Reflection on Fathers

Being that it is Father's Day naturally one thinks of the fathers in your life. I've had lots of mother figures before but really have only had 3 people I call a father. My own Dad, my husband who is the father of my son and my Heavenly Father and it is of those 3 that I write about today.

My dad was a great man. He was my hero and although he had his faults it seemed like he just got better and better with age. I think I was spoiled by him more than others. I hear my older siblings talk of what a tough disciplinarian he was. That, although they knew he loved them, he was not one to hug to show his love or appreciation. But with me I remember lots of hugs. I remember curling up next to him on the couch while watching television. I remember hugs when he came home at night. I remember a very loving, giving father who was also a tough disciplinarian. Dad passed away 2 years and 1 month ago tomorrow and I still miss him. For me, I think if everyone had a dad like I did, there would be a lot less crazy kooks in the world.

Dad the year before he passed away.

The second father in my life is my husband. David and I tried for 10 1/2 years to become parents. I knew he would make a great dad early on. He is loving, gentle and very steady in his emotions. A great pairing to me who can fly off the handle easily LOL. I was right too, David is a great dad. I think he worried at first that his son would be forever attached to me and never really become close to him. But this last year I started going to work at 6am and David had to get Caleb up in the morning to get him ready for school. During this time they have grown close together and I see Caleb coming to his father more and more to ask questions and such. I think once he starts in Cub Scouts David will really see a change in his son's attitude towards him. He'll be the man with all the answers I'm sure. Caleb does love his father so much and I can see them growing closer as the years go by.



David and Caleb playing peek a boo with me 3 years ago.


Then finally is my Heavenly Father. I have what my patriarchal blessing calls the "gift of faith". I've come to conclude that what that means is I have never struggled to believe in God. To me I've always know that there is more to this life. The thought that death brings an end to all things is as foreign a thought to me as eternal life is to an atheist. So when I was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ I knew immediately that what I was just told was real and true and I have never wondered about it since. My Heavenly Father has been my companion my whole life. When I felt the most alone, when I've felt the most happy, my thoughts have naturally turned to Him for gratitude, pleading, or just conversation. I find myself talking to my Heavenly Father when I'm in my garden, driving in my car or lying in bed at night. To me He is REAL, He is there and I am grateful for that knowledge. I am grateful for His presence and His love.