FATHER'S DAY 2014

I can definitely see the hand of the Lord in my life as I consider the parents and home where I was sent to live.  I am grateful for parents who listen to the spirit and act on promptings they receive (like moving to Utah when we all thought they were ruining our lives!).  

I actually wrote this post (no it is not an obituary) a year ago but thought it was appropriate to share today!

FATHER'S DAY 2013

I am surrounded by men who exemplify what Fatherhood is all about.  Of course, I must start by paying tribute to my own father.  

For 53 years this man has been my rock! 

 I can never remember a time that I didn't have him on a pedestal.  

3 Things I love about my dad:

1)  HE LOVES MY MOTHER!  
I have always known this fact.  I have always known that she is the most important person in his life.  Her comfort  and her happiness are paramount.  He loves to be with her--he wants her with him.  I can remember as a child that sometimes I thought it was so "dumb" that mom always had to go with him on business trips--we needed her more than he did, right?  
Sister Elaine Dalton, a previous YW General President said the following in 
October Conference of 2011, 

"“The most important thing a father can do for his [daughter] is to love [her] mother.” By the way you love her mother, you will teach your daughter about tenderness, loyalty, respect, compassion, and devotion. She will learn from your example. . .what qualities to seek in a future spouse. You can show your daughter by the way you love and honor your wife that she should never settle for less. Your example will teach your daughter to value womanhood. You are showing her that she is a daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves her. "
Of all the qualities mentioned by Sister Dalton and that my dad has taught me,  I hope I have learned to befiercely loyal and devoted to those I love--just like he is!

2) HE LOVES TO WORK AND PLAY!  
I have often joked that work is my father's play. At 78 he is still one of the hardest working men I know.  Whether it be in the office, in a church assignment, in the garden--he can outwork even the youngest and strongest in our family.  His schedule would weary a 25 year old.  His stamina is unbelievable.  Too busy? Too tired?  Not in his vocabulary or mind set!
If I have heard this quote from Heber J Grant once, I have heard it a million times from the lips of my father:

“Our primary purpose was to set up . . . a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with. . . and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people,” President Heber J. Grant said during the October 1936 general conference. “The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 3).

Work is a principle that has been taught, demonstrated and praised in our home.  To work hard and do a job right and well is a hallmark of what our parents have taught us.

While no one works harder than my dad no one PLAYS harder either.  It is agreed in our family that no one plans a better vacation than my dad.  No holds barred!  Go big or go home!  Have the whole experience and make it a memory.

From allowing us to taste lobster in a fancy restaurant as kids to ordering cheeseburger pizza for all the great grandkids in Branson--you don't miss any minute of an experience when you are with dad.  A bakery or an ice cream shop is never passed by! Purchasing Amish quilts or Santa hats--because it is part of the experience--is part of the fun!

He has always been so generous in providing opportunities for us to have fun as a family--no matter how large the family gets!  It is something I hope I can do for my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren!

3) HE IS A GREAT TEACHER

 My dad has a gift to teach!  He has a gift with words (both verbal and written) and expressing his thoughts and feelings in a way that is clear and interesting and understandable.  He is always looking for teaching moments and ways to share his testimony.  His abilities as a speaker are legendary and in demand.  More than once I have had someone recall a talk that dad had given in a Stake Conference or a lesson from a gospel doctrine class that impacted their lives for good.  His teaching capacity goes beyond the spoken word into action.  He lives what he teaches and that in itself is a sermon.  You can feel confident if you are following in his footsteps that you are headed in the right direction--spiritually or physically.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!  I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!