PARKS PALOOZA 2011

This past weekend, we had our 3rd Parks Palooza. This is a time for all of us Parks cousins to get together, hang-out, drink some beer, get caught up and basically just have fun. We don't see each other near enough, so this one weekend a year means alot to all of us.

Grandma and Grandpa Parks would be proud. Proud of all of our accomplishments, but mostly for sticking together and staying connected. Family was very important to them. Our parties are not as fancy, our tables not as pretty, but despite all that, they are grinning and looking down at us, even laughing at the not so refined moments.

Something dawned on me as we were talking and laughing about our Grandparents, none of the spouses (those lucky ones who managed to snag a Parks) never got to meet Grandpa - he was called home in March of 94. You have no idea what you missed and truly, stories do not capture that man. He was quiet, he smoked alot, he drank Screwdrivers and a tab bit ornery to tell you the truth. He spoke his mind, was of a serious nature and had the nick-name, "Old Iron Ass". I don't really know where this memory comes from as Grandpa retired long before I came into the Printing business, but a customer came in and complained about a set of business cards one day. Grandpa listened to the man, looked at the cards and quietly went over and shook them out into the trash can and started walking to the back of the shop with the box in hand. Customer, "Hey, what are you doing?" to which he replied over his shoulder, "I'm salvaging my box". Wished you could have known him - what a guy!

We were missing this year, Stacy, Charles, Cade and the newest Parks girl - Caelin. At just over a month old, too little to party like a Rock star, but we will have them next year. Also missing was Michael, who was in Chicago. I really did miss him as last year, I was just beginning to get to know this young man who has an incredible sense of humor that I somehow had missed all these years.



Music: - Donavon Frankenreiter - "Lovely Day"

I miss you all and all are welcome to come hang at the River House anytime!