As 2013 ends, I can’t help but reflect on events that stand out.
For myself personally, surviving “open heart surgery” tops my list. Hey, I’m here! And, I will remember it.
This year was the first time someone has been entrusted to do a guest blog in my absence. Grasshopper No.4 did the honor.
It was the first time in over 20 years that your Mom and I did not attend a UW-Badgers football game at Camp Randall.
I was able to trace my Dad’s family back to England in the late 1580’s and eventually to Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims landed. I had been trying to do that for over 50 years.
We lost Son-in-Law Tom’s Dad.
We gained a great grand-daughter Myla.
My early baseball history was filled with lots of baseball heros. 2013 saw Andy Pafko of the Milwaukee Braves pass away. Also Johnny Logan of the Braves died along with Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals. I had all their baseball cards.
50 years ago I graduated from Marquette University with an Engineering degree.
50 years ago I got my first real job at Allis-Chalmers for $570 a month.
Your Mom and I were unable to attend our 55th anniversary of graduating from high school. We were scheduled but my heart procedure “got in the way”.
Financially, 2013 was a good year for those of you with jobs that have 401(k)s. Most stock investments were up 25-30%. Now you are all rich.
My personal financial regret of 2013? Grasshopper No.5 had told me about her company GameStop and how good it was. I bought a share of Gamestop stock. It went up 10% and I sold it. If I hadn’t sold it, it would now be a gain of 100%. My own daughter gave me the insight and I let the opportunity slip away.
And, finally, I will remember the year end moment. Your Mom made a special effort organizing an old fashion family Christmas. For just a moment in time last Saturday, Christmas was what Grasshopper No.3 would call a “memory”. Thank you Mom. Thank goodness I was here to enjoy it. Thank You All for being here.
Happy and a Prosperous (and healthy) New Year, 2014.
Love,
Dad