Year 0: 1993

The big day...which seamed to go by so quickly...

The Dating Years

Memories from the early years...

20 Years of Photo Memories with You

To my wife...on this year's anniversary, I dedicate the next several photo blogs to the 20 years of memories with you.  I love you forever.  Let the fun begin. :)

The Unwritten Letter

Dad:

It seems like just yesterday that you were here...how quickly time has passed since April 2005.  Oh how we celebrated your life as friends and family gathered that day in Ocala, when we last saw your face.  Never before had there been such a celebration for what normally is a time of sorrow.  We celebrated you, your life, and our memories of you.  We celebrated that you were with our God, and probably singing your favorite song ("How Great Thou Art") at His feet.

So much has changed since your passing; I wish you could have been here to see it all--but then again, you have seen it all...from above.  The boys have changed so much from when you last saw them--from young boys to handsome teenage men; and off course, your daughter-in-law and I have changed as well.  We're both now "over the hill".  I often wonder how you would have liked Oregon, and how often you would have come to visit us and experience all the sights in this beautiful state.

As I reflect on your life today, I realize how much you were a part of my life and how much I still miss you after so many years.  Dad, you were my best friend, my hero, and my mentor.  I know that we still talk at times, and I appreciate that you listen.  Today, I wanted you to know that I will continue your legacy by having the kind of relationship with my boys that you had with me--one that lasts forever and that spans time and space itself.

I miss you.

Your only son,

Michael

Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lake is located in eastern Oregon near the picturesque town of Joseph.  Our family visited this area in 2010 and fell in love with its beauty.  Wallowa Lake sits at the base of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, also known as the "Swiss Alps" of Oregon, which is host to several snow-capped mountains (e.g., Matterhorn--no, not that one, Chief Joseph, Mt. Herman, etc.).  We camped a whole week at Wallowa Lake State Park, went fishing, hiked 6 miles through the mountains, and saw a few bald eagles.  Below are some of my favorite photos from the trip.


Joseph, Oregon, with the "Swiss Alps" of Oregon in the background.

Fishing on Wallowa Lake

Hiking on top of Mt. Howard at 8,256 feet. 

My first sighting of a bald eagle.

The "Swiss Alps" of Oregon.

Travels

Over the course of the next few months, I plan to share some camping and travel adventures my family has experienced as we vacationed in Oregon.  I hope you find the sights beautiful, and that the posts encourage you to try out some of the locations. Stay tuned!

Life Influences: Tom Smith

Tom Smith was my dad and a person who had a great impact on me until cancer took his life on April 5, 2005.  Even after his passing, the example he provided continues to impact my professional and personal life today.  My dad was a man a character and his word was everything.  When he said something to a person, you knew that he would follow through on what he had said.  My dad was a family man, and believed in, upheld, and nurtured the essence of a family.

The influence of my dad helped shape my professional life.  One of the driving principles I utilize in the workplace today is honesty.  I have practiced this my entire career, and have found it simplifies work, builds trust, and promotes teamwork.  Most staff I hire are quickly informed of this character trait with the explanation that through experiences and time, I hope they too will practice honesty.  My experience is that staff quickly realize the benefits and adopt this trait, and the influence of my dad is then passed on to others.

The family values I hold close also reflect the example provided by my dad.  My dad worked hard, played hard, but also enjoyed family time.  I am a family man to the core!  I love my two boys, my wife, and yes, even our two dogs--after all, they are a part of our family too.  Our family time often involves camping in our travel trailer.  We love to camp, and have seen many great sights in Oregon, and plan to see many more sights in the coming years (Canada, California, and maybe even Alaska).

Our KZ Spree 318bhs LX and Ford Excursion V10

Not only was my dad a major influence on my life, he was also my best friend.  We could talk about anything, and he would provide me advice from both a godly and a personal experience perspective.  I have taken this approach with my two boys, and hope that they too would continue this practice with their future children.

My dad also influenced my love for cars and working on them.  Unfortunately, my boys have not taken up the love of working on cars, but they do love new cars!  My dad and I spend hours and hours together while working on the Malibu, but that time was also spend discussing God, family, work, and life in general.  I miss those times, but have many pictures and videos of my dad and me, and the Malibu.

The Malibu--need I say anything more?

Dad, this post is dedicated to you and the example you provided to me.  I miss you, love you, and desire to be the type of father with my boys that you were with me.  I also realize that if I only become half the man that you were, I will still be more than any man on this earth.  Dad, you are forever remembered.