Rod & Rose

There’s a remarkable guy who lives on a 120 acre farm in the country near Otisville, Michigan. He’s a rare kind of guy, for several reasons.

He was born premature in 1927, weighing just a little over two and a half pounds. His mom kept him warm near the wood burning stove they had in the living quarters in the back of the little grocery store they owned and operated. He got polio when he was a young adult, before the days of vaccines.

Even though he was the baby of the family, he grew up quickly, working hard on his father’s farm from the time he was a kid. He learned to hitch the horses and work the fields at an age when most kids these days are watching cartoons and playing video games.

Since I didn’t know him when he was in high school, I can only make assumptions about what he was like back then…but I assume he was quite the ladies’ man. My assumption is based on the nickname he was given ~ Romeo. Of all the girls that caught his eye, there was a gal by the name of Ruth that captured his heart. Romeo chose Ruth to be his life mate, and to be the mother of his children.

He was eventually hired by Buick to protect the manufacturing plant, and he bought his dad’s 90 acre farm in 1954. When he finished his shift at Buick, he would rush home and change into his other work clothes. There was always lots to do on the farm: 3,000 chickens, 80 sheep, horses and ponies, and acres and acres of strawberries that all needed attention.

But even as remarkable as all his accomplishments are, more impressive is the man behind the accomplishments. I’ve never personally known a man with greater character, or a more consistent walk with God. I’ve never known a man who is more eager to lend a hand to a person in need, with a heart of compassion as big as they come. And no one I know is more eager to set out on a new adventure than this man.

I’ve never known him to lose his cool, or curse, or drink or smoke, or chase other women. He’s never carried a grudge because he’s a peace maker and a problem solver. He’s always looking at the positive side of things. And he encourages others to do the same.

Our world would be a better place if there were more men like this man. Wives would know they are secure in the love of their husband. Children would know their dad has got their back, and there’s nothing they can do that’s too foolish to be forgiven. And his friends would know they can always count on him to pitch in and help with their needs…no matter what.

So, I guess this is a good place to say, “I love you for the man you are, and for being a servant of God. You make me proud to be your son. And you’ve provided an example that keeps me pressing forward in my own journey to become a man of God, and a better husband and father, just like you. I love you Dad…happy Father’s Day!”