Dad Jacobson- a Tribute on his Birthday

Dad- before their wedding.  Richard Arthur Jacobson, born January 15, 1928, in Stanley, Wisconsin to Arthur Christian and Thelma Mae Jacobson. Brother was Robert.

Expecting their first child- me!
I surprised them and was born at 7 months- weighing in at 3 pounds.

Yes, Dad served in the US Army, and was in WWII and was stationed in Korea.

Dad married Mom, June Elaine Douglas, November 28, 1953.  Mom was from Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Dad loved people!

And he loved his family!

Dad loved to fish!

He LOVED to joke around!  He had a highly developed sense of humor and utilized it at every opportunity.

Dad was known as a man who loved the Lord, and loved people.
His last "hang out" was the Baker's Dozen coffee shop in Loves Park.

He loved to fish and was an accomplishes muskie fisherman. Those vacation days that were cold at the lake, with dark skies and ferocious waters found most of the family inside reading, playing games, or shopping- but not Dad.  THOSE were his favorite days to stay out in the boat all day and hunt those elusive muskies. He loved to write and I have a file full of his thoughts- poems, songs, letters, and short stories.

Dad loved his wife!













Today as I reflected on my Dad and his life, there were many thoughts.  Of course, there were memories that were not pleasant- every family is bound to have those. But I think that if we allow God to do so, those memories will fade as we forgive the imperfections and flaws of our parents, as we hope our own children and grandchildren will forgive our inadequacies.  I choose to remember the good things. I had a Dad that loved us all. He worked hard to provide for us. He gave us a rich heritage of family memories with our grandparents and extended family. And he showed us the value of a spiritual life and a relationship with the Lord.

I wish for each of you the same blessings. Not of a perfect family- they do not exist. But the blessing of being able to forgive, extend grace, and to choose to recall precious memories. I wish for you the blessing of allowing God to grow you into maturity through your heritage, no matter what it was. And I wish for you to take the good things from your past and grow them into bigger blessings for those in your family. Finally, I wish for you the blessing of having a relationship with God so that you can know that you will be reunited one day with those you love who also love God.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Dad.  See you again some day.