Daddy's Girl

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My Dad with Julia


This man means the world to me. Before I tell you all how great he is and what an impact he had in my life, I want to apologize. I am sorry that you all didn't have my dad, you missed out on a pretty great dad! Having said that, I know most girls have a special place in their heart for their father. So, you would probably feel just as badly for me not having your father. I get it, but I really feel that I got the best dad ever. Let me tell you a bit about him.

First off, he was an awesome missionary to the great state of Oregon (and surrounding areas) in '79. After my parents were married and I came along, my dad decided to go out for Cosmo. I know, way too cool! Sadly for me, I was deathly afraid of him in his get up and have the pictures to prove it. On a good note, it happened to be the year that they won all that college stuff. He got to "see the world". Oh, but before I say he "saw the world" he really did "see the world" as an Air Force ("brat" - nickname for military children) dependent. He lived in Germany for a while and then saw some of the United States. Needless to say, change was the norm in his family growing up.

In my opinion, my Dad got to do tons of really cool, useful jobs. The thing that I loved most about his jobs was that he was always able to be there for me and my sisters growing up. If we had something going on (track meet, field hockey, softball, soccer, chorus concert, band, etc.) he was there. I could maybe count the number of times he was unable to be there on ONE hand. His priority has always been his children and helping others. Mostly his children though. The other really amazing thing about my father, he never YELLED at us. He had his "serious" voice, and boy those swats hurt at times, but he NEVER yelled.

Reading Scriptures as a family was a treat (when I wasn't playing the teenager card) because he always made the story fun. He loves the scriptures, and I love him for that. I fear that I am not doing him justice in the slightest with my "speech". He helped us with anything that he could, was there to support us, always encouraged us and praised our strengths, gave us sound advice, and provided for our needs. Sure he had those "embarrassing" qualities. Such as yelling LOVE YOU after us when he dropped us off at HIGH SCHOOL for all other kids to hear, playing his records and singing at the top of his lungs (he does sing well though), and wearing those Give Blood or Apherisis hats he got from donating.

Small children in our home ward know another interesting thing about my dad, he has 2false teeth. He had a motorcycle accident when he was a teenager and completely shattered two of his teeth. He likes to surprise the children in the ward by popping them out of his mouth and turning them around during church. (He's the Bishop now too!) He has always been very good with children and youth. It seems that once he was old enough to get out of the youth program himself, he was called back into it. He has always served in YM as long as I can remember until his current calling. His dream calling is to be a Primary teacher. He would be such an amazing one.

Daddy - I love you. Thank you for teaching me kindness among another million things. Every time I think about you I know the love that Christ must have for our Heavenly Father. You are such a shining example of a true disciple of Christ. I am VERY blessed to have been your daughter. The principles you have taught me have always governed my life. Thank you for supporting me and sending me those letters on fast food liners while I was away at school. I couldn't have gotten through it without you. I have kept every single letter you have ever written to me.