oh captain, my captain

my favorite photo of me and my dad

[i think i post this photo every year on fathers day]

today in relief society we talked about talents and gifts. at one point in the lesson, the teacher asked us to give examples of how the gifts and talents of others have blessed our lives.

i immediately thought of my father.

he has so many gifts that have blessed my life.

i made a comment about how my dad loves learning and teaching and how those particular gifts have blessed my life and the lives of others.

but there are so many other characteristics about my dad that i admire.

for instance,

his positive outlook and cheery nature have cheered me up and helped me to keep going when i feel like giving up,

he can always, ALWAYS, make me laugh when i'm sad or upset,

he has an insatiable sweet tooth [i love this because it means i get to bake something!],

he is very reliable,

he devotes a large portion of his time helping people [i feel like he's always helping someone with something],

he is very intelligent and realizes the importance of gaining a good education,

he has a firm foundation of faith and always turns to the Lord first,

he makes THE BEST aebbelskivers,

he is a hard worker,

he is an excellent teacher [i know this both by experience and by testimonials from his previous students],

he makes sacrifices for our family,

he spent a good thirtyish years in the coast guard and understands the privilege we have of living in this country,

he has seen the world and has awesome stories,

he is a very supportive great father and grandfather and always supports his children and grandchildren in everything they do [this means having to sit through hours and hours of dance recitals--sorry, dad!],

he loves music and was responsible for exposing me to the beach boys and the rascals at a young age [for which i am eternally grateful],

he is sensitive and isn't afraid to cry [i think this is my favorite quality about my dad. i definitely got that gene from him],

one of his favorite movies is the sound of music,

he will drop everything at the drop of a hat if me or one of my siblings needs help,

and he makes sure all us kids know how much he loves my mom.

i love my dad so much.

i wish i could be in utah right now to give him a big hug and a card in the shape of a necktie.

i love you, dad! i'm so grateful to have you as my father!