My Dad

Today, is my dad's birthday. I asked him what he wanted and, as usual, he said he wanted
"nothing,
but a nice letter telling me you love me." He says this every year. I know he doesn't want me to spend any money on him and, now as a mother, I know how much it means to hear your children tell you how much they love and appreciate you. This year, my dad will get "his letter" on my blog!

Since day one I have been a "daddy's girl." We have family videos where I am following my dad around "helping" him fix things, watching the Jazz play basketball and talking with him. I have always enjoyed spending time with my dad. He captured my heart at a very early age and that love keeps growing and maturing as both of our lives change with time.

My dad has always been special to me, but he has gone far and beyond showing his love for me in my life. My mom suddenly passed away when I was 16 years old, leaving behind my dad to raise three little girls. It was, and still is, the single most life-altering experience of my life. My dad was so incredible through it all.

He had big shoes to fill--my mom was our best friend, our nurturer and the one who took care of each of us like no one else could. My dad knew he could never replace our mom, but he put himself second to his kids for the next several years of his life to ensure we continued on feeling normal, secure and happy. I love my dad so much for this. I wouldn't have the life I do now without the things he did for me.

My family is eternal and I know I will see my mom again. My dad made this possible for me. He helped me gain a true and real testimony of the gospel and has influenced my life for the better.

Today, our relationship is stronger than ever. I have been able to enjoy my dad's support and advice through the remainder of high school, college, marriage and the birth of my babies. Through it all he remains a constant rock--someone I know I can count on for ANYTHING at ANYTIME. He has been my biggest fan through the most important events and experiences in my life.

I am so thankful that I can share my husband and kids with my dad. He loves Matt so much and he LOVES my boys more than anything else in this world. It is so much fun to watch my dad as a grandpa. They call him "Ampa" and they love him just about as much as he loves them.

I have mentioned before how much my kid's love to have "Ampa" come to visit--they talk about him all the time. They share such a special bond and I am thankful I have been able to help in giving my dad some grandchildren because I have never seen him happier then he is when he is playing with those kids.

I love you, dad! Happy birthday! Thank you for blessing my life with your love, I hope I was able to put some of my feelings into words so you know how much you mean to me on this day and always.