One of the greatest gifts that Father in Heaven has given to me, is MY EXEMPLARY FATHER. Losing his own father in a tragic plane crash at just 10 years old, he has lived most of his life, fatherless. Perhaps that is why he has been so determined and so dedicated in his role as a father. The influence that this man has had on my life is incalculable. As he celebrates another year of living, I celebrate him.
Not always the most popular (and usually avoiding it)... Not always given the time or attention he deserves...Not always fitting in or being understood, This man Has Always Been on the Lord's side. And in a world where "virtually every major social pathology has been linked to fatherlessness"(The Politics of Fatherhood,By Stephen Baskerville, Howard University) he has been a true anchor. I can't imagine how my life would be with out him.
It can honestly be said of him that;
"He is the protector, the defender, and the kindly source of discipline... the father who should lead, unify, and solidify the family unit by accepting the priesthood of God and responding to the calls and privileges associated with priesthood authority. His relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is one of the beacons which will lead his sons and daughters through the stormy shoals of life." (Dad, Are You Awake?Elder F. Melvin HammondOf the Seventy
I know that having such a gift of a father makes me no more qualified or favored of God...but it definitely makes me more in need of Gratitude. A good father, such an influential miracle.
Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.
18 comments:
I absolutely loved this. I actually mentally do from time to time thinking about what a wonderful man and influence he has been-not just to his own children, but also to me. I look up to him as a great mentor, father, and example in so many ways. He totally deserves such a wonderful tribute, as well as a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I wish I could edit these comments. I went back and read over this too late. The second sentence should read: "I actually mentally do this from time to time", meaning I put together a little mental tribute to a man who is one of my hero's. Without the word "this" inserted in there, it makes it sound like I only think of him from time to time. I think of him ALL the time and gratitude fills my heart. And I rejoice because of his heart. I also feel gratitude for him because of the influence he has had on YOUR heart. I love you and and I LOVE your family--our family.
THanks for doing this...at least we know it will be looked at on your blog (JK)!
Dad and I can always relate to one another (talk about not being the most popular) i don't exactly know how we do it...but we relate in so many ways. I have always felt a strong bond and connection with my daddy.
I think we all would agree that even when we were in trouble for something we did, he always knew the perfect thing to say with such wisdom (even if at the time it was not appreciated).
Dad has taught us how to love music and life. He loves being a father and loves his family. I know he gets teary eyed thinking of his grandbabies.
My daddy is my hero and my friend. I know I can always count on him to do the right thing and to follow the spirit.
There really is no way to tribute dad...so i will say thanks sara for making a valiant effort--the slides were perfect.
I love you dad and thankyou for being my dad!
I don't really know your dad, but I know you, and you HAD to have some pretty great parents to turn out as great of a person as you are.
Sara, that is a beautiful tribute to your father! You express your feelings and thoughts so beautifully! I really felt the love you have for your father! I have loved reading the rest of your blog on what you are grateful for! It inspires me daily! You are a very choice person! Love ya!
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. And, I whole-heartedly believed every word of it...mainly because I've seen how at least one of his kids turned out. Your life alone is an amazing tribute to your father, and I know that there are probably many more living tributes out there as well.
Happy Birthday Steve! I love your whole family! It makes me smile just thinking of you all.
Love, the Wilkinson clan
I too wish there were an edit button...but also enjoy the mysetrious "deleted" comments. What did they say? Why did they delete it? We'll never know.
Thank you all for commenting. I guess my Dad is popular after all.
To Sara,
That MAKES 2 OF YOU!
ps who is k dub?
One Word...AMAZING!
What a sweet tribute to your Dad!
You have an amazing dad, I have an amazing uncle! I've always felt a bond with Uncle Steve--maybe because he was on his mission when I was born. We share a love for good music (i.e. King's Singers)--it is neat that he and your mom passed that on to your whole family. Happy Birthday, Uncle! We sure do love you...Jae and fam
S-
That is an awesome post. I met my father once, when I was 14. My parents were never married and he lived in CT, while we lived in CA.
Part of my attraction to the church initially were all of these functional families. It was like some sort of fairy tale with all these fathers and husbands with their families. I just had never seen it and didn't think it existed.
When I met my father, he apologized and promised the world to me. He bought me pizza and showed me where he worked, which was a machine shop. His job was to finish door knobs and things like that. He bought me a BOB'S DEPARTMENT STORE t-shirt, which was green. I also met my grandmother that day for the first time. I flew home with my mom and talked with her about how I could save up to visit my dad next summer and whether he could stay at our place during the holidays.
My mom simply suggested that we could visit whenever we wanted, but that he should call first. I thought, "Well, that's easy."
He never called.
It's been 18 years and he never called.
So I am always so glad to see when children honor their fathers, as I used to wish I could honor mine. I'm over that now and enjoy a father-son relationship with my own son.
Anyway, it was a moving post on your blog, and I'm sorry to go Dr. Phil on you.
Chris
Chris-I can't imagine how life would be with out a father. Thank you for sharing that. Makes me only more grateful. You must have even more determination to be there for your little guy. Carry on!
I don't know who you are Chris---but i appreciated your comment. I think you can understand and appreciate things in a way that I can't. I am glad that you are being a good father to your child.
It just makes you want to do whatever you can to be the best parent that you can be.
Thanks so much for the kind comments. The deleted comments make me aware that I am not an idol but I love you all you are kind hearted. Quite an emotional day today viewing President Hinckley's funeral, connections are very real. I felt his love today, like a fatherly care about me and my family.
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