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There were five if us kids growing up on a Dairy farm south of Hayward Wisconsin. We were very isolated with no T.V., running water or phone. We got out to go to church because of a very determined mother who made sure we all got to church on Sundays. But other than church or school, chores and farm work came first in our lives.
When we went of to college and than moved on to jobs of our own, the farm still held an attraction. It was the most kind, thoughtful, mother anyone could have. Mom could make any chore or job into a game or at least get us talking while doing it so it didn’t seem so bad. She had a unique style of leadership. We knew she really cared for and loved us and if she wanted us to do something, it must be right, and good for us. I would do any chore for her because she always showed appreciation for doing it. Her warm thank you was like a lonely dog getting petted and having his ears scratched at the same time. If only people would learn the importance of being appreciative for thing done for them. The world would be a much more friendly place.

As I went on in life and became a Head Football Coach and Teacher; I would still head home to the farm almost every weekend. The draw of mom waiting up for me after a game and the knowledge that my dog, Chief, would be so glad to see me were irresistible  to me. Even if we did blow the game, Chief didn’t care, he would practically jump out of his hide to see me.

I hated to lose and after a tough loss I would drive the sixty miles or so back home from first Lake  Holcombe  and then later in my career, Ashland. I would make the turn down McLeod road, off of highway 27 and soon I would seen a light on in that old farm house. Mom would be waiting up for me and even if it was 1:30 A.M., She would be there. I would come in and she would say, “Bob is here” and my Dog, Chief, would instantly come awake and come bounding out to see me. I would get down on the floor and he would lick my face and tell me I was alright and he didn’t care if we had got our butts beat. Mom would mostly listen. If people would just learn that listening is the best thing they can do when someone is hurting. Even though I would get up at 5:00 A.M. the next morning and drive back to Ashland to do my radio show, it was worth it, to see that light on and to know the warm welcome that awaited me inside that old farm house. It is a memory forever etched in my mind and I will take it to my grave.

If you are lucky enough to have  someone wait up for you, be sure to tell them thanks and let them know it is appreciated. For it is sad to say, it is becoming quite rare these days. Thanks Mom, for always being there for me, and leaving the light on, at the old farm house on McLeod road.

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