Fathers' Day

As today is Father's Day and I remember Dresden wrote the blog post on Mother's Day, I feel it is appropriate if I write today. I was awakened with all my family coming in to give me a hug this morning. It was very nice. I had my favorite- orange rolls for breakfast. I even got a Kit Kat bar at church!

After church my wife and children bestowed some gifts on me, which I was very appreciative to receive. First, and definitely my favorite Father's Day card I have received EVER:

Thanks, Troy (I mean "secret person").

Next, Leslie gave me a beautiful tile she made in Young Women for me. Very wonderful.

Evelyn made me a special tie at church, and Jonas gave me a new designer T-shirt.
There were other things, these are just a sample. Thanks to all my children and to my wife for making this a wonderful day.

Now, I must say a few words about my Father. I thought about what I could say- and I realized that every memory I have, every piece of knowledge, every experience, and every moment I have had- I owe to him. He brought me up, he tried to teach me and love me. He gave me the best gift- his example. His love for my mother was always there- unquestionable. For that I have to say: Thanks, Dad. A few wonderful memories of my dad:

- I don't remember the day I was born, but I was told my father was so happy he brought my mother fresh roses. Whenever I heard that or thought of it, it gave me comfort because it spoke of the love my father had of me from the start.

- When I was very young, my father used to take me camping with him. I remember how much I loved that.

- My youth is riddled with thousands of memories of my father sitting down late in the evening with his guitar or banjo and playing some of his favorite tunes. He would -with great patience- endure our endless requests to hear OUR favorites: Tom Dooley, The Court of King Caractacus, Crabs Walk Sideways, Three Legged Man, and my personal favorite: Eddie Cootchie Catchy Kama Tosa Neera Tosa Noka Sama Kama Wacky-Brown. I really loved those evenings. Dad would sing, and we would listen with rapt attention.

- When I was in scouting, it was because of my dad I was able to get to my Eagle. He helped me come up with the idea of restoring the Headstone of our ward's old building. This restored stone still stands in Marriott at the ward park.

- My father took me on a trip to Orlando, FL to Disney world and Epcot when I was 14. We stayed in the Yogi Bear campground and I remember that one night it rained and poured, but we didn't care- we were inside. I remember my dad telling me "goodnight" as we went to sleep- and I remember feeling such an overwhelming sense of love for him.

- In High School my dad and I didn't always see things eye-to-eye, but I remember one night, after a play performance, my dad came to my room to tell me how proud he was of me, and he gave me a watch as a gift. Such kindness and generosity.

- My father wrote to me faithfully every week while I was on my mission- sometimes more often. His letters were always full of encouragement and love.

- When I returned from my mission, he was the one I came running to when the tears were unrestrained as I realized my mission was over.

- My father was there the day I made the decision to ask a young girl to be mine. He was the one who gave me the sage advice to marry my best friend- I will never forget this. It was the best advice I think I have ever received.

- My dad and I drove a large Ryder truck across the country as we moved my little family from California to UT. The brakes caught on fire somewhere in Colorado. My dad was the one who got out and threw snow on the tires to save us!

- As I saw my father become the bishop of our ward, I grew to love and respect him even more. Then when I thought my relationship with him was the best ever, it got better as I became Young Men president and together we built a climbing wall in his back yard for the boys (and us boys at heart) to climb on! Those really were the best days ever!

- Over the many years, my father has laid his hands on my head more times than I can count- and blessed me. Most recently as I was getting ready to go overseas for military deployment. But he has blessed me even more often through touching my heart. I am glad he is my dad, and I look forward to the many more memories and experiences I will be able t have with him in the future.

Thanks, Dad! Happy Father's Day.

And Happy Father's Day to all the men in my life. My Father-In Law, my brothers, and each brother-in law who has influenced me and helped me become a better person.