My Dad

My first memory of my dad was riding the potato truck.  It was a REAL treat.  I remember climbing up the big truck and being not really able to see out of the windshield.  One afternoon we even picked up a hitchhiker and I listened to him and my dad visit.

I remember spending many Sunday's at my grandparents home in Othello.  We would leave for home at dusk, so the ride back would be in the dark.  We would all sleep and my mom and dad would visit in the car, but many times my dad would turn up the music and I would hear him sing along.  I still have a special place for the Statler Brothers, Eddie Arnold, and Marty Robbins.

My dad was very playful.  As my mom was trying to put us all to bed, he would tease us and say, "When you go to bed, that's when we get out all the good stuff."  My mom would be so irritated because it would get us all riled up.

I remember his sweaty, earthy smell when he came in from the fields.

I remember the feel of his cheek when I would kiss him.

I remember the smell of the aftershave he wore when he and my mom would go out for the evening.

My dad was very generous.  What ever he had and you asked, he would share.  He found out I collected little tourist spoons.  Where ever he went, even the next town over, he would ask if I had THAT spoon.

My dad was patient, my dad was even tempered.  My dad was humble.  My dad was strong.  My dad had a testimony of Jesus Christ.  My dad was wise.  My dad loved me.  My dad was proud of me.

When my son died, I wanted my dad to come and dedicate his grave.  I knew my dad didn't have lots of vacation time but I knew I didn't have to get a second choice because my dad wanted to do it.  He drove all day just to be there for me.

On Memorial Day, my dad was diagnosed with Cancer.  The cancer was aggressive and took my dad June 14th.  Five days earlier, we found out it was stage 4, pancreatic.  I was lucky enough to be there when he passed and will always be grateful.

After his passing, I learned so much about him.  My dad's brothers and friends shared stories I had never heard before.  My dad was truly a good man.

I love my dad, I am so glad that I am in an Eternal Family.  My son is so lucky to have my dad with him.  There has always been a part of me that has been afraid to die, but since my dad has passed, I know what it feels like not to be afraid.

I had a great dad and I will miss him very much.