My Dad Reino Kolu

My Dad has been at Orchard Cove since February of this year. He is 79 years old born on April 29, 1929. He has had Parkinsons for over 20 years. He now suffers from dementia as well. He always was a hard working man who never missed work. He worked at two papermills, one in Minnesota and one in Oregon. He worked on the Dew Line in 1959. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening, raising sheep, raising kids, and service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He built 3 homes and could fix anything! Dad was always the friendliest man in any circle. He would shake anyone's hand and talk to them. He had a wonderful way about him and could always put others at ease and make them feel welcome. Dad is a first generation Finnish American. His parents were Hjalmar and Bertha Kolu. He grew up on a farm in Northern Minnesota. His first language was Finnish. His sister's name was Esther. His brother was Eino.

Labor Day

My daughter Becky, her husband Chris, their son Sam, my daughter Amy and I went to see my Dad at Orchard Cove today September 1, 2008. He told us a fun story I have titled

The Great Escape!

Video Transcript:

You know this is the darndest place --

you can lay in that bed right there and you couldn't get out.

You can lay in that bed right there and what?

You can't get out. You're stuck in there.

From there to there and you are that far from the wall

and you can't get at that switch. I escaped once.

You escaped once. Where'd you go?

The office.

Down to the office. Did they bring you back?

Yeah they always bring you back.

(Bold comments are Dad and italicized comments are Sandy, Becky or Chris)

Some times he likes to ignore me this next clip is called-

Don't talk to me!

The Little Boy and the Old Man

by Shel Silverstein

Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."

Said the little old man, "I do that too."

The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."

"I do that too," laughed the little old man.

Said the little boy, "I often cry."

The old man nodded, "So do I."

"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems

Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."

And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.

"I know what you mean," said the little old man.

I love my Dad and want to thank him publicly for the many things he taught me and the great example he has been to me.

Thanks Dad

I Love You