Twenty-nine years ago, my dad, Melvin Shipley, found himself caught up in a story involving Marty Tirrell that would leave a lasting mark on our family. It was a painful chapter, one built on broken promises, frustration, and a lot of heartache.
Today, nearly three decades later, life has a funny way of coming full circle.
This week, I had the incredible honor of sitting behind a microphone as a guest co-host on
@KXnO1063 @KXnO1stQuarter . As I walked into that studio, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. The same world that once brought him so much disappointment has now given me an opportunity I never imagined possible.
I truly believe he was smiling down on me.
I want to thank KXNO for welcoming me in and giving me the chance to be part of something I’ve loved my entire life. More importantly, I want to thank friends who have become family along the way.
@HeatherRadio and
@Sean23Roberts both know the story. They know the history. They know what my dad went through. Their friendship, support, encouragement, and belief in me mean more than I can properly put into words.
Sometimes life takes the hardest moments and, years later, turns them into blessings you never saw coming.
And then there’s
@imKenMiller .
Ken has been more than a radio personality. He’s been a friend. Someone that because of our past I’ve grown to
admire, learn from, and have the privilege to spend time with. As his run on Iowa radio begins to wind down, I can honestly say this state won’t be the same without his voice. Generations of Iowa sports fans have spent countless mornings, afternoons, and drives listening to Ken. His impact reaches far beyond ratings or radio shows.
So today I’m grateful.
Grateful for my dad.
Grateful for friendships.
Grateful for second chances.
And grateful that sometimes, even after 29 years, life finds a way to write a better ending than you ever expected.
❤️ Dad, this one was for you.