Mitch has always been a fan of science and mechanics. Anything that he could tear apart, rebuild, or modify - he did. Including my sewing machine, which still isn't quite assembled correctly. At around age 8, he began building model rockets with Dave - a hobby they continue and just one of the things Dave and Mitch have shared over the years. In fact, most of Mitch's early years were spent trying to be "just like dad" - sports, hunting/fishing, woodworking, and anything mechanical. Mitch had a miniature workbench next to Dave's in the garage where he "worked on" an old electric moter with his own set of tools. Dave had incredible patience for teaching - making home repair chores take twice as long as necessary so that Mitch could learn from doing.
There were also many, many hours of working with Dad at the grain elevator. This picture (below) of the two of them is one of my all-time favorites. We have lots of fond - and funny - memories of Mitch learning to shift gears long before he could reach the clutch, dumping trucks, riding the "man lift" . . .
Dave and Mitch (Age 16) get the Richard Petty Expreience |
We went to Hays for the weekend to celebrate with him. I would say something here about how amazing it is to get a bear-hug from this 6'3" 200+ lb. man when it seems like I was holding him in my arms yesterday - but that would be over the sappy line. So I'll just say...
Happy Birthday, Bud! We love you and we're proud of you!
Happy Birthday Mitch! I hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Mitch! Sounds like a caring person which is wonderful. Love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Mitch!! Great career to go into with nursing!! Glad you had a chance to go and celebrate with him this special day!
ReplyDeletebetty