This Guy.

In light of Father's Day, I wanted to pay tribute to "this guy"...

My Dad.

I wrote this many years ago, after being inspired by this (from Family Life).

A Tribute to My Father

I have truly been blessed to have you for my dad!  Your generosity, patience, wisdom, faith, strength, and support have helped me to feel secure, valued, and loved- knowing that you are always there for me has given me a deep sense of appreciation, gratefulness, and peace.

Dad, you are such a joy to me.  I love your sense of humor, and quick wit.  You keep me laughing and you fill our home with laughter too.  You help me make light of insignificant worries; your good-nature brings light to life.

I love recalling the silly things you have done... remember when you stood on your kitchen chair and acted like Tarzan- scratching your armpits, making monkey noises, and saying to mom, "Me Tarzan, you Jane!"

I smile as I think of all the crazy camp songs you have taught us, and have filled our minds with (Corner Grocery Store, Sarah Sponda and Abba Dabba).  Not to mention the commercial jingles that you pick up on and torture us with year after year ("School Days" and "Menards", etc.)

I think of the fun times the girls and I had getting dressed us for Father/Daughter dances, dancing on your feet, and going to Joe's for greasy pizza.  What a great dad you are, who will be an awesome grandfather someday day too (you definitely have lived up to this title with the four mini-grands)!

I am proud of your musical talent as well.  You have a good voice and used it publicly with us, singing "Welcome to the Family" at the Methodist Church.

 Listen here to the Psalty version of this song.

 

We have had some wild experiences together, like Space Mountain at Disneyland- where I buried my face on your shoulder, and you turned green, from a combination of the ride and the big breakfast we had eaten that morning!

I remember going to watch Karate Kid and Back to the Future with you... you would whisper things I didn't understand and "fun facts" about the movie, in a little too loud voice.:)

I am so grateful for your sacrificial service to me as I was sick over the years... and how you would run to my room as I continually rang my little "I need your help" bell.

I admire your perfect handwriting and like the way you pause before writing, for dramatic effect?  Guess that runs in the family!

Speaking of running in the family, your delicious gourmet dishes- Swedish meatballs, beef stroganoff, smothered chicken, golden rod eggs- have been enjoyed by my tummy.  I try to follow in mom, Aunt Florie, and your footsteps by whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen too.

I remember many hours spent with you at the kitchen table as you tried to help me with algebra and tax forms.  You were so patient and thorough, yet, I stilled cry with frustration.

How interesting it it that you regularly correct my grammar usage and now I am an English minor.  I will try to master it before I enter the classroom.:)

I so appreciate your loyal support, encouragement, and attendance in all my extracurricular activities:  sports, musicals, choir concerts, etc.  You are so complimentary of my talents, your words and presence have meant so much; thank you.

Dad, your desire to be a man of God and His Word is such an example to me as well.  Your witness to others strengthens and reminds me to reach out and tell others of Jesus' salvation and love too.

Thanks for being you, a wonderful father.  I love you so much!

Love your daughter,

Katie

Happy Father's Day!

My wonderful parents