'm thankful he believed in it as he did.