Happy Father's Day

It's a little early, but I thought I'd take the liberty of posting about Father's Day just as I did Mother's Day.

My dad grew up in North Fond du Lac, and like many men in the area the railroad became his career. He worked his way up through the ranks to eventually become an engineer, he made good money considering the times-and allowed for my mom to stay home with the kids. Aside from work, trapping also became an occupation/hobby; often times he'd come home from a long trip only to drive out and capture or set traps for hours.

Hunting and fishing have always been a large part of my dad's life, and along with that he liked to have a good time with his alcohol. He has some pretty amazing stories of hunting, wildlife, fishing, and general life experiences; and he is one of the best (second to his father) storytellers I have ever heard.

Dad wasn't around much while I was growing up, he worked-and by the time I came along trapping wasn't quite as rewarding as it once was, but he still would hunt or fish when not working which meant very little time devoted to his family aside from providing financially.

It wasn't until he became a grandfather that dad really settled into more of a family role, and did a little less 'partying' per se. Just about then I was graduating from high school; however, I will always appreciate the card he gave me for graduation thanking me for being such a good kid, and keeping myself out of trouble so my mom didn't have one more thing on her plate to deal with during their gas station ordeal.

A few more years passed and dad eventually retired from the railroad, it was by far one of the best days of his life. Mom, me and my sisters, their significant others, and the grandchlidren made the special trip over to Portage so that we could all be waiting for him at his last railroad crossing before stepping off the train for one last time. It was one of the best days of my life I think just to see the happiness on his face-and to be surrounded by all of his loved one's on such a momentous occasion.

Retirement has been all he has ever imagined it to be-time to hunt and fish whenever he wants, he has a few gardens, a pond and woods he maintains behind our house, and just the ability to do whatever he wants whenever he wants. He drives past our house about 20 times a day in his little escort wagon, filled to the brim w/ a cooler (for veggies) and fishing poles. He drives through our driveway about 5 times going back to the woods for numerous things-and often times he'll pick Alex up to help cut wood, work in the garden, or just go fishing in the pond and Alex absolutely loves it. Random acts of kindness from dad:

• Variety of garden fresh veggies in the fridge at any given time
• He's worked up various areas in the yard w/ his tiller making landscaping much easier on my pregnant body
• He was a tremendous help during our remodel
• I would have been lost without him during Laura's pregnancy, he was literally my other half most of the time
• He'll mow the lawn if he feels it's getting too long
• And trim my bushes-except those bridal wreaths:)

I didn't appreciate my dad until I had kids of my own because that's when he became more prevalant in our lives. If you ever met him you'd be amazed that such a quiet guy could be so good w/ kids. Both my kids and I love him very much, and could never express how much we appreciate who he is and all he's done for us. Happy Father's Day Dad!