Why Do We Keep Doing This?

“I thought I'd pass on an e-mail that I recieved
from one of my sons. He sent it to me late one night
during the middle of the "Dark Ages" of early 2004.

********************

Dad,

I was just lying in bed trying to fall asleep when I
started to think about camping...
I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you for exposing me to
the outdoors
through the different trips you took me on...so I’ll
start by doing
that, Thank you
I’ve thought about some of these trips more and more
lately, and I believe these thoughts began after
seeing the pictures while I was home of the trip you
and Leah did last fall. I couldn’t help but remember
all the trips we shared after seeing those pictures.
What I find most amazing about the different trips we
took is I think I can remember at least something, if
not several things, from every trip we ever took.
I remember the canoe trips we took on Lake Monroe...I
was fascinated by the simple fact that those
Rubbermaid containers seemed to fit perfectly between
the rungs...I didn’t care to paddle much, but I
enjoyed the ride...It was the first time I actually
went hunting for a live animal (even though I never
spotted one)...
I remember the first backpacking trip down on Lake
Monroe...the backpack
was heavier than I wished...we were with all those
other people (even
some kids)....watching everyone cook on that long
fallen tree that
served as a nice kitchen
I remember the trip we made to Sleeping Bear Dunes in
Michigan...and how
it felt like a miniature paradise in the summer...with
our beach front
campsite...I remember having my doubts as we began the
hike in the sand,
but once we happened upon the coast of Lake Michigan,
it was well worth
it
I remember the trek to Colorado in the Jeep and
camping in the
mountains...the thrill our first off road drive on the
bumpy terrain not
far from our campsite...the guided trail drive we went
on...and you even
letting my drive the Jeep ‘off road’ for a bit...the
exhileration of
going all the way down the mountain on my bike and
having you pick me up
at the bottom...the long drive there and back....the
Kansas heat
I remember the trip to North Manitou....the
hiking...the again paradise
like campsites....watching that strange dhingy come in
from the sail
boat to land on the shore....reading the history of
the
island....exploring the old buildings.....riding the
ferry there and
back....shopping in the stores along the dock before
getting on the
ferry
Not only do I remember these trips, but I enjoyed them
as well. And I enjoy to remember.
I guess I am telling you all this because I can’t
remember every football game I played, or every class
I took in high school, or every Friday or Saturday
night I went out...but I do remember a little
something about every trip we went on. All of these
trips have impacted my life, for the better. While I
may not have seemed extra enthusiastic all the time
(or at all) on some of these trips, I just want you to
know that I was overjoyed on the inside.
I love being in the outdoors because of these trips,
and I hope we can do more of them in the future.
Thank you again
Your son,


*********

Of course, I enjoyed the trips regardless of the note.
But this acknowledgment certainly was nice.”

“that's a nice letter hawk. If one of my kids wrote me something like that, I'd get all girly and cry. I bet your proud. Sounds like you should be”

“Ivy:

I did. I am. You're right.”

“You deserved that acknowledgement.

A father that's involved in his son's life like that is many times over fulfilled in more ways than one, IMO.

Really hope I get a letter like that when my kids get older. There's nothing better than seeing my kids smile and laugh, learn new things, and do stuff.

The other day I taught my little 21-month old girl how to hock-a-loogie. So shes running around all day making sound, "haaaheech -pattoo" just nothing comes out. 8)”

“You are a great dad and the letter is part of your reward. Good karma.”

“Great letter!! Warmed my heart it did.”

“yeah, good for you Hawkeye, you obviously did several things very right along the way.”

“This awesome Hawk! Maybe I owe my father a thank you too? Good to see ya around. What? BP2Go give ya the boot finally?”

“"that's a nice letter hawk. If one of my kids wrote me something like that, I'd get all girly and cry. I bet your proud. Sounds like you should be"
Ivygal
08:24:39 PM
04/28/04

Hell, if I got a note like that I would shed tears too.”

“ditto, Hawk. I found that really touching. Real nice!”

“Man, I didn't even get the letter and it brought a tear to my eye.

You've obviously raised a wonderful son for him to be able to put his thanks in words so eloquently and unashamed. Kudos”

“Nice!

Its OK to cry, men.”

“Nice letter and well deserved. Introducing kids to camping, backpacking, canoeing -- the outdoors in geeral is a wonderful thing to do.”

“Good on ya, Hawk.

A wonderful letter.

Doug”

“"This awesome Hawk! Maybe I owe my father a thank you too? Good to see ya around. What? BP2Go give ya the boot finally?"

Nigal: No, he hasn't. and I'm kind of surprised and a little miffed, too!”