Who's Your Daddy?

Boy, am I glad to be over that rotten sore throat that plagued me this week. It just hung on and on until finally I had to break down and call the doctor for an antibiotic. Aggravating. Just plain aggravating. It really took the sap out of me this week.

But, I'm back on track now. We've had quite a soggy week, but the last couple of days have been picture-perfect! We have big, white, fluffy clouds floating in the bluest of skies, a good breeze, plenty of sunshine - I'm telling you, it just doesn't get much better than this.

Saturday was quite the busy day. I went to Diana Detillion's baby shower. This is Alice Graves' oldest daughter - she's expecting her second boy next month. We all can remember when she was born. I am so happy for her - and for Alice!

I left a bit early and drove to Joan's house (married to my nephew, Dave). She was hosting a wedding shower for her daughter-in-law to be. Her youngest son, Cory, will be married in August. I am so happy for them!


But today, I am thinking about fathers.

I've been surrounded by good fathers all of my life. My own father was a good man, and a brilliant man. He went no further than 6th grade - but I'm telling you, this man could do anything. I remember watching his hands a lot. The could fix, build, assemble, design, and accomplish just about all one would ever need. If he'd had the opportunity for more education, he would have been an engineer. I was astounded as his mind and his talent. He would also have been a musician - my musical talent comes from his side of the family. His dream was being in front of an orchestra. He filled our humble home with the best of music. He made sure I had a piano at an early age - he sacrificed for it and for my piano lessons.

He worked in the coal mines, and I believed it scared him to death. He said he worked with black and white men, but you were all the same color when you came out. Once, we included him in our family trip to COSI in Columbus - a hands-on learning center. At that time, they had a replica of a coal mine. After we had lunch, I asked him to come on over and go through the opening. It had the yellow canary at the entrance, and it must have been exceptionally authentic-looking, for dad could only take a few steps inside. He could go no further. Later, when he lived with us, I was astounded at how claustrophobic he was. How in the world did he ever work in those mines?

It took him awhile to be baptized into the LDS church - my mom and three sisters did it first. After the missionaries got a little pushy, he moved the family to Ohio (from West Virginia), after checking out employment, educational opportunities for my sisters (I wasn't here yet), and making sure there was no Mormon church. When he was eventually baptized, he - just like my mom - never wavered. When they made up their mind to do something, they did it the whole way, or not at all.

I miss him. I had him a few years longer than I had my mom.
Dave Talaga told me he always craved chicken when he saw my dad.

I'm also thinking a lot about Kerry's dad. Though I didn't grown up knowing him, I know he was a good man. I am grateful for the nearly 30 years I knew him, and am especially grateful for the things he taught to Kerry - both through word and example. Kerry said at dinnertime, his dad always had the baby (whoever it was at the time) at his end of the table and fed them their dinner. He had a brilliant mind, and was a hard worker. I miss him, too.

I also think of the good bishops that have been part of my life - and the good counsel they have given to both Kerry and I as we needed some guidance. They have served as father figures.

Of course, I am grateful for Mr. Kerry - the father of each of my dear children. The qualities he possesses are ones that as a young girl I didn't have enough sense to look for. He has stood at my side canning apricots at midnight after babies were tucked in, he has held me while I wept, he has praised me when I really didn't deserve it, he helped clean up vomit, changed diapers, attended every concert, sporting event, every ceremony his children were involved in. His hands blessed me and each of the children whenever it was needed. I've never known anyone to forgive as quickly as he can - and does. I hope none of the kids ever forget how important it is to have a father in the life of a child - especially in today's world where fathers are kind of pushed aside and made to feel they are unnecessary.

Kerry has a kind and tender nature. Each one of my kids have inherited that same kind and tender nature. Their hearts are good.
I've always cherished this picture. Look at Kerry's mouth! My dad said the last time he saw a mouth that big it had a hook in it!!!

I cannot forget my Heavenly Father, the greatest father one can have. Without his love and mercy, I would wake up each day with no hope. And - I wake up each day with hope - every single day. Father has given me everything - health, family, home, all of the important things one can have in this life, I have.

I thank all of my fathers.

Love to y'all
Miss P