The Bittersweet Launch

Good Ol' Dad,

A man and his tractor,

His 1950 International, 

the year I was born.

 There wasn't much Dad would not attempt,

but he was most proud of his family and all he could do for us.

The last few months of his life on this earth,

he was bound and determined to build just

' One ' more watercraft, this time a riverboat.

It would be the sixth and the last he would mastermind.

 When asked  where he got the pattern, 

asked by a riverboat guide that happened to be on the river the day of the launch, his answer was,

" Right here." as he pointed to his forehead.

He built it, guiding the hands of his sons and sons'-in-laws,

he launched it,

 he celebrated, saying, " She glides through the water like a hot knife through butter."  The pride on his face was bittersweet.

We knew, he knew, this was a milestone.

 No longer, did Dad have the strength to take another river trip alone, or trap the river he grew up loving from the time he was a teenager.  He knew he would never fish these waters again, without a helping hand.  For that, he was sad.

 This vision, the one of Dad and Mom, hand in hand, admiring their work completed, holds fast in my heart.  

He was the father of 10 children of whom he devoted his life building a happy home for all of us.

Among the many children, were a set of twins that miss him terribly.  I would be the dark haired darling on Dad's right arm, still needing his support.  Thanks Dad, for always being there for me, even now, years after your passing into the Lord's heavenly fold.

I'm jealous of that honor and wait to see you again.

Happy Father's Day 

and

To All You Wonderful Fathers Out There In Cyberspace

BlessYourHearts