I love bees and the colors usually associated with them. It's a fun way to decorate. My kitchen is decorated with red, black and yellow. I have many friends who have given me gifts of bee things, and I have all those in my kitchen. It's fun. So, when I found this background, I had to do it, for a while anyway.
I also wanted to put on a quick post about my dad Jack Parks Bee, II. This month, my dad was going to retire. With the job market and the economy the way it was a few months ago, he decided he wasn't going to be able to. Well, with the economy going even further backwards than expected, the details of retirement for my dad have proven to be perhaps the best they're going to get, so, after much thought and I'm sure prayer, my dad is going to retire on June 1. I think it's proper for a tribute from me, since his work over these last 30+ years has allowed me to go to school, mission, marriage, and many other things.
Dad in Kyoto, Japan, 2006
Dad has worked his whole life. When I was a little kid, he was a police officer. I don't remember that, other than the pictures. But, I think that this career was hard on the family and dangerous, too. Through friends and networking, he landed a job with State Farm Insurance. He has worked pretty much every department of the insurance business, but the man has climbed about a JILLION roof tops in his career. I wish he would've counted, that would be an amazing number. He has a special relationship with his ladder, and I've never known my dad's work car to not have a ladder in the trunk. He is an insurance adjuster. He gets to tell people how much $$$ they will or won't get from the company. I remember so many stories my dad has told me of the people he's met, the homes he has been in and the loss he has seen. I'm sure he's also given his share of counseling sessions when he has to find the value of a home that has burned to the ground or been flooded beyond saving. What a job, really. I also know that he has made life long friends through his work.
I guess the best thing to say about my dad and his career is that he works so hard, and yet he gives so easily. He has always made sure that if one of us kids needs a visit, he visits. He and Judy have 11 children between the two of them, and all of us are pretty scattered around the country, and yet, they visit the kids, and grandkids whenever possible.
Dad playing with Jackson, Thanksgiving, 2008
So, now? Well, he kids around that he's going to go be a greeter man at Wal-Mart, or perhaps flop some burgers somewhere? Regardless of what is next, I'm pretty sure that even retirement won't keep my dad down. I'm sure there will be another adventure coming soon. I think that the Lord's vineyard will be the ultimate place for my dad and his lovely bride. They will make incredible and faith building missionaries and I can't wait to be the one that says, "I have a missionary(s)"!
Dad and Judy, Newlyweds on the Shinkansen, 2006
Dad and Judy being silly, Prescott Valley, 2007
I'm proud of you Dad, you have taught me about hard work and dilligence. Thank you and Happy Retirement!!!...(Please don't ever wear flowered shorts with black socks!)
Dad, Judy, and David's parents at Jacob's baptism, 2008
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