I inherited many traits from my dad. I inherited his drive to want things perfect - especially at the holidays. I remember one year mom had hurt her knee at Christmas time. It was up to dad and I to get all of the holiday shopping done and dinner. We remembered the turkey but none of the fixings. This Christmas was when I learned that you can get almost anything at Circle K - and they don't close. We were able to get all of the rest of the ingredients for Christmas dinner. My dad is very selfless. He is always looking out for everyone else and making sure that they are doing okay or safe.
Another time, I remember my dad and Hunter, who was only 6 at the time, were riding a horse. Hunter had never really ridden a horse & was excited to go with Grampy. The horse did a side-step on the loose rock where they were riding and for some reason, the saddle slid to the side. My dad used his own body causing him some siginificant injuries to protect Hunter from falling on the ground and getting hurt. I know that when our boys are with him they are safe. Another more recent example is when our boys were at scout camp. Due to the altitude, Bryson had significant challenges and by the 4th day, Bryson needed to come home. I knew that we couldn't get to him fast enough so at 11:00pm at night, I called my dad and asked him to meet one of the YM leaders who was bringing Bryson out of the mountain and then start driving towards us and we would meet him in Globe. How grateful I was that he was ready and most willing to make sacrifices of his own to help me and my family.
My dad has a strong testimony of the gospel. At Peyton's blessing, he bore his testimony so that his children and grandchildren would know of his love of the gospel. I can not express to you the Spirit that was felt not only by me but by my boys as well. They know with assurity that their Grampy knows that the church is true and loves the gospel with all of his might. What a gift he has given to his children and grandchildren!
I hope that he knows how much I love him and how grateful I am that he is my "daddy". I am grateful for the love that he has for my husband and for my boys and appreciate all that he does on behalf of my family. I love you dad!
