What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

Daddy, this post is for you. The thing is, you'll never read it … unless I print it out for you. You could care less about a blog; heck, it's probably safe to say that you don't even know what a blog really is. (And I know you're going to shake your head when I explain it to you and that I now have one.) You don't fool with computers — they're just not your thing. I mean, you don't even have a cell phone (which annoys all of us by the way). But the truth is, your dislike for technology — iPods, the Internet, texting (or as you call it, "testing") — is one of the many qualities I admire about you. There, I said it.

In all seriousness, Daddy, I appreciate you. I admire your love for a simple life. You don't worry about having this or having that. You have always just wanted to be happy and content in life, and I know that's what you want for us too. As a kid, I didn't pay a lot of attention to just how much you sacrificed or gave up for us. I didn't stop and think about your 10- to 12-hour shifts in the evenings and your all-day work on the farm. I didn't realize why you pushed us so hard to love God, to serve Him, and to be obedient to Him. And I simply hated digging potatoes, fixing fence, and cutting wood. I didn't even feel sorry for you because you drove some piece of crap truck — one that came from some run-down car lot.

But, today, as I am growing up (finally), I do see it. I see that you are what every man should strive to be — a servant of God, a faithful husband, a devoted father, and a loving grandfather. You have always put everyone ahead of yourself, and though you pretend to want us all to feel sorry for you, I know you wouldn't have it any other way. So for that, Daddy, I thank you. Thank you for your humor and silliness. Thank you for all of the whippings and talking-tos.  Thank you for hard work and dedication. Thank you for all always being there. And thank you for your love. Maybe one day, I will be half the man you are.

Happy Father's Day,

Lon  

Spacehog, Doritos, & Bear Mountain

I can't speak for the ladies, but every single guy needs a married couple to call his own — a "Monica and Chandler," if you will. Single guys need a couple they can hang out with, crash with when it's "too late" to drive home, double-date with, and the like. But, more importantly, guys need a married couple to watch and learn from.

For me, this couple is Brian and Sheri. The three of us have been friends for more than 10 years now. In a nutshell, we have done life together. We took care of one another through some crazy college days, and I mean crazy. I watched them walk down the aisle, and they have watched me stumble through many a relationship. We have vacationed together, road tripped together, and pitched a few tents along the way. We have swum lakes and pools, rafted rivers, and tubed creeks. We've climbed pseudo rocks and very real mountains (literally and figuratively). We've talked, we've laughed, and we've eaten. And we've even taken a nap or two together. 

Not only have Brian and Sheri been two of my best friends, their marriage has been a solid model for me. (God knows I need all the ones I can get.) They're not perfect, but they're real. I have seen tough decisions made and lots of fun had. I have seen them argue, and I have seen them laugh. They take care of each other, support each other, and work with each other. And I feel like they're as happy today as they were back in college ... unless they're not telling me something.

But, alas, as I am writing this, my "Monica and Chandler" are riding off into the sunset (a.k.a. "moving to D.C."). And while I am bummed, I am so happy for the new life they are beginning there ... mostly because it will be a great place to visit. I, of course, will miss "Fat Boy" and "Sheri D-Light," but I do have the memories of listening to Spacehog, feasting on every flavor of Doritos, hiking to the top of Bear Mountain, and so many more. And best of all, I know that I am a better person because they are a part of my life.

So see you soon, my friends ... you better have my room ready for me!