HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I was blessed with a pretty amazing father. He was the kind that was at all my ball games, Beehive church ball included, and even some of my practices (which embarrassed me like crazy at the time). The kind that stood up for what he felt was right, even if it meant leaving a very successful company or disagreeing with friends. The kind that was tough yet a softie, firm but understanding, a leader yet anybody's friend, and not perfect but always giving it his all. The kind that I knew loved me, NOT just because of his actions but because he told me on a regular basis.

My dad passed away unexpectedly when I was just 15. Although I am often upset with myself for not remembering more memories of my youth, the events of his passing remain extremely vivid in my mind:

Like driving to the hospital in the back seat of my grandparents car in the middle of the night, shivering like crazy even though the warm heater air was blowing directly on me.
Like walking into the hospital room just a couple hours after he had died, and instantly recognizing it was just his body. It wasn't him.
Like the tender comfort of the Holy Ghost that brought peace to my heart during the toughest week of my life.

However, although my dad's DEATH has obviuosly had a huge effect on me, it is because of the way he LIVED that I am a better, stronger person.



I have also been blessed with a wonderful father-in-law. A father whose love for me I have never questioned. A father who takes my kids out back to play in the sandbox together or to choose an apple from the apple tree, then sit together and it eat...with salt, of course. A father who taught his son to honor the Priesthood and serve faithfully whenever called. A father who makes the void of not having my Dad here a little easier to bear.



Lastly, the greatest blessing of all is my husband and the father to my kids who is far greater than I could have ever dreamed. I am realizing more and more that you just can't really know what kind of a father someone will be until you are in the situation; and then it is a bit too late to change your mind. Honestly, I don't think I even knew exactly what kind of a husband/ father I wanted. Or needed. Lucky for me, Kyle knew what kind he wanted to be, and he is exactly that kind... hands on, involved, patient, can't get enough of his wife and kids, family fun before fishing, hard working, put on my tool belt and fix it- kind of dad.

I can honestly say that there is NOTHING better then hearing a car drive up at about 5:30 p.m. during the week, because that means...

DAD IS HOME!
And in this house, that is far better than Christmas.

Happy Father's Day

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