Monday, May 22, 2023
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Writing this speech well
This could be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write.
My dad sure gave me one amazing childhood. The diversity of the lessons and activities he taught, molded me into the person I am today. Trips to get doughnuts, daddy daughter dances, trips to camp, playing Chinese checkers and loads of fun hanging out with him in our garage… the smell of oil and gasoline will always remind me of him. Looking for the sunglasses that were on top of his head or his lost keys at Wamplers lake are some memories that will make me smile for the rest of my days.
but the most fun was at the race track. I’m pretty sure I went as early as 6 months… I remember days running around the pit… playgrounds and getting change from “the cup” to go to the food stand and buying loads of candy…but the most fun was always being his pit gal.
Taking his times… one day very young after a glitch in the time tower by adults, this little gal came up and told daddy “I have your times”… he reminded me often that it saved his spot for the race! He also shared how he had his buddy turn them in because he didn’t want them to know his little girl did better than the adults!
Using the torque wrench to change tires until the day came around 9 when he sat back and let me fly solo…
Being the last one to check he was strapped in his car and patting his helmet while he gave his thumbs up
Having his lemon lime Gatorade ready to go as he pulled back in to the paddock.
Being a toddler and young child and “Driving” aka dad pushing the car up the ramps of the trailer when it was time to head out for the weekend…
And at 19 finally having a chance to drive car #82.. man that was fun. He duct taped blocks to the peddles so I could reach and out of three formula vee drivers that day, the other being Bobby Williamson, I proudly report I came in second the first time I drove. I after all have my daddy’s genes!
This short list does not do justice to the years of fun we had….Even the year I made him late for the great pumpkin race…
My dad and I had some memorable times. Sure we butted heads and had trials but at the end of the day - I always knew my dad was there for me no matter what. He taught me so very much. He was full of knowledge. Still today he is teaching as he selflessly chose to donate his body to medical science. He will continue to teach a medical student thru the university of Michigan. This decision shows how much he loved to learn and share what he has learned with others. Hail to the victors.
As seasons passed some of the years included my marriage and a couple of amazing babies and without fail he was now always there for me and my family.
Excuse me… I mean my family and me
Watching him as Papa was probably the most special bond we shared. His love for them - undeniable. Bradley and Shelby were always cared for, had amazing childhood moments, learned about singer and songwriter music and was taught many life lessons by this man. He shared with me many times how much he loves these two beings. The more I saw him as papa… well, the more I apologized for being a terrible teen…. He made it clear his love for me in so many ways.
My moms husband. Dad of my brother and me and by extension greg. Papa to the best things in my world. One great master of Oscar, Winnie and Minders. And Friend to many…This man is so missed. Life is harder to live without him. I will love him my whole life.
I am pretty sure almost every conversation we had was sprinkled with Larry / Papa wisdom or a quote from a movie or song of one of his hero’s. In honor of my father I would like to share a prayer from one of his childhood hero’s. Roy Rogers. Since we know how much papa loved to share these tidbits we have also included it on the prayer card we hope you all leave with today… one last bit of Larry wisdom.
The Roy Rogers Prayer
Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself,
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way through.
And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send,
Above all else, the happiest trail would be,
For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend."
Roy Rogers
