The Building of America: Lifework of Tommy Waites Dragline Operator - Hardcover

As you start reading this book, you will see very quickly that the sun rose and sat in my daddy's love for me and why he always referred to me as "Daddy's Girl." I was one of five children-four girls and one boy. Daddy and I always had a special connection and unconditional love for each other. He was the one I ran to when something was wrong, or I had a problem.

I can honestly say that I never brought any pain or embarrassment to either my daddy or mother. When they needed me, I was there without complaint. I am immensely proud of the woman I became because of the way they raised me. Being a strong and determined person, I accomplished anything that I set out to do. My daddy trusted me with everything he had in the world. From the time I graduated business college at the age of eighteen, he always wanted me to take care of his books. I did this until the day he passed from this world.

Daddy trusted me to drive our car when we were traveling from California to Grandma's house in Louisiana every Christmas. Daddy could go to sleep while I was driving and not worry that I would run the car off in the ditch or have a wreck. I guess that's what led me to become a cross-country truck driver for thirteen years.

I have always been a dependable person-my word is my bond, and I always put God first in my life and never met a stranger. Our home is a no-need-to-call-prior-to-coming to visit us. It has an open door to anyone, as was my parents home.

I believe that even though they are both gone now, they are still looking down on me with pride.