05/26/2026
The OG DIY’r, my dad, has found his spot up in heaven. He taught me a lot of things, but only a few feel appropriate for this page.
He taught me that nothing can replace the feat of building something with your “bare hands” - he built the log cabin I grew up in with his, after all. He taught me to play sports like the boys - because boys can’t do anything girls can’t. He taught me to work hard, study hard and play even harder. He taught me to tip generously and live unapologetically. He taught me to take every class and get every degree, because nothing is more important than education. He taught me to save for retirement, and when that’s done, save some more. He taught me that Old Style is not my beer of choice, and that jaeger shakers, and that one extra bev at the party, are always a good idea.
He was larger than life, and we didn’t always see eye to eye. But we did love and truly respect each other. He was there for me at every turn in my life, and he was also there for my kids. He didn’t always know how to show love, and instead, he showed up.
The original Kook… that’s my dad. And man will I miss him. If you’re having a drink at the end of a long day of work this week, raise a glass to him. I know I will ❤️
