The Man Who Set the Bar

I've fallen so seriously behind on my beloved blog I don't know where to begin!  There's been so much going on over the past few months, all of which I want to (and will!) write about.  First things first though.  Of everything that's taken place or been celebrated since my last post- the most noteworthy is Father's Day. 

Anyone who knows me, or better yet, knows my family, understands why my dad is one of the people I admire most in my life.  When I think of the qualities I look for in the people I surround myself with, in the man I'm preparing to spend the rest of my life with, and that I try to exemplify in my own life, I go back to one person who's example has set the bar: my dad, Glen Koch.

My relationship with my dad is one of the most tremendous blessings in my life.  There really aren't words to express what he means to me, or enough space in this post to list the things he's taught me.  I am so proud of my dad, and can really only describe him as a class act.  He is many of the things that I want to be- humble, hard working, patient, faithful & wise.  His example challenges me to treat everyone with kindness, with no exceptions.  The expression "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" reminds me so much of dad, because he's one of the few people I know who uses their speech to consistently affirm others.  He sees the good in everyone.

I remember as a child thinking he was the strongest, bravest man I'd ever met- and really, I still think that.  I remember riding with him in the combine during harvest & sitting on his lap in "His Recliner" while he read us books before we went to bed.  To this day, no one can peel an orange better than my dad.  I remember him on the sidelines coaching our Optimist Basketball Team, or in the stands cheering us on during grade school & high school basketball games.  He would always start our cars for us in the winter so they'd be warm when we were ready to leave the house, and always checked & changed the oil in our cars when we were home for visits during college.  Ok... actually- he still does that.  :) From the time I graduated from high school until I settled in St. Louis, the man must have moved me & every piece of furniture I had at least 8 times, and was always beyond gracious about it.  He's quick witted, well spoken, & kind hearted.  Not long ago, Doug asked me if my dad ever gets mad about anything, and after thinking about it, I realized I could probably count on one hand the number of times in my life I'd ever really seen him upset.  

My dad has a heart of gold, and he wears it on his sleeve.  He gives so much of himself to others & works tirelessly on our family farm to ensure it's success- a job I appreciate & admire so much I can't put it into words.  Throughout their 29 years of marriage, he has adored, respected, and loved my mom unconditionally.  I can't think of a better example of a devoted husband than my dad.   He lives his faith day in & day out, and has taught me the importance of it in my life through his words & actions, since the time I was a little girl.  

One of the qualities our family has inherited undoubtedly from my dad is his sense of humor.  I love my dad's dry wit.  His occasional text messages, concise emails, and one liner comments (especially his side winding commentary at the dinner table) always bring a smile to my face.  My dad makes me laugh, and I love that about him. 

Before Opening Day for the Cardinal's first
season at the New Busch Stadium! (Spring 2006).  There was no one I would have rather gone to this game with than my dad- such a fun memory!

Love this one- a very festive Glen Koch & Grandpa Koch-
August 2010 at Jen & Tim's (Hawaiian themed) Wedding Shower.

One of my favorite things about our family get togethers is watching my dad & my Uncle David.  They've become best buds over the years, and I love that where one goes... the other follows.  (Usually, this a safe distance from all the females in the family!)  :)

And again.  :)  Soaking up the sun on the beach
during the Waterkoch Family Vacation- July 2010.



One of my favorite pictures of the
(original) Glen Koch family- August 2010.



Two of the finest men I know- my dad, and his Godson, my cousin Elliot, who's currently serving a 1 year tour in Afghanistan- returning home in July 2012.  (Christmas 2009)

Dapper Dad!  I LOVE this hat-- which mom & I
talked him into buying during our trip to Chicago last December. 

The most striking Mother & Father of The Bride I've ever seen---beautiful inside & out.  Mom & Dad at Jen & Tim's wedding in August 2010.

All this to say- my dad is amazing.  I am blessed beyond measure to have had such an incredible father to raise, love & support me as I've grown up.  I'm grateful for the countless lessons I've learned & memories I have of him from him over the past 28 years, and look forward to all the blessings & memories that lie ahead in the years to come.