“Daddy I love you! Daddy I do. Father in Heaven has sent me to you. When I am lonely I want you near me. Telling me softly that you love me too. Daddy I love you I love you I do!”
I’m not sure the words are correct but it’s the best to my memory. This is a primary song that I recall singing to my dad on numerous occasions on Father’s day. Today as I’ve been thinking a lot about my Father of father’s day I find myself homesick for is big bear hug. There is no one in my life besides at times Daniel that has been able to give me a hug and make me feel as loved, secure, and safe as my dad does. And it never fails every time he gives me a hug I feel it. Even when I’m so mad at him, or super sick, or whatever it doesn’t matter. Dad has always had that effect on me. I don’t know what it is exactly but I’m grateful that I can always turn to him for that added measure of peace and love that I have needed at times in my life.
As I have been remembering some of the times that I have cherished the most about my dad I found a desire to write them down so one day I can look back when I am feeling lonely and scared and feel that comfort and love that I feel from him through his example. This is the first time that I’ve ever been away from my father on father’s day, which I can remember. I’ve always been spoiled with the fact that he was just a couple miles away. Anyways on to some of my favorite stories of my dad.
I remember when I was a little girl and on Sunday’s after a long 3 hours at church and after we had our fabulous Sunday dinner mom always prepared for us. Dad would take us kids up to his bedroom where we cuddled up next to him while he read us the stories from the ‘Friends’ magazine. I loved hearing him read these stories and being so close next to him. I was in a safe place and would soon be fast asleep. (which of course was the plan all along.)
Dad gave me a safe haven in men that I was blessed to have. Because of his example of love and respect that he showed me that man can be and are good men. Being abused as a little girl like I was it has amazed all my therapist and Dr. at how well I have done with dealing with men and having healthy relationship with the opposite sex that I do have. Now my image of men was tainted by this man who chose to take advantage of me but I know that because my dad was such a gentle loving man that it helped keep my perspective more open, to not be so afraid. It helped me stay out of situations that would have caused even more problems later on in life. For the example that he was to me on how he treated my mother….. I will always be grateful for.
I remember loving Saturdays not only was it one day out of the week that I could sometimes get to sleep in on but I would always be awoken to the fabulous smell of dad’s cooking breakfast. No one can cook pancakes like dad. And when Norway’s waffles came into our lives breakfast on Saturdays couldn’t get any better. He could always make the perfect eggs..mmm I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
I love nature and the biggest reason is because of my dad’s love for nature. Most of the time our vacations when I was younger and even now are always to some national park. I was spoiled in those vacations as dad and mom would cook us Dutch oven dinners and grill burgers over the fire. Dad really is quite the cook. I remember when we were out camping on Sundays and where unable to find a church to go to that Dad would make sure to give us some kind of spiritual lesson. I think I felt the spirit more in nature with my dad’s voice teaching us the gospel than any other time that he bore testimony to us.
I always looked forward to receiving a father’s blessing from dad at the beginning of every school year. I was always so nervous about starting school. I don’t remember anything that was actually said in those blessings but I do remember feeling more calm. After dad would give us each a blessing he would give us a hug. I love and miss those times greatly. I was very blessed to have a father who not only taught the gospel to me but also taught me by example. He loved and served all the time especially to Grandma Buck. There is no wonder to me why grandma loved my dad so much. It’s the same reason why we love Christ, because He first loved us.
Another treat on Saturdays was to go to the old Gold’s Gym with Dad each week. We would play basketball and go swimming and then he would take us to Wendy’s for kids meals. We also would get to pick one treat out when we would go grocery shopping with dad Saturday evening before we took our baths. Sometimes we could convince Dad to even let us get oreos or something.
Dad too us is known as the endurance runner. Dad finds is pace and he can run forever never seeming to get winded or too tired to keep going. Dad is like that in life too. He is a go getter. He doesn’t idle he is constantly reading some book, or out mowing the lawn, growing a garden, shoveling the snow, etc., etc. His endurance for life is evident in his everyday living. His love for the gospel and his family is ever present in his action and endless hours of service.
Dad is a giver. Dad has a gift of being the spirit into any conversation. Dad has a way with words that helps calm the mind and soul. Dad is loving. Dad is tender and easy going. Dad is in so many ways who I want to be when I grow up. He has made is life successful not only in his career but in his family as well. He is and was a fabulous father who loves his children unconditionally, and only wants the best for each of them. He is the calming waters in our family of unique personalities. I love my Dad! He is my hero!
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