A Father's Day Tribute

I have always had amazing, strong men present in my life. It is a great blessing; one that, unfortunately, is easily overlooked. 

So I personally enjoy holidays like Father's Day because they help me slow down and notice the great men I am blessed to know.  Today I wish to write about a few key men who have helped shape my life and say "Thank you!" to each of the.

To my dad:

Thank you. Thank you for raising me in a home filled with love. You always have worked so hard to ensure that we've always had the necessities of life: a safe home, food to fill our bellies, clothes on our backs, a sense of family unity and love that I've never had to doubt, and most importantly the Gospel in our lives and a knowledge that we were blessed with priesthood power in our home. It all meant so much to me to have that knowledge as I grew and matured through life.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of service and of being aware of others. There are countless times that I recall you going out of your way to help those around you. From Secret Santa drop-offs as a family, to spontaneously buying a meal for a homeless man, to fixing nic-nacs in the church, to visiting an elderly woman in the ward to make sure she wasn't lonely. You are an example of true Christlike service and love.

 Thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs of my life. Your emotional support (and financial support, too ;) really helped me thrive through college, a mission, the first few years of my career, and the start of my marriage. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader through my teaching career and helping me remember those who struggle the most in school. Thank you for being an example of the type of man I would one day want to marry. One who honors his priesthood, loves his wife and children, works hard, laughs daily, and a hundred other little details that I love about you. Dad, I love you so much. It's impossible for me to truly express my love and gratitude for you, so you might have to take my word on it. However, I do hope through this letter you might be able to understand what you mean to me. I love you. 

To my husband (and future father of our children)  (PS: That last parentheses was NOT a pregnancy announcement, so don't freak out.)

Thank you. Thank you for being everything I've ever dreamed of in a husband. You truly are an exemplary man among men. 

Thank you for always loving me and being patient with me. I know it can be frustrating when it seems like there is no easy solution to my unexplained tears. Sometimes a cuddle and kiss and knowing that you love me (despite my irrational woman moments) is all I need. You really are a strength to me.

Thank you for your hard work. I admire your dedication in your career. Then you come home and dedicate even more time to study and progress in your college degree. And somehow you squeeze in time to spend a few moments with me and do some chores around the house. It is amazing to me your dedication to our future. Your work brings a good spirit into our home and helps me feel confident in our future together.

Thank you for making me laugh. Every day. Sometimes it takes some work, but before I even know it, you've said or done something to change my mood. "There's that smile that I love," you'll declare, and suddenly I'll realize that you've succeeded in making me smile without thinking about it and I immediately start to feel brighter.  You make me happy. Thank you.

Thank you for being worthy to marry me in the temple. I will continue to gush about our wedding day and sealing ceremony because it was honestly perfect. I am so grateful to have married a man who keeps his covenants with God and worthily holds the priesthood. I know that having the Lord in our marriage will bless our lives forever. Thank you for choosing me to be your eternal companion. 

You may not be a father (yet), but I know you will be an amazing father one day. I love seeing how you interact with your nieces and nephews; they love you so much and it is because they can easily see how much you care for them. I love you, Andrew. Thank you for being a rock in my life. 

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To all fathers and influential men:

​Fathers are something our society often undervalues; however, our Heavenly Father will always declare through his prophets the importance of a father's roll. It has been explained in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". And it was reiterated again in Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk during the last General Conference. Elder Christofferson said, "Fathers are unique and irreplaceable." Fatherhood is truly a divine roll created by a perfect Heavenly Father. God will not only act as a perfect example, He will also give us each the strength to fulfill our roles and responsibilities as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. What a sweet reassurance to strengthen those hard working, faithful fathers, especially during times of trial and despair. What wonderful promises.

So today and every day, I am grateful for my father, my husband, my brothers, my granddaddy and abuelo, past bishops, home teachers, mission presidents, professors, and all the other men who have helped shape my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. Happy Father's Day.