A Tribute to Merry Beth and a Lifelong Love of Radio
The idea for my book Jesus, Faith & Antennas started as a small seed—something that had been on my mind for years. I’ve always been passionate about my faith and amateur radio, and the thought of combining the two into a story that could inspire others felt right. But the truth is, the book would never have been completed without the love, support, and tireless effort of my late wife, Merry Beth.
Merry Beth wasn’t just my wife; she was my partner in everything, especially when it came to this book. For five long years, we worked together on it—me writing, her proofreading, and both of us refining the ideas over countless cups of coffee and late-night discussions. She had an incredible eye for detail, and it’s no exaggeration to say that Jesus, Faith & Antennas wouldn’t exist in its final form without her input.
It wasn’t just the proofreading, though. Merry Beth understood my passion for amateur radio, and she shared my deep faith in Jesus. She always knew how to ask the right questions to help me dig deeper into what I wanted to say. Her feedback made me a better writer, and her unwavering faith made me a better person.
When Merry Beth fell ill, we were nearing the end of the project. Even then, she kept working on the book with me, always insisting that we would finish it together. That’s just the kind of person she was—dedicated, strong, and full of love. Losing her was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but this book is a testament to her strength and the love we shared.
A Lifelong Passion for Radio
Amateur radio has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. In fact, I’ve been a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for over 60 years now. The ARRL, for those who might not know, is the national association for amateur radio operators in the United States. It’s an organization that’s been around since the very beginning of radio, and it serves as a cornerstone of the amateur radio community.
One of the things I’ve always looked forward to each month is the arrival of QST, the magazine published by the ARRL. For over six decades, I’ve read every issue, learning about the latest advancements in radio technology, hearing from fellow operators, and staying connected to a community that has meant so much to me.
In many ways, QST is what kept me engaged in amateur radio all these years. Each issue was a reminder of how big and diverse the world of radio communication is. And even as technology changed and the world moved toward more digital forms of communication, amateur radio remained a constant—something pure and real. That magazine represents a community of people who share the same passion I do.
Reflecting on the Book
When I look at Jesus, Faith & Antennas now, I see more than just a book. I see a tribute to Merry Beth and the incredible partnership we shared, not just in life, but in our faith and in our work. She believed in this project as much as I did, and her fingerprints are all over its pages.
Writing this book allowed me to explore the intersection of faith and radio in a way that felt both personal and universal. My faith in Jesus has always guided my path, and amateur radio has been my hobby, my escape, and my way of connecting with people all over the world. Together, these two elements formed the foundation of the book, and I hope that by sharing my journey, others can find a sense of peace, purpose, and maybe even a bit of curiosity about what amateur radio is all about.
And when I reflect on the years I’ve spent in the amateur radio community—those 60 years as a member of ARRL—I realize how fortunate I’ve been. The league has been a pillar in the amateur radio world, creating a space where people like me can connect, learn, and grow in their craft. The ARRL has kept the spirit of amateur radio alive, and through QST, they’ve helped me stay informed and engaged, even after all these years.
A Tribute to Merry Beth
But in the end, this book is also a tribute to Merry Beth. Her faith was strong, and her belief in me never wavered, even when I doubted myself. She was the reason I kept going on tough days, and she was the one who always reminded me why this story mattered. Even now, I can still hear her voice telling me to keep pushing forward, to keep sharing my faith, and to keep tuning into the world, both through my radio and my heart.
Losing Merry Beth was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, but I take comfort in knowing that we completed this project together. Jesus, Faith & Antennas is as much her book as it is mine, and I’ll always be grateful for the years we spent working on it side by side. Every time I turn on my radio and hear the faint beeps of Morse code or make contact with a fellow ham operator, I think of her and how much she believed in this story.
So, as I reflect on this journey—both my journey in amateur radio and the journey of writing this book—I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Gratitude for the ARRL and the community it has fostered over the decades, gratitude for the opportunity to share my faith, and above all, gratitude for Merry Beth, the woman who helped me turn an idea into a reality.