I have never written a serious blog. In fact I am usually not that serious, so I’m not sure how this is going to go or really even how to start.
Today is Father’s Day, a day with which I have always had a love/hate relationship. Ironically the opening hymn in Sacrament Meeting was O My Father. As the familiar intro started I thought “this is a funeral song” which several people around me also whispered to their neighbors. Suddenly all those memories of Father’s Days spend in Primary came flooding in. Not that that is bad. Just memories.
Growing up I am a bit ashamed to admit that I was easily annoyed with sympathetic and sensitive gestures of teachers and leaders who assured me it was alright to make my card for or give my gift to someone else, like Grandpa (who was the usual recipient of such delights). I felt like I didn’t need the reminder of why my life was different from the other kids my age. I was never offended, but I was too young to appreciate that they were simply being thoughtful and did not want me to feel left out of the activity. And I was too busy wondering ‘what if.’
Although I have generally spent at least a few minutes of every Father’s Day devoted to feeling sorry for myself, today I am feeling gratitude. I am truly grateful for the wonderful male influences my life has been blessed with.
My dad. I don’t remember much about him, other than he made me happy and he bought me a My Little Pony at the toy store once (which also made me happy). I know he was a musician (which I am greatful to him for passing on to me) and had a great sense of humor. I know he was smart and that he loved my mom and his children a lot. And I know he still does.
My Grandpa was always there to fill in at all the Daddy Daughter events. He always accepted Father’s Day gifts and cards with a smile, a hug, and a loving wet kiss. I knew he would always be there if I needed him.
Brother Park was the home teacher extraordinaire. He was always present at key events in our family like baptisms and sealings. He was a great example and always ready to offer his services.
I have the most amazing brother. I have always looked up to him, and for good reason. I could always count on him to come to my rescue after getting hurt or offer a blessing when I was sick. Grandma always said that he is a lot like my own Dad, so it has been really fun to see his relationship with his own daughter. He is a wonderful father. I like to imagine that that’s a lot like how it was/would have been. I know I don’t tell you enough, but I love you, Ryan.
I have been blessed with an awesome father in law. At first I really fought calling him “Dad” but I have really come to think of him and love him like my own. He is a strong role model and a truly great parent. He is loving, perceptive, and thoughtful. He gives great advice and seriously amazing hugs. I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of his amazing family.
Last, but not least, I have the best husband in the whole world, who will one day be an extraordinary dad to our own kids. He is Superman. He is my rock and I love him. He is so loving, helpful, intelligent, and thoughtful. I respect and admire everything about him. I am not sure how I got to be so lucky to have him in my life, but I am grateful for every day I get to spend with him. I love you, Nate!