Marking 25 Years

Today I am grateful for my father; his life, his usually soft-spoken ways, his genuine interest in what was going on in the world around him. Thank you Dad for giving me life and for setting an example of values-driven living. Your values showed themselves in many ways and included family, farming, faith, hard work, stewardship, laughter, conversations, fun, and playing cards.

Today marks twenty-five years since you left us. A heart attack took you on a beautiful fall day while you were helping with the harvest.

It seems impossible that 25 years have passed so quickly. How could it already be five years since I wrote this post and the poem within?

How can it be twenty years already? (Habitual Gratitude, 10/23/18)

Here are the last few lines of that poem:

Your mark on the world and those who knew you

is lasting, indelible.

Your legacy is strong, your family growing.

Memories shared keep you from fading

from our minds and hearts.

The legacy continues to grow and deepen. I take comfort in envisioning a beautiful and long-awaited reunion that my Mom and Dad will have. I saw Mom the other day. I think that time is coming.

I found these pictures and reflected on the life my Dad lived, reflected on this family my parents created. Reflected on the gift of this day and the opportunity to keep living a life that would make Dad proud, and of course give us plenty to talk about it. I miss you Dad.

Dad working on one of our John Deere tractors, likely in the 1950’s. See that smile?

Mom and Dad on Easter, 1981. His usual attire was bib overalls, but not on Sunday mornings.