19 years ago

     It was 19 years ago today I lost my Dad. No warning, no signs, no indication, just a phone call and a trip to hospital saying he was gone. Wilbur R. Crago died at 12:32pm on a jobsite, he was 47 years old. For the last 19 years I have toasted him many times on his birthday and the day he left us and many other times. I never really talked about what impact he has had on my life in writing or to many people. Crying a little everyday for the last 19 years is what my emotions have been for this many years. This is a small story about the impact he has had on my life. 

      He taught me how to live and he taught me how to die. He left a legacy that lives on today. The legacy of his wife, kids, and grandkids. His spirit lives in Scott, Laura, Stephanie, and myself. I see it in Josh, Justin, Travis, Will and Ava. Being a Crago to us is a very special meaning of strong, work hard, keep your circle small,  take care of the people you love, along with a bit of stubbornness. Just a little bit of stubborness ;).

       I miss him everyday and wonder what he would look like today? Would he have grey hair? Grey Beard? Would he be building log homes in North Carolina with me? What would he be like with a newborn Ava in his hands. How proud would he be when  Josh graduates from college this spring, or Justin serving this country in the Marines. Or how about Travis going into the military after high school and Will swinging a bat the way he did. Watching his son Scott become so successful as a father and with his company that now he is in charge of two manufacturing plants in Tennessee. His daughter going from a show girl in Las Vegas to New york City chasing her dream as a Radio City Rocket to a very popular and Successful Spinning Instructor where she became so successful that they transfered her to Los Angeles, CA.
         
        As for me the things I miss the most are too many to list. He made buildings things feel like a part of life, not a job. Thats why I have stuck with building for my career. From Mid-Rise Buildings to Log Homes. I so much enjoyed building with him and the commeraterie we had on the jobsite that it still follows me today. I recall the times of getting up early and going to Homer and Maggies for breakfast. Maggie always had a big breakfast for us in Evans City, Pa as if she was cooking for an army. If you left Maggies hungry it was your own fault. Homer was a man that was my Dads best friend and I make it a point to stop by everytime I come home. Everytime I see him I can see his eyes with tears in them and we dont even have to say anything, we just know. Homer tells me everytime I see him that he thinks of my Dad everyday. That makes two of us. My Dad left an impression on so many people that it was very evident at his Funeral. 

         Driving around when I go home to PA I remember why I build. When I was building back then I never thought about how much money I was going to make or what I was going to spend it on, now I realize that the most important part was that I was with Dad. He showed me the importance of loving what you do for your soul and not for the money. Could he have gotten a job at the Armco the local steel mill? He might have but then again would he love it? He built because he loved it and supported his family with the occupation he loved. The small things that I think of what he did for us makes me so  grateful for having him as my father. 

         Growing up around my Parents they helped me realize the importance of helping others out. Whether it is  helping an old lady to her car with groceries or pulling over on the side of the road to help someone change a tire. Dad went out of his way for people to help them out anyway he could. He volunteered at Mt Chestnut Presbyterian church with his many skills. Helping people out is a Crago trait, we are born with it. One of my memories with my children already is a time I was cleaning out my camper. They were two and as I was in the camper both Wil and Ava came in and asked if they could help. Carrying all the bags that I was packing to the garage made me one proud Dad not only for the help but the way they asked to help without me asking them. Over the past couple years their intuition to help me is a trait born in the Crago's. 

         As I look back at the last 19 years without my Dad I realize what a ride I have taken in my life. From packing my bags in 1997 and moving to Charlotte, NC without any job, no place to live, and $600 dollars. He taught me the confidence that if I believed in myself and know that with determination and confidence I can achieve anything. My life has taken me from Charlotte to Hilton Head for a couple years and then back to Charlotte and finally settling in Mooresville after building my own home.   The trip I have had has been challenging and tough. Even though he has not been here to see the ride I know he has been watching over me. Certain times in life I have asked him about what to do and he has shown me the way. Its funny how life has been laid out for me in certain circumstances. 

         One of the best descriptions of my Dad was the poem my Uncle Larry wrote about him and it was read by the minister. Uncle Larry has always been great at writing about a person we lost with the start of his Daughter and then his Dad. This is the peom he wrote.

How do you describe what Will meant to you?

He was a super husband, father of three, and grandfather of two.

He was your friend in need, always there to lend a hand, crack a joke or offer the dinner prayer.

Did you play with him in those backyard ballgames?

When no one could catch him but he always fell down.

He was a competitor extaordinaire

Playing even those games, as though they were for the championship crown.

Do you remember what a good sport he was when he heard the news.

That someone at his wedding, wrote HELP on the bottom of his shoes?

His coffee was always ready, with chili or something in the pot.

Along with a smile for you whether you needed it or not.

He was fearless and agile and living proof. 

Was watching him move when he was shingling a roof.

Once on a roof, he took a spill.

He hit the ground and smiles, as you would expect from Wil.

"Are you Ok" from the roof came a call.

He started to laugh then answered "I'm fine, because I know how to fall"

Perhaps you were on the golf trip with him when his breakfast you thought he sent back.

Then suprisingly on hole no. 6 he took and egg out of his bag and said, "I need a little snack."

We all had great times on the canoe trips he took.

There are so many funny stories to tell, each of us could write a book.

There are so many things to remember about Wil. His sense of humor, his Bubbling personality, his bacon and eggs and especially the legendary buck propped on Lenny's Hill. 

Yes, we'll always remember our man of the day.

For he made our lives happier in so many ways.  

Thanks Uncle Larry

I thank you for being in my life Dad for the short time you were. Just like Garth Brooks sang, I could have missed the pain, but then I would have missed the dance. 

I Love You Dad and someday I will see you again.