My dad's 60th birthday was on February 17th. On Feb. 16th, Presidents' Day, we all gathered for a birthday breakfast at my parents' house. My siblings and I shared our memories of dad which we wrote so they can be put into a book. Here's what I shared:
Most of what I learned from Dad I learned from his example. Actions certainly speak louder than words and Dad has been a good example of learning, of service, and of faith.
Dad has always been a reader. He can often be found with a book in his hand, but I also remember some of the times he read to us. During a time with no TV Dad read some Reader’s Digest Condensed Novels. Our John Willie was one. From that story I learned what a fortnight is because Dad was of the opinion that if you didn’t know what a word meant you should look it up. Also he read Up the Down Staircase which was about a new teacher in a high school. I had the chance to read that book in college and it brought back good memories. Learning is so important to Dad that he would do anything to help us learn . There were many nights that Dad and I were up late while he helped me with my algebra homework, which was a sacrifice since he had to get up early in the morning. Dad is also a good example of learning in his ever-expanding list of hobbies. From photography to wood working to computers to vinyl, Dad is always expanding his talents and knowledge.
Dad has never had to preach one word about being of service to others because he is his own sermon on that subject. He is a faithful home teacher and I have heard people rave about how helpful he was and how he was there when they needed a priesthood holder. He uses his skills to help people with electrical problems, and his Spanish has come in handy on a few occasions. I’ll never forget when he and Mom drove all the way out to Sanders, Arizona to bring me a bed and while there he made a few repairs to my little trailer home (although he couldn’t really do anything about the leaking septic system and thus cut the trip short.) His philosophy is that when you love someone you just want to help them in any way you can.
When it comes to being an example of faith, there could be no better example than our Dad. He has showed us that prayer is important by having nightly family prayer ever since I can remember. But he has also taught us to pray when we have special needs. For instance one time I was going to sing at a baptism and I got really nervous. Before the baptism started Dad said a prayer with me and my nerves were calmed. I also know that he has had special prayers answered on behalf of our family because he has testified of such things. He has taught us from the scriptures and has borne his testimony of those things he knows to be true. For him the Sabbath day is sacred and I think I can count on just one hand the times that he has missed church. Dad has done an excellent job of being the faithful patriarch of our family.
Now that I think about it, there are a few things that Dad has taught me directly. One is how to lead music. I remember one family home evening he showed us how to lead music and that was the first time I realized that there’s more to it than just waving your arm around. I think of that every time I direct the choir. Also, he taught us to save our money from the time we were small. We got banks to put our money in (fuzzy rabbit or squirrel banks) and by second grade we had official bank accounts. Being wise with money has been an invaluable lesson throughout my life.
So Dad, thanks for being a great example. I love you.
