Happy Father's Day for those we have lost

You were a good one, Pop Rouge. Not perfect, but you were mine.

You met your better half at 19 and got married less than 3 months later like some crazy people. The first kid wasn't born until 13 months later, so it wasn't like THAT.

You worked some interesting jobs and then got into the oilfield and moved the family. Worked hard and always answered the phone, even to your own detriment.

You were gone a lot, but you always told me that "your greatest ability is availability".

You knew how to push me when I needed it. I sucked at sports, but you took the time and I got better. "If I tell you a rooster can pull a freight chain, you better hook his arse up.". You were right, Dad. You didn't steer me wrong.

You weren't perfect, and I hope that I have learned from that humanity as well. So many times, I said that I didn't want to be like my old man. Now I look into the mirror, and I see so much of him looking back at me....and I'm happy.

Dad died in May of 2011. Single motorcycle crash. He was in great health and in his mid-50s. I was in Mississippi visiting with his family when he called the night before. He talked to my mom, but I sluffed off the call and said I'd talk to him later. You can only imagine where my mind went in the forthcoming days, weeks, months and years.

Long story long, take every chance to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

My Dad was...is....my best friend. As long as we keep their memories alive in thought and story and sharing, those loved ones can stay close to our hearts.

Have a good one today, Dad. Miss you.