1965. East Lansing, Michigan. Cattle Auction.

Today’s story is from Jan Miller McGilliard.

Allen Miller leaned against a metal gate pole. The auctioneer’s call echoed the walls. It filled the hall. Farmers frantically bid. Cows sold. Every one was destined to go.

Allen was no buyer tonight.
He needed to sell his prize Jersey cow.

Jan’s dad Allen Miller in World War II
on the shores of England.

“Final call, I’ve got four hundred. Going once, going twice.” The gavel slammed down on a hard wooden block. Sold! She was gone.

Allen, a small dairy farmer in rural Michigan, was a hard working man. This Jersey was his pride. It was revered among neighbors and friends. Allen had done what dads often do…give what they have so their kids can have more. He collected the $400 with a big country man’s smile.

His 16-year-old daughter could now have her childhood dream.

It started 22 years before. Allen was stationed in Kimbolton, England during WWII. He risked his life defending those shores. In gratitude, the English had opened their homes and revealed their hearts.

Allen often shared stories of this wonderful land. His daughter, Jan would sit spellbound, glued to Dad’s words.

Jan often said, “My dream, Dad? To stand on English sand, in the spot your boots had pressed in.”

But money was tight. Allen had checked on the price of this trip. No chance. The cost was too high.

Then one night the phone rang. A charter company. A cancellation. One seat left. A very low price. The worth of a very fine cow. Allen paused, He imagined Jan on those shores,

“Yes. I’ll buy that seat on the flight.” He knew his Jersey would go. No medals. No fame.

Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. Fathers Day – June 16th (Moms, too – May 12th) A smile on their face?

Whatever it takes.
That’s what dads do — and moms too.

(1990) 25 years after Jan’s dream trip at 16, she and her dad tour England together.