Papa Joe is 60!

My sweet father turned 60 yesterday and like most parents would, I will probably get a phone call today asking why I chose to tell the world his age. But, when you have accomplished as much as Alvin Joe Parker has, age is just a number.

My dad grew up in the tiny farming community of Causey, New Mexico. After graduating from high school he went straight to college at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. He and my mother married at age 19 but both went on to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in education. Dad immediately began teaching history and coaching basketball at the local high school. He always kept another odd job at the nearest convenient store or pawn shop to make sure that he was providing for his growing family.

After 10 years of teaching, my mom approached my dad and asked him if he was still considering a career in law. So, with my mother's blessing, he applied to law schools throughout the country. Dad always said that he didn't think he could buy clothes for three girls on a teacher's salary. Little did he know that there isn't a salary on earth that could buy clothes for three girls. He was accepted to several, but chose to attend Washburn Law School in Topeka, Kansas. The next fall, my parents packed up everything and moved me and my sisters to Kansas. My mom and dad both worked hard while dad attended classes to complete the degree requirements.

After graduation in 1982, dad joined a law firm in Clovis, NM. He worked with that firm to become a partner and then eventually created his own law practice. He was a great civil defense attorney. Then, on September 15, 2003, Governor Bill Richardson appointed Alvin Joe Parker as a US District Court judge for New Mexico. Governor Richardson said this about my dad, "He has 21 years experience as an attorney in Curry County. Both friends and adversaries in the courtroom describe Mr. Parker as a man of great integrity and responsibility."

My dad served as a judge for 5 years before retiring to fight his newest battle with Parkinson's Disease. Even in that, dad shows conviction, endurance, and inner strength. For all that my dad has accomplished in his 60 years, he has remained a steadfast father to each of his girls. As small children he would take us on dates to go shoe shopping. As teenagers, he would sit outside the front door waiting to scare the boy that dared to come and take his daughter on a date. Now, as Papa Joe to our kiddos, he's still willing to let some snot-nosed brat pull on his mustache and is quick with a joke and a laugh. At each stage, he has always been a great listener, asking questions that probe and being interested in whatever we are wanted to talk about.

Happy Birthday, Joe, Counselor, Judge Parker, Papa, and Daddy.