Monroe 19917 LTT

My Patina Thunderdome was all about celebrating being a father. From the fun parts to the hard parts, each activity provided a story of fatherhood written on the surface of my boots, and the competition itself reminded me of the lessons I've learned from being a parent. One thing being a dad has taught me is to share as many experiences as you can with family, because those are the memories you will cherish forever. Competing with my daughter in this Patina Thunderdome was that kind of experience. I'll never forget seeing her face light up when I would suggest we wear our pairs together, or showing her how to brush and condition her boots. It was special to see the interest she had in something important to me. Another lesson that the Patina Thunderdome has reinforced is that care is key to loving something. Brushing out scratches, conditioning scrapes, knocking mud and rocks out of lugs reminded me of the way they have served me as well as I am serving them. The patina itself is like a diary - I can see the microscratches on the edge dressing from pulling a sled through icy snow. I can see the marks on the toe and sole from kicking shovels and tools during house projects. I can see the heel wear from sitting "criss-cross applesauce" at the museum. Simpler, fewer, better is a good way to live as a dad, because the last thing you need to worry about is what to wear when there are a thousand other demands on you all the time. These boots handled the slushiest, grimiest moments of the past six months as well as some of the most tender and intimate ones. Hiking, hauling kids out of cars while standing in snowbanks, storytime, visits with grandparents - having one pair of boots that can do it all was invaluable. In short, this competition really fits where I am in my life as a dad, so thank you for the opportunity to participate. Cheers to getting out there, living life, and making memories and connections to last a lifetime.