Gone but not forgotten

My Dad died 25 years ago today. Ann organized a sweet get-together last night in Clarkston and invited his siblings, his kids and grandkids, mom, and her siblings. We visited, ate desserts (of course) and shared memories of Dad. It was so neat to hear others' memories and share my own. I was touched by everyone's thoughts. I shared that I loved how he would take the time to have fun with his family even though he was very busy with the farm, teaching school, selling insurance and church work. He would always play basketball with me- "Horse" being our favorite. My memory has it that I usually won. It was so fun to play volleyball with him, jump on the trampoline, and even work together. I loved taking him a quart of ice water out in the field as he was driving the tractor- knowing how much he appreciated it. I loved how called me "teen." He was so fun to go to the grocery store with. He would throw so many treats and goodies in the cart that Mom would usually have to take some out. He could always be counted on to stop at least once on the drive from Rupert to Logan for a treat. He frequently bought me a special gift for Christmas just from him. He was generous and always wanted us to have what we needed. When I was at Ricks and BYU, he would write to me to make sure I had enough money, and several times said he had put an extra $50 in my account "just in case." I am so saddened that Mike and my children never knew him. He was such a fun, energetic, generous, friendly, kind man. I miss and love him so much. I try and live my life so that he would be proud of me.