Father's Day

Since we recently had a post dedicated to our mothers for Mother's Day it is only appropriate that we do the same for our fathers. Both of these are great men who have blessed us throughout our lives. Here we go.

Steve Reedstrom

Dad. It's hard for me to put in words how amazing of a father you've been to me. I remember thinking as a little kid that you were a man of little words. But looking back now, maybe I just wasn't listening enough. When I actually start to listen, you speaks words of encouragement, of faith, of life lessons, of love. And your words speaks even more volumes through your actions. Because of you, I learned what to expect from a husband. I learned to find myself a good husband who will cook for our kids someday, like you did. (and still do!) I learned to find someone who is always helpful and supportive, like you have always been. I learned to find a hard working husband so that our kids will look up to him and know the value of hard work, like I have with you. I have learned to find a husband who cherishes and unconditionally loves his family, like you do.
I have so many memories of us that I could share but I think I'll just pick out my favorite ones. I loved growing up (and even now) and having friends over and having them be able to call you Dad. You were always the friendly and fun Dad who would always joke around with my friends and scare off any boyfriends. :) I love watching you interact with little kids, whether it's at church or a family event. And it makes me excited to have children someday so that they'll be able to have such a fun and loving grandpa!
Growing up  I always knew that during the fall and then again in the spring, you would be busy with farm work and not at home as often. But it was also during those times that I looked forward to some of the other things we got to do. Like bringing you dinner in the field and you letting us ride along in the combine or tractor. I remember the first time that you let me drive the combine by myself and even stepped outside the cab so that I was completely alone inside! I was terrified I was going to screw up your harvest! :) But you had faith in me and trust that I wouldn't. And I don't think I ever did, right? Or those summers where you paid us to help walk beans. It was no fun walking beans, but it was a nice chance to be with you. And it was then that I started to realize the importance of hard work. The Dairy Queen ice cream mom would bring us always seemed to help too!
I have one memory that I believe was the summer before or after my freshmen year of high school. I don't remember but I couldn't drive yet but it was my first summer working at Pioneer. It was within my first week that we got rained out and were sent home early. You came to pick me up and it must have been a day that you were farming but we were both so muddy! And I can't tell you why I thought this, but I remember thinking how cool that was - father and daughter muddy with proof from a hard day in the field. In that moment, I felt so connected to you.
Another favorite memory is when you returned home from a Via de Cristo weekend. As soon as mom left for her weekend, you ran out to your truck and brought in your bag of goodies. You spread it all over the table and told us all about your weekend - what you did, the people who were there and what it meant to you and your relationship with God. It was the first time I remember you talking so much out loud about your faith. But at that same time, I realized that you don't always have to speak about your faith. That day proved to me that a silent faith can be just as deep and powerful as a spoken one. I saw you differently from that day on.
And finally, there was my wedding day. The memories of you walking me down the aisle and giving me away, your seven page speech (which you said you weren't even going to give!) full of advice and wisdom to a new husband and wife and our father-daughter dance. Each one so special by themselves. I remember those memories often.
You have blessed me so much throughout my life and I know that you will continue to do so. Again, I don't know how to put into words how much I appreciate all that you've done for me (and all that you will do) and how grateful I am. And of course, how much I love you. I thank God for you every day because I could not have asked for a better father and a role model. And I will love you until the sky ends.
Happy Father's Day!

Bruce Zaruba

A few years ago, during a college class, I was asked, " Who is your favorite person in life?" Without hesitation I said, my Dad. He is my Hero! A man who has been an incredible role model and quite honestly means the world to me. I do have to admit that I have not done a good job of letting him know that. Let me change that. So here we go...
There are so many memories I have from the past with Dad. Like when he would get done doing chores and after eating lunch - all of us kids would climb all over him and drink pickle juice which of course gave us super strength so we could interrupt his naps (sorry about that by the way). Or riding in the tractor or combine with him back in the Zaruba farming days; really it was more about just being with him and learning about what a real MAN did! But there was one memory that is still very special to me. It wasn't pickle juice. It wasn't even on the farm. It is forever attached to one of my cherished memories from my childhood, and that is the day I was selected for the Iowa All-State. Quite possibly THE life altering moment for me - I believe that day is what defined the career path I chose.
Dad was the very first person that I hugged after seeing my name on that list. Amongst the screaming, the hugging and the celebrating - was still that initial embrace. I know, a hug seems so simple - but let me tell you, this hug was slow motion for me because it was more than just a simple hug. My life had just been changed for good. For me, it was one of the those moments where i truly reverted back to kindergarten - I was just a small boy in my Dad's arms. To top it off, I remember him saying, "Good job, Son!" which made the moment authentic.
There were sons in that same gym, at that very moment which did not have their dad there. I did. Thank you, Dad.
I hope that you will always know, whatever I do, where I go, there is one thing I will never outgrow and that is my love for you. In my eyes, you are the most talented individual I have ever known, no son could have ever asked God fora  better Dad than you.
Dad, I want to be a son that you are proud of, and sometimes I wonder if I have ever let you down or if maybe you have ever been ashamed of the person I have become. All I know for certain is so much of me is made from what I learned from you. And I love you.
Let me write that one more time to be sure you really "hear me".
So much of me is made from what I learned from you and I love you.
Happy Father's Day!