IN THE SPIRIT OF THE
CHRISTMAS SEASON AND
FAMILY
I grew up with the Allegheny National Forest as my backyard and when I say backyard, I mean that our farm’s property literally bordered the Allegheny National Forest. I loved walking or riding my horse through the woods exploring new places, and actually got lost twice in my own “Backyard”.
My love of the forest came from my father, Paul Morgan. Let me tell you, He is one tough man. As a young man, he enlisted in the army and became a paratrooper. He carried this skill with him into his career with the U. S. Forestry Department by jumping into forests to fight big fires. Dad would volunteer to go fight fires in California, West Virginia, and all up & down the west coast.
Believe me, He would come home with some hilarious stories. While fighting one fire in West Virginia he told us how they had to jump into a very dense and unpopulated area of the Monongahela National Forest. After Dad and his crew landed and got out of their parachutes they were making their way into position to start fighting the fire. While walking through the woods they came across a group of actual West Virginia Hillbillies that hadn’t had contact with outsiders for some time. He told of how they not only welcomed the smoke jumpers but shared some mighty potent moonshine, and a wild time was had by all!
But that was my dad, He could be friends with anyone and treated everyone like they were a new story to learn about. He would occasionally go to Quantico to advance his knowledge of the laws. This led him to be on patrol in the parks and campgrounds. He was so loved by the people who came back year after year that if a problem arose, Some would ask for Paul, and only comply after they talked with him.
The oil leases in the forest were also one of his areas to patrol. The same thing happened here as he was even revered by the oil people he was sent out to inspect. He didn’t rush in and write tickets or fine them right off the bat, He would sit down and talk to them so they would work out a solution using common sense, Not just a rules and regulations book of laws. Dad found friends in unconventional ways.
My dad’s duties varied tremendously. He supervised timber sales, oil leases, and parks and campgrounds. He was also a talented Sawyer. One year he was chosen to cut down the Christmas tree that went to the White House. We got to watch him on TV while he cut that 60’ plus tree. We were all so proud. When the floods hit one year he had to go out in boats to dive into the water to release the picnic tables that were chained to the ground. During below 0 degrees winter days, he would drive snowmobile miles and miles through the forests to be able to accomplish his duties and even snowshoe to certain parts of rugged terrain.
No matter what his duty entailed, He embraced each one as an adventure. Instead of complaining or whining, Dad would come home with hilarious stories that would make us all laugh. Whether he had fallen head first into a snow embankment or fallen out of a boat or been chased by a bear, He had a way of turning everything into a fantastic, funny adventure.
Watching my father and mother as I grew up taught me my work ethic, My kindness to people, My kindness to animals, My love of adventure and to not be afraid of anything. And if you were afraid, Just put your head down and run right at it! I remember being a bit of a wild child a few times and this is what my father told me…
“You can have a lot of fun without hurting anyone or damaging other peoples’ property.”I took this to heart and although I continue to be a bit of a “Wild Child,” I will always keep this advice close to my heart.
I feel I must add one little piece to this. My dad is an amazing man but I must also give credit to my awesome Mother (that could be another cool story to tell, Mom.) Every day about 30 minutes before my dad would get home from work, My mother would go fix her hair and make-up. I asked her why she did this and she told me “That is what a woman does for her hard-working man.” Now mind you, She also worked hard outside of the home so don’t go thinking she was a stay-at-home mom. But to hear her say that showed me how much they love each other.
Thank you Mom and Dad for being the kind of parents a daughter can look up to.
Love you both, xxxx oooo
