2008-Jun-16
My Dad is a "Gambler"
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With thoughts of Father's Day I thought it was time to write about the two men in my life. This posting will be about my father. Yes, it's true, my dad is a retired "gambler". Now before you start envisioning him with a deck of cards in his hand and a pile of poker chips in front of him, let me explain.........For over fifty years my dad has been one of the best "gamblers" around....A farmer!!!!!!
To those have you who have never grown up on a farm or depended on it for a living, you might not understand the term "gambler". To be a farmer, you truly do gamble and this gamble can make a difference whether your family is fed and the bills paid for a year.
For years I watched as my dad tested the ground and searched the sky for rain clouds before climbing aboard one of his Oliver tractors and starting across the field. From sun up to sun down he would stay in those fields only eating the meals Mom prepared and brought to him. I've seen crops reaching for the sky be destroyed by wind and rain (One year before they bought their present farm I saw a river come up and take everything.) and with those crops went the hope of Dad providing a good living for his family that year.
Along with losing crops I've watched my dad's eyes fill with sorrow as a young neighbor boys son was killed on the road in front of our house. I've watched him bury his farming neighbors, some from farming accidents. These tragedies would be hard for anyone but worse for those living in a small farm community.
Two years ago I watched with horror has my father lost every piece of farming equipment he owned when a pick-up truck caught fire and destroyed the building they all were stored in. Even though he was officially "retired" (Does a farmer ever retire???) the loss was devastating. Not only because of the money they were worth but because everything he owned, short of the land, was in that building. Being a true "gambler" he grieved for a few days and then went back to life.
From my Dad I've learned to live with "what you have" and not long for the "what ifs" in life. I've learned never to go in debt and to pay cash. I've also learned that no matter what life deals you, you'll make it and if you live within your means, not only will you survive but nine times out of ten you'll come out on top.
Today my dad is 82 years old (He'll turn 83 in August) and still lives on the family farm with Mom. While not a man to show his emotions he's still a man that stands above others. One of those that if he gives his word it's as good as done and a man that will be there for his children and grandchildren if the need should arrive.
Daddy I love you but more than that, I'm proud of the man you are and all you taught me. With Love, The Farmers Daughter, Sher |
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2008-Jun-17 - Untitled Comment
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