Happy Father’s Day To All The Dads

Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all the other dads out there! I want to dedicate this Father’s Day post to my dad, Robert, or Bob for short. Thank you, Dad, from all of us kids for being there when we needed you. Thank you for being a leader and provider through the years.

Our dad grew up on the Bryan family farm in a household of 16, with 14 kids in all. Back in the day, farmers had lots of kids to help with running their farms. I don’t know how my Grandma took care of so many kids, but she did, and did a pretty amazing job! She had a very sweet heart and loved the Lord. Meanwhile, Grandpa was strong and kept those kids in line and busy helping on the farm. All my aunts and uncles are all very dear to my heart and each very special to us all. A few are no longer with us, and we miss them dearly.

We’ve been very blessed to still have the Bryan farm in the family. Wisconsin is losing our cherished farms everyday. I hope we can keep ours for generations to come. The Bryan Family has been a good one, and I want to see it flourishing with many more family reunions here where it all began.

Serving Our Country

That farmer boy grew up and found himself enlisted in the 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One”, of the US Army. He served during the Cold War era.

He was stationed for four years in Germany and was a .50 caliber machine gunner and a tank mechanic.

Many years later he received an honorary plaque for serving this great country. It was indeed a very special day for Dad. We were all there to celebrate that important time in his life. It brought tears to many of our eyes. We are very proud of you, Dad!

Thank you, Dad for your service to our country and all you did to help during those dark war time years. You get an extra special Happy Father’s Day hooray for standing up for this country and for helping others.

Wyoming Bound

Fast forward from his army days, my dad met my mom in Wisconsin and soon they were married. Then, along came me and my brother, and off to Wyoming we went. My parents moved us out there when we were toddlers to the same town were many of our relatives lived.

 

My family has always gone back and forth from Wisconsin to the west. But to me, Wyoming is my forever home. It’s where I grew up and lived most of my early life, and I know it best. Its in my heart and am hoping to move back one day. The mountains are calling my name.

Our dad worked very hard for a construction company called Chinook when we were kids. I’ll always remember his work truck with his handmade grill mounted to it. He and his coworkers would grill out when working out in the country. I wish I had a photo of that truck and his grill, because it was handmade by his brother, uncle Dell.

The Master Gardener

The one thing that sticks the most with me from childhood is my dad’s gardening. My daddy is a master gardener and he’s grown a garden for as long as I can remember. It’s one thing that’s kept him going, being outdoors with his hands in the dirt. He can pretty much grow anything when he puts his mind to it. When I was a kid, I always remember us having the best garden in town. I know the folks around had to be a little envious of how beautiful his garden grew. He knows a thing or two when it comes to homesteading.

My dad worked very hard on his crops, hauling loads of manure and black gold dirt. He tilled until his heart was content, planting his favorite tomatoes, onions, corn, carrots and beets. Can’t forget the potatoes, peppers, and lettuce as well. He spent many hours in his victory garden, pulling weeds or fertilizing.

I wish I would have paid more attention to his gardening ways, but you know how it is when you’re a kid, always busy with your neighborhood friends. Thank you, Dad, for rubbing your love for gardening off on me.

I will forever grow Mammoth Sunflowers and always think of you. Some of my most prized sunflower photos came from your sunflower garden. These are photo’s of my my gardens that my dad inspired me to do.

One thing for sure, Dad: your green thumb has rubbed off on both your oldest grandsons. They love growing things and getting their hands in the dirt!

Then there’s the tomatoes. You make the most amazing tomato juice I’ve ever had! Indeed, you should sell your tomato juice at the Farmer’s Market. Yours is the very best! I sure can say you’ve been my big inspiration to can my own garden produce and make my own tomato juice.

Back To Wisconsin

They say home is where the heart is. After many years of Wyoming living, my dad decided it was time to move his family back to his roots at the Bryan Farm, where he has lived now for many, many years. I don’t blame him for wanting to go back home, to be near his siblings and relatives. The farm is a beautiful area with lots of trees, wildlife, and with the Black River flowing by it. You’re never bored at the Bryan Farm. There’s always something to do or someone to go visit. I love walking into that old farm house. So many wonderful memories come flooding back. I could just hear my Grandma’s voice saying “hi” when you walk in through the door.

He’s a survivor

Our dad has been through a lot. His latest battle in life has been with leukemia. It was a long fight, but so far he has kicked its butt! You go, Dad! You’re a winner and our hero! You’ve always been a fighter and full of courage to stand up and do what you believed. Even though you went through what you did, you’ve still got great joy and happiness in your spirit. Not to mention a little boogie in your footie. It was so much fun seeing you out on the dance floor during the Bryan Family Reunion. You still got it, Dad! You truly do deserve a very special Happy Father’s Day.

Family Tree

With such a large family, there are lots of memories and stories from long ago. When the Bryan bunch get together we have a great time. Here we are with Dad reminiscing over the good old days. I think deep down those farming and growing roots have extended into all of us Bryans. It’s been great being apart of this very large family tree.

I am so grateful that you’re our dad and want to say thank you for all that you’ve done in our lives. We love and appreciate you so very much. Thank you for being in our lives. Have a very special and happy Father’s Day Dad!