In honor of...

 On 7 Jun 1925 in Browns Creek Township, Jewell County, Kansas, Dale Ellsworth Birdsell was born to Roscoe Oren and Thelma Marie Larison Birdsell. He was their second child. An almost two year old sister, Inez Lucille also welcomed him into her life. This is a picture of the house where the happy family would live for four more years. A little over two years later, they welcomed Leo Eugene into their home.

On 31 August 2008, Dale, known as Dad to me, left us in Cawker City, Mitchell County, Kansas.

While this is the anniversary of his death, I hope this pictural post honors his life.

It was a good life. Dad was born on a farm and spent most of his life on a farm. I don't think there was ever a point in his life where he did not think of himself as a farmer. Even during the years when he worked for the railroad, farming was in his blood.

 Even after he moved to town in 1992, in his heart, he was still a farmer.

This is a rare picture of Dad's mother. Here she is with her two sons, Dad and Uncle Leo.

She passed away less than two years after this picture was taken.

Proof that even our parents were children once.

By the time we arrive in their lives, we assume they were born knowing everything.

The picture of Dad and Aunt Inez hugging is one of my favorites. That closeness they shared in that picture was sustained for the rest of their lives.

Proof that our parents went to school, too.

And they fell in love.

 

Sometimes Dad kicked back and relaxed after a hard day on the farm.

And there was always time for his grandchildren. Even when the grandchildren weren't happy.

After a long life, Dad grew tired. I wasn't sure if I should include this picture, but it is as much a part of Dad's life as all those pictures before this one. 

He lived his life to the fullest. He loved, laughed, knew sorrow, knew joy, knew hardships, knew good times. He lived his life completely. 

Dad, you are still missed, but this is not to mourn your death. 

This is to honor the life that you so graciously shared with me for 51 years and ten months. Thank you for allowing me to share so much of it.

You earned your peaceful rest. 

1925-2008