Editor’s Letter

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It was coveted. And it emitted a mysterious, taunting allure.

It was Dad’s big red chair.

There it sat. Swallowing much of the room, just beckoning my brothers and I to break Dad’s main household rule: ‘don’t touch my chair.’ Yes, we were banished from proximity to the glowing behemoth of bouncy fun.

We were not allowed to touch said chair. Nor were we allowed to sit on said chair— and jumping on said chair meant living in the woods with the squirrels.

Then a magical day occurred. Dad invited us onto the chair. With him. Shwwhhaat? Imagine my confusion. And my elation. The mysterious boundary had disappeared, even if for a moment. Dad, the brothers, and I? We had fun. No unworldly outstretched hand emerged from the cushions to smack us. No detonation occurred. No fighting, and we were able to sleep in our own beds that night instead of the wilderness of Chicago ‘burbs.

It was a time with Dad to remember. And I learned the red chair wasn’t all that bouncy.

Dad was a tough man with a soft edge. His heart belonged to my mother. His protection to me and aforementioned brotherly boys. His service was to this great country, and his spirit now soars Above. He was consistent until he wasn’t, and strict until he let things slide. He was the storm in the calm, and the calm within the storm.

He was Dad.

During this month of June I reminisce about him often, although I think of him year-round — as do most who’ve lost their fathers. So in June especially, with the coming of Father’s Day, we celebrate all dads. We pause to recognize their efforts. We see how they’ve helped shape us, one way or another. We appreciate their sacrifices, respect their aspirations, and value how much they add to our lives. Yes, June is when we intentionally thank Dad for all he is, all he wishes to be, and for all he’s endured and conquered. We honor him.

As days now gift us with consistent warmth, the spirit of summer seems electric. Frequent wafts of barbecue float within the breeze, the hum of motors dances atop the water, and nighttime shorelines are dotted with cozy lights and even cozier bonfires.

Happy June summer days to all readers, and a fun-filled Father’s Day to dads throughout Kosciusko County, Above, and beyond. And if your dad has a dedicated red pleather throne? Leave it untouched. Until he invites you in. Some boundaries are meant to be sacred. Until they are not.

Enjoy this June issue. It’s created just for you.

Warmly,

Sue Executive-Editor-Who-Never-Had-To-Live-With-The-Squirrels