Friday, June 29, 2012

June 1 2012

I guess you may have been wondering - "what happened to Vicky?" It's a a long story. It isn't like I don't have a stack of things on my desk to write about - because I do. But I just could not face writing this until now.
On March 25th ,my Dad went into the hospital. On June 1st, Dad died. It has been hard to come here and not see him. Shannon and I have days that if you came by - all you would see is two crying women. But Dad was such a wonderful man. He ws always happy and he loved his life. his family and this cleaners. It was his baby. And now it is up to Shanoon and I to take care of his baby and maybe help it grow.
Last night, we received the honor of a lifetime. Cowboy Cleaners is the 2012 Volunteer of the Year - small business from the United Way. We have recieved many honors over the years. Some you have seen on the front page of this web site. But this is so amazing. Even though I accepted it- this is truly the culmination of my Dad's work and life.It was Dad who taught me to give to others.It was Dad who taught us patience and thoughtfulness. So thanks to Dad , Shannon and I learned it truly is better to give than to receive. We have learned the joy of helping others. we have learned the joy of trying to lend a helping hand. We have learned the joy of taking what we do best and find a way to give back to our community. As I accepted the award last night, I was smiling and crying at the same time. Because all could think was Dad would be so proud.
So thank you for waiting for me to get back to the computer and write this. Thank you to everyone who has called and hugged me. Thank you for the kind words.There have been so may lives and hearts that were touched by Dad. I will miss him everyday. I will love him until I breath my last breath. I will try to honor him in everthing I do, everyday. Don Maisel was my Dad. I was bleesed to have been born his daughter. I will continue to try to share that blessing with everyone I meet. My only hope, is when I die - that I will have made such a difference  and left so many loving me as Dad did. If I can be half the person he was - then I will have accomplished much.


Don Maisel March 26,1953 - June1,2012