A Great Father

Sitting in church this past Sunday, I heard a lot about how great and wonderful our Father is. While I believe that is absolutely true, without a doubt, I want to talk about how great my earthly father is. I have always wanted to be like my dad, I mean look at me for crying out loud. Matter of fact, I am certain that the doctor's told my parents to expect a boy and I am sure that thrilled my father. Much to his surprise, he got me. I must have heard the doctor tell my parents that though, because I certainly don't act like a girl and I never have.
Some of my best memories as a kid revolve around my dad. He has a favorite spot on the Skunk River, where his cabin sits. We spent a lot of time out there fishing, running diddy poles, and just hanging out. He has a story he tells about me sitting on a table out there chewing his tobacco. Apparently, I had a few wads in my mouth and I turned to look at him and with a mouthful told him, "Dad, I gotta spit." I was probably 3. I do believe I had my first taste of beer out there too, or I should say sips. From what I remember, I kinda liked it. I also remember a time where I had to go to the bathroom and other than the river, there was very little choice other than to find a tree and squat. However, as memory serves me correctly, I didn't squat. I wanted to be like my dad, so I stood up to pee and as you can imagine, it didn't work out as well for me. I would always get excited to drive out there too. He had a brown Ford pick up and his tapes were neatly arranged under the seat. There were Merle Haggard tapes and the best song was "Like a snowball headed for Hell." Than there was Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson and Dad and I would roll to "Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys." His all time favorite song was "Tear stained letter" by Jo-el Sonnier. I think my all time favorite other than the above mentioned was "You're just a coca cola cowboy" by Mel Tillis. Whenever I hear any of those songs, it takes me back to the good ol days with Dad.
Some other awesome memories I have are the days when we would watch baseball. Dad would always be eating Ruffle chips and on a good day we would have bacon and horseradish dip to go with those chips. There were a lot of nights where we would dish up some ice cream too. When I wanted to play catch, he would play with me. He taught me how to shoot my bow and arrow and than he would bring me deer hunting with him. I can see those deer hanging in our garage as plain as day. Dad also made his own maple syrup, I think it was maple syrup???? Anyway, there was a big barrel with steam coming out of it and it smelled like maple syrup. Dad would make my sister and I Mickey Mouse pancakes and I thought that was pretty amazing. To this day I try to make those same pancakes and they come out looking nothing like Mickey Mouse.
These are just a few memories I have with my Dad. I couldn't ask for a better father. He taught me respect, to work hard, and many other life lessons that have brought me to where I am today. So, on the eve of my 2nd to last round of treatment, I dedicate this one to my Father. Love you Dad.