Opa by Austin

As I looked back on my life with Opa this morning, I realized this man has shaped who I am. I lived close to Opa for the last 11 years (me being 21 now) its pretty much the only years I remember. When I was 12 or 13 he would take me on the diary and teach me the proper way to herd cows, burn weeds, or irrigate; ALWAYS making me drive so he could be more attentive to the surroundings (oh and so he could eat the 15 day old apples he had on his dash). After we would work he would treat me to McDonalds, where he would always get a small coffee and french fries, no matter what time of day. He taught me to drive and how to ride a bicycle. He taught me the art of flying a kite. He taught me how to stay awake on road trips by getting out, bending over and swinging your arms wide and slapping your back (thats also how he taught me to keep warm). My favorite color is yellow because one day Opa told me that yellow is God's color. The truck I drive is a Chevy because Opa told me Chevy was the best. My favorite sport is soccer because Opa loved his Dutch national team.... He taught me to appreciate what I was blessed with. He showed me by example how to be a great husband and father. He won't be at my college graduation, he won't be at my wedding, and he won't be able to teach my kids how to ride a bike. This is all ok, because what Opa taught me in my years with him will live on through me. Earlier I said this man has "shaped" who I am- that was a typo- this man is Shaping my life and I know he will always be here and will be guiding my handlebars in the right direction. I love and miss you Opa.

-Austin