Mudderman Family: April 2008

How can you possibly sum up Dad on paper. He accomplished so much in his 58 years that I wouldn't even be able to find enough paper to list everything. So I guess I have to choose only a bit to write.Bare with me on the order of things. I have so many scattered thoughts and memories. Dad was a thoughtful and caring man. He did so much for people and asked for nothing in return. Some of my fondest memories are these. One time when we went fishing in the Verde river, I had to take a break from fishing to go to the bathroom. So I headed off to find a good place to squat. As I left I heard Dad in the distance saying don't go to close to the water or you might fall in. So what did I do, you guessed it, I went to close to the water and fell in. Dad laughed pretty hard of course. Then there was the time the Easter bunny hid our baskets in the basement. The mice of course got into them, so Dad rushed out right away without hesitation and bought us new Easter baskets. He was rewarded just by seeing our smiles. And who could forget Dad and his pull my finger when we would all be camping. I pity anyone who fell for that one. Dad loved to camp, and he went all out when he did. He loved to cook for everyone and of course to get up at the crack of dawn to go fishing. It was one of his favorite things to do. He would take branches and make stands for fishing poles and pine sol was the answer to a smelly out house. He kind of was a MacGuiver, always coming up with little solutions to things. Fishing with my Dad always consisted of Dad, me, and a bag of BQ chips. As I got older I fished less with Dad, and I kick myself in the butt for it because now I miss it so damn much. I also miss collecting mesquite with Dad for the grill. My Dad as I'm sure you all know, loved to grill. If it wasn't his meat that he cooked, it wasn't all that good. Gota love that. His homemade BQ sauce was the best. I had him make it for me every time I came down for a visit. It was my special request. And oh the things he taught me. Almost doesn't count but in horseshoes and hand grenades, elbows off the table, don't talk with your mouth full(unless you were Dad who could just tuck it neatly in his cheek, or so he thought), If you choose a job choose to do something you enjoy doing or you won't do it to the best of your ability. He tried to teach me to dance, but if it was to a fast Country song, I couldn't keep up with him(my mom learned to well). By the way, he owned the floor he danced on. He taught me the basics of fishing, how to bait, cast, catch, reel in, and gut a fish. He showed me how to take a long problem and simplify it. He gave me my first taste of beer. He always loved to blame them poor toads for his busting wind and was very good at excusing himself to go and water the horses. He enjoyed cribbage, pool, and horseshoes. He loved his brothers and sisters and was a hoot when he was around them. His smile could light up a room. He loved mom unconditionally and they complimented each other so well. They were best friends and lovers. Dad is one of the most selfless people I know. He was a Family man through and through. I loved that most about him. He spent a lot of time with us girls. He was stern at times but always fair. He was a good listener and always gave the best advise he knew how. He took me in and treated me as his own. I wasn't his step daughter, I was his daughter. He showed me a love and kindness like no other and he will forever remain in my heart. There truly is no love like a Fathers love. He gave of himself on a daily basis and gave Colleen and myself enough love to last forever. As for Jarrod, he loved him like a son. The two of them together were like two peas in a pod, and he couldn't have been more proud of him. He also loved his grand babies very much and loved to take them fishing. He spoke fondly of all his Family and Friends. Dad was a hard head and always had to have the last word. Remind you of anyone. I think what hurts the most is knowing that he had so much more to give and that there was so much more to learn about him. I just recently found out why he called me Ne Ne for all these years. That is what Colleen called me when she was young before she could pronounce my name. I guess it just stuck. I know a little bit about his Nam days but would have loved to have the opportunity to learn more. So much has been lost in his passing, but so much was gained from his life. Dad, you are my Hero and I love you always. Slan go foill.(slawn guh foyle)Goodbye for now. We will meet again.