| Duclos
named Father of the Year
Mike Duclos was named Father of the Year at Prairie League’s Daddy Date Night. 
He was chosen based on an essay written by his daughter Kayla. Following is that essay: I have always been Daddy’s girl. For me it has always been, “I wanna go to work with Daddy…” “I wanna sit by my Daddy.” Typical little girl! I can remember riding around the living room on his back playing horses when I was younger. Even now I have heard people comment how I am just my dad’s little shadow because I am often beside him wherever we go. But now that I am older, it is not these simple outspoken statements that make me a “Daddy’s girl.” I have a deep respect for my Dad that has only been strengthened over the years. My dad has always been there for me. He is the one that is there to hug me when I need it, cry with me when something goes wrong in my life, and of course laugh with me. I know by his actions that he loves me and my family unconditionally. He shows us every day by offering support and friendship! On top of this, he maintains an extremely positive attitude, the spirit of a true optimist. I love it when my dad turns on the oldies station on some Sundays after church and sings along cheerfully! This might come as a surprise to those who know my dad, but sometimes he even dances around the house singing! :) He can lighten the mood of any gloomy day. I know that is cannot be easy all the time to find the good in every situation. In fact it is much easier for me on many occasions to only talk about what I am bummed about or what went wrong. But my dad is the one who never fails to say “it’s going to be ok” and call attention to the good that we fail to see. My dad has always had the rare talent of being able to make people laugh at any given moment. When I was little (an sometimes even now) he would make a funny face or say something so funny that I would be forced to smile, even when I was pouty or was trying to be angry. I love him so much! Dad, I want you to know that I have learned so much from you over the years. You have taught me in all areas, from how to drive a tractor to how to balance a checkbook. Your constant love and support have shaped me into the person that I am. I will never take for granted everything you have done for me. Thank you for teaching me gentleness and patience in the face of frustration and perseverance during challenging times. Thank you for teaching me how to love! I could not ask for a better man to call my father. I know you are forever going to be by my side in my life no matter what. And I promise to always be your girl! I will never be able to thank you enough for all the lessons you have taught by your solid example. I know you have loved me for the past seventeen years, but Dad, I have loved you for my whole life. <3 Kayla Suzanne Duclos |
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