When I was growing up on the family farm in
South Dakota there was a gang. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my Dad was
a part of that gang. This group consisted of other farmers in the area. Men,
who worked hard, enjoyed life and talking cattle and all things farming. I am
sure there are many tales I don’t know, maybe they weren’t all for the greater
good, but the stories I remember were very special.
When one of the gang members needed a hand, the
rest of the gang showed up. A simple phone call started the chain. I recall my
Dad making some calls, “Yes, we’ll get started at 9”. Quickly hanging up
without saying goodbye, my Dad never said goodbye. Making the next call and
soon the gang was informed and ready to meet the next day to take on whatever
was needed.
In the summer Saturday night picnics with the
gang included croquet, volleyball and those dangerous jarts. In the winter it
was card games and laughter. The women always brought quite a spread. Food,
games, laughter, it is what the pleasant memories of my childhood are made of,
I cherish them.
I loved my Dad’s gang, the kids of these gang members were my best friends growing up. We played together, learned to drive, and yes, occasionally got into trouble together. We remain friends today. Maybe not seeing each other often, but we all share the love from that time of our lives.
I loved my Dad’s gang, the kids of these gang members were my best friends growing up. We played together, learned to drive, and yes, occasionally got into trouble together. We remain friends today. Maybe not seeing each other often, but we all share the love from that time of our lives.
As this group of men aged the included their
grandkids in on some of their fun. They took up golfing on the Gary golf
course, enjoying a supper club meal recounting their week, the golf game and of
course what was happening on the farm. Their wives fast friends enjoyed the
fun, always having the best laughs especially during their birthday
celebrations.
The friendships this gang started lasted their lifetime. One by one they have started to leave this earth, beginning with my Dad over 12 years ago. Every one of these guys holds a special place in my heart. I learned we lost another member of the gang. I am a little weepy about this loss. I am grateful for the legacy they left and for the friendships I have because of the gang’s friendship.
The friendships this gang started lasted their lifetime. One by one they have started to leave this earth, beginning with my Dad over 12 years ago. Every one of these guys holds a special place in my heart. I learned we lost another member of the gang. I am a little weepy about this loss. I am grateful for the legacy they left and for the friendships I have because of the gang’s friendship.
Yes, my dad was in a gang. A gang of farmers,
they were the good guys.
