My story begins with my ancestors–family members who settled in Aroostook County, Maine. My father and mother were from immigrant families. Unfortunately, they did not keep detailed records. They were simply too busy making a living. But, through oral tradition, I was able to gather at least some information about their lives.

For reasons we never understood, my Uncle Ben Green, immigrated from the Old Country–Lithuania–and settled in Aroostook County. One by one, Ben’s eight siblings followed. In 1906, they brought their parents to America.

Grandfather Green was a teacher. After he came to America he started a Hebrew school, which still exists. My grandfather was disciplined, regimented, and strict. When he discovered that my parents allowed me to play basketball, he chastised them for promoting an activity he felt was a terrible waste of time.

Grandfather Green’s living habits supported his beliefs. Each evening, he ate his supper and immediately retired to bed, so he could wake up at 2 o’clock in the morning to study and write until dawn. I can still hear him say, “Nothing happens after supper.”

My father and his brothers were disciplined businessmen in towns scattered around Aroostook County. They were all good sons, who supported their parents financially. My father was only thirteen when he immigrated to America. Although he did not speak a word of English when he arrived, it was nearly impossible to ascertain that English was his second language.

My father was a self-taught man, and his discipline was projected onto me, his only son. He believed in the old adage, “Spare the rod, and spoil the child.”

Although he was demanding and set the bar of expectations high, I never felt he went too far or was unreasonable. I always respected my father and his judgment. I’m fortunate to have inherited his amusement with the law and the combat of debate.

Because of the discipline I learned from my ancestors, I had a fifty-year career as a highly-respected attorney.