I am so grateful for my Dad and what a blessing he is to me in my life.
It's interesting now as I watch him interact with my boys, how many memories flood back to me from my own childhood, and my heart swells with a deeper affection than ever before for what an amazing man he is. He was very actively involved with our daily routine, getting us to wash our hands, brush our teeth, eat the fruits and vegetables he sliced up for us, and getting us to sleep at night. As a parent myself now I realize how much work that can be, and am even more grateful for what a good Parent and provider he was to us. I remember him trying to get us to bed on Christmas eve -and feeding our excited imaginations as he told us that every thump and creak we heard was Santa's sleigh or reindeer.
I'm grateful for the many times he bribed me with a big gulp from 7/11 if I went fishing or hiking with him (that was the only occasion we were ever allowed to have soda), because I grew to love and enjoy both of those activities. The last trip to Page we made, my Dad took the boys to the car wash and let them help him, and afterwards they went with him to the barber and each got a lolly-pop, two activities I remember doing often with him in my childhood. I sure do love my daddy lots!
