TO MY DAD

I sit here tonight, just like many other nights and just try to remember what my life was like many years ago. I think about my life, growing up on a farm and how few children have that responsibility these days. It was hard work, yet it was so rewarding. Planting seeds in the garden, weeding the garden, watering the garden...day after day. And then finally getting to eat fresh fruits and vegetables that I planted. Yum. Feeding my baby cows with a bottle. Running in the field with my dogs. How big I felt when I was finally heavy enough to keep the lawn mower going (for most of my life, my dad had to put a block under the seat to hold the button down). Feeding my ducks on the front porch. Riding my cows...yes, cows. They were so friendly...we'll just forget about the part where they became my dinner. :0( You know, things seemed so hard when I was growing up, but I wish that my sons could just experience a taste of what it was like to be me growing up. I think they would have so much more respect for life and for their elders. I never realized just how hard my dad worked until I was all grown up and living on my own. I think back to how hard it must have been to take care of all the animals on that farm, all the land and his family. I complained a lot, but looking back, it was one of the greatest times of my life, and I miss it.

So this is to you Dad. You may not have always been there for me as a little girl, but I was always your little girl and I always will be, I am SO proud of you for providing for me, for ALWAYS loving me and for teaching me how important hard work is. You have worked so hard all of your life and I am so happy for you that you will finally get to enjoy some time to yourself. Just promise me that you'll relax a little bit. Take this time to enjoy life!