Lifelong Hoosier Richard Berry has added another volume to his books of poetry: "Growing Up in North Madison: 1945 and On." If you know Richard personally, you may recognize yourself in these pages; if you"ve never met him, you may feel like you"re old friends with him after reading this compilation! All of his poems reflect his own personal experiences - stories of family, friends, co-workers, beloved pets, dreams, and life-changing events. Reading Richard"s poems will provide a glimpse into one man"s life - growing up in small-town America, doing his best to rear a family and be a friend to many. To varying degrees we each reflect on our lives and consider where we"ve been and who has accompanied us on the journey. Sometimes it"s a traumatic event or devastating loss that prompts such reflection, whereas some people are simply more introspective than others. Clearly, Richard has not been exempt from life"s challenges. After undergoing several surgeries to remove a brain tumor, he"s more aware than ever of our limited time on this planet, and he makes a concerted effort to focus on what really matters in life - spending time with the people we love and who love us. ~ Melissa A. Berry, PhD Born in Madison in February 1945 and grew up on a hill - North Madison - lived in Lancaster for a few years then moved back to our original home with my grandparents. Attended grade school and high school there while working at Jay"s Market. Dad was sick for years and when he recovered Dave became very ill with cancer. I joined the Air Force but a reoccurring heart murmur got me sent home after 4½ months. Rheumatic fever at 12 left this with me. I worked as a draftsman for a few years then started a 30 year career at I.K.E.C. I volunteered as a sheriff "s reserve officer and a C.A.S.A. (court appointed special advocate) member in Jefferson and Huntington Counties. Married to Judy with two daughters, Carmen and Melissa with seven beautiful grandkids. Mallory and her husband, Ethan, Gretchen, Jenna and her fiancé, Ben, Malachi, Brady, Matthias and Miranda. They are what it"s all about! Thank you, Richard