Corrie Ten Boom had lots of stories, and one I remember quite well compares our life journey to a train ride. We start our journey with just our parents, but along the way others join us for the ride – friends, spouses, children, and grandchildren. Yes, brothers, too. If we live long enough, the train starts losing passengers. Parents are the first to get off, but that’s only the beginning. The train keeps moving, and bosses, friends, and yes, even spouses and children get off, too. I lost a friend this week who was also a great boss. I have had some really good bosses and mentors on this close to 84-year-old train ride, and that has been a blessing. Dr. James Dobson was truly unique. I am happy to report that recently, and upon the 15th year of his new ministry, I had the opportunity to tell Jim just how special he was to me. On the occasion of his death this week, I would like to share this note with you as my humble tribute to a great Christian leader, a friend, a boss, and mentor. I can still hear him say, “Andy, we married way above our category.” Indeed, we did. Please pray for Shirley Dobson as she deals with the loss of her best friend and soulmate. Dr. Dobson, I know that you will receive multitudes of notes from constituents who love and appreciate you for the help you provided with their marriages and young children as they were growing up. I know my dearly departed wife, Judy, would write that. Every time I ask people if they know Dr. James Dobson, those are the stories I hear, and they usually say to please tell the doctor how much we love him for what he did for us – my current wife, Susie, included. My story is a bit different as I had the privilege of working for you at Focus on the Family when you came to CO Springs from California. I always tell people that the doctor is just exactly like the person you hear on the radio – a man of integrity, a real leader, and a great boss. I loved the way you would assemble your staff and ask us to read your newsletters before they were sent out. You really cared what each of us felt about your work and wanted it to be perfect -first in detail, and then in overall context. I also loved your “Hot Pendings,” which usually resulted from some input you received from a constituent. You wanted to know what was happening in your organization, and you wanted to make sure that the response was timely and not forgotten. I loved to receive your Hot Pendings, Doctor, because it was my opportunity to interact directly with you and help you understand the financial end of the business. Finally, a word about integrity. We were together, and you were addressing a meeting of big donors at Elk Canyon in Montana. There was no need whatsoever for you to mention our participation in the New Era scheme, but you said, “Andy told us it was a mistake, and we should have listened to him.” What kind of leader would do that? I know of only one. I was proud to serve you at Focus and happy to support your work now. We thank God that you have been faithful and continue to be faithful to serve Him and families all over the world. With gratitude and best regards, Andy Anderson (and Susie, too)

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3. Corrie Ten Boom had lots of stories, and one I remember quite well compares our life journey to a train ride. We start our journey with just our parents, but along the way others join us for the ride – friends, spouses, children, and grandchildren. Yes, brothers, too. If we live long enough, the train starts losing passengers. Parents are the first to get off, but that’s only the beginning. The train keeps moving, and bosses, friends, and yes, even spouses and children get off, too. I lost a friend this week who was also a great boss. I have had some really good bosses and mentors on this close to 84-year-old train ride, and that has been a blessing. Dr. James Dobson was truly unique. I am happy to report that recently, and upon the 15th year of his new ministry, I had the opportunity to tell Jim just how special he was to me. On the occasion of his death this week, I would like to share this note with you as my humble tribute to a great Christian leader, a friend, a boss, and mentor. I can still hear him say, “Andy, we married way above our category.” Indeed, we did. Please pray for Shirley Dobson as she deals with the loss of her best friend and soulmate. Dr. Dobson, I know that you will receive multitudes of notes from constituents who love and appreciate you for the help you provided with their marriages and young children as they were growing up. I know my dearly departed wife, Judy, would write that. Every time I ask people if they know Dr. James Dobson, those are the stories I hear, and they usually say to please tell the doctor how much we love him for what he did for us – my current wife, Susie, included. My story is a bit different as I had the privilege of working for you at Focus on the Family when you came to CO Springs from California. I always tell people that the doctor is just exactly like the person you hear on the radio – a man of integrity, a real leader, and a great boss. I loved the way you would assemble your staff and ask us to read your newsletters before they were sent out. You really cared what each of us felt about your work and wanted it to be perfect -first in detail, and then in overall context. I also loved your “Hot Pendings,” which usually resulted from some input you received from a constituent. You wanted to know what was happening in your organization, and you wanted to make sure that the response was timely and not forgotten. I loved to receive your Hot Pendings, Doctor, because it was my opportunity to interact directly with you and help you understand the financial end of the business. Finally, a word about integrity. We were together, and you were addressing a meeting of big donors at Elk Canyon in Montana. There was no need whatsoever for you to mention our participation in the New Era scheme, but you said, “Andy told us it was a mistake, and we should have listened to him.” What kind of leader would do that? I know of only one. I was proud to serve you at Focus and happy to support your work now. We thank God that you have been faithful and continue to be faithful to serve Him and families all over the world. With gratitude and best regards, Andy Anderson (and Susie, too)