There is someone on my heart this morning who I'de like to introduce you to!

Today is Super bowl Sunday, Not a big deal in many peoples lives however it is a huge deal in my heart. It is the "day" my hero , my friend, my confidante', my dear ole' dad went home to be with our Lord and Savior. It was not February 1st, it was January 27 1989. 20 Years have gone since he died. I have almost lived longer without him in my life as I was only 22. Holly was a new born baby. We lived in Seattle, all the way across the country. It was while they ( Mom and Dad) were watching the game, Dad on the couch in his favorite position with the yellow corduroy pillow between his knees, and Mom in the chair reading the paper. That's it , simple, a Sunday night how we all like to be. He was only 56 years old. The older I get the younger that seems. So..... I want to tell you about the man he was.... I think you'll enjoy meeting him.....

Lets begin with the obvious, 6'3" 265# and hands as big as goalie gloves. Dad had the most beautiful hazel color of light brown eyes, some times they even looked as if they were golden. He had beautiful long eyelashes, and a big nose! He was a big man , but we all are big so he was our size ! He loved to sing and whistle. He thought he was the best singer and would sing to his own rhythm which as a kid made me crazy ! Now I enjoy singing to my own rhythm and wish I could hear him in my ear ! Dad knew something about absolutely everything. ( at least he made you believe he did) He loved the outdoors and was never afraid of hard work. He taught me how to work hard and I remember hearing something to the effect of "hard work never killed anybody".
Dad always drove a pick up truck and worked hard as a diesel mechanic in the steel mill. His hand s were rough and calloused cracked from the cold. Although he seemed larger than life and a little like a bear , he really was nothing more than a Teddy bear with a occasional "sore paw".

I was very involved in 4 H had a horse and a goat, a small farm, was involved in sports, played basket ball, volleyball and acted in every school play. Busy to say the least but a happy kid. My dad enjoyed all of those thing s with me. I was never really "good " at any one thing but did every thing! He and my mom made it possible for me to have the child hood that people can only dream of. It was a Huck Finn fairy tale of utter proportion !

My dad loved the country served in the army in the Korean war. He always taught us respect for the service men and made it very clear that "duty Honor and Country" were of the utmost importance. He loved kids. Boy Scouts of America was one of his "hobbies " if you will. More of a devotion I think. Many weekends spent away from us with someone elses' kids at a camp out or some such thing. He loved Camp Stambaugh in Canfield. He loved going to Phillmont and to the Jamborees. He loved scouting and had a lot of knowledge to bestow on - alltheboys- or so he thought. -No Many of the scouts I still run into and they still speak highly of him :) Dad served in the VFW. He was a township trustee for Ellsworth , Ohio. He was a member of Berlin Center United Methodist Church. He ran the chains at all the home Western Reserve Varsity football games. And He loved a cup of coffee from Myron's in downtown Ellsworth.
A simple man to most .... A hero to me..... I would love to sit and chat with him and although you probably didn't have the opportunity to know this gentle man I look forward to heaven when I can introduce you ! I just know you'll love him too.
God truly blessed me with the greatest father any child could have dreamed of .
In my lovingest of memories, Ronald William Gedra, the greatest father, to Douglas, Molly and Jenny, Beloved husband to Donna, Papa to Amy, Alex, Luke and Holly. Brother, Uncle, Friend and Teacher to so very many. May you rest in eternal peace.