Last Thursday, July 23, would have been Dad's 95th birthday. I had lots of memories that day. I remembered some of his other birthdays we celebrated. One that really stood out was his 80th. We had an open house for him in Medicine Lodge and had a good turnout. Lots of family and friends attended. Dad always told us kids that when he was growing up birthdays were not that big of deal. He said his parents would tell them Happy Birthday in the morning ant that was about all the celebrating that would be done. They had a special 'birthday' plate that they got to use for the day. After him and mom were married, and especially after us kids came along, his birthday was always celebrated. We made up for missed birthdays!
All of us have special memories of our dad. A few weeks ago I was together with my siblings. My question for them was what was the best advice you ever got from dad? Nola replied, " When dad was trying to teach me to drive we went to the park. The car we were in had a standard transmission. I never did get the hang of starting out smooth and kept jerking when we would go. We got back to the house and dad looked at me and said 'Always buy a car with an automatic transmission.' " Ann and Cathy both responded by saying, "Dad and mom always told us to treat others the way we would want to be treated." Larry said when he was getting ready to leave for college at Pittsburg Dad told him, "There are good girls and bad girls. Make sure you find the good ones." And myself, when I was dating Susan, Dad found out she was working three jobs at the time. He told me, "Son, you got a good one. Don't let her get away." I didn't Dad. When will celebrate 25 years in a little over a month.
I think we all learned the Golden Rule from mom and dad. And, I think we have a done a pretty good job in the way we have treated others. We had good teachers. I have tried to pass along those ideals to my own kids. Sometimes it is hard, but it is well worth it in the end. Happy Birthday, Dad! Love ya and miss ya.
Ivan
