The Unconquerable Soul and Perseverance

 This poem, written in the 19th century was one that my Dad often quoted and felt he related to. Not being a religious man, Dad believed each person is the controller of his own destiny, his own fate. Although I believe the Lord Jesus is the ultimate controller of all things, I understand how individuals have choices they make in all types of circumstances each day. In this way we steer our lives, our souls. This poem reflects the attitude of perseverance. My Dad suffered much uncertainty throughout his life, yet he continually chose to stand firm, not become a "victim", but to walk steady onward with a positive spirit. His walk lasted almost 99 years!

        INVICTUS

By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

 

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

 

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

 

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

                                                 Perseverance...pressing on, pressing upward!

Daddy's Angels- then and now...

 Daddy's Angels  (By Kathie Smith written in 2005)

   “Charlie’s Angels”, a popular TV show I loved to watch in the 70’s, focused on three beautiful, big haired, adventuresome young women out to solve all sorts of crimes. My Dad had three “angels” of his own to deal with during that same time, and although not beautiful, and big haired, we certainly added adventure to his life spelled A-N-I-E-X-T-Y. 

   My sisters Sherri and Debbie and of course myself made up this dynamic trio. Being close in age we were quite a handful for Dad to contend with during our teenage years. Remember the 70’s? Oh my! Mini-skirts, love beads, marihuana, loud rock concerts, flower power, sexual revolution, black-light posters, the Vietnam war, birth control pills, long haired boys, rebellion to authority, terms like “far out”, “dream on”, “can you dig it?” “Psychedelic”  are  just a few of the “highlights” parents were challenged with.  This is about the time Dad began taking blood pressure, nerve, and sleeping pills. All quite justified.  We were no longer his sweet, darling little “daddy’s girls” who lived to serve him and please him. OH NO, those times were distant memories.   By the time we hit 15, 16, and 17  we were all wanting to use the car, fighting for the shared bathroom and the one stereo to blare our music through, not wanting a curfew and refusing to obey it in any case. Lots of battles were fought by all, lots of feelings hurt.

    Gosh, now, when the three of us reflect on that period we are overwhelmed with embarrassment for the shameful things we did and the agony our precious Dad endured (because he loved us).  The good news is that at  52, 53, and 54 we had again become “Daddy’s Angels” delighting in serving and loving him.

                                         Daddy’s Angels in 2007. Debbie, Sherri and Kathie

    Time has passed, and now reaching 69, 71, and 72, our precious Dad has passed away at 98, leaving his angels to fend for themselves without his physical presence. Make no mistake however, he continues living in our memories and influencing our lives.  He has become our “Angel”, forever guiding his girls.

                                        He is precious, deeply loved, and forever in our hearts.

Daddy’s Angels 2025. Kathie, Sherri, and Debbie

Dad in 2007

Losing my precious Father....

 Death of My Precious Father....

William Carl McDougall Jr.

August 26, 1927 – May 16, 2026

William “Bill” McDougall, beloved husband, father, and lifelong champion for children and families, passed away surrounded by the love of those who knew him best. Born on August 26, 1927, in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada he shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Dorothy, and took immense pride in his three daughters—Kathie, Sherri, and Debbie as well as his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In the early 1950s, Bill served as a civilian seaman in the Merchant Marine, an experience that nurtured his sense of adventure and broadened his view of the world. After this, he pursued higher education with determination, earning a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree from Kent State University.

Bill dedicated his professional life to helping others learn, communicate, and thrive. He worked as a speech and hearing therapist, a school psychologist, and later as the director of special education primarily in Dayton, Ohio. His compassion, insight, and unwavering commitment touched countless students, families, and colleagues throughout his long career.

Outside of work, Bill embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved to travel, play games, garden, cook, read, and spend time with his family and friends. He had a sharp mind, a warm sense of humor, and a gift for spirited conversations—especially when the topic turned to politics or history. His laughter, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed.

William leaves behind a legacy of service, learning, and love that continues in the lives of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.