My Dad

One of the highlights of the trip home was seeing my dad for the first time in a year and a half. The kids were really starting to wonder if they would ever see him again. He is living and working in Ft McMurray AB and our trips home didn't coincide until this trip. It was fabulous to see him again.

One of my Dad's foremost characteristics is that he is a very motivated worker. The guy knows how to work hard. Another characteristic is that he wakes up very early. As a result, we find there are times when we wish the tools were quieter, like tools of old, similar to the simple rake shown in the photo below. Usually we are listening to Dad's ambition and drive at 5 am in the form of a chainsaw gnawing away at a tree a half mile from the house. Other times I have woken to the crunch of his big boots striding across the driveway, only 8 am and he has already completed a half day's work. A positive attitude and a peaceful trust made his tough times a discreet trial. He kept his anxieties to himself and quietly made his plans to do whatever it took to provide for his family. That's where we find him, in Fort McMurray. Far away, but for a reason.

As I took this picture, I asked him if he missed taking care of this big yard. He told me that he keeps an aerial photograph of the house and property in his room in the camp. "I look at that picture and it reminds me that it's worth fighting for."







I can't begin to express how much I appreciate the "fight" and sacrifice all these years. Dad and Mom gave us such a fun childhood, we never had to leave the property to have the best and healthiest fun possible.

I love you Mom & Dad!