Dad's Apple Tree

The fall before dad passed away he helped us find a new tree for our front yard. The original tree that had been planted had taken a beating in the wind and so we needed something new. Dad loved this Honeycrisp apple tree and told us we'd have apples that first fall. We didn't believe him but last year we had a few apples. This year our tiny tree is full of juicy and delicious apples. Thanks dad! Every morning when I pull out of my driveway and see that tree I know you are with us.

Whist

This weekend we spent a bit of time at the cabin to break up the trip to Bismarck. On Saturday night we decided to play whist. I remember this being such a rite of passage for me. I knew I was "grown up" when I got to play cards with the adults. As we taught Steve and Jason the rules of the game lots of memories came flooding back: 1. Grandpa Kenny teasing grandma Eleanor that she was laying in the weeds when she didn't want to grand. 2. Grandpa Kenny saying he had a hand like a foot. 3. All of the adults admonishing us for "table talk" 4. Dad and mom playing against Grandpa and Grandma. 5. Grandpa Kenny always having an ace on the bottom. As we sat in the basement listening to the jukebox and playing whist I felt like Grandpa and Grandma Emerson and dad were right there with us cheering us on. PS...Mom and I won! Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Survival Kit

Last week mom was doing some packing to get ready to move. As she rummaged through boxes in the basement she found a bag packed with winter boots, snow pants and a pair of choppers. Sure enough...it was a bag that dad had packed for one of us to make sure we traveled safely. This reminded me of the time we got stuck about a mile from home. It was only twenty minutes that we were in the car but Myndy cracked open the survival kit and ate the chocolate bar right away. Dad just had to laugh.

Staining the Deck

This week Katy and mom are spending time at the cabin and working on a few projects. Yesterday Katy spent the day staining and wore dad's jeans as a tribute. She and mom thought about how dad would complete project after project without complaining. I remember when mom and dad bought the lake lot and how excited dad was when he thought about the great memories we'd make at the cabin. He always wanted it to be a gathering place for family. As we travel up north for one last hurrah on Friday we'll make great memories and hold dad near us in our hearts.

Dreaming of Dad

I have been hoping to dream about my dad these last few months because I know that would make me feel closer to him and I am missing him something terrible. Last night I got my wish. I had a great dream that took place at the sports arena. I had been dropped off and was "working" with dad. I remember so distinctly how much I loved these afternoons. My favorite thing to do was sit up on the emergency table in the office that was used when someone was injured. I'd listen in on all the city gossip and "have coffee" with the guys. Last night I got to do all of these things with dad.

Following in Dad's Footsteps

As mom drove by the cemetery the other day she noticed that that sentenced to serve workers were working on scraping and repainting the church. Dad spent many hours working with the sentenced to serve workers and he always enjoyed taking time to get to know them. Mom decided that she should treat them to pizza and some baked goods this week. Dad would have been proud!

Magnolia Mom

We just returned from a weekend in Woodbury. We helped Katy celebrate her birthday and swam in the Livingston pool. When we arrived on Saturday morning Myndy and Jason had to show us their new magnolia tree. They had received one last year in memory of dad but it had not done well where it was planted. When they went to get a replacement the only one left was called Susan. I'm thinking this was a bit of Myles Mojo present in our lives. Missing you tonight,dad!