Every child is tremendously impacted by their father, or absence of one.  I was extremely fortunate to have Ralph Speck as a father, and every day I am thankful for his influence, support ,wisdom, and example.  As you embark on the journey of my father’s life, you will no doubt understand why.  You will meet an intelligent, warm, funny ,caring man who has a passion for helping others – which is what inspired him to write this book.  And you will meet a man with firm convictions that all good things in his life have come as a result of following the path his Creator desired him to follow.

          Dad wrote this book to inspire you to listen to God and to put God’s will above your own.  My father’s faith is rock solid, and his interpretation of his journey is viewed through his belief in God’s plan for his life. He gives the glory and credit of the abundance and blessings he has received to God, and takes full responsibility for the trials and tribulations ,which he feels occurred because of his failure to listen to and follow God’s voice.  Such conviction is hard to come by and is truly inspirational.

          If you are a religious person, or a spiritual one, I am sure you will resonate with Dad’s interpretation of his journey.  However, you can also view his journey as I do – a tribute to a man of such character that he was able to learn hard lessons – REALLY learn from them – and make difficult choices and tough changes.  Dad’s story is, to me, a journey that we can all choose, regardless of our faith or belief in a creator.  It is a journey that requires us to confront our current reality and make conscious, and very human, choices to change it if it is not aligned with our desired reality or with the path we believe is being set for us.  It is about having the courage and determination to be all that we can be – and be alert for every opportunity to make our dreams come true. I have been inspired all my life by this man, who lives his life with integrity, compassion, and a fierce determination to make a positive impact on every situation he finds himself in.  In my father’s journey, I see a wonderful example of all that makes us human – and makes us great.   So, as you read this book, whether you share dad’s beliefs or not, I know you will meet an extraordinary man – one that you can learn from.  I am very proud to share my father with you – he is a truly great man and sets a wonderful example.         






 

                                     Kim Jackson, M. S.

                                                                         CEO

                                                                        Assessment Plus, Inc.

                                                                        1001 Main Street

                                                                         Stone Mountain, GA.30083