Tag Archives: whatever it takes

Dad’s Shared Stories Turned into My Dream

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.
dad's shared stories

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.

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