A thought on Fathers

So today I spent a lot of time reflecting on what these great men in our lives really do for us. I had a few dreams about a friend of mine, who doesn't have a great relationship with his father. During this dream, I was speaking to the father, pleading that he call his son to say a few words that would change the world. "I love you".
When I woke, I realized what it was that I had that so many others didn't. I had someone who cared for me all this time. A man in my life who though sickness and sadness has stood at my side. He has allowed me plenty of room to grow, but then also given me the room to fall. When I fall, my dad is always there to reach out and hand and pull me back to my feet.
I have come to him so many times, listening to his council, seeking his wisdom, and asking for his help. He is always there, he is always willing. During a rather rough few months, he has given me council and offered to give me blessings. During these times, I have seen that I need a man who will stand next to Christ before he will stand with me. I need someone who is dedicated to the life and mission of this church before he does anything else.
Now before you mistake this as a bitter sentiment towards a man I do still love- this is not an attack on my ex-boyfriend. He was a very strong priesthood holder. I used to sit in his apartment while he went to give a blessing. I used to sit next to him and hold his hand during church. But for whatever reason, he was not the one that was meant for me.

My dad is a priesthood holder- a strong leader for our family. I know we are thankful for him- always. He is there to provide a link to a priesthood blessing, offer words of comfort, someone to laugh with. These last couple of days, we have taken him shopping with us, he always manages to do something funny. The other day, we were leaving the mall kinda late- everywhere had their gates down. As we passed Cold Stone, he grabbed the doors, and shook them. Mumbling something that sounded like a Hunchback. We laughed and moved away from him- there were lots of people staring at us. But for some reason, all those funny things just make me love him more.
I love Chinese food, so on Saturday's when it is my choice, I choose Chinese food places. We finished at this place called China Lilly- when it used to be down in the Riverwoods, and he put the Chinese container in between his fingers, stuck up his Pinky fingers, and started prancing down the street. Stopping a few feet ahead to instruct those also carrying the take out to do the same- as that was the only way to carry left overs. I hope my husband is also full of life.
My dad is humble and sincere. I have watched as he loves others without questions. He supports me and gives me everything I could need. He has taught me how to do things on my own- but is always there to fix things when the go wrong. He taught me how to ride my bike, how to climb a tree. He supported me at dance recitals, school dances, and all thins that went on. He loves me, that I am sure.
But what he does not know, is that I love him. I love him snoring on the couch, keeping me up for long hours, offering me tissues and telling me that there are better days ahead. I love him for loving me. I love him for being there, for knowing everything, for working on homework with me. Creating mousetrap cars, solar systems, and bug collections. He is the man I know I can always count on. He teaches me new things- gets me to get out of the boat, and won't let me back in until I get up on the wakeboard. He pays for Snowboarding lessons, tennis lessons, dancing, painting, and shopping a lot of the time. He is the one that I go to when I have a boo-boo. Today I cut myself with the heel from my church shoes. He had me seated and cleaned from the blood, and bandaged before I knew what hit me. I was thankful for him- for his help, for his love.
I have a lot. I know I do. I am thankful for him- for making this family. I am thankful for so many things and I know that he is behind it all.
So dad, thank you for being constant. I will find a man like you- who wants to love me forever. That I know I can do!