Fatherhood....

I know this time of year everyone claims to have the "best dad ever". I do. I grew up in a large family where my father often worked more than one job just to "make ends meet". We had a comfortable, simple home. We always had food to eat and clean clothes to wear but with six children our funding was limited for things like entertainment, restaurants, and extracurriculars. As an adult I recognize the things my parents would do to save money that as a child seemed "pretty normal". I never once remember feeling poor or unfortunate. Saturday mornings my dad would wake us up early and take us on hikes in the mountains. We would be gone for hours and I would learn so much. He spoke to us as adults and I honestly feel this time spent with him helped me expand my vocabulary and learn new things that I didn't realize then, but later would become invaluable.

My father sacrificed time to help out with every science fair project, taught us to grow crystals, make yogurt, milk our pet goats, serve others, garden, live the gospel and to analyze the world around us. I can't even express the gratitude for the countless hours spent late at night working on the math homework that I chose to postpone. He helped me until it was completed and turned around the next morning and would wake up around 4 or 5 am to get to work on time. All just so I could get the assignment in on time.

My father would hardly yell in our home and has never treated my mother with anything less than love. He is the hardest worker I have ever met and I am constantly amazed by his knowledge of how to do just about everything! I think the single most important thing he ever taught me was not to limit myself. He has always challenged his kids to do their best and to continually learn about the world around them. I watch now with amazement as he falls into his role of "grandpa". My nieces and nephews adore him and he always has time to take them on tractor rides or go for walks with them.

I remember multiple times when my dad would invite homeless men in need of work to our home to help him in the yard. He paid them a fair wage and gave them food and water. I would watch as they would work together talking. One man passed on a paperback book to him as a gift. The pages tattered and torn but it made me realize how much this small thing meant to these men.

One year my dad took me on a backpacking trip to one of the tallest peaks in Utah. About 20 feet from the top I was toast. I had not adequately prepared for the task and my mind told me I could not possibly go any further. This had been my second attempt and my heart yearned to make it to the top. I couldn't see it happening though. I could only feel my legs giving out and my lungs burning. After five minutes of rest, grey clouds began rolling in and my dad looked at me and told me that I had to make the choice of whether or not we would continue. He wouldn't go on without me. Finally I stood up and slowly we completed the final ascent. My father helped me to stay focused on something I was certain I couldn't do. He let it be my choice in the end but climbed next to me every step of the way. Such has been the way most things in my life have been. He has always allowed me to make my choices and has continued to support me in them.

I can't begin to express the amount of love that I have for my father. He has always been supportive and loving and has taught me so much. Even the news of me marrying a man he had never met didn't phase him. He continued to be loving and supportive and even drove my belonging cross country so I would have them before moving to PA. He sacrifices so much for his family always going above and beyond.

Now to the future father of MY children. I have to say that I look forward to the time of raising kids with him with eagerness. I watch how committed and supportive my husband is to my step-son and how much effort he puts into teaching him the skills and values that I think I are so important to teach kids. Things like a good work ethic, resonsibility, knowledge and respect. I see these attributes so strongly laced in my husband and I know that he will work to instill these same things in our own children.

I am so thankful for the gift of fathers. Lastly, I must express gratitude for my Father in Heaven. Continually He teaches me what I need to know to get through life. Words can't begin to express but I must say that on a day such as this I am humbled at all He gives.