The Shoe Really was a SHOE

A Little Family History

I am from a small town in Southern Ohio, Waverly, where everybody knows your name.  Yes, it took a Village to  Raise a Child.  Just let me explain…your parents knew what you might have done...or maybe thought you might do before you ever got home. My parents had a small business called Schmitt’s Dairy which included a milk processing plant and a diner called Schmitt's Dairy Bar where there were many town meetings. I soon learned that having your own business meant a day away or maybe even a weekend away was the limit of our family vacation time. Our only vacations were trips to all OHIO STATE Home Football Games and at least one away game so we could visit other universities.  As soon as all drivers showed up, trucks were loaded, and all coolers were in top condition, our family traveled North on State Route 23 all the way to Olentangy River Road.  Needless to say my sister, Linda, my brother John, and I all became BUCKEYES.  

I DID TRY the Same Recruiting Method my Parents Used

This is a photo of our daughters at their first O.S.U. Game. Andi of course was all in for this adventure.  And then there was Emily.  I couldn’t wait to see her face when THE BEST Damn BAND IN THE LAND came through that tunnel.  She immediately got down behind our seats as the thunder of the crowd was too much.  I should have known before we left home….PINK OUTFIT?!?  Both of our girls left Ohio to attend College.  Our alma maters, OSU and  Case Western Reserve …not a choice for the Yanok sisters. 

My Mother is Still trying to ReCRUIT HER GREAT Grandchildren!

Some of My BEST Memories

On the way to BEAT That State up North…We did make it to the Shoe!

Some of my most recent memories was attending games with my brother and his family. I think we always felt my dad’s spirit was somewhere close by.  My mother actually drove about 75 miles to the games with a couple of friends until she was in her late 80”s.  She had an elevator pass after she had both knees replaced. That is a TRUE BUCKEYE!

Now you know why my mother’s 97th Birthday gift was extra special.  So thankful that a group of amazing band members from my home town took the time to play some of her most favorite songs that still bring back wonderful memories.  It took the Village to make this possible. Hoping my father, sister, and brother were listening from above.  I know Patti, my sister-in-law and I both had tears that day.

My standard closing Gift for new Buckeyes that cross the state line for a better life. Actually some great families are adding talent to O.S.U.