Week #24 - Dads and Birthdays - Mine and Not My Own

A week ago was Father's Day. This last week Adam turned a year older. Because of these two events happening, this week leads me to reflect on the dads in my life and the example they have been to me.

First, my dad, Jerry. My dad is a wonderful man. People say I am the female version of my dad. I not only look like him, but my mannerisms, personality, and especially, my emotions are just like him. I don't think there is a better complement for me than to me compared to my dad.

My dad is the smartest dad that I know, no really he is. You ask him a question about the scriptures, medicine, cars, sports, whatever, and he can change hats accordingly. He can not only answer the question you asked, but go into great detail about the answer. I don't know how he does it. He is a wonderful judge of character and has a true gift of discernment.

Second, my husband, Adam. Adam is a fabulous father and dad to our children. He is the one that takes the time to explain to the kids why things are they way they are. He is way better at appreciating them for who they are than I am. He's not a perfect dad, but he is most definitely the perfect dad for them. I love him and the dad and father he is to our children.

Third, my father-in-law, Leo. Leo is a kind, gentle man. He is a hard-working man. He spent many years working a young man's job, even when he wasn't such a young man any more. But, because of that, he provided a great example of a what a true work ethic is to his youngest son, my husband. He taught Adam how to work, what it means to work, and to do a job right, the first time. That work ethic made him a great provider for his family and our family through his example. I am grateful for this.

This past week, Adam "celebrated" his birthday - in Kansas, all by himself. I am sorry, my Love, that you had to spend this birthday away from the kids and me and couldn't celebrate it with us. But, in your honor, we ate cake and had a grand 'ole day celebrating your birthday for you. Next year, let's celebrate it together as a family, deal?!

I am grateful for dad and birthdays, they cause me to pause, if only for a moment out of my crazy day, to reflect on the impact they have on my life, whether they are mine or aren't my own.