My father was born on a farm in central Illinois. The oldest of two boys, his younger brother Randy died too young from cancer. My grandparents, his mom and dad, are now long gone, but memories of them all visit our minds frequently. Dad still lives on the family farm, watching his son Mike plant and harvest the fields while he mows the giant lawn, prunes the old apple trees, and plants a huge garden with long rows of sweet delicious corn, giant red tomatoes, peppers, and juicy strawberries.
Here, dad on the right, Pop (his dad), on the left - wait ashore in Canada. I longed to go fishing in Canada. It was just very unfair that the adults got to go and we kids stayed home frustrated that we weren’t along for the adventure.
We finally got our wish to go and an adventure of a lifetime it remains! Wine Lake Camp was rustic and remote. I read the entire book Exorcist while there - no reason or logic why. I don’t much care for scary books and to read it there is even more illogical. Below is evidence of that book reading. Sister Sandy and I sitting in the Wine Lake Cabin kitchen. I was 13 and Sandy 12 years old.
Dad taught me more than just fishing. Always up for something new, we raised pigs, rabbits, Labrador puppies, geese on the farm and certainly more things I have not remembered. We had horses and he had an airplane. Our farm was complete with air rights and a grass runway. Sandy and I were often tasked with jumping on our bikes to ride down the runway and light the smudge pots for a late evening landing.
Dad taught me about success and about failures from all this trying. And it taught me to be bold and confident and brave. I have never been afraid of trying something new.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Dad taught me this too. In fact, he scared me enough to not have children. I have no regrets and am grateful. Dogs are easier.
I believe that every thing which has happened to us through life leads us to the very moment we are living presently. There were times when I wasn’t the best kid, there were times when Dad might have been a better father, but we are here now. Two living humans, bound by genetics and years of life. For all those lessons and for all the love we share today, I celebrate my father!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!
Kathy, this is such a lovely tribute to your dad! I can attest to your being the bravest person I know. I still vividly remember you steering a Zodiac boat full of photography gear and supplies on Jackson Lake during a violent Thunderstorm 😬