08/11/2023
When my uncle passed away, it made me think of all the changes he had seen and what an impact he had on others throughout his life....his was my version of "A Successful Life"...
Everyone is trying to be successful. Their work, their hobbies, their family...whatever avenue it may be. The sad thing is many people judge their success by whether or not they have money, drive a BMW or what side of town they live on. Let me tell you my version of a successful life well lived.
A person who is born into a farm family, well raised with church on Sunday and straight up family values served with large helpings at every meal. Working the soil and raising livestock. Dedicating every minute of your life to making sure your family's fed and has what they need. A brother leaves to join the service and you are left to help your parents and your sisters. You till the ground and follow in your father's footsteps.
Your mom and sisters work alongside you and working together you keep the family going. You take a wife in the bleakest of financial times and are then called off to war. You do your time and serve your country. Doing what others fear to do. You landed on the shores of Normandy and fought for the country you love in the hopes that everyone would be better off because of your effort.
When you return home, you start a family, carrying on those family traditions you grew up with. You teach them how to till the soil and work the livestock. Baling hay is a monthly ritual. The sun rises and sets and each day you take another step towards being a "success". Your children grow up and have families of your own. You continue to work the land and with each season that passes you see the fruits of your labor.
Children, grand children, great-grandchildren, even a great great grandchild all make their entrances into your world as your life begins to pass by faster and faster. Nieces and nephews who look to you for advice and reassurance. You pass on years of wisdom to all who will listen and pray for those who don't. You never turn your back, but gently encourage them to do what's right, even though sometimes you doubt they will ever get it.
At the close of your life, people gather around to say their good byes and share their memories. If you could only hear what they say and know the love they feel for you. It's not about money or wealth. It's about round bales of hay rolling down a hillside and little children to small to climb the steps of your bus. The ones you had to get out and help to get in on their first days of school. The 4-H sheep contests that your grandsons took so much pride in, all of these memories are the things that show your success. For a life well lived, you have blessed us all and we will miss you dearly.....RIP Robert Ihnen....you are forever with us in every memory we share.
