HAPPY FATHERS DAY LARRY & WALTER

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,Then God combined these qualities,When there was nothing more to add,He knew His masterpiece was complete,And so, He called it ... Dad

Larry- It is no secret that I have always been a big Daddy's girl. My whole life I remember following my dad around anywhere he went rather it was the store or the hills and I was literally walking in his foot steps. I would place my little foot in his big foot print as we hiked all over. I have always wanted to be just like my dad, and there has never been a day when I have not wanted to be with him. When ever we would go to my grandparents on my Mom's side and Dad would stay home, or he would go out of town for work or hunting, I would carry a picture of my dad around with me to school, or wherever I went. My mom told me stories of me crying in the store and yelling, "I want my Daddy" I even remember the first time (which was also the last time) I went on a roller coaster I was yelling the whole way "I want my daddy." My mom would tell me "your dad is not here you need to just relax and wait till it's over". I used to sit and watch his facial expressions and memorize them so I could do the same. I find myself asking how my dad would handle a certain situation do I could act as he would. Now that I'm married and moved out of the house it is so hard to not see him everyday, and I have to admit I have felt that bond between us kinda slip, which breaks my heart. We love to go hunting together and he has taught me everything I know. I love it when people comment that I always have a dirty look on my face, I will smile and say I get that from my Father. I can't wait till I have kids of my own and he can teach them all the little things about plants and guns that he has taught me along the way. I love my Dad so much and I am so proud to be a Daddy's Girl!

Walter-

Jon's Dad Walter is a crack up. He is always keeping you on your toes. He is always teasing someone, or trying to get a laugh. When he and Jon are together or Jon's uncles you better watch out cause they are always up to something.

The thing I love the most about Walter is he always willing to teach you something. Rather if it's about the south, farming, airplanes, or just how to relax and have fun he is always willing to teach you something. Walter has been such a big help and support to Jon and I from the beginning. We know we can call him at any hour of the day or night and get his help for anything and believe me we have. He is the most patient man I have ever met. He has had a lot of heart ache in his life and yet he keeps a smile on through the whole thing. He has suffered a lot for his whole family and still is right there to hold things together. It doesn't matter if your a stranger or family he treats you the same. He loves little kids and he is so good with them. I'm glad he is going to be my kids Grandpa, because he will be one of the best and they will be lucky to have him. I'm grateful that he is in my life, and I can learn from him and have a laugh with him once in awhile. I love him very much and I'm very grateful for all the things he has taught me already and that he has allowed me to carry his last name and to be a part of the Spikes Family Legacy.