I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more....

My Dad...84 years strong

Tomorrow my Dad will turn 84. You would never guess it. I never remember a time that my Dad said he would do something and then not do it. I never remember a time that my Dad said he would be somewhere and then not be there. I never remember a time that I wasn't 100 percent sure that if I called him and needed him he would drop whatever he was doing, he would drive whatever distance it took, he would pay whatever was needed to keep me safe.

Then there is this: Back in 2002 Mike was working on an Engine Crew in the Northern part of Nevada, Southern part of Idaho. I was working at the school at the time, spring break was approaching and I had no plans. I was talking on the phone one night to Mike and he was telling me that the Forest Service was holding their annual Spring conference and training in Las Vegas. He told me it would be a full week but that there were fun things planned lots of side trips, like jeeping in the mountains. He said if I wanted I should book a flight and come and hang out. The guys all had their own rooms and if I wanted to use his he said he wasn't going to be there much anyhow. On the spur of the moment I decided to go. It was the first time in my life I made a  plane ticket reservation and flew somewhere all by myself. I was 46 and it was my first big girl trip. Marty drove me to the airport in a snowstorm. I remember worrying the whole way that I was going to miss my flight. It was so close after 9-11 and security was at an all-time high. I remember Marty parked and walked me to the ticket counter, when I got to the security line he turned to leave and I started to cry. I was scared. The plane went airborne and I lost myself in that complete feeling of Independence that comes from being completely on your own. No one to ask advice from, no one to help make a decision. I landed in Las Vegas and took a tram to baggage claim. I remember walking across the lower lobby looking up at the atrium where I imagined Mike would be waiting. I scanned all the faces for the one I loved so dearly, not seeing him I went and collected my luggage. I sat by my suitcase as plane after plane emptied, people came and went, after an hour it was only me. It never occurred to me to worry. I didn't know where Mike was but I was 100 percent sure he was coming. Mike was exactly like my Dad. If he said he would be somewhere, he would be there. If he said he would do something, he did it. My phone rang and it was Mike. I said "hey, where are you?", he said Mom,"we're not coming". Mike had warned me prior to making my reservation that if a fire broke out and they got the call his R&R would be canceled. The fire season had barely started tho and the possibility of that happening seemed so remote yet that is exactly what happened. He laughed like only Mike could and he said "that's not the worst of it, the Forest Service canceled our rooms."

James Brown, Chad and Mike

This is what I know: That trip turned out to be one of the best stories ever and a favorite memory of time spent with Mike. I learned alot about myself and I learned I would be OK. Mike did show up like I knew he would, he was just 2 days late and he came complete with a fire crew. The guys and I walked to New York, New York and looked at the thousands of fire t-shirts left on the fence by the casino. We ate a quick supper at the MGM buffet where they put away more sushi than I ever thought possible. They loaded back up in the fire truck and I cried when they left, no longer scared, simply proud. Young men so strong, so full of life, so happy.

Last week Monday I had the opportunity to take my Grand-son to pre-school. School is a very big deal for him and although he is trying to be brave, he is scared. I walked him into the building and waited for the teachers to sort everyone out. Nolan held tightly to my hand while he listened to the teachers, he watched all the other kids closely, when he knew it was time for me to leave he looked up at me and asked if I would be there at the end of the day. I looked him in the eyes and said "I will be there" and Nolan found the courage to let go of my hand.
Every child should have the right to grow-up with the confidence that the adults in their lives will be there. I think more than anything else, it is what will give them courage. For nine years I have practiced making sure that the grand-kids know that if I say I will do it, I will do it. If I say I will be there, I will be there. They are the fifth generation of my memory, it is who their Mothers are, it is who their Aunt Miss is, it is who their Poppa is. It is all they know.

When Mike died the fire guys came. They pulled their hard-earned Hotshot buckles  off their belts and lay them next to Mike. They were his guys. The ones who he trusted with his life. The ones who when they said they would be there. Were there.

I have a strong idea of what I believe. There are certain variables I will never know.  There is only one constant, one thing I never question, and it is this.  Mike will be there. And if I happen to outlive my Dad, he will be there too. No question, no doubt.

My Dad has held the fort for this family for 84 years, it is from him that we all learned for the people you love, walk 500 miles and then walk 500 more.

Happy Birthday Dad.

till next time