I am sad and heartbroken by the loss of my dad. Thank you all for the kind condolences and sweet memories. I want to share some of my memories and lessons that my dad taught me.
My earliest memory of my dad is of his smell of after shave. He would wear it going to work and Sunday church. The fragrance would remind me of my dad in his suit and working many long hours to provide for my mother and brothers. I am grateful for always providing for me. I remember him always dressing his best for Sunday church. I’m grateful for the reverence he taught for the Sabbath day.
Dairy Queen’s Dilly bars remind me of my dad. Growing up in St. Louis, on Saturdays in the hot humid summers, my dad would lead us in working the yard and garden. We worked long and hard in the hot sticky humidity. My dad would reward us with a trip to DQ and an ice cold creamy Dilly Bar. My dad loved ice cream. This memory taught me that sweet is the reward for working hard.
In middle school, I remember my dad would get ready for work listening to St. Louis talk radio which played the Lord’s Prayer sung by the Tabernacle Choir every morning. I sensed it was important to him and hearing that song reminds me of him. He seemed to pause when it played and its words ring true.
Matthew 6:9-13 (King James Version)
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
My dad loved the scriptures. Over the years I would “catch” him reading the scriptures. When my own family would visit his home, or vice versa, I would see him slip away to a quiet corner of a room or up early reading the scriptures. This memory taught me to love the scriptures and to make it a priority.
My dad could fix problems or repair most anything. Reflecting over the years I think he repaired something in every home I lived. He fixed broken sinks, built a playhouse with a swing set for the grandkids, touched up paint, and repaired flooring. In fact, he fixed my wedding dress when the bridal store ordered the wrong size. The bridal boutique refused to own up to their mistake. He used his mad negotiating skills to convince the seamstress to fix my dress to the correct size. My dad taught me to be a fixer.
Jigsaw puzzles remind me of my dad. Once the jigsaw puzzle box was opened, my dad would start a meticulous system of trays for edge pieces and individual colors. All who participated must follow the system. Also, he couldn’t stand an unfinished puzzle. Many times I would need a break or was interrupted and would come back to the puzzle which would be 90% completed or entirely completed. I learned to never walk away from a jigsaw puzzle!
My dad always wanted to serve a full time mission when he first joined the church around the age of 21. The timing didn’t work out for him to serve but I feel he showed his desire to bring others to Christ by serving faithfully in the many church callings he had throughout his life. His example really influenced me to serve a mission myself.
My most treasured memory of my dad was him waking me up late the night before my wedding. Surprised, I honestly thought that something bad had happened like the house was on fire or the florist bailed. Actually, my dad wanted to offer words of wisdom and a prayer with me before the big day. It was a very sincere and tender moment for us. I was humbled to see and feel my dad’s struggle in giving away his daughter. I’m so grateful for his heartfelt gesture and I loved him for it.
