Fathers

I don't even know what to say.
When I saw the video below, the tears would not stop.
I couldn't help but think of my own father who,
having every odd stacked against him...more accurately,
upon him--heavily, upon his shoulders...
he fulfilled his responsibility as a father.


He was a teacher:

He knew more than any man I have ever know...about the gospel, the world, nature, medicine, grammar, the constitution...this list could go on forever. I never remember asking him a question, about anything,
that he could not answer.
He read...and read...and read some more. He read everything he could get his hands on. He read the dictionary cover-to-cover. He read his big, red medical dictionary cover-to-cover. He read each word of the National Geographic every. single. month. He read the scriptures over & over & over. He studied them, investigated their words, prayed about them, took notes of knowledge & inspiration in the margins until you could barely read His words, for his words.


He was a provider:

Although his doctor told my mom when she married him, that he would never be able to keep a job,
he worked until retirement.
He was never ashamed that, even though he graduated from chiropractic school, he spent his life working
as a janitor to provide for his family.
Because he was not ashamed...I was not ashamed.
Not ever.
His depression & anxiety kept him from doing what he loved...but he knew his responsibilities, and he did what he had to do to keep his promises to God & to his family.
Just as the children in the video below, I never remember going without. We were taught the things that were important in life, and we always had those things.


He was a comforter:

The strongest memories I have of my dad, are quiet moments...sitting on his lap, with his arms around me...him whispering words of
comfort, strength, & understanding.
At his funeral, I kept taking pictures of his hands. I knew I would never see them again in this life, and I didn't want to forget them. They were big, strong, worn, tender, perfect. There was nothing that made me feel safer than my dad's hands. His hands taught me to work. They showed me how to help, comfort, support. Countless times, he laid his hands upon my head, and blessed me with words of comfort & inspiration. A loving father delivering words of hope, comfort, and promise
from the Father.


I could go on forever, but my kids are revolting! So I'll leave you with one of my favorite pictures, and a video to enjoy. I'll be back tomorrow with some words about the other fathers in my life...but today is just for him...

good things...

1. my dad
2. his hands
3. eternity