Role Models: Terry

They say when you marry someone you marry the family as well. I think they are trying to warn you of those crazy mother in laws or that intimidating father in law. But when I got married, I joined another family. A very exceptional family in fact. My father in law was unlike anyone I had ever met. He was a dreamer and a go getter at the same time. Usually, when someone is a dreamer, they have a hard time fulfilling all of those dreams and can lack focus. But not him. Whenever he said he was going to do something, and usually it was quite elaborate, he did it. There were so many projects that he accomplished and was always working on something. I remember one time he asked me if he should build a sauna or a wood fire hot tub as his next project at the cabin. I knew he was serious. He also took this proactive, living life mentality in his every day activities. Whenever we got together, he would always come up with some remotely questionable idea and get everyone involved. I was always impressed with him because his family is so quiet and reserved so it can be pretty difficult to get them on board most times. He always made the idea sound like something we definitely needed to do. And then, somehow, he would always get everyone to participate. Even though his ideas were outrageous (like jumping for bacon and ice bowling), we always looked back and said how much fun it was. I think everyone participated because they just naturally respected him. He carried himself in such a way that was wise and was just someone you wanted to be around. Someone you aspired to be like. He also was probably the most generous person I have ever met in my life. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. In fact, I have borrowed his clothes before. I feel like not many people can say they have borrowed their father in law’s pants. But for real, he was so generous. I feel like every time we went to visit, we came back with a car load full of more things from him. I always say that some of the best gifts I’ve received came from him. Trooper’s sleeping bags, Trooper’s recliners, Trooper’s papasan chair, Trooper’s other chair….ok mostly stuff for Trooper. But also, when I look around my house, I think there is something from him in every room. He was exceptional at woodworking so I have end tables and a coffee table from him. His woodworking skills were passed down to Brock and that is one thing that just makes my heart so happy knowing that a part of his Dad is always with him. I was always so grateful for the things he gave us because I knew he was giving out of love. He also was fantastic at storytelling. Yes, he told the same handful of stories over and over but it didn’t even matter, because every time, it was just as funny as the last. I picked up on a few details of the way he told stories and I have incorporated them into my own little bag of tricks, hoping that maybe I could be just as funny. Probably not though. It’s truly a talent to be that good at telling stories. He just had such a good wit about him; always saying he was “on the cutting edge of fashion baby.” I used to roll my eyes when he said this. Except, just the other day when I was at the mall, I felt like I was shopping in his closet. Him and I were very close. I feel like out of all of Brock’s family, he was the most similar to me and that’s why we got along so well. We had a special connection. If we were sitting in a room and someone said something ridiculous, he and I would just look at each other and know what each other is thinking without even saying anything. He is my role model for so many reasons. He has made such a positive impact on my life and I know on many others as well. Him and I had such a close bond, after all, I am his favorite daughter in law.

And for now,

Xoxo