Today marks the one year anniversary of Sadie passing through to the next life.
I miss her. A lot.
It is good that life marches on. It is good to remember to hug my loved ones tighter. Feeling pain is good because it reminds us how much happiness and love we can feel. It is good to have a renewed determination to eek every ounce of happiness out of today.
So, in honor of Sadie, get out there and LIVE today. Share a cupcake with someone you love.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Happy Father's Day
Warning: Long and sappy post.
I am blessed to be surrounded by great fathers.
My Dad. He makes me laugh. Sometimes he will just give me a call for no other reason than to tell me a joke. I so appreciate his sense of humor and his love. Although we lived in different states for most of my time growing up, he made a great effort to minimize that distance with frequent visits and phone calls. I especially remember the Daddy/Daughter Date that he came to when I was in 7th grade. What a special evening that was. Although there have been many a Daddy/Daughter Date since then, I will always remember him making the special effort to be there. He made many sacrifices over the course of his life to be sure that my brother and I didn't go without. I never doubted that my Dad loved me and I am so grateful for the close relationship we share.
Brad, my step-dad. I hate to even call him a step-dad because he is so much more. We didn't really get along too well when I was growing up. But, that is so far in the past. Our relationship has matured to one of love and respect. He is the guy to dig me out of snowbanks when Ian isn't around. He's the guy we can count on to help us move or borrow a truck (or tractor) from. He's the guy that flips burgers at family barbeques. He's there to negotiate a great deal on a car. He's there. And he's the man that loves my mom. And my mom loves him. They are eternal companions and a great example of determination, especially in tough times.
My Grandpa. He was always bigger than life. Everything about my grandpa was big! Big trucks, big voice, big love for his grandkids. One of my earliest memories of Grandpa was when my parents split up and we were moving from Arizona to Utah. I remember pulling away from the house in his big truck. Although there was so much confusion and sadness, somehow I knew it would all be okay because Grandpa was there. As I watch his body become frail and weaker now, I am grateful for the special bond we have. I know that nothing will weaken the love we have for each other.
My father-in-law. I was blessed with great in-laws. Pete has always welcomed me into their family. Even when I was the flighty 19 year old that had a thing for his son. Pete has a kindness to him that is unmatched. And those eyes of his...they seem to laugh. I don't know how else to describe them. As Ian gets older, I see more of his father in him. Pete is quick with a laugh and things are just more pleasant when he is around. He has set a great example as patriarch of his family.
And best for last: my sweet husband. He is the most important father in my life as he is the father of my son. I can not adequately describe my love for this man. He is a devoted and loving father. I smile when I see Jackson watching his dad and trying to be more like him. He is kind and committed to us. He works so hard to make a better life for us. He will always be there. No matter what. I respect him for the man he is and the man he is becoming. He is tender and strong. His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is pure and powerful. I love him for the way he respects his priesthood responsibilities and works to magnify his calling. He is patient and funny and strong and smart. Face it, the guy has forgotten more useless facts than most of us will ever know in our lifetime. And I love him for that.
I look forward to the day when Jackson will become a father. (A day that I hope is far, far away.) I know he will be a great father. How could he not be? He is surrounded by the best examples of fathers anywhere.
I am blessed to be surrounded by great fathers.
My Dad. He makes me laugh. Sometimes he will just give me a call for no other reason than to tell me a joke. I so appreciate his sense of humor and his love. Although we lived in different states for most of my time growing up, he made a great effort to minimize that distance with frequent visits and phone calls. I especially remember the Daddy/Daughter Date that he came to when I was in 7th grade. What a special evening that was. Although there have been many a Daddy/Daughter Date since then, I will always remember him making the special effort to be there. He made many sacrifices over the course of his life to be sure that my brother and I didn't go without. I never doubted that my Dad loved me and I am so grateful for the close relationship we share.
Brad, my step-dad. I hate to even call him a step-dad because he is so much more. We didn't really get along too well when I was growing up. But, that is so far in the past. Our relationship has matured to one of love and respect. He is the guy to dig me out of snowbanks when Ian isn't around. He's the guy we can count on to help us move or borrow a truck (or tractor) from. He's the guy that flips burgers at family barbeques. He's there to negotiate a great deal on a car. He's there. And he's the man that loves my mom. And my mom loves him. They are eternal companions and a great example of determination, especially in tough times.
My Grandpa. He was always bigger than life. Everything about my grandpa was big! Big trucks, big voice, big love for his grandkids. One of my earliest memories of Grandpa was when my parents split up and we were moving from Arizona to Utah. I remember pulling away from the house in his big truck. Although there was so much confusion and sadness, somehow I knew it would all be okay because Grandpa was there. As I watch his body become frail and weaker now, I am grateful for the special bond we have. I know that nothing will weaken the love we have for each other.
My father-in-law. I was blessed with great in-laws. Pete has always welcomed me into their family. Even when I was the flighty 19 year old that had a thing for his son. Pete has a kindness to him that is unmatched. And those eyes of his...they seem to laugh. I don't know how else to describe them. As Ian gets older, I see more of his father in him. Pete is quick with a laugh and things are just more pleasant when he is around. He has set a great example as patriarch of his family.
And best for last: my sweet husband. He is the most important father in my life as he is the father of my son. I can not adequately describe my love for this man. He is a devoted and loving father. I smile when I see Jackson watching his dad and trying to be more like him. He is kind and committed to us. He works so hard to make a better life for us. He will always be there. No matter what. I respect him for the man he is and the man he is becoming. He is tender and strong. His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is pure and powerful. I love him for the way he respects his priesthood responsibilities and works to magnify his calling. He is patient and funny and strong and smart. Face it, the guy has forgotten more useless facts than most of us will ever know in our lifetime. And I love him for that.
I look forward to the day when Jackson will become a father. (A day that I hope is far, far away.) I know he will be a great father. How could he not be? He is surrounded by the best examples of fathers anywhere.
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