Sunday, October 31, 2010

Dad

This has been a month of reflection; joys, sorrows, and gratitude. Today I am thinking of my father. He passed away 25 years ago yet lives on in his family. The things he taught each of us continues to be his legacy. One of the things I think I am most grateful for that my father instilled in me is the love of learning. He didn't have the opportunity to get a complete education yet he continued to learn all the days of his life. When he dropped me off at BYU when I didn't want to go I realize now how much that education is a part of who I have become. He always had a gift of knowing what each of us needed in our life. He was a father to Kevin and treated him like one of his own boys. He loved him unconditionally. He taught me the value of an honest days work. He worked hard to provide for each of us. He expected each of us to do our share to help while setting the example by working right along with us. He did not ask us to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself except for maybe the dishes:). I remember him fixing the farmers tractors and for pay he would get fresh produce. I remember going out into the corn fields then coming home in the back of the truck which was full of corn and spending the day shucking, washing, cutting, and then bottling it for the winter. We all loved those days. I remember him coming home in the early afternoon and telling mom to get ready because we were going on a picnic. We would head out not ever knowing where we would end up. Many times we would end up on Ogden Utah or Rigby Idaho to see friends and family or up on the mountains. Bless my mom's heart she was always wiling. He worked hard for his family and provided the necessities even though we didn't have wealth in the world sense we did have wealth in family. He instilled in each of us that family was the most important thing and that other things just didn't matter. I remember him telling me several times: "let it go, family is more important." He loved my mother and supported her in all that she endeavored to do. I will be eternally grateful for my earthly father and the things he taught me.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

It is that time of year when I enjoy my flowers inside. below are two of my most favorite plants. The purple one was one of my mom's African violets. She loved these flowers as do I. The next one was given to my mom when my father passes away 25 years ago. I love when it blooms. It reminds me of him. I feel as Nephi of old felt. "I haven been born of goodly parents". I am grateful for the heritage I have and for those who have taught me and continue to teach me. I am especially grateful for my Savior and all that He did and continues to do for me. There are so many little things lately that have helped me know, yet again, He is aware of me personally.