When Larry Duck was a little boy his grandmother told him, &uot;Larry, see how you love that pet — when you grow up, that’s how you love your children.&uot;

Duck is 44 now, Larry Jr. is 13, Mario is 12, and his grandmother was right.

Larry Sr. spent Saturday afternoon picking pecans with two of his sons, Larry Jr., and Mario.

&uot;They’re my pride and joy; I just teach them how to do things,&uot; Duck said.

When Duck and his sons pick enough pecans, they sell them to local stores.

&uot;I sold 200 pounds at 30 cents a pound and it hurt my heart, but my children needed things for school,&uot; Duck said.

&uot;You have to sacrifice so much in life in order for your children to have things.&uot;

Now the price has jumped to 50 cents a pound, Duck said, and he hopes to collect more for his back-breaking work.

For Duck, spending time with his sons is like passing on a legacy. &uot;This is the thing my father did with us,&uot; he said.

&uot;Son,&uot; Duck said to Mario, pointing a few trees away, &uot;that’s where you first saw pecans right over there.&uot;

&uot;We do everything together,&uot; Duck said, and there’s a reason for that.

&uot;Over the years (I’ve) seen friends’ kids killed by drugs,&uot; he said. &uot;Sometimes I feel like I’m being overprotective.&uot;

But Larry and Mario said they feel lucky to have such a caring father.

&uot;When you see me, you see my children,&uot; Duck said. &uot;We have fun together.&uot;

But Duck also tries to instill lessons in the recreation he shares with his sons.

&uot;We call this making honest money,&uot; he said.

&uot;So we can get something for mom for Christmas,&uot; Mario said.

&uot;And you,&uot; Larry Jr. told his father.

&uot;Don’t you worry about me,&uot; Duck said. &uot;All I want is your love.&uot;

Through the Viewfinder is a weekly feature produced by our photography staff that reflects the diversity of our community.