Dad

Five years ago my heart broke. I still remember when my mom woke me up. I still remember meeting my brother at the top of the stairs to let him know what was happening. I remember hearing the toughest man I know cry. I remember it felt like someone had put a pallet of bricks that weighed a ton on my shoulders. It still feels like yesterday, yet it seems like a lifetime ago.
So much has happened since then: I got big NRC results and went pro; Mary got married; I got married; Ann graduated Mizzou(!); Isabelle was born; and, Robert grew a goatee. I look back and realize how much he missed, but I know he was there for all of it.
As time has passed I have been able to look back and not just re-live the sadness, but I remember the good times. I know that in 22 years my dad and I had more great times than most people have in a lifetime! All the road trips and long rides were great. The stupid arguments that I look back at and laugh. My dad was a great man and a perfect role model. If more people could live with the values my dad had this world would be a better place.

One of the funniest stories I have about my dad involves shaving cream. Whenever we went to a bike race my dad would never bring shaving cream, he figured I would bring it. Well, I use shaving gel, my dad knew I used gel. Yet, every single trip he would use my gel and complain about how it "clogged" his blade! Every single time it was the same! He would use the gel and complain about it! He knew I used gel, it drove me nuts! Finally, after two years he started to bring cream. I imagine I will do that sort of thing to irritate my kids, but it just drive me crazy.

Lastly, happy birthday Johnny!


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