My dad is one of my favorite people on this planet. Today is his birthday, and I just want to express some of the many reasons that I am incredibly grateful that he is my dad, and that he will be for all eternity.
Some of my oldest memories of my dad are of him teaching me-teaching me how to build Lego creations from the instructions, teaching me to fish, teaching me to hold a golf club, shoot a hoop, throw a baseball, and most of all, teaching me what it means to put your family above everything.
As far as I can remember, my dad has rarely slept in past 7:30 on a Saturday. He is always up doing the grocery shopping or yard work before anyone else is up. He is a superb cook, and has always helped with cooking meals in our home. I love the memories of my dad singing like the Swedish chef while he cooks or bakes with my mom. I love the memories of staying up late watching Perry Mason with him, or laughing at stupid commercials on TV.
During my years of elementary school and junior high, my dad was never too busy to help me with my math and science homework. Even when us kids were brats about doing our homework, he somehow had the incredible patience required to never get angry (although he sometimes laughed at how dumb we were acting), and would always help us after we took a calming break (sometimes called time out).
My dad never has asked for recognition for the things he does. Once I got a car in high school, he would often go fill up my tank with gas on a Saturday morning without telling me, and always did the same whenever I needed an oil change or new tires put on. He drove up to Logan last week because I was having car problems on a Saturday morning while I was still asleep and fixed it. He has never asked for anyone's gratitude (and I wish I could say I was really good about thanking him, but I'm sure there are a million things I will never give him the thanks he deserved for doing), but continues to do these things anyway.
Throughout my childhood, my dad attended my soccer games, my spelling bees, and has never missed a choir concert or a piano recital. He has done the same for my 2 siblings. He never came to anything with a bad attitude-if it was important to us, it was important to him. He has paid for lessons, bought instruments, and supported all 3 of us in our interests. He encouraged me through all of my years of education, and he's the main reason I got any financial aid for college (thanks for making me write those boring essays, dad).
My daddy may not be the feelings type, but he's been there for me through some really hard times and has always been understanding and listens to me. My dad protects me and loves me for exactly who I am, even though I am far from a perfect daughter.
But the thing I love most about my dad is the way he treats my mom. I have never, ever heard my dad yell at my mom. He gets her door every time they go anywhere, and he is always holding her hand or giving her a kiss. He tells her every day that he loves her and I have heard him compliment her so many times in my life. He takes her out for date night every Friday night and has done so for as long as I can remember.
My dad has been my grandma's main caregiver for the last 15 years, and he has done such a good job. He has been there for her through everything, and I have watched him drop everything else to go take care of her when she needed it, especially when her sister died and our family was all she had in Utah.
I am so grateful for a dad that is a worthy priesthood holder. I have seen the power he has manifested throughout my life. I have watched as he blessed my mom when she was really sick, and I have been a direct recipient whenever I have gone in for surgery, needed comfort, or was about to start a school semester.
My father is one of the most loving people I have ever met. He is so full of kindness, patience, and love. He has taught me more than I could ever put into words, and I am infinitely grateful that I was lucky enough to end with him as my daddy.
Happy birthday daddy! I love you more than anything!
