August 5: Two Celebrations

August 5: Two Celebrations: August 5 is a day of dual significance for me, marked by two profound milestones: my Dad, Mahlon Simmon’s birthday and my 34th anniversary of sobriety re-birthday. My Dad is a US Army Veteran, retired from Caterpillar Tractor where he was employed as electrician, fuel systems test specialist, assembly and manufacturing engineer. After Retirement, my dad was the oldest member of the Dickinson College Marching Band in North Dakota, where Mom was teaching Fine Art and serving as a Gallery Directory.

Dad is simply amazing, helping repair music instruments, volunteering at the Bluegrass Festivals and teaching out at Humiston Woods. He volunteers helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity and is helping my brother build his dream home in Michigan in his free time. For as long as I can remember Dad has volunteered as an Election Judge.

A Tribute to My Dad

My Dad is my hero, a man of incredible resilience, innovation, and unwavering positivity. He taught us how to build homes, work wood, refinish furniture, play softball, and solve process and life problems. He taught us to get involved and always help our neighbors and volunteer in the community. A veteran in the military, a lifetime Election Judge, he taught us parliamentary procedure and Roberts Rules of Order.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dad was a pillar of our community. He helped us with homework, coached local softball teams, and taught leadership through 4H. The 4H Pledge resonates with the values he instilled in us:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

~4H Pledge

Music was another passion of his; he made sure we all had our first musical instruments, a tradition he continued for his grandchildren. His involvement in our lives has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance.

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My Sobriety Journey

For a long time, alcohol was my escape, a way to shed inhibitions and embrace a false sense of invincibility. It masked my shyness and awkwardness, making me believe I was good at things like shooting pool, but it was all an illusion. Alcohol soon began to erode my behavior and cognitive functions.

The journey to sobriety was challenging, starting with small steps and overcoming big excuses to drink—one day, sometimes one moment at a time. Over the past 34 years, I’ve faced life’s greatest challenges: losing two babies, welcoming two children, enduring a devastating divorce, and navigating career and life obstacles. Through it all, I’ve remained sober, thanks to the unwavering support of friends, a dedicated sponsor, and my faith.

My parents, especially my Dad, stood by me as pillars of strength. It was on my Dad’s birthday that I made the resolute decision to quit drinking and start anew, making his birthday my AA sobriety date. This dual celebration is a testament to his influence on my life.

A Legacy of Love and Integrity

My greatest pride comes from knowing that my children have never seen me drunk. Abstaining from alcohol has been crucial in navigating life’s toughest storms. Today, I’m filled with gratitude for the constant love of my family and especially for my Dad, whose steady example has illuminated my path.

To my Dad, a great parent, grandparent, and person: I aspire to live with the same integrity and unwavering love that you have shown. Happy Birthday, Dad. May I live to honor your leadership and make a difference in other’s lives, as you have. I am proud to have learned from your example.