Dad's tree

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of accompanying Dad's golfing buddies on 9 holes. This is a picture of "Paul's tree". According to one of the foursome, Gene Anderson, "THERE IS A TREE ON HOLE NUMBER FOUR AND IT IS IN A LOW COLLECTION AREA. PAUL'S SECOND SHOT WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS BE NEAR THAT TREE, WE REMEMBER IT AS PAUL'S TREE." I wanted to see the tree, so when they found out Joe was going to be in town and wanted to play a round with them, they invited me along to see the tree. The foursome was Gene Anderson, Gene Humes, Bob Reckelhoff and Dad. Gene A. made the arrangements, Gene H. took the pictures and Bob was kind enough to chauffeur me around in a golf cart for the front 9. They told a few stories about Dad, but mostly it was that he was a great guy and they think about him every time they play. They took a picture of the 3 of them with a space in the middle where Dad would've been. They told us at the funeral home that they would only play as a threesome this year because it just wouldn't be the same without Dad. I truly enjoyed hanging out with this guys and feel honored that they allowed me to tag along. It was a beautiful day and I tried to picture Dad there with them. Talking, laughing, pulling his golf bag up the hills. Regretfully, I only remember going to the golf course a few times with Dad. It just wasn't something he and I did. He would play golf with Joe when Joe was in town. But I knew he loved the game dearly and these guys attested to that. After spending a couple of hours on the golf course, I can see the attraction. So beautiful and peaceful and quiet. I think I mentioned that Dad and Mom would often take walks at Otis and sometimes take various dogs out there to let them run lose. Most recently, they'd taken Hoss and he had loved it. I'm so glad I got to spend time with these guys and get a glimpse into something Dad loved to do every day that he could.

Love,

Susie