| Ratcliff
named Father of the Year
Jeff Ratcliff has been named Father of the Year by the Prairie League. Following is the essay written by his daughter Tannor that earned him that distinction: Dear Daddy, 
I would like to start off by saying thank you, thank you for everything you do for me and everything you have done for me throughout my life. Thank you for always being there to give me positive reinforcement in every decision I make and you always standing by me when I make poor decisions too. Thank you for giving me a wonderful, happy, healthy childhood and giving me everything I needed to grow into the person I am today. And now that I am at the point in my life where I have to start making my own decisions and being my own person I know I will always have you by my side to guide me to the right places and to support me. Since you raised me to be a strong and independent person I know I can make the right decisions thanks to you. Growing up I’ve always been a daddy’s girl and let’s be honest you may have spoiled me just a wee bit. Whether it’s buying me sparkly red shoes because mom wouldn’t or brushing my hair a hundred times every night because I thought that would make it extra soft or making me breakfast when I sleep in a little too late and miss when everyone else ate. I couldn’t ask for a better role model to have had growing up or a better person to call my dad. You have taught me so much throughout my life so far and I know there are only more lessons to be learned. One of the biggest lessons you have taught me is the value of hard work. You always worked so hard to make sure I was happy and healthy and had everything I thought I needed. You have always been caring, forgiving, and patient with me which I’m sure was hard to do. All the times I’m positive that my driving scared you instead of yelling at me you always calmly told me what to do. With all the time I broke the rules, came home a little too late, and did not listen to what you told me, you always patiently retold me the rules and forgave me for breaking them. Now that I’m a senior and the time left at home is dwindling away I get the chance to look back at all the memories that have been made and all of the things I will miss. It’s not the big things but all of the little things that I do with you and you do for me that I will miss the most. I will miss the way you say I love you every time one of us leaves the house, the way you cook for me, and how you always ask me how my week was when you get home. I will miss just being around you and even watching Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory with you. I will miss the way you always hug me tight and smile when you greet me, they way you make me coffee, and the way you take care of me. I honestly don’t think I will ever be able to thank you enough for all you have done, but today and every day always remember how truly grateful I am that I have you and that I do love you. Love always, Tannor |
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