Aerie II

by Patty

On September 3, 2013 my father passed away.  He was the man that made me the person I am today.  

Like all children, I thought my dad was too over protective, was not supportive enough, and sometimes he was just mean.  I always wanted to do better, be more, not be held back because I was a girl.  I was going to parent differently... better.  As a parent I realized how right he was about so many things (drats!)!  I protected my children like a mama bear.  Over protective, I think not!  (Kim and Nick would probably say how wrong that statement is,)  I definitely wanted to support my children in their schooling and athletics and became the volunteer of the century.  John would say that I went a bit overboard!

Because of my dad, I learned how to cut grass and do wood working.  I went to college to pursue my dreams of working with horses.  I supported my children (probably more than they wanted me to).  I believe in tough love, working hard, expecting others to work as hard as I do.  I am honorable and honest and most of all I love!

My dad was a Col. in the Air Force when he retired after 34 years of serving our country.  He served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam.  He was a decorated war hero, but most of all he loved his job and he loved his children!  When he retired, he named his retirement home Aerie.  An Aerie is an Eagle's nest.

Today, Cassandra, one of our amazing volunteers spotted our elusive Bald Eagle.  Oh yes, another one of my signs!  I know with all of my heart and soul that my dad is looking down on me, keeping me safe and encouraging me.  So it is my dream, my hope, my desire is to build a covered round pen and name it Aerie II.  I want to commemorate all that my dad has done for our country and all that he has done for me.  I look forward and am re-motivated to starting a veterans program.  I will honor my father and all of the other veterans that have defended my country and my freedom to be all that I can be!