Gems from Dad

Father's Day made me think so much of my Dad. No one can deny the significance of a Dad in a child's life. So many predictors of success are determined by Dads. The presence and love of a Dad not only makes a child's life possible, but also much easier, and happier and better. I am mindful of friends though who for one reason or another do not have Dads as a part of their lives. My heart is with them - and I am confident, that God reaches out His arms to them more abundantly. All of us have Dads though - and we can learn from them, one way or another.

My Dad has a pioneer heart. He wasn't one to say that he loved us on a daily basis, but he sure showed it. He taught us to pray, he taught us to serve, he taught us to be disciplined and diligent. He showed through his example a tireless and faithful devotion and dedication to our Creator. He fulfilled his callings and responsibilities one hundred percent. He was the first to show up and the last to leave - cleaning up after everyone was gone.

My Dad is a builder. From a young age he was given heavy burdens and responsibilities - being asked to stay in the mountains and tend thousands of sheep by himself from an early age. He learned courage and responsibility and faith. He was not afraid of hard tasks before him. After selling his sheep business, he went back to school with nine children and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Yes, my Dad is also brilliant. At the same time he was building our large 3 story home, to accommodate his large and growing family. He knew no limits to work and effort, often staying up late into the night to complete his school assignments.

My Dad has a tender heart. I have often seen him begin to cry - sometimes uncontrollably when sharing tender memories of feelings. The stories he shared as a missionary in the Philippines for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are what gave me the desire to also serve as a missionary in Argentina. He loved the people of his mission, and he gave his whole heart to serve and bless them.

My Dad worked so hard, so that his 9 daughters and 2 sons could have every opportunity they could - music lessons, travel, education. He wanted us to succeed, and in turn bless the world through our talents.

My Dad's patience is amazing. As a young 17 year old driver I got into 3 accidents (3 different cars) in 2 months. Yes, they were all my fault. He was very patient through all of them, until after the last one he said kindly "Jo, you must be under a lot of pressure right now". I knew, my Dad had mastered the principle of patience.

My Dad loves my Mom and has served along side her for nearly 50 years, to bless our family. It has never been beneath him to fold laundry, do the dishes, cook a meal, or make our beds. It happened so often, that it was not uncommon for my Mom to ask him to do something else, so that she could do it. He would wake up early to make breakfast, then wake us up and kneel with us by our beds to pray.

As a little girl, I begged to go with my Dad to visit his property in the mountains, or tend his beehives. I loved how I felt when I was around him. He was so willing to answer any question I had - patiently and respectfully. He made me feel like I was the most important thing to him.

My Dad has been faithful to my Mom. In a world of so many distractions, my Dad has disciplined himself and been faithful and dedicated to my Mom. I never worried about my Dad's commitment or honesty or faithfulness. He has a pure heart, and that means a lot to a daughter.

In the end, I couldn't have asked for a better Dad. And though he has never gotten a lot of praise for his fancy clothes, nice cars, or debonair ways (he doesn't care for them :), he has the love and affection of this little girl forever.

I love you, Dad!

What are some things that you love and respect about your Dad?