The older I get and see how others grew up, the more I realize what great parents I truly have. They gave me a place to sleep, I never went hungry, I felt loved and supported, they taught me to have faith in Christ and I was given ample opportunity to develop my talents. Even when I pulled crap, I could expect a spanking on the back end, so I always gave pause before deciding my next move.
There's a line in my patriarchal blessing about my parents: "Give to your mother and father the respect, love, and honor they deserve. They will be a blessing in your life always, and you will be for them a comfort and a blessing."
Mom blesses my life and Dad remains a blessing, even though he has been gone a year. He left this world in a spectacular fashion. After a 33-year career at Lockheed Martin, he suffered a massive heart attack aboard a Boeing, preparing for take-off in Chicago. It was quick and he didn't have to endure the age of geriatrics.
His example continues to inspire me. Even if it meant going alone, dad attended church every Sunday. I remember watching him pass the sacrament and sitting next to him in Sunday School when he grilled the teacher with tough questions. I remember when his heart softened after serving in the temple and utilizing the spirit in his scripture study. Family was first in his book and demonstrated by driving thousands of miles for basketball and band practices, games and performances or taking the time to show his kids how to fix a fence, change the oil or tighten a leaky sink faucet.
I do miss hearing his testimony during our weekly phone visits or an update on whatever program he was working on, but I'm grateful for the time we did have. He always let me know he loved me.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. ~Timothy 4:7
Mom blesses my life and Dad remains a blessing, even though he has been gone a year. He left this world in a spectacular fashion. After a 33-year career at Lockheed Martin, he suffered a massive heart attack aboard a Boeing, preparing for take-off in Chicago. It was quick and he didn't have to endure the age of geriatrics.
His example continues to inspire me. Even if it meant going alone, dad attended church every Sunday. I remember watching him pass the sacrament and sitting next to him in Sunday School when he grilled the teacher with tough questions. I remember when his heart softened after serving in the temple and utilizing the spirit in his scripture study. Family was first in his book and demonstrated by driving thousands of miles for basketball and band practices, games and performances or taking the time to show his kids how to fix a fence, change the oil or tighten a leaky sink faucet.
I do miss hearing his testimony during our weekly phone visits or an update on whatever program he was working on, but I'm grateful for the time we did have. He always let me know he loved me.
No comments:
Post a Comment