My Daddy

This year for father's day I'm giving my dad the best gift I can think of.  . . . . a BLOG POST about him!

There are so many things I could write, and they swirl around in my head, nice things, cheesy things, heartfelt things, funny things. . . . I think I will choose a few personal stories to share that demonstrate the awesomeness of my father. These stories will be about ME and HIM. He has a decent number of children, and they can share their own stories if they want to. Hint hint.

1. Saving a Life

Just yesterday we attended a birthday party for my sister's little boy who is turning 3 today. My dad was there and sat under a canopy with my children, enjoying the BBQ and visiting.  My kids love talking to grandpa and hearing the stories of his life.  He mentioned learning in the military that in an emergency situation, a leader will act without wasting time waffling about the decision.  That's what you have to do. My dad always strives to act without pause when there is need, whether it is helping to put the chairs away after a party at church, rescuing his daughter( me) and her family after being in a car accident, or even saving a life.  13 years ago my father saved my oldest child's life.  Reuben was 5 years old and we were living with my parents.  While playing one day, Reuben came up to me, grabbing his throat with one hand and holding up a plastic toy with the other.  My heart fell as I realized he had a plastic disc lodged in his throat.  With shaking hands I quickly called 911 and started to give them directions to come and help.  And my father acted.  He reached around Reuben's small frame and performed an abdominal thrust. Out flew the plastic disc and my son could breath again!

3. Jaw Surgery

I can always count on my dad to help me. He serves his children without thought for his own comfort.  He would never take the last serving of your favorite flavor of ice cream if he thought you wanted it. That's just the kids of guy he is.  He's always willing to give a ride, babysit kids, or even give up his sleep to help someone out.  When I had jaw surgery several years ago, my dad stayed at the hospital overnight with me, sleeping in a chair, watching me to make sure I was breathing. Actually, I don't think he got much sleep. He then continued to watch over me at his house for the next 3 weeks, taking me on walks around the block, giving me multiple blessings, talking to me, and tolerating my post-surgery disgustingness. Trust me- it was gross.

2. Russia

My dad made me live in Russia when I was a teenager, and it was the hardest and the best thing he ever did for me.  While we were there, he constantly taught me to think of others.  He served tirelessly.  He shared his testimony with me over and over again.  He helped me to see things with spiritual eyes and to develop my own testimony.  And then, he loved me enough to let me go- to leave early for college.   That was his fault too- for teaching me to love BYU with true blue passion from the time I was in diapers. There never was another school for me and there could never be another dad for me.  I can always count on him to be there for me.

I love you Daddy!