A post for my daddy

Daddy and me, 2018

As Father's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the incredible impact my dad has had on my life. From his unwavering dedication to his boundless love and infectious humor, he is truly a remarkable man deserving of celebration.

My dad's story is one of resilience, hard work, and steadfast commitment. Working a full-time job until his retirement in 2015, he tirelessly balanced his career with the demands of our family farm, Satilla Creek Ranch. From cows and chickens to vegetables and horses, he poured his heart, soul, sweat, and countless hours into the land, nurturing it with care and dedication.

His passion for farming extended beyond our family's needs—he sold hay, Brahman bulls, and even cut hay for other farmers. His involvement in the Young Farmers community spoke volumes about his dedication to his craft and his willingness to give back.

But my dad is more than just a farmer—he is a musician, a storyteller, and a pillar of our community. With a knack for playing any instrument except the fiddle, his musical talents have brought joy to countless people over the years. Whether it's entertaining crowds with his long, rambling funny stories or sharing his love for music as a deacon in our Baptist church, he has a way of blessing those he meets.

When my family bought Greiner's, a cherished memory resurfaced—I remembered coming to Ocala with my dad. Everytime we rode through on 301 he would comment, “this has always been some pretty country to me.” Reflecting on those times, I couldn't help but chuckle at our conversation about selling what some might call “brimmer” bulls in Ocala. I remarked, “I wish it was some horses.”  He just laughed. I once told him that my children wouldn’t live on a farm. As proper as my South Georgia dialect would allow, I demonstrated, “Grandfather, are those ‘couse’ in the meadow?” (Boy, was I wrong.)

Beyond his professional and musical pursuits, my dad's dedication to his family is limitless.  Alongside his two brothers, he cared for our grandparents with love and compassion until the end of their journeys. I admire his act of service to the parents he honored and respected.

Today, my dad is as active as ever, taking no medication and embracing each day with gusto. His daily routine of working on the farm, capturing breathtaking sunsets for his Facebook feed, and learning new things attest to his belief that every day is a blessing. He is quiet and calm. (I do not get that from him!) He is unwavering in his faith, devotion and love for my mama, and the example he sets for his 4 children and 8 grandchildren. 

Daddy’s daily sunset picture over the fields

I remember my daddy always playing the piano, guitars of all kinds, drums, and harmonica. He attempted to learn the steel guitar when I was a baby. I was too busy to leave it alone, so he put it up for several years. He did begin learning to play the steel guitar again when I was an older child. Despite the challenges and the cacophony (a polite way of saying ‘cats screaming’) that ensued as he practiced night after night, his determination never wavered. One night that seemed like many months later, while my mama, my siblings, and I finished homework and started to bed, we heard the first recognizable tune come from his music room. And eventually, through sheer persistence and dedication, he mastered the instrument, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.

As I celebrate Father's Day this month, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible father that I am blessed to call my own. Daddy, your love, your strength, and your unwavering support mean more to me than words can express. Yes, daddy, you'll receive clothes as a gift this Father's Day, but somehow, that just doesn't seem like enough to thank you for all that you've done. And I just thought everyone should know what you mean to me.

Daddy, I love you, have great admiration for you, and am so incredibly proud to be your daughter.
-April

P.S. Hurry up and learn to play fiddle!