His Life.....A how-to book!
From the day I first picked up a pitch fork....he was there to teach me how and why!
From the day I first cranked up the four-wheeler....he was there to teach me where and when!
From the day I first ran behind the grain wagon cause I was scared....he was there to explain to me that a 2000 lb. bull was more afraid of me than I was of him....?
From the first day, until the very end....his life painted the clearest and easiest path to follow. A path full of experiencial wisdom and life lessons. The perfect how-to book ever written!
Never a vain word was spoken in the 23 years I have been able to spend with my grandpa! No college education or best-selling book could ever begin to teach me the things that I learned from one day of observing him. So I won't begin to try and teach it all to you now. But I would love to open the window to his world for you.
David Butler....master craftsman, veterinarian, lumberjack, ATV extraordinare, and band-aid repairman! He owned a construction company with his cousin Junior. That's how I learned to drive a nail, to build a shelf, and to hopefully someday build my own house with my dad! He owned over 500 acres of land on which he raised almost 120 cows with calves. He knew each cow and which calf was their's. He was somewhat of an astrologer, knowing all the old wives-tales of what lunar phase helped with crops and livestock! Just like a vet, he knew which medicine to give for which ailment. His strength was truly seen through his respect and care for his livestock. No 8-year college degree needed!
Tear.......
A man not afraid to give.....anything. He spent his life not only teaching his two sons everything he knew about everything.....but has spent these last 27+ years re-teaching his 6 grandchildren everything! A second father to Tiffany, Linda, Casey, Kyle, Katelyn and me! He would turn a 20-minute project into a one-hour project just so he could allow us the chance to stretch the fence wrong...over and over! Never in a hurry, but always accomplishing everything that was on the list!
No amount would be too large to spend for just another 5 years with him. Just to be his shadow, and observe. A man of integrity, and a man of his word. Trustworthy, honorable, hard-working, selfless, everything I ever hope to be. To see the love my grandmother gave him that eventually led his heart back to his Father, Christ! To just be apart.....a small part of an incredible life!
Pap, I love you...........and I will miss you!
The Bushwacker!
Phil. 4:13
posted by C-But @ 3:43 PM
3 Comments
