My dad is a total gem of a human being. He has been a calming and ever-steady influence for good in my life and I wanted to express my gratitude and love for him on his 59th birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!
My friend asked me the other day to describe my dad. As I thought about how to respond, words came to mind..... good, calm, steady, faithful, tender hearted, quietly serving, patient, dependable, a little distracted, reliable, handy, hardworking, and artistic. I told my friend that my dad was a perfect one to turn to when a person needed to feel pure love and acceptance or if you wanted to feel like everything was going to be all right.
When I was at college I used to park my car at the east end of campus and walk through the Fine Arts building to my classes. I would purposely walk down the hall where the photography labs were. Everyday I would breathe in the smell of photo developing chemicals. I loved the familiar smell because it reminded me of my dad (being the photography teacher that he is). I always walked through this hall, because then I could start my day with thoughts of Dad. Thanks Dad, for being the kind of person that elicits warm and pleasant memories. I don't think you'll ever know how valuable that is. Thanks for being the kind of man that a daughter can look up to and trust.
Also Dad, thanks for being a loving grandpa to my kids. They adore you because you provide for them the same feelings of love and acceptance that I have grown up enjoying. I love when you wrap my children in that big, gentle hug that you often give to me, because I know how good it feels.
Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.
11 comments:
Wow, I love this post! I couldn't agree with you more. He is the perfect father and the perfect husband. I can't express the gratitude I feel for him. All of you kids must have done something right in the pre-existence to deserve such a father. Thanks, Jill, for saying all the right things on this special day. Love Mom
I agree that John is the cat's pajamas. He is always extraordinarily kind to me and never asks me when I'm getting married. ;-) I have often been touched by his compassion for people and I love how his family NEVER has to question his love for them. Also, he makes spectacular hamburgers. I think you guys got a huge winner in the father/husband department.
What lovely sentiments for a deserving man. He has always been so kind to us every time our paths cross. Happy Birthday to a great man!
i love this post too. happy birthday uncle john! he is one truly great guy.
jill - just as an aside - i love crossing your path all the time on various blogs. it makes me feel closer to you. i think of you often my girl. love you.
I often find myself sitting back and smiling when I hear my friends talk about their dreaded in-laws. I never dreamed I would love my in-laws as much as I do. There is absolutely nothing negative that I could think to say about such a wonderful man. I love you John! Have a wonderful day!
How sweet is that! That first photo absolutely fantastic. Happy birthday to your dad; he's a talented, nice, real swell guy.
It was great to get to know your dad through you last weekend. What a neat relationship you have with him. Remember to always treasure it. That was a wonderful tribute to such a great guy with a great daughter.
Love Belinda
So sweet, Jill! I do remember your dad and your description brought back a lot of high school memories of him. Such a perfect man.
Hear hear for Uncle John! Honestly though, I loved that your parents lived in Bountiful when I first came to school at BYU. I would ride the UTA bus for an almost 3 hour ride just to spend time with them on the weekends because I missed my family so much. Uncle John has always reminded me of my mom (it's like we have reversed gender parents) but not in a weird way - just in a they have a lot of the same attributes kind of way.
Ahh! I love your dad! He was the best bishop and best example of a husband ever! I remember coming to your house and he'd always be doing something helpful like vacuuming or washing dishes. I'd never met a man like that before- one who was helpful and humble. He is a specail man.
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