My Father

My father was a very special man. Born in a log cabin in Decatur County, Iowa in 1900, he never lived more than 15 or 20 miles from there in his 85 years. Born to a farm family as the youngest of 4, he chose to be a merchant and worked in a general store until after World War II when he opened his own country store. I grew up living behind that store and working in it from the time I could see over the counter. We sold groceries, gasoline, feed, seed corn, fertilizer, etc. In addition we bought cream and eggs from the local farmers, fixed flats and did some trucking on the side.

My dad never met a stranger. His and my mom's home was always open to relatives, friends, and sometimes strangers. Dad's life was not an easy one and financially only moderately successful, but I don't remember ever hearing him complain. He was honest, soft hearted (gave credit to our customers too freely and was not a good "collector"), treated people and the environment with respect, and had a way with animals.

I could write a book about my dad, but for now I'll just express my thanks for all that he taught me, especially by example. He was a special man and I still miss him.