Month: June 2021

Father’s Day 2021

~ lorah ~ Leave a comment

“Say not in grief: ‘He is no more,’ but live in thankfulness that he was.” – Hebrew Proverb

It doesn’t matter how long he has been gone, Father’s Day is never an easy day. My Dad has been with the heavenly Father for 11 years now and I still miss him like crazy. I am grateful to have had such a wonderful role model in my Dad. He was always present in our lives. He worked hard, but his wife (my Mom) and his children were his number one priority.

My Dad and Mom were high school sweethearts. They started dating at age 14. They were married for just under 45 years when he passed away unexpectedly at age 65. They both were and are a great example of lasting love.

I have a wonderful husband who is the perfect father of our two daughters. And like my own Dad, his priority is his family and what is not to love about that. I will take time to celebrate him and all he means to us.

It is a weird day. Allie is in Texas and Kirsten had to work today, my own Dad is gone, and Steve never really had a Father. No big celebration of Dads.

One thing I am able to do each day, is celebrate my family …. whether they are her on this earth or only here in spirit. I know I am lucky and that is definitely worth celebrating. So tonight, it will be a small dinner out. We will probably see lots of families and fathers and that is okay. I wouldn’t change the family I have and the family I had for anything. The experiences I have had, the love of my parents and family has made me who I am today.

I will never quit missing my Dad. He was a great force in our lives. I am grateful to have had in my life as long as I did. His memory and love will live on in my heart and soul forever.

With my non alcoholic drink in hand, I say Cheers to my wonderful Father and Husband. I love you ❤️

A Little Family History

~ lorah ~ Leave a comment

Today is the 68th anniversary of the start of our family restaurant business. 68 years ago my grandfather started the business. In the early 90’s, my dad, and a partner bought the company and took over operations and ownership. That partnership did not last and so my dad became the sole owner/operator. Upon the unexpected passing of my dad in 2010, my two brothers did not miss a beat in taking over the company.

My dad was a smart guy, he started succession planning in the early 2000’s. It was my choice not to become an owner/operator (in-training) at that time. I was a mom with 2 young children and that is all I wanted to be. I did work in the company in several different capacities throughout the years. In a nutshell I pretty much handled coordinating marketing efforts and customer relations.

My brothers and I were the 3rd generation of the family to run the business. I retired 3 years ago …… I was unfulfilled and I felt I made a better sister than employee. As of now there are no great grandchildren of my grandfather that are interested in taking over the business – no 4th generation. There are 6 great granddaughters who range in age from 5-26. My girls are already grown and started in their “adult work” life. Who knows what my nieces will end up doing, but it doesn’t look like owning and operating the business. This makes me sad. We have come through so many trials and tribulations with this business and today it is quite successful once again.

My husband started working with the company a couple years ago as a consultant. Today he is full time at the business. He is helping my brothers navigate the future of the company and the day to day operations. Sales continue to be good despite the covid pandemic and expansions are taking place. I do feel a little left out, no longer being a part of the business, but still bearing the name the company as part of my name and heritage. It is a mixed up emotion.

I am proud of the work that is being done through the company and our family foundation. I am sure my dad is smiling down on us all …. and maybe my grandfather too (he is a whole different story) as we celebrate this milestone.

It is a good day to reflect on where we have been as a family, a business and important part of our community for the past 68 years …. the good, the bad and the ugly. I have been thinking of my dad a lot too as we just marked the 11th anniversary of his passing. I wish he was here to enjoy the fruit of his labor and the success of his children and grandchildren.

It will be interesting to see where the future takes this family and our restaurants.