markyj987 Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 Today marks the 2-year anniversary of my father’s death. It’s been a difficult road for us: my Mom, brother, sister, and her husband. He was a great man who worked hard every day of his life. He showed great love for his family and gave everything he had to always make sure we were taken care of. One of my best memories of my Dad occurred on June 25, 2000. That weekend, we were up in Montello, the small, central Wisconsin town I was raised. That Sunday morning, we decided to do a little fishing, so we packed up our gear and went into the other neighboring town of Princeton to get our fishing licenses. We sat and talked as we fished the Mecan River that warm day. We were only out there for about an hour or 2, but it was great. I was 23 at the time, and had never really taken to the outdoors—but I’d always loved fishing with my Dad. He worked so much—60 hours a week was common—70 hours a week was the norm. This was really the only fishing he and I had done since I was a little kid. He caught a couple little rock bass, and I got some bites—from mosquitoes. To this day, I carry that fishing license in my pocket. It has since expired, but it reminds me of that day. I was blessed to have him as a father, as were my brother and sister. He and my Mom adored each other and even after 29 years of marriage, their love for each other was quite apparent. He was taken from us on February 5, 2001. It was a bitterly cold and windy Monday. He was scheduled to be off that day, but was called into work at about 8:00 AM. He ran a concrete plant and was the only one who could bring it back up when equipment froze. Being called into work for him wasn’t uncommon, but the 2 weeks before that, he’d logged nearly 80 hours a week and was happy to have that day off. He was stressed about work—had asked for help—for them to hire another person, but they refused. Although disappointed, he took great pride in his hard work, and carried on. That afternoon, I received a message at work. Something had happened to my Dad, and we had to get to the hospital right away. My brother-in-law picked up my sister, who worked with me at the time, and raced us to the hospital. As soon as I saw my mom, I knew—he was gone. My Dad, the greatest man I’ve ever known had left this world. I said my goodbyes there in the ER. The funeral came and went—I put on a good front for everyone involved that it wasn’t tearing me up inside. The funeral seemed like nothing more than a show to me, no matter how well intentioned it was. The next months would be terrible. I had shared an apartment with my parents after leaving college in 1998, and now it was Mom and I. Seeing her suffer every day from dawn to dusk nearly brought me to the brink. I was frustrated, devastated, distressed—basically in shambles. Then, something happened. Sometime in late spring or early summer, I went to the cemetery for the first time since the graveside service. I was going there to talk to him—sit where he was buried and drink an Old Style (which he enjoyed from time to time) with him. After rethinking it—because I could never drink that nasty stuff—I went, beerless to the cemetery to talk to him. But he wasn’t there--not what was importan anyway. A peace came over me and I finally realized where he is—he’s with Christ. I smiled—I just KNEW he was. I don’t know how I knew it, but suddenly a light went on inside my head. Not only did I know he was with Christ—but also he noticed it when I realized it. I could just feel him—smile. Weird? Maybe, but I don’t care. That’s what turned things around. It’s still difficult every day. I could talk to him about anything. We could joke around or argue politics, drink beer, fish, watch the weather channel (he was a weather nut), or even watch cartoons—yes, my Dad liked cartoons—Loony Tunes to be precise. I am blessed, truly blessed to have had him raise me. I was also lucky enough to realize how great of a man he was before he died so suddenly. When I think about my life, my future, the possibility of getting married and having children, I now know that if I can be half the man he was, I will be a great man myself. Life has gone on for me, and I’m quite happy where things stand right now. Mom has found love again, and she is healing. My little sister is expecting her first baby in May, and my brother is getting married in May as well. Me—I’m just waiting for it to warm up so I can fish, and cool down so I can hunt. I wish Dad were here to share in our lives, but he remains in spirit, and is with us always, as is the Lord. I love you Dad and will see you when my time comes! Realtree, thanks for letting me put this up. Everyone, when you get home tonight and see your loved ones, make sure you tell them how much you care about them. God Bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nut Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks for sharing your memory and love for your Dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil hunter Posted February 5, 2003 Report Share Posted February 5, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... thanks for sharing, great story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Andrus Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Very nice , it sounds like you were a lucky boy/man to have such a father. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griz Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... That was a super story. Thanks for sharing with us mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest okladeerhunter Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Very Touching thanks for sharing your story. He sounds like a GREAT MAN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Markyj...Your story just brought tears to my eyes. Think I'm gonna give my Dad a call right now. Haven't talked to him much the last few weeks. Thanks for reminding me, and for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckshot Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kodiac Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Great tribute Marky....You brought back great memories of my Dad for me this evening...Thanks....It's Dads like these that make our countries what they are today.... Kodiac... What a legacy... [ 02-05-2003, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: kodiac ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sureshot Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks for sharing!! Sometimes we forget what our parents have done for us untill it is to late, I know I am guilty of this! Thanks for reminding me!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Realtree Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Could be one of the all time greatest posts. That was a heart felt one and we appreciate it. S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinwheel5 Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... I only hope that I can leave an impression on my son like your dad did with you. Thanks for sharing that with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks Marky .....very touching post. I'm sorry for your loss Marky, but glad to hear your all moving on. Your Dad sounds like he was a great Dad. What a treasure to keep in your heart. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldawg Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks for the post. It brought back the many feelings I had for my dad. I miss him too. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... I continue to be humbled by forum members. great prose, great story, great dad. sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted February 6, 2003 Report Share Posted February 6, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Wonderful post. Shows and reminds us just how important our loved ones really are. Sometimes we take to many things for granted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
womanwhohunts Posted February 7, 2003 Report Share Posted February 7, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... I read your post right after you put it up but didn't have words to reply.Sounds like your Dad was a very special man that taught you a whole lot.If they get this forum in heaven,I bet he's smiling now.I noticed your Dad was born the same year as mine.I cannot imagine life without my Dad.He has done so much for me and my family.Not money wise,he's just there any time we need him for anything.I don't tell him enough how much he means to me,but I am going to.My Dad is not a religous man,but he is a fine example of what a man should be.He never fails to make folks laugh even at the times when folks are at their lowest.He claims my husband as if he were his own son.I've heard him talking to my husband about my mom and he'll say "ya's moma" just like we're both their kids.Thanks so much for sharing your Dad with us.It helps us all remember to cherish everyday with our families. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dg Posted February 7, 2003 Report Share Posted February 7, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully, I'll make it home today to hug my family and tell them I love them. Thanks markyj987. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyohunter Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 Re: I miss you, Dad... great story marky, your a good of a son as he was a dad. i miss mine also, but hey what can ya do....memorys are all we have left, cherish them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markyj987 Posted March 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... I posted this a little over a year ago. Today would be his 59th birthday. Though I'd love to celebrate with an Old Style in his honor, I just can't stand the taste of that stuff! LOL Anyway, I just wanted to remind my friends here to spend some time with their loved ones and let them know they mean the world to you--because our time on this world is too short. This day has been a rollercoaster for me, but I'm handling it. Also, for those who read and replied when I first posted this--it meant a lot to me. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... hang in there pal. your dad would be proud. i'll toss my kids around the living room just for you tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illinoisbowhunter Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... Thats sad to hear but hang in there marky, you will make it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markyj987 Posted March 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... I'm actually doing well, but just thought this was a good occasion to remind people to cherish their family--and let them know they love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... Know how you feel in a way. Lost my father in 1971 when I was two years old and really do not remember much. Seems like since our kids were born I have gotten more emotional about certain days like the day he died and his birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dartonman Posted March 11, 2004 Report Share Posted March 11, 2004 Re: I miss you, Dad... Very nice post indeed...he will truly be remembered. al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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